Dec 8, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                 
CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Jessica Grace, Lee Rose
                           (239)338-3500

Lee County Tourist Development Council Welcomes New Chair

LEE COUNTY, FL  (Dec. 8, 2006) The Lee County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has appointed Commissioner Robert "Bob" Janes as chairman of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) effective today. 
                                                  
Elected to the BOCC in 2000 and re-elected in 2004, Janes served as chair of the commission in 2002 and is the current chair.  Prior to joining the BOCC, he served on the Sanibel City Council for eight years.  In addition, Janes was chairman of the Hennepin County Commission in Minneapolis for five years and a Minneapolis City Alderman for four years.

During his BOCC tenure, he has taken a strong advocacy role with human services issues, including the criminal justice system's treatment of persons with mental illnesses, substance abuse prevention and treatment, health care costs, and Medicaid reform initiatives.   Janes has also been instrumental in the development of the supportive housing program in Lee County for persons with disabilities, along with the Human Service Council.  His efforts have earned several notable awards, such as a "Certificate of Recognition and Appreciation" from the Florida Senate for going above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of the mentally ill.

A retired colonel from the U.S. Army, Janes' commitment to community service has included volunteer work with several non-profit and charitable boards throughout Lee County: American Red Cross; Angel Flight Southeast, Inc.; Southwest Florida Healthy Start Coalition; Elder Services Task Force; and others. 

Commissioner Janes replaces TDC Chairwoman Tammy Hall.

The nine-member TDC was established by the BOCC in 1983 to increase tourism to Lee County.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Digital photo available upon request.

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