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0 0 BOOK 22 PAGE 38 Sanford Chamber Education Committee Statement Sanford area Chamber of Commerce works Pard daily to help business in Lee County thrive and expand, which createsjobs and revenues locally. We are working to attract new business to our area and in return these will contribute to the economic growth of our community. We recognize that education in our community plays a major factor in retaining and attracting business. We strongly support all academic achievement and expect excellence in education. We also understand that we need excellence in our education facilities to compete locally and nationally to retain and attract business. We must do what it takes to keep them world class. A question always asked by new industry when interested in locating in Sanford is what are you schools like and how do they stack up to other counties and states. Bob Huets who heads up the Lee County Economic Development has to answer these questions based up facts and data available. Strong schools and good school facilities are a major factor in Business recruitment. Expanding business is looking for K- 14 education levels and no longer just the K-12 levels. We have a strong Community College here in Sanford. The education support it gives is a core for existing local business and a strong asset in recruiting new business to Lee County. Existing businesses in Lee County work closely with the local schools to help build future workers. Great programs like Communities in Schools, Lee County Education Foundation, Job Shadowing, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Future for Kids, and countless others are working closely with our schools and community colleges to improve education. Their long range goals are to provide future workers more educated and suited to enter the business community. The quality of our school facility can affect the retention of and the ability to attract new teachers. Facility quality is an important predictor in the decision of teachers to leave their current position. Lee County must retain Teachers to keep our schools moving in the upward direction both academically and intellectually. Health and Safety are reasons alone for us to invest in Lee Senior. While none of us like new taxes, we understand the need based upon the importance of education. Funds directed to education will be returned to us. The requested Sales Tax is the fairest way to allow us to improve our school systems- The Education Committee of the Chamber supports the efforts of the school board, the county commissioners, and the county manager in this regard. We urge our members and the local community to support them also. Lets invest in education now for our future. That means investing in the best schools, the best principals, the best school teachers, the most advanced technology, tutoring, mentoring and much more. You will be able to see firsthand how these investments will make a difference in our students' lives. Sanford Chamber Education Committee. Jerry Pe dley, Chair>maann~ n' ' mv~ V