Second Century Project Explained

Sanford, Well Centered.” In both geography and community values.

That’s the new slogan and concept adopted by the Lee County Second Century Project to promote future growth and development in and around Sanford, according to Chet Mann, a member of that planning group and president of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce. He was guest speaker Thursday, Nov. 13, at the weekly meeting of the Sanford Lions Club.

He was introduced by his father, Tommy C. Mann, Jr., who has been a Lion for 36 years. Also looking on was his grandfather, Tommy C. Mann, Sr., a Lion for an amazing 65 years. So Tommy C. Mann, III, needed little introduction. He explained how the Second Century Project evolved following Lee County’s centennial celebration in 2007. It grew out of concerns from the Chamber of Commerce and Committee of 100 that Sanford and Lee County needed better development strategies moving forward into its second century.

Last year the group raised $85,000 from private contributions to fund a professional marketing plan and this year $150,000 in private funds has been raised to implement recommendations, Mann said. New promotional publications including multi-media presentations are now available and being distributed in many areas touting Lee County’s good quality of life and opportunities for economic development.

A new “brand” or logo incorporates a pinwheel made of four swirling arrows focusing in on the center. They appear strategically to form the “O” in Sanford as well as in the names Lee County, Broadway, and Jonesboro. Mann said the logo will be used on various street signs and business signs in the future to maintain a unified focus on the vision being promoted throughout the community and county. He said a great deal of work has gone into the Second Century Project and its leaders appreciate all the cooperation and support received from the community.

In other business, Preston Spence reported that sales of Camp Dogwood tickets were going well and urged club members to sell or purchase their allotted tickets. Camp Dogwood is a recreational facility for the blind near Charlotte operated by the North Carolina Lions. Each summer hundreds of blind and sight impaired citizens enjoy a fun-filled camp experience there funded by Lions from across the state. The one dollar tickets help support this project and purchasers have a chance to win one of two $200 gift certificates or the grand prize of a new vehicle to be given away at the N.C. Lions State Convention May 3, 2009.

Phil Bradley announced that the club had collected 1,966 pair of eyeglasses that N.C. Lions reprocess for use by the needy. Each year the lives of thousands of disadvantaged persons with sight impairments are made better through the collection of used eyeglasses.

Two guests were introduced by Jim Romine. Receiving a warm Lions welcome were Marvin Pattishall and David Johnson.

President John Walden presided and gave a report on a recent statewide Lions meeting and announced plans for the District Convention Nov. 14 and 15. Roy Jernigan gave the invocation and Bill Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance.