Contact Information :
Mandy Wettstein
352.406.0422
mandy@bakerwettstein.com
June 12, 2008
441 CENTER INCLUDED IN COMMUNITY FORUM
LEESBURG – The Lake- Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) held the fourth session of Lake County’s “Our Community – Our Future” visioning series on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 and included 441 Center as one of several local economic development initiatives that are based upon community partnerships. The meeting series was designed to encourage meaningful dialogue among elected leadership and community stakeholders and to explore and discuss the vision for Lake County’s future and the direction of the community.
The forum focused on solutions to what has been termed the “Big Four” issues of Lake County: water resources, education, transportation and economic development. The inclusion of the 441 Center in the discussion was based on the potential economic, educational and cultural benefits of the Center and the positive impact it will have on the community as a whole. According to Jim Beyer, a 441 Center board member who presented at the meeting, “441 Center is a economic initiative that is ready to begin contributing dollars to the economic prosperity of our community.” An added benefit to building the Center is that every dollar invested by the community will be matched through the State of Florida’s Facilities Enhancement Matching Grant Fund.
Construction of the facility is expected to generate more than 250 jobs and will provide an ongoing boost to the local economy, anticipated to bring approximately 220,000 visitors to the area. Upon completion, “441 Center is projected to produce 7 million dollars in annual revenue for the businesses in Lake County and surrounding communities.” according to results from a study executed by leading Central Florida economist, Dr. Hank Fishkind.
The 441 Center will be located on the Leesburg campus of Lake-Sumter Community College. It will be a central gathering place vital to fostering economic, educational and cultural opportunities in our community. To get involved or learn more, please visit the 441 Center website at www.441center.com or contact the 441 Center office at 435-5029 or 435-5047.
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