Welcome from the Chairman

Why does Lee County need a Chamber of Commerce? With record-breaking housing starts over the last few years it would appear that most citizens believe Lee County needs more new houses instead of new businesses. Indulge me for just a minute... I may be able to change your mind.

Along with all the new residences comes a growing need for new services such as water, sewer, garbage, police, fire, and ambulance. Then there are bridges and paved roads - with streetlights. The simple fact is unless your new home has a property tax value of almost $300,000, then you're not paying enough in property tax to cover all the new services that residences are demanding and this is if your household has no children. Tax for education is a topic better covered separately. This is where businesses can come to our rescue.

Businesses, both large and small, add to the county's income in several ways. First, businesses bring jobs (both new and additional) along with needed local tax revenue. Next, businesses pay taxes on the value of both their building and property as well as on the value of their inventory. Then comes sales tax paid on all items sold to end-users. In short, businesses generate considerable tax income for the county thus reducing the need for higher property tax. These facts clearly show why we need more businesses to help lower our residential property tax burden.

This is where the Lee County Chamber of Commerce comes into play. One of the primary duties of your Chamber is to work with existing businesses by serving as a forum for local, state and national issues to improve businesses of every size. Your Chamber also works to help entice new businesses to our community by providing information and contacts to educate business professionals on what Lee County has to offer their company.

I consider it a great honor to have been asked to serve as Chairman of this great organization. This is your chamber - come be a part of the success.

Sincerely yours,

Greg Crowder