FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: County Commission, District #5 Office
              (239) 335-2225

COMMISSIONER JOHN ALBION NAMED ESTERO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE "PERSON OF THE YEAR"

ESTERO, Fla. (May 28, 2004) - The Estero Chamber of Commerce has honored Lee County Commission Chairman John Albion as its Person of the Year at its annual Estero Chamber Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point.

The Estero Chamber recognized Commissioner Albion for his support of the Estero Community, including the Estero Community Plan and the many transportation projects the county is undertaking in south Lee County.

Commissioner Albion has served as the District 5 Commissioner since being first elected in 1992. District 5 covers east Lee County, Lehigh Acres, Gateway, San Carlos Park and the area east of U.S. 41 between Daniels Parkway and Corkscrew Road.

Every year the Directors and Board members of Estero Chamber of Commerce select the Person of the Year. The nominees are carefully examined and discussed based on the criteria and overall theme of who has helped "put Estero on the map."

The year 2004 marks the sixth year that the Estero Chamber of Commerce has named a "Person of the Year." Past recipients of the honor include Meg Judge, the current Chairman of the Board of the Estero Chamber of Commerce; Craig Brush of TECO Arena; Margaret Miller of Miromar Development; Carlos Cabrera of the Hyatt Regency at Coconut Point; and Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah.

The mission of the Estero Chamber of Commerce includes fostering and achieving a healthy business and economic climate for all the citizens of the Estero area and representing Estero at the local, state, and national levels.