FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Booch DeMarchi, Lee County Public Resources
              (239)335-2481

LATIN AMERICAN DELEGATION TO VISIT LEE FRIDAY JUNE 4, 2004

FORT MYERS, FL (June 2, 2004) - On Friday, June 4, 9 to 10 AM, County Administration Building (2115 Second St.), 1st floor conference room--the Board of Lee County Commissioners will be hosting a reception for a visiting delegation of Latin America business leaders and VIPs.

County Commissioner Doug St. Cerny will serve as Master of Ceremonies (see program below).

The SWFL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has invited the Latin America VIP Delegation to Lee County for a several-day visit. The purpose is to encourage both communities (Lee County and several Latin American business communities) to increase trade & business with each other.

The overall theme is economic development for both Lee County and our Latin American neighbors.

The main activity during the delegation's three-day visit is the 12th Annual International Hispanic Gala on Saturday, June 5, 2004.

LATIN AMERICAN DELEGATION RECEPTION

Hosts - Lee County Board of County Commissioners and

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Friday, June 4, 2004 9 to 10 AM

Lee County Administration Building

9 to 9:30 AM Meet and Greet

9:30 to 9:45 AM Remarks

Doug St. Cerny

Master of Ceremonies and

Vice Chairman, Lee County Board of County Commissioners

David Vargas

President, Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Raul Santiago

Puerto Rico

Armando Sori

Dominican Republic

Jackie Garzon

Colombia

9:45 to 10 AM Ceremonial Gift Exchange

Leonardo Garcia

Chief Executive Officer

Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce