LCEDG gives update on Connect Lee County plans

LEE COUNTY - The Lee County Economic Development Group (LCEDG) shared 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities during its Annual Investor Update this week, highlighting progress under the countywide five-year initiative, Connect Lee County.
The update focused on measurable gains across workforce development, business growth, infrastructure investment, and quality-of-life initiatives.
Workforce Development Expands Regional Impact
In 2025, LCEDG strengthened its regional workforce partnership with the Greater Burlington Partnership, focusing on early career awareness, employer engagement, and talent retention.
Key highlights included:
• Over 600 students participating in hands-on career experiences
• More than 400 elementary students engaged during Manufacturing Month
• Nearly 900 eighth-grade students attending the JA Inspire Career Expo so far in 2026
• Continued growth of Intern Connect and Lee County Leadership programs in partnership with local chambers
• Ongoing support of the Lee County CEO program
“Workforce challenges do not stop at county lines,” said Emily Benjamin, President and CEO of LCEDG. “By collaborating regionally and engaging students earlier, we are building a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline for Lee County employers.”
LCEDG completed more than 65 Business Retention and Expansion visits in 2025, maintaining direct engagement with local employers to address workforce, infrastructure, and growth needs.
The county saw more than $50 million in capital investment across new construction, training, and facility improvements, supported by approximately $700,000 in leveraged incentives.
Infrastructure progress included continued advocacy for expanded natural gas capacity and major advancements in broadband expansion. Catalyzed by a 2020 broadband study led by LCEDG, the partnership with SIREPA, the Lee County Board of Supervisors, and Danville Telecom is delivering Tier 1 service to 4,400 previously unserved or underserved addresses, leveraging $51 million in federal funding.
“This is about competitiveness,” said Tim Gobble, Director of Economic Development. “Infrastructure strengthens industry, agriculture, remote workforce opportunities, and long-term economic stability.”
LCEDG also emphasized quality-of-life initiatives tied directly to workforce growth.
The organization has launched a countywide Housing Assessment that will evaluate current housing stock, development constraints, funding gaps, and strategies to address blighted and vacant properties.
In addition, LCEDG worked with regional partners to reframe childcare as economic infrastructure, pursuing funding opportunities to explore expanded early childhood capacity.
“We are moving from planning to implementation,” Benjamin said. “Housing and childcare are not side issues. They are foundational to workforce participation and long-term growth.”
Throughout the update, LCEDG emphasized that connection is not a slogan. It is the strategy.
Through Connect Lee County Forums, the organization brings community leaders together to share progress, align priorities, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.
Industry roundtables, including Human Resources and Environmental Health and Safety sessions, connect professionals within the same field to share challenges, discuss solutions, and access state and federal resources.
The Community Concierge program connects prospective employees and their families to housing, childcare, and community resources, helping businesses recruit and retain talent more effectively.
“At every level, our work is about connection,” Benjamin said. “Connecting businesses to one another. Connecting employers to talent. Connecting communities to resources. When we strengthen those connections, we strengthen Lee County.”
As LCEDG moves into 2026, the focus will remain on implementing strategies outlined in the Connect Lee County five-year plan. The initiative is designed to connect people, business, and quality of life in a way that creates durable, long-term growth for Lee County.