To echo The Post's June 17 editorial "Make Lake O rim a Florida resource": Although U.S. Sugar Corp. is engaged primarily in agribusiness, we recognize that growth and economic diversity are important to a community. These issues are of particular concern to us, as most of our employees live in the communities surrounding Lake Okeechobee.

U.S. Sugar has been an active participant in economic development organizations both around the lake and on both coasts. Recently, we were part of a team effort in Hendry County to move a large national distribution center here. U.S. Sugar helped in developing a package of incentives worth more than $7 million to entice the business to the Clewiston area and agreed to donate 100 acres of land for the site.

We fully support the idea of a scenic trail around Lake Okeechobee and any other efforts to bring tourism opportunities to the area. We also strongly support the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which will enhance water supply for the environment and for the people of South Florida.

Certainly, we would welcome the opportunity to work with other interested parties to enhance economic development and growth in the Glades communities.

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