Press Releases

Capping off a week-long celebration of North Carolina manufacturers, Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, presented a proclamation for North Carolina Manufacturing Week to Jerry Pedley, founder of Mertek Solutions Inc., a Sanford company that designs and builds automated assembly and test equipment for manufacturers. Governor McCrory has proclaimed the week of October 3-7, 2016, North Carolina Manufacturing Week. The recognition coincides with National Manufacturing Day, which is today.

Highlighting one of North Carolina’s most powerful economic engines, Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III, presented executives of ABCO Automation with a proclamation for North Carolina Manufacturing Week and recognized the company’s innovative workforce practices before touring its Browns Summit facility.

Milestone marks latest progress towards an integrated workforce development system

Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed October 3-7, 2016 as North Carolina Manufacturing Week. The proclamation salutes one of the state’s most powerful economic engines. “North Carolina’s manufacturing economy leads the Southeast in employment and is respected around the world for its innovation, quality and productivity,” said Governor McCrory. “From aircraft components and home furnishings to food products and life-saving medication, we are a state with companies and people making things the world needs.”

IGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 68 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 14, and remained unchanged in 18.  Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.9 percent.  Twelve of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, one experienced a decrease, and two remained unchanged.

Company will invest nearly $83.5 million in Catawba and Forsyth counties

Life sciences company will invest $20.4 million

U.K.-based clinical services provider will invest $5.2 million

IGH —The state’s seasonally adjusted August unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from July’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 4.9 percent.North Carolina’s August 2016 unemployment rate was 1.1 percentage points lower than a year ago.  The number of people employed decreased 12,616 over the month to 4,588,792 and increased 96,272 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 3,808 over the month to 221,746, and decreased 49,242 over the year.

Appalachian Regional Commission Enhances Internet Access for Businesses, Students and Visitors