Press Releases

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Wow Bao, a fast-growing Asian street food company, will create 88 jobs in Rutherford County. The company will invest $6.45 million to establish its first company-operated manufacturing facility in Forest City."North Carolina welcomes Wow Bao to our state where businesses find a strong infrastructure and ready workforce,” said Governor Stein.  “Wow Bao’s decision to expand here strengthens our state's vibrant food industry and brings new opportunities and jobs to Rutherford County."

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 95 counties in February 2025, increased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.6 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 5.5 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.

Governor Josh Stein’s new Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships held its first meeting today in Raleigh. This Council brings together state officials, education leaders, employers and other stakeholders to consider ways to enhance North Carolina’s workforce. The Council will develop strategies to ensure that economic growth continues, employers have the talent they need, and jobseekers have pathways to careers that support thriving families and communities.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Bailey Manufacturing Company (BMC), a manufacturer of stamped metal automotive parts, will add 35 new jobs in Scotland County. The company will invest more than $4.3 million in a new production facility in Laurinburg.“Bailey Manufacturing’s decision to locate to Scotland County is more proof that North Carolia is a top state for businesses across all industries,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s manufacturing legacy and longstanding commitment to innovation will continue to attract growing companies to every corner of the state.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is providing funds that local workforce development boards may use to help businesses minimize the damage of layoffs caused by Hurricane Helene, N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley announced today. The Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund offers $500,000 in grant funding for local workforce boards serving the Western North Carolina counties that were most impacted by the storm, helping communities retain jobs and businesses.

Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley are encouraging North Carolina employers to hire veterans and to apply for recognition with a HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor.The application period runs through April 30, 2025.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce held the 50th annual Veterans Employment Services Training Conference this week in Cherokee. The conference provided professional development for the department’s NCWorks Veterans Services team members, highlighted other programs and organizations serving veterans, and celebrated the state’s longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans Employment & Training Service (VETS) to support both jobseekers and employers.

The state’s seasonally adjusted February 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from January’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 3,448 over the month to 5,098,782 and increased 3,285 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 1,813 over the month to 195,627 and increased 9,410 over the year.

Yesterday, Governor Stein submitted the state’s proposed Action Plan for a $1.4 billion federal disaster recovery grant to address unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization needs in western North Carolina. 

In the six months since Hurricane Helene struck the state, the North Carolina Department of Commerce has launched a new Division focused on recovery, developed a $1.4 billion Action Plan for rebuilding homes, paid more than $91 million in disaster-related unemployment insurance benefits, and secured a $10 million federal grant to help local workforce boards put people back to work, all in response to Governor Josh Stein’s priority to help western North Carolina recover.