Press Releases

te of North Carolina is ranked the fifth best state for business according to CNBC’s annual “Countdown to America’s Top State for Business” feature. North Carolina has been a perennial favorite on the list each year. This is the state’s highest ranking since 2011. In its ranking the network stated that “North Carolina posted some powerful numbers, having the fourth-best economy as well as workforce.”  It went on to say that the ranking was “due in part to some substantial fiscal policy changes that have been made, such as a reduction in individual income and corporate tax.”

, NC - Governor Pat McCrory signed House Bill 1031 into law this afternoon. The bill creates a nonprofit corporation to assist the Department of Commerce in fostering and retaining jobs and business development, international trade, marketing, and travel and tourism. This initiative has been a top priority for the governor and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker since entering office.  

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker and Assistant Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Pat Mitchell announced today that the N.C. Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved five grants totaling $1.4 million with the commitment of more than 130 new jobs.  

Auto Parts Giant to Create 600 New Jobs

erce Secretary Sharon Decker released the following statement after both the state House and Senate passed House Bill 1031: “We are thankful for the cooperative effort to pass the enabling legislation to establish the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.  My special thanks go to Senator Harry Brown and Representative Tom Murry for their leadership. Our Commerce Department is well prepared to make this important transition for the continued growth of North Carolina’s economy.”

hurst, N.C. - With the U.S. Women’s Open beginning this week, the state of North Carolina has developed a video presentation that highlights the coordinated efforts of several state agencies in preparation for the events.  It is estimated that more than 350,000 people will attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst during the unprecedented back-to-back events.  The USGA estimates the total economic impact of the two championships will be between $140-$170 million.   

Company Plans to Create 205 Jobs

Free Event Featuring the North Carolina Symphony is Open to the Public

rst, NC)—As part of the festivities surrounding the U.S. Open Championship, the USGA is partnering with the State of North Carolina, Friday, June 13 as part of its “U.S. Open Experience” series of events in the Village of Pinehurst.  The event, featuring the North Carolina Symphony, is free and open to the public.  The program which will feature Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and selections from Terry Mizesko’s “Sketches From Pinehurst,” begins at 9:00 p.m. Friday in Tufts Park in the main business district of Pinehurst.

  With tens of thousands of golf enthusiasts descending on North Carolina over the next two weeks for the 2014 U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open, the state has worked hard to make sure they will have a great and unique experience.  Several of the state’s cabinet level agencies have coordinated their effort to put North Carolina’s best foot forward for visitors.  It is estimated that more than 400,000 people will attend the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open in Pinehurst during the unprecedented back-to-back events.