Press Releases

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from December’s revised rate.  The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.8 percent. North Carolina’s January 2017 unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 11,256 over the month to 4,674,841 and increased 98,860 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 3,298 over the month to 260,150 and increased 1,780 over the year.

The state’s largest conference focused on bringing new vitality to downtown business districts will open in Shelby tomorrow (March 14). The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center organizes and hosts the annual conference, which this year is expected to draw more than 500 participants.

Company Will Invest $251 Million in Additional Manufacturing Operations and Gridbank™ Deployment

A new grant program for workforce development will provide $1 million this year to develop talent pipelines for high-growth industries in North Carolina.

Company Will Add 210 Jobs and Invest $67 Million in Catawba County; Add 200 jobs and Invest $109 Million in Cabarrus County

North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority awards grants to support new jobs and infrastructure upgrades

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced three new productions are receiving North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grants. “Our state’s film professionals have an opportunity for work once again,” said Secretary Copeland. “I look forward to catching a glimpse of their talent as well as some familiar North Carolina scenery on the big and small screen.”

N.C. Board of Science, Technology & Innovation recommends action to position state for success in the new economic environment

Wood products maker will invest $1.3 million

, N.C. - Closer collaboration, proactive branding, and a greater focus on data science education and talent development will propel North Carolina to the top of the emerging data economy, according to a new report published today by the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation (BSTI).  Leadership in the data economy is becoming increasingly critical as more and more economic value is based on the ability to successfully collect and manipulate data for insight and profit.