Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce released the county tier designations for 2017 today.  The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 44 of North Carolina’s counties in October, decreased in 22, and remained unchanged in 34.  Robeson County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.3 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.6 percent.  Six of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, three decreased, and six remained unchanged.

Snack foods leader will invest $38 million in expanding two Charlotte sites

German manufacturer will invest $6.5 million at East Flat Rock facility

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, increasing 0.2 of a percentage point from September’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.9 percent.

Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory and Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III announced today that $1.7 million from the One North Carolina Small Business Program has been awarded to 29 small companies across 13 North Carolina communities. The companies will use the funds to develop new products, hire additional employees, and purchase equipment and materials.

Raleigh, N.C. - For the second consecutive year, North Carolina is the nation’s No. 2 best state for business according to Forbes magazine. Forbes' annual “Best States for Business” list measures which states have the best business climates and are poised to succeed going forward. North Carolina is the only state in the southeast to be ranked in the top five.

More North Carolina students will learn about how to train for an industry and get an education, thanks to a major new investment by the state to increase awareness of apprenticeships.

The NCWorks Commission has approved and endorsed seven regional plans to help people prepare and train for work. NCWorks Certified Career Pathways are education and training plans designed by employers in collaboration with the state’s workforce development and education professionals. Certified career pathways are being developed for high-demand jobs in many industry sectors to assist students and adults including individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own to prepare for careers in the most efficient way. Career pathways outline and define the following:

Raleigh, N.C. - In a huge step forward for Governor Pat McCrory’s Innovation to Jobs (I2J) initiative, the state has selected Hatteras Venture Partners to manage the state’s $60 million Venture Capital Multiplier Fund.