Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has announced the county tier designations for 2025.  The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.Eighteen counties will change tier designations for 2025.Counties moving to a less distressed tier ranking include Cherokee, Chowan, Duplin, Gates, Granville, Haywood, Jones, Onslow, and Pasquotank.Counties moving to a more distressed tier ranking include Alexander, Caldwell, Camden, Cleveland, Davie, McDowell, Montgomery, Randolph, and Surry.

The Division of Employment Security (DES) continues to support people in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene through disaster-related unemployment assistance. To date, approximately $29.9 million has been paid for Helene-related disaster unemployment claims.[Note to media: the number of claims and amount paid is updated daily on the DES website: des.nc.gov.]

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 91 counties in October 2024, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in six. Buncombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 7.3 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill and Wilmington each had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that 21st Century Software Technologies, Inc. (21CS), a global software development company, will create 25 new jobs in Carteret County. The company will invest $455,000 to relocate its headquarters to Morehead City."Evolving from tobacco to tech, North Carolina’s economy is now at the forefront of innovation,” Governor Cooper said. “Morehead City will welcome 21CS with a growing tech industry that will continue to fuel job creation, innovation, and economic opportunity for generations to come.”

Governor Roy Cooper today announced that 19 rural local governments across North Carolina will receive funding to support key economic development projects. A total of $855,000 will be awarded to the fourth cohort of the Rural Community Capacity Building (RC2) Program, which is part of the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Transformation Grant Fund.

RXO (NYSE: RXO), a leading freight transportation company headquartered in Charlotte, will expand its operations in Mecklenburg County, creating 216 jobs over the next several years, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $13.7 million to expand its market presence.

Provalus, an information technology outsourcing firm, will establish a Center of Excellence in Wilkes County, creating 150 jobs, according to the company. Provalus will invest $1.05 million in North Wilkesboro.“North Carolina offers exceptionally talented workers in all parts of our state, and it’s great to see a company like Provalus recognize this strength in Wilkes County,” said Governor Cooper. “Companies know they can count on the state’s highly regarded education and workforce training systems to provide the talent they need to be successful.”

Applications are now being accepted for a new round of grants from the One North Carolina Small Business Program, a key source of funding for small businesses engaged in research and development that lead to commercial products.

The state’s seasonally adjusted October 2024 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from September’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 763 over the month to 5,067,394 and increased 4,529 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 1,103 over the month to 196,774 and increased 8,364 over the year.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced the winners of the Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction. A youth internship program, two manufacturers, and five individual North Carolinians are being honored for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. Award recipients were honored on Nov.