Press Releases

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.

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.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced Abstract Ice Inc, a manufacturer of specialty craft ice products, will create 26 new jobs and invest more than $14.7 million in establishing a new manufacturing facility in Forest City.“Today, we celebrate Abstract Ice investing in Rutherford County,” Governor Cooper said. “Western North Carolina is open for business, and innovative companies like Abstract Ice will continue to invest in our state with our highly skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and great quality of life.”

Republished press release from the Appalachian Regional Commission.Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $3.5 million to Mountain BizWorks to bolster its new fund supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts throughout 28 counties in North Carolina. The fund, WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, is providing rapid, flexible loans of up to $100,000 to small businesses suffering unprecedented economic losses related to Hurricane Helene.

North Carolina will celebrate “