Press Releases

The N.C. Department of Commerce, Office of Urban Development has announced that 20 North Carolina communities have achieved accreditation from the National Main Street Center for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Main Street Center®, a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

North Carolina has awarded more than $717,000 to employers to help them invest in building the skills of their workers. The Incumbent Workforce Development Program awards grants to businesses each year to reimburse them for the cost of training programs for their employees.  Each business applies for a grant through its local workforce development board, which reviews the applications and submits them for evaluation to the N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions.

The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions has received a federal grant worth $6.1 million to expand its programs to train workers who lost a job in high-demand industries.

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