Press Releases

N.C. Commerce Secretary J. Keith Crisco today announced Jennifer L. Bumgarner as the department’s new assistant secretary for energy. Bumgarner comes to Commerce from Gov. Perdue’s policy staff, where she has served as deputy policy director with a special focus on energy and environmental issues. Bumgarner will oversee the N.C. Energy Office, the state’s weatherization program and the state’s Energy Policy Council, with a goal of creating green jobs and expanding the state’s energy economy.  

So you think your home is a star?  North Carolinians may now showcase their properties as prospective locations for a movie or TV show, thanks to a new online resource announced today by the N.C. Film Office.  The Web-based portal allows residents statewide to submit their residences, businesses, farms and other property for possible use by film crews. 

Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that auto parts supplier Magna Composites LLC plans to expand three plants in the western part of North Carolina and create 327 new jobs over the next four years. The expansion – in which Magna plans to invest $10 million in facilities in Salisbury, Lenoir and Newton – was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant. 

Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Clearwater Paper Corp. plans to invest $260 million and hire 250 workers over the next five years to build a new manufacturing and distribution facility in Shelby. The plant will make private-label tissue products for retail grocery chains throughout the Southeast and along the East Coast. 

RALEIGH - Public comments are being accepted through July 1 on proposed amendments to the Criteria for Operation and Implementation of the Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund program.

All the funds in North Carolina’s Energy Star Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program were reserved within four days, with consumers purchasing about 8,545 appliances during the  second phase of the program and signing up for $1.3 million in mail-in rebates.  Consumers can still register on a first-come, first-served waiting list for rebates after making purchases of eligible appliances. 

J. Keith Crisco, secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce, today announced that Tim Crowley, deputy communications director for Gov. Bev Perdue, will become Commerce’s new assistant secretary for communications and external affairs, effective July 1.  “We are very pleased to have Tim Crowley join the Commerce team,” said Crisco. “Our Public Affairs staff has worked very closely with him, and we know his extensive experience with the news media, legislative and executive branches, and economic development will allow him to hit the ground running.” 

Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that global hedge fund administrator Citco Fund Services (USA) Inc. plans to create 258 jobs in Mecklenburg County over the next five years. The company will invest $3 million to open its first North Carolina office thanks in part to a state Job Development Investment Grant.  “Charlotte is second only to New York for financial services, making it a major player in this industry,” said Gov. Perdue. “Because of that, top-quality companies know they will find the knowledgeable and dedicated workers they need to succeed here.” 

Eighteen innovative North Carolina projects, 17 using solar technology and one using landfill gas, will receive a total of about $2.3 million in federal Recovery Act funds to implement energy conservation projects that invest in energy technology, Gov. Bev Perdue announced today.    “These projects help build our state’s green energy economy, create jobs and demonstrate how public and private partnerships can work to help our communities,” said Perdue. 

Starting June 1, consumers may apply for appliance purchase rebates with the launch of Phase 2 of North Carolina’s Energy Star Appliance Replacement and Rebate Program.  In the second phase, more appliances are eligible for rebates to consumers seeking to cut energy costs by replacing older, less-efficient models.  Appliances must be purchased June 1 or after to qualify for rebates, which are available until $1 million set aside for the program is exhausted.