Press Releases

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the North Carolina tourism economy reached its highest level ever with travelers spending more than $33.3 billion on trips to and within the state. The previous record of $29.22 billion was set in pre-pandemic 2019.“Tourism is a vital economic force in our state supporting thousands of small businesses and hundreds of thousands of jobs,” Governor Cooper said. “We can take pride that visitors see North Carolina as a diverse, inclusive and welcoming place and we all need to work to keep it that way.”

The National Main Street Center has designated 42 North Carolina communities as accredited Main Street America™ programs for 2023, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced today. Each year, the national group and the Commerce department’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognize communities demonstrating exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 61 of North Carolina’s counties in March 2023, increased in 12, and remained unchanged in 27. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. Eight of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, two increased, and five remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.2 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The March not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has awarded four special workforce training grants totaling more than $1.6 million to North Carolina nonprofit organizations, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are supporting this state initiative, called the “ARPA Business Work-Based Learning Grant” program.  

: Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed April 30 – May 6, 2023 as Small Business Week to celebrate the impact of entrepreneurs and small businesses on North Carolina’s economy.

Select Genetics, a turkey breeder, will create 26 jobs in Wayne County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $58 million to build a new turkey egg hatchery and establish turkey farms in Goldsboro.“Our farming legacy continues to attract innovative agriculture companies,” said Governor Cooper. “North Carolina’s $95 billion agriculture and agribusiness economy continues to evolve and grow, creating more opportunities for our hardworking and skilled workforce.”

Vecoplan, LLC, a manufacturer of industrial shredding equipment, will create 33 jobs in Guilford County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $6.75 million to locate a new manufacturing facility in High Point.“Global manufacturers want to expand in places with access to a skilled workforce, research infrastructure, and a great quality of life,” said Governor Cooper. “Vecoplan has experienced these benefits with their North Carolina headquarters, and we believe they will find more success in the years to come.”

Marshall USA LLC, a subsidiary of the United Kingdom’s largest privately owned aerospace and defense business, will establish a major maintenance and engineering facility at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, creating 240 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company reports it will invest $50 million in the new Guilford County facility.

The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2023 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from February’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.5 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 15,686 over the month to 4,996,448 and increased 15,354 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 4,983 over the month to 183,118 and increased 10,914 over the year.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved nine grant requests to local governments totaling $2,221,694, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 191 jobs, 22 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $49.5 million in private investment.