Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 86 of North Carolina’s counties in October and remained the same in 14. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one remained the same. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.9 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. The October not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.

North Carolina’s County and Area Employment Figures for October 2019 will be published today, Monday November 25, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Previously, the October figures were scheduled to be published on Wednesday, November 27.  However, due to the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the publication schedule has been adjusted. The revised entire publication schedule for 2019 data can be reviewed online at nccommerce.com.

The Fresh Market, a fresh-focused specialty food retailer that was founded in Greensboro in 1982, will expand their headquarters operations in North Carolina, creating 53 new jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $5.4 million in Greensboro.

The state’s seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from September’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.6 percent.

Well Dot, Inc., (Well) a fast-growing healthcare technology company will locate a new operations center in Chapel Hill, creating 400 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $3 million in Orange County. "Healthcare and information technology are areas where North Carolina excels, because of our strong workforce and the continued pipeline of workers from universities and colleges all over the state,” said Governor Cooper. “Companies like Well see our achievements as a strong reason to choose places like Chapel Hill to pursue their plans for success.”

Pamlico Yachtworks, a boat manufacturer, will create 207 jobs in Beaufort County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $12 million to operate a manufacturing facility in Washington. “Pamlico Yachtworks is the newest addition to North Carolina’s manufacturing reputation and tradition,” said Governor Cooper. “I support the people of Beaufort County and I know they are prepared to enhance this growing business with their expertise and hard work.”

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.7 percent. The September not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent

BrightFarms, a packaged salads company, will create 54 jobs in Henderson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $21 million to operate a hydroponic greenhouse in the Etowah community of Henderson County. “Agriculture has always been a strong driver in North Carolina, and BrightFarms’ expansion is good for our state. They are committed to conserving water, land and energy resources while growing their business--green economic development that is good for the company, the community and the workers who will support them,” said Governor Cooper.

Four North Carolinians have won NCWorks Awards of Distinction for outstanding accomplishments and contributions related to workforce development. The recipients received awards on Thursday, October 24 during a ceremony held in Greensboro as part of the 32nd annual NCWorks Partnership Conference.

Microsoft Corp. (NYSE: MSFT), a technology company, will create 430 new jobs in Mecklenburg County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $23 million to expand their operations in Charlotte.  “Global companies like Microsoft can choose anywhere in the world to expand, and again a highly recognizable brand has decided North Carolina is the right fit,” said Governor Cooper. “Today’s announcement means the company and Mecklenburg County will grow stronger because of this investment in the campus and the people around it.”