Press Releases

The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.2 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged from June’s revised rate of 3.7 percent. North Carolina’s July 2019 unemployment rate increased 0.4 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 17,620 over the month to 4,885,696 and increased 92,864 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,295 over the month to 212,072 and increased 22,428 over the year.

Record visitor spending in 2018 was reflected with visitor spending increases in all 100 counties, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

The NCWorks Commission gave formal approval to the state’s first Energy Career Pathway during its quarterly meeting on Aug. 7, held at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont in Charlotte.

Xerox (NYSE: XRX), a Fortune 500 technology company, will build a new Center of Excellence in Cary, creating 600 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $18.4 million in Wake County. “Xerox, which had many locations to choose from, selected North Carolina because they know we can offer the highly-skilled workers they need, both now and in the future,” said Governor Cooper.

Telephonics Corporation, a communication system company, will create 75 jobs as it expands its operations in Pasquotank County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.5 million in a new facility, located in Elizabeth City. “North Carolina has the second largest aerospace cluster in the U.S.,” said Governor Cooper. “Telephonics Corporation can see Pasquotank County’s growing infrastructure and main street development, along with a strong workforce to fuel their expansion in Elizabeth City.”

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 97 of North Carolina’s counties in June and decreased in three. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.4 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.1 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent. The June not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent.

Public comments are being accepted through August 19 on proposed amendments to the Criteria for Operation and Implementation of the Job Maintenance and Capital Development Fund program.

Merck (NYSE: MRK), a leading global biopharmaceutical company, will invest more than $650 million and create more than 400 jobs in North Carolina, building a new production facility at its Maurice R. Hilleman Center for Vaccine Manufacturing in Durham and expanding its packaging operations in Wilson.  This substantial project will enable Merck to meet growing demand for GARDASIL and GARDASIL 9 recombinant human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which is used to prevent several cancers associated with HPV.

Black’s Tire Service, Inc, a tire distributor and service company will create 26 jobs as it expands its operations in Columbus County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $2.7 million to expand their current distribution center, located in Whiteville.

Governor Cooper announced additional federal funding is now available for the temporary employment program that helps North Carolinians get back to work in areas affected by Hurricane Florence. “Getting back to work is one of the biggest steps to getting back into the rhythm of daily life after a devastating weather event like a hurricane,” said Governor Cooper. “I will continue pushing for funds and programs that can get people back to work and help us rebuild smarter and stronger.”