Press Releases

Today, Governor Josh Stein invites North Carolinians to participate in the development of an Action Plan to address unmet housing and economic revitalization hurricane recovery needs in western North Carolina. The $1.4 billion proposed plan, published today by N.C.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced a major expansion for Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC (PTT), a domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers, to add 217 new jobs in Hoke County. The company will invest more than $102.5 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in the City of Raeford.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced high-precision manufacturer Syntec Precision Technology Corporation will create 34 new jobs in Vance County. The company will invest $8 million to establish its first North American production and warehouse facility in the city of Henderson.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Governor Josh Stein today announced a settlement with Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the town of Canton, and Haywood County. Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in financial restitution. The settlement also provides millions in additional value to Canton and Haywood County because Pactiv also agreed to stop its legal efforts to get a refund of its 2023 and 2024 property tax payments and agreed to not bill the town of Canton for operating costs for the town’s wastewater treatment plant.   

Stephanie McGarrah, a public sector executive with roots in western North Carolina and extensive experience managing complex funding organizations joined the North Carolina Department of Commerce January 22 as the department’s Deputy Secretary for the newly established Division of Community Revitalization (DCR).  Appointed as part of Governor Josh Stein’s recovery and revitalization focus for western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, McGarrah will play a key role in supporting recovery efforts and managing certain federal block grant funds designated for the recovery

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 95 counties in December 2024, increased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Mitchell County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 5.1 percent while Wilmington had the lowest at 2.8 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.

Today, Governor Josh Stein joined leaders from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss strategies to support North Carolina workers, particularly veterans in the workplace. Governor Stein also toured Wilmington’s NCWorks site and discussed career resources available to jobseekers.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Cold-Link Logistics, a cold storage management firm, will create 123 new jobs in Robeson County. The company will invest $85.5 million to build a cold storage warehouse in Lumberton.“North Carolina is consistently ranked as a top state to do business thanks to our skilled workforce, robust transportation infrastructure, and friendly business climate,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We are proud to welcome Cold-Link Logistics to our state and to partner with them to bring more jobs to Robeson County.” 

The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to March 10, 2025, for people in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. Applications for DUA can be filed at des.nc.gov.The extension to March 10, 2025, maintains consistency with the deadlines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and allows the Division of Employment Security to continue to provide temporary financial support to people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The 2025 North Carolina Main Street Conference is bringing community and economic development leaders together in downtown Mooresville from March 11-13. Organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C.