Press Releases

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. 

Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that WhiteRidge Plastics LLC, a national supplier of custom-molded plastic parts for the automotive, industrial, agricultural, tool and custom-part markets, will expand its operations in Rockingham County.  The company plans to create 55 jobs and invest more than $1.2 million during the next three years in Reidsville.  The project was made possible in part by a $45,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.           

Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that eight communities will receive a total of $1.95 million through the state’s Main Street Solutions Fund. The grants will assist planning agencies and small businesses with efforts to revitalize downtowns by creating jobs, funding infrastructure improvements, rehabilitating buildings and finding other growth opportunities. 

Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Vitacost.com Inc., a leading online retailer and direct marketer of health and wellness products, will expand in Davidson County.  The company plans to invest $6.7 million and create 228 jobs over the next three years. The project was made possible in part by a $450,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. 

Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that Advanced Textile Solutions Inc., a regional company specializing in fabric products for the military, automotive, aerospace and marine markets, will open a new plant in Caldwell County.  The company plans to create 127 jobs and invest $500,000 during the next three years in Sawmills.  The project was made possible in part by a $127,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. 

Gov. Bev Perdue today announced that an additional $4.9 million in federal Recovery Act funding for energy efficiency block grants has been awarded to 58 projects in 52 local governments to help save on utility and fuel bills and create jobs.  The grants mark the last distribution of money from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program in North Carolina, for a total of about $11.9 million to 104 local governments, public school systems and community colleges. 

RALEIGH - Gov. Bev Perdue has proclaimed Tuesday, May 18 as “Travel and Tourism Day” to celebrate an industry vital to the economic stability and growth of North Carolina.  North Carolina’s tourism industry is composed of small businesses that make up a vital part of our state’s economy, creating jobs and investment from the mountains to the coast.