Press Releases

Fifty-one North Carolina communities have received Main Street America™ Accreditation status for 2024, the N.C. Department of Commerce announced today. The National Main Street America Center and its state coordinating partner, the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center, announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.

Clearly Clean Products, LLC, a packaging manufacturer, will create at least 80 new jobs in Guilford County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will expand its production capacity with a new manufacturing facility in the City of Greensboro.“We are glad to welcome another innovative company to Guilford County,” said Governor Cooper. “Clearly Clean’s commitment to sustainability aligns with our values of creating a robust manufacturing economy and a healthier environment for all who call our state home.”

Amrep Manufacturing Company, a producer of waste collection trucks, will expand its operations, adding 170 jobs and investing more than $21 million in Rowan County, Governor Cooper announced today.“Amrep Manufacturing’s expansion in Rowan County validates our efforts to support home grown manufacturers, including a great quality of life, an ideal location, and a diverse, skilled workforce,” said Governor Cooper.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Governor Cooper met with 14 companies in Switzerland as part of an economic development trip, including Syngenta, ABB and Novartis. He also met with the Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda. The Governor hosted a roundtable with various companies and officials including the US Deputy Chief of Mission Brad Bell.The Governor discussed investment opportunities and job creation in North Carolina. Switzerland is the 5th largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina.

J&L Machine and Fabrication, a steel fabrication and machining provider, will create 33 new jobs in Gaston County, Governor Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $2.1 million to expand its production capacity in the Town of Stanley.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in April 2024. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent while Greene, Buncombe, and Ashe Counties each had the lowest at 2.6 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.5 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.7 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.3 percent.

On Monday and Tuesday, Governor Cooper met with several companies in Germany, including Siemens AG, as part of an economic development trip. The Governor also spoke with the Bavarian Industry Association, the Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger and the Minister for European Affairs and International Relations Eric Beißwenger.The Governor discussed investment opportunities and job creation in North Carolina. Germany is the second-largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina.

Retailer, Ross Stores, Inc.  (“Ross”) will create 852 jobs in Randolph County, Governor Cooper announced today. The company will invest $450 million to build a Southeastern region distribution center in the City of Randleman.“We are delighted to welcome Ross Stores to Randolph County,” said Governor Cooper. “Nationally recognized brands like Ross will appreciate the quality of life in North Carolina as well as the capability of our world-class workforce to help them grow and succeed.”

Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the North Carolina tourism economy reached its highest level ever with travelers spending more than $35.6 billion on trips to and within the state. The previous record of $33.3 billion was set in 2022.“We’re excited that North Carolina continues to be a top 5 state for visitors from around the world,” Governor Cooper said. “Our investments in tourism are paying dividends for our visitors experiencing the great things across North Carolina and for the great jobs it brings across the state.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted April 2024 unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, unchanged from March’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 1,200 over the month to 5,075,803 and increased 28,573 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,202 over the month to 186,723 and increased 14,527 over the year.