Press Releases

The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 1,020 over the month to 5,089,209 and decreased 306 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 2,954 over the month to 197,807 and increased 2,499 over the year.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 15 grant requests for local governments totaling $5,042,113. The grants include commitments to creating a total of 702 jobs, 386 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects is expected to attract more than $104 million in private sector investment.

Today Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to

In Hendersonville, reconstruction is moving quickly for a Helene survivor’s new home.

Today, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced the county tier designations for 2026. The designations, which are mandated by state law, play a role in several programs that assist in economic development.Eighteen counties will change tier designations for 2026.Counties moving to a less distressed tier ranking include Beaufort, Camden, Davie, Graham, Macon, Montgomery, Randolph, Stanly, and Surry.Counties moving to a more distressed tier ranking include Buncombe, Burke, Granville, Haywood, Henderson, Jones, Madison, Pasquotank, and Yancey.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced CITEL America, Inc., a French manufacturer of industrial surge protection products, will create 57 new jobs in Orange County. The company will invest $12.5 million to relocate its North American operations to Hillsborough.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Environmental Air Systems, LLC, a leading volumetric modular manufacturer of HVAC infrastructure, will create 300 jobs in Randolph County. The company will invest approximately $20 million to establish a new sub-assembly production operation in Asheboro.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced GE Aerospace will add 44 new jobs in Ashe County. The company will invest more than $52.9 million to expand its site in West Jefferson.“GE Aerospace’s expansion is a win for western North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “GE Aerospace could have chosen any location for this investment, but they chose the ‘First in Flight’ state because they believe in the hardworking people of Ashe County to power them forward.”

Today Governor Josh Stein announced VectorTex USA, LLC, a product developer and technology company, will create 44 new jobs in Bladen County. The company will invest more than $6 million to establish its first North American manufacturing facility in Elizabethtown.  

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced intelligent power management company Eaton will add 30 jobs in Nash County by expanding its aerospace components manufacturing facility with a $6.8 million investment in the Town of Middlesex.“I am delighted to announce Eaton’s recommitment to North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This additional investment strengthens our position as a national leader in aerospace manufacturing. The aerospace supply chain gets continues to thrive here in the first in flight state, making us also the future of flight.”