Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street and Rural Planning Center announced today that Thomasville has earned its North Carolina Main Street Community designation and that Siler City has been selected to participate in the Downtown Associate Community (DAC) program. The designations for both communities became effective July 1, 2025.

Today in partnership with Major League Soccer and the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Governor Stein announced that Charlotte will host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game. This announcement was made possible by a new fund authorized by the legislature and offered by the Department of Commerce – the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. A grant of $2,028,950 will support the Charlotte Sports Foundation and other local partners as they host this major sporting event next year.

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley has appointed Kenny Flowers to serve as the new Chief Deputy Secretary for the Department of Commerce, assuming leadership of key operational areas and strategic initiatives, effective August 1, 2025.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced GMAX Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of medical products, will create 36 new jobs in Forsyth County. The company will invest $11.4 million to establish its first North American production facility in Winston-Salem.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that nine small business recovery projects in western North Carolina have been awarded grants from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s new Hurricane Helene recovery program to help local governments rebuild damaged infrastructure. A total of $7.3 million will support projects in the City of Morganton, the towns of Gamewell and Clyde, and in Chimney Rock Village.

North Carolina has been recognized as the Top State for Business by CNBC. This announcement marks the third time in the last four years that the state has earned the ranking.

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley offers the following statement regarding Dr. Hamner:

Governor Josh Stein announced today that AssetMark, a leading wealth management platform for financial advisors, will create 252 jobs in Charlotte. The company will invest $10 million in Mecklenburg County.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Citigroup, Inc. will create 510 additional jobs in Charlotte. The global financial services company will invest $16.1 million for this major office facility in Mecklenburg County. The company’s physical presence in Charlotte will enable it to expand its local headcount in areas like personal banking, finance, and marketing.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 counties in May 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.9 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one decreased. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.9 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.