Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is inviting residents across the state to help shape North Carolina’s economic future by participating in a series of public listening sessions starting Aug. 27. These sessions will give North Carolinians a direct opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and priorities that will inform the state’s next Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that North Carolina has received a $4 million federal grant to help incarcerated people gain job skills as they prepare to reenter society.

Today, Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein, along with members of the Governor’s Cabinet and other agency leaders, learned about life after incarceration when they participated in a reentry simulation organized by the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC). The simulation replicated the challenges people face as they transition back into society.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 92 counties in June 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in four. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 3.1 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.3 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.4 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.0 percent.

Today in partnership with Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced the official kickoff of the state’s next Comprehensive Strategic Economic Development Plan, which will seek input from North Carolinians throughout the state and is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Governor Josh Stein announced today that Eco King Solutions, LLC, a new subsidiary of a major manufacturer, plans to create 515 jobs in Graham County. The company will invest $80.5 million in Robbinsville to establish its first North American production facility to produce disposable, biodegradable paper tableware.

The state’s seasonally adjusted June 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from May’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 3,023 over the month to 5,089,852 and decreased 6,560 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 464 over the month to 197,019 and increased 5,610 over the year.

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.