Press Releases

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate was 4.1 percent, remaining unchanged from August’s revised rate.  The national rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent. North Carolina’s September 2017 unemployment rate decreased 1.0 percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 28,399 over the month to 4,730,428 and increased 88,598 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 738 over the month to 200,905 and decreased 46,413 over the year. 

State supports proposals from four local communities seeking Amazon’s HQ2 project

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland has appointed Kenny Flowers, an economic and community development professional, as the department’s Assistant Secretary for Rural Economic Development. Flowers will guide the department’s support for North Carolina’s rural communities. He will lead a team of specialists that help communities make the preparations and infrastructure investments needed to attract companies and spur economic growth.

Governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinction Announced

Software Company Will Invest Nearly $3.5 Million to Expand Operations in Guilford County

Program Reports 2,000 New Jobs, 319 New Businesses and $200,011,827 in Investments in FY 2016-17

Key sector of the state’s economy offers attractive career path for North Carolinians

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 26 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 25, and remained unchanged in 49.  Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.7 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  One of the state’s metro areas experienced a rate increase, three experienced decreases, and 11 remained unchanged.

Edwards Wood Products will invest $30 million to open new sawmill in Scotland County

North Carolina has received a $749,225 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to support export growth among North Carolina’s small businesses, North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The grant extends the state’s support for North Carolina companies seeking to grow their business by selling products to international buyers.