Press Releases

Main Street Champions, individuals who work and advocate for downtown revitalization across the state were recognized for their commitment this morning at an awards ceremony breakfast in Shelby. Thirty-six individuals received honors for their contributions in 2016. “Downtown districts are important economic engines in our state,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “The men and women we’re recognizing today are the people who keep those engines running, generating prosperity for communities all across North Carolina.”

The NCWorks Commission has approved and endorsed five new regional plans to help people prepare and train for work. NCWorks Certified Career Pathways are education and training plans that help job seekers enter particular industries. These pathways are designed by employers in collaboration with the state’s workforce development and education professionals. Career pathways outline and define the following:

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from December’s revised rate.  The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.8 percent. North Carolina’s January 2017 unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago.  The number of people employed increased 11,256 over the month to 4,674,841 and increased 98,860 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 3,298 over the month to 260,150 and increased 1,780 over the year.

The state’s largest conference focused on bringing new vitality to downtown business districts will open in Shelby tomorrow (March 14). The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center organizes and hosts the annual conference, which this year is expected to draw more than 500 participants.

Company Will Invest $251 Million in Additional Manufacturing Operations and Gridbank™ Deployment

A new grant program for workforce development will provide $1 million this year to develop talent pipelines for high-growth industries in North Carolina.

Company Will Add 210 Jobs and Invest $67 Million in Catawba County; Add 200 jobs and Invest $109 Million in Cabarrus County

North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority awards grants to support new jobs and infrastructure upgrades

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced three new productions are receiving North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grants. “Our state’s film professionals have an opportunity for work once again,” said Secretary Copeland. “I look forward to catching a glimpse of their talent as well as some familiar North Carolina scenery on the big and small screen.”

N.C. Board of Science, Technology & Innovation recommends action to position state for success in the new economic environment