Press Releases

Today, Governor Roy Cooper spoke at the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) Board of Directors meeting where he highlighted the state’s strong economy during his Administration. These remarks were part of a series of events highlighting the Governor's major accomplishments and progress made for North Carolina during his time in office.

The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to January 7, 2025, for people in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina.

The Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 12 grant requests to local governments totaling $1,858,000, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 385 jobs, 275 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $36.7 million in public and private investment. 

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Amgen Inc., the pioneering biotechnology company, will expand its biologics manufacturing operation in Holly Springs, creating 370 additional jobs. The company intends to invest $1 billion in Wake County.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that residential cabinet manufacturer, NexGen Cabinets Inc., will create 42 new jobs in Duplin County. The company will invest more than $6.7 million to establish an East Coast assembly and manufacturing facility in the Town of Wallace.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Wieland, a global copper manufacturer, will add 50 new jobs and invest more than $27 million in expanding its production facility in Pine Hall.“North Carolina is a proud leader in manufacturing, and Wieland’s announcement to expand in Stokes County continues that tradition,” Governor Cooper said. “Our excellent workforce paired with a commitment to innovation make new jobs like these a reality.”

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has announced the county tier designations for 2025.  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 2025.Counties moving to a less distressed tier ranking include Cherokee, Chowan, Duplin, Gates, Granville, Haywood, Jones, Onslow, and Pasquotank.Counties moving to a more distressed tier ranking include Alexander, Caldwell, Camden, Cleveland, Davie, McDowell, Montgomery, Randolph, and Surry.

The Division of Employment Security (DES) continues to support people in 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene through disaster-related unemployment assistance. To date, approximately $29.9 million has been paid for Helene-related disaster unemployment claims.[Note to media: the number of claims and amount paid is updated daily on the DES website: des.nc.gov.]

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 91 counties in October 2024, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in six. Buncombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 7.3 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill and Wilmington each had the lowest at 2.9 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that 21st Century Software Technologies, Inc. (21CS), a global software development company, will create 25 new jobs in Carteret County. The company will invest $455,000 to relocate its headquarters to Morehead City."Evolving from tobacco to tech, North Carolina’s economy is now at the forefront of innovation,” Governor Cooper said. “Morehead City will welcome 21CS with a growing tech industry that will continue to fuel job creation, innovation, and economic opportunity for generations to come.”