Press Releases

New Funding Source for Local Economic Development and Infrastructure Projects Now Accepting Applications

Local governments in 69 North Carolina counties can now apply for funding from a program associated with the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC), a state and federal partnership agency crafted along the model of the long-established Appalachian Regional Commission.

Statement from NC Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders on CNBC Ranking, North Carolina Named America’s Top State for Business, Two Consecutive Years:

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders issued a statement today, following CNBC’s announcement naming North Carolina “America’s Top State for Business” for the second year in a row:

For Second Year in a Row, CNBC Names North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business

CNBC has named North Carolina as America’s Top State for Business in 2023 for the second year in a row. This morning, Governor Roy Cooper joined CNBC’s Scott Cohn at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville for a live broadcast where the winner was revealed.

Governor Cooper Announces Honda Aircraft Company Will Create 280 Jobs in Major Greensboro Investment

Honda Aircraft Company, maker of the renowned HondaJet light aircraft, will develop and produce a longer-range version of the plane at its Greensboro facilities, creating 280 jobs Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

Governor Cooper Announces Major Rail Industry Firm Will Move Headquarters to Charlotte

TTX Company, a major provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the North American rail industry, will move its headquarters to Charlotte, creating 150 jobs Governor Roy Cooper announced today.  The company will invest $14.5 million in Mecklenburg County.

Three Communities Selected for N.C. Main Street Programs

The North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center has selected Mebane and Zebulon

North Carolina's May County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 95 of North Carolina’s counties in May 2023 and decreased in five. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.3 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.7 percent.

Secretary Sanders Appoints Kristina Ray as Administrator for N.C. Credit Union Division

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders has named Kristina Ray as the next Administrator of Credit Unions, a role that includes supervision of the North Carolina Credit Union Division.

North Carolina wins the Platinum Shovel Award for Economic Development Excellence for the Second Year in a Row

North Carolina has received Area Development magazine’s 2023 Platinum Shovel Award which recognizes states that went above and beyond the gold standard for investment and job creation.

Two Workforce Development Partnerships Receive Grants Totaling $450,000 to Support Local Innovation

Two local partnership groups have won grants totaling $450,000 to support innovative efforts addressing workforce challenges, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.