Press Releases

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 62 of North Carolina’s counties in January, increased in 25, and remained unchanged in 13. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 11.4 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 4.3 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one increased, and one remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 8.2 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill had the lowest at 4.9 percent. The January not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 6.0 percent.

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A. Inc., a world leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), will create 725 jobs and expressed its intent to invest $2 billion in Wake County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will build North America’s largest end-to-end biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, confirming the central role of North Carolina’s Research Triangle region for the next generation of biotech medicines.

The state’s seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate was 5.9 percent, declining 0.2 points from December’s revised rate. The national rate declined 0.4 points to 6.3 percent. North Carolina’s January 2021 unemployment rate increased 2.4 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 9,882 over the month to 4,741,046 and decreased 187,402 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 11,284 over the month to 297,599 and increased 117,994 over the year.

North Carolina Main Street Champions will be recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities during a virtual recognition ceremony today at 9:30 a.m.

Nine communities will receive awards for excellence in downtown revitalization during the North Carolina Main Street Awards Ceremony this evening. Liz Parham, Director of the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center will present the awards virtually in categories that include economic vitality, design, promotion and organization. 

Statement from Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders on Biogen’s plans for new gene therapy manufacturing facility in RTP:

North Carolina stands well positioned to attract a significant portion of a more than $100 billion market opportunity from the growing offshore wind energy industry, according to a comprehensive new report released today by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The publication of the report from BVG Associates marks the latest step in Governor Cooper’s far-reaching commitment to build a clean energy economy to fight climate change and grow clean-energy jobs in North Carolina.

North Carolina community and economic development leaders will convene virtually for the 2021 North Carolina Main Street Conference, March 9-11. Organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, this year’s conference will be held online to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all participants. The annual conference is expected to attract more than 700 people. 

Machelle Baker Sanders affirmed her oath of office as North Carolina’s Secretary of Commerce on Monday during a ceremony at the First Flight Venture Center.  Secretary Sanders’ choice of the Research Triangle Park venue honors the ongoing importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and inclusion to the state’s economy.

Crown Equipment Corporation, a global lift truck manufacturer, expects to create more than 130 new jobs in Lenoir County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company is planning to invest up to $13 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Kinston.