Press Releases

Yesterday, during Small Business Week, Governor Stein and North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley visited downtown Marshall to highlight the importance of supporting small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein has proclaimed May 4 – May 10, 2025 as Small Business Week to celebrate the impact of entrepreneurs and small businesses on North Carolina’s economy. 

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in the City of Shelby. The company reports it will invest $380 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County, marking the return of the PPG brand name to Shelby, where the company first established a facility in the 1950s.

Governor Josh Stein announced today that the overall North Carolina tourism economy held strong against the headwinds of Hurricane Helene. Travelers spent more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state in 2024. The previous record of $35.6 billion was set in 2023. 

Work-Based Learning (WBL) grants have provided training and skill development to 823 workers across North Carolina through a partnership between the N.C. Department of Commerce and local Workforce Development Boards—surpassing the original goal of 668 participants.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced that local governments in western North Carolina can apply for grants from a new $55 million state infrastructure program designed to help small businesses in the region recover from Hurricane Helene.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 43 counties in March 2025, increased in 29, and remained unchanged in 28. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, five decreased, and three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 4.8 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.

(RALEIGH) Governor Josh Stein announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has approved North Carolina’s Action Plan for a $1.4 billion grant to help western North Carolina rebuild following Hurricane Helene. When compared to other states’ performance over the past decade, North Carolina submitted its Helene Action Plan to HUD in the shortest amount of time following a major hurricane.

Today, Governor Josh Stein joined business leaders and elected officials at the grand opening ceremony for Boviet Solar’s new solar module factory in Greenville. Governor Stein celebrated Boviet Solar’s $294 million investment in North Carolina and highlighted his continued commitment to clean energy.

The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2025 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from February’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 574 over the month to 5,098,097 and increased 1,627 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 350 over the month to 195,233 and increased 8,235 over the year.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that the Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved four grant requests to local governments totaling $1,890,000. The requests include commitments that will create a total of 67 jobs, 53 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects is expected to attract more than $15.5 million in private investment.