Press Releases

The NCWorks Commission, North Carolina’s workforce development board, today released a new plan that outlines the state’s workforce development strategy over the next four years. Required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), this Unified State Plan will be submitted to the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education.

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 17 grant requests to local governments totaling $5,535,271, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 436 jobs, 211 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $82 million in private investment.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that Audentes Therapeutics, a genetic medicines company, will create 209 new jobs in Lee County, investing $109 million to locate a manufacturing facility in Sanford. “With our powerhouse research centers and highly-skilled workforce, biotech pioneers recognize North Carolina’s role as a leader in the life sciences,” said Governor Cooper. “Lee County is a perfect fit for Audentes as they seek to become a global leader in genetic medicines.”

Nebraska Plastics, Inc, a vinyl fence manufacturer, will create 22 new jobs in Chowan County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $1 million into a manufacturing facility in Edenton. “Manufacturing companies like Nebraska Plastics choose to grow in North Carolina because of our strong economy, great quality of life, and especially for our talented workforce,” said Governor Cooper.

Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company, a national provider of commercial insurance products, will create 83 jobs as it expands its Wayne County headquarters, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest more than $11.8 million in Goldsboro. “Atlantic Casualty will bring more jobs and investment to Wayne County, which is good for eastern North Carolina’s people and our economy,” said Governor Cooper. “When companies choose to expand in North Carolina, we know our state is doing the right things to grow our workforce.”

Armorock, LLC, the world’s largest manufacture of polymer concrete structures, will establish a new manufacturing facility in Edgecombe County, creating 55 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company plans to invest $6.6 million in Battleboro in order to be closer to its growing customer base in the Southeast.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper met with business leaders, workforce development representatives, and local community colleges and university administrators to discuss economic development in North Carolina. Governor Cooper and his office have recruited and announced more than 62,000 jobs. More than 6,923 were announced in Mecklenburg County, along with $539 million in investment.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 45 of North Carolina’s counties in December, increased in 25, and remained unchanged in 30. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.5 percent. Ten of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, one increased, and four remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 4.4 percent and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.7 percent. The December not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.3 percent.

Today, six North Carolina manufacturers received 2019 Governor’s Export Awards in a ceremony highlighting their growing sales success in international markets. These manufacturers make everything from cosmetics to heavy-duty plastic waste containers. North Carolina’s export of goods and services supports more than 400,000 jobs in the state, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution.

Community and economic development leaders from across the state will gather for the 2020 North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12. Organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, the conference will convene in New Bern to explore downtown revitalization and economic development strategies.