Press Releases

Today, the Commerce Department’s Division of Employment Security launched ‘Felix,’ a new Artificial Intelligence-powered chatbot to help anyone who files a new claim for unemployment benefits navigate the process of submitting a claim.“We designed Felix to help streamline the claim filing process, creating a more efficient and accessible system to apply for unemployment benefits,” said DES Assistant Secretary M. Antwon Keith. “This is an easy-to-use tool that will assist people any time of the day, allowing them to get answers quickly.”

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Barrier Fencing Supply Company, a business offering a broad selection of aluminum and vinyl fences to residential and commercial markets, will create 151 jobs in North Carolina. The company reports it will invest $15 million to establish a headquarters and manufacturing center in Columbus County.

A new report offering North Carolina-based technology coalitions a playbook of best practices for success was published today by the N.C. Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation.  The N.C. Coalitions Strategic Support and Resource Guide, drawing from the experiences of successful coalitions in the state, provides guidance for optimizing organizational structures, funding strategies, and approaches for attracting both federal and private investment to drive economic growth. N.C.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Provalus, an information technology outsourcing firm, will establish a Center of Excellence in Edenton that will create 61 jobs. The Provalus project brings an investment of $6.48 million to Chowan County and will add to the company’s existing presence in North Carolina.

Today, Governor Josh Stein invites North Carolinians to participate in the development of an Action Plan to address unmet housing and economic revitalization hurricane recovery needs in western North Carolina. The $1.4 billion proposed plan, published today by N.C.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Chatsworth Products, Inc. (CPI), a manufacturer of IT equipment, will add 45 new jobs in Craven County. The company will invest $11 million to expand its facility in New Bern.“Our state’s ability to support manufacturing operations in all corners of the state will continue to grow our economy and ensure the benefits of that growth are more broadly shared across North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Chatsworth Products is reinvesting in Craven County because North Carolina is a great home for business and our workforce is the best.”

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced a major expansion for Pennsylvania Transformer Technology, LLC (PTT), a domestic manufacturer of power and distribution transformers, to add 217 new jobs in Hoke County. The company will invest more than $102.5 million to expand its manufacturing footprint in the City of Raeford.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced high-precision manufacturer Syntec Precision Technology Corporation will create 34 new jobs in Vance County. The company will invest $8 million to establish its first North American production and warehouse facility in the city of Henderson.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson and Governor Josh Stein today announced a settlement with Pactiv Evergreen on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the town of Canton, and Haywood County. Pactiv will pay $6.25 million in financial restitution. The settlement also provides millions in additional value to Canton and Haywood County because Pactiv also agreed to stop its legal efforts to get a refund of its 2023 and 2024 property tax payments and agreed to not bill the town of Canton for operating costs for the town’s wastewater treatment plant.   

Stephanie McGarrah, a public sector executive with roots in western North Carolina and extensive experience managing complex funding organizations joined the North Carolina Department of Commerce January 22 as the department’s Deputy Secretary for the newly established Division of Community Revitalization (DCR).  Appointed as part of Governor Josh Stein’s recovery and revitalization focus for western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, McGarrah will play a key role in supporting recovery efforts and managing certain federal block grant funds designated for the recovery