Press Releases

North Carolina tourism generated record visitor spending in 2018 with a total of $25.3 billion, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The 5.6 percent increase from 2017 was North Carolina’s largest percentage growth in travel and tourism spending since 2011. Additionally, tourism industry-supported employment topped 230,000 jobs to set another record for the state.

Pella Corporation, a leading manufacturer of window and door products for residential and commercial use, will create 124 jobs at its new manufacturing facility in Rockingham County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest nearly $20 million in the new operation and hiring will begin in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 81 of North Carolina’s counties in March, increased in three, and remained unchanged in 16. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 11.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2 percent. 13 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and two remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 5.3 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.3 percent. The March not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent.

Twenty-four innovative small companies across North Carolina will get grants to develop new products, hire more employees, and purchase needed materials, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. A total of $1.1 million from the One North Carolina Small Business Program will go to the selected technology-oriented businesses in 14 communities across the state.

The National Main Street Center has designated 46 North Carolina communities as accredited Main Street America™ programs for 2019, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced today. Each year, the national group and N.C. Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center recognize communities demonstrating exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, increasing 0.1 of a percentage point from February’s revised rate. The national rate remained unchanged at 3.8 percent.

Superior Plastics Extrusion Company, Inc., known as Impact Plastics, will expand its manufacturing operations in Richmond County and create 13 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $5.3 million in Hamlet. “This announcement is just the latest example of a manufacturer finding success in North Carolina and deciding to expand their footprint here,” Gov. Cooper said. “Impact Plastics’ decision proves our strong workforce makes our state one of the best places to do business.”

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) approved 17 grant requests to local governments totaling $7,068,625, N.C. Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 869 jobs, 623 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $96.8 million in private investment.

Thanks to a collaborative effort among various workforce development stakeholders, the State of North Carolina will build and launch a comprehensive, unified system to deliver career information and labor market data to students, workers, business leaders and educators, Governor Roy Cooper announced today at a meeting of the Education Cabinet.   NCCareers.org will help students identify promising careers while assisting business leaders to find skilled workers and empowering educators to guide students towards the best career paths for the future.

Chewy, an online pet supply retailer, has selected Rowan County for its new fulfillment center, creating 1,200 new jobs and investing $55 million, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will locate in Salisbury, N.C.    “Chewy selected North Carolina because from our infrastructure to our workforce, we have everything businesses need to succeed,” Gov. Cooper said. “These new jobs will make a positive impact on Rowan County and the surrounding area.”