Press Releases

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

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 95 counties in December 2024, increased in four, and remained unchanged in one. Mitchell County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 5.1 percent while Wilmington had the lowest at 2.8 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.

Today, Governor Josh Stein joined leaders from the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to discuss strategies to support North Carolina workers, particularly veterans in the workplace. Governor Stein also toured Wilmington’s NCWorks site and discussed career resources available to jobseekers.

Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Cold-Link Logistics, a cold storage management firm, will create 123 new jobs in Robeson County. The company will invest $85.5 million to build a cold storage warehouse in Lumberton.“North Carolina is consistently ranked as a top state to do business thanks to our skilled workforce, robust transportation infrastructure, and friendly business climate,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We are proud to welcome Cold-Link Logistics to our state and to partner with them to bring more jobs to Robeson County.” 

The deadline to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) has been extended to March 10, 2025, for people in 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina. Applications for DUA can be filed at des.nc.gov.The extension to March 10, 2025, maintains consistency with the deadlines set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and allows the Division of Employment Security to continue to provide temporary financial support to people impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The 2025 North Carolina Main Street Conference is bringing community and economic development leaders together in downtown Mooresville from March 11-13. Organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C.

Today in Boone, Governor Josh Stein joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery. Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program.

The February 6th deadline to timely apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina is quickly approaching. DES will continue to process DUA applications as they are received. Applications for DUA can be filed at des.nc.gov.

The state’s seasonally adjusted December 2024 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, unchanged from November’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 1,224 over the month to 5,066,954 and increased 5,467 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 188 over the month to 196,926 and increased 9,526 over the year.

Today, Governor Stein announced that Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), will expand its turbine airfoil manufacturing plant in Buncombe County, a significant vote of confidence in western North Carolina. The company’s expansion project will create 325 additional jobs and includes an additional investment of $285 million in Asheville.