Press Releases

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is moving to take advantage of new federal legislation that holds the promise of bringing investment dollars for economic development into areas of the state where such capital is most needed. The areas will be designated as North Carolina Opportunity Zones. This new tool for community and economic development is designed to provide tax incentives for qualified investors to reinvest unrealized capital gains into low-income communities.

, N.C. — A new statewide partnership will bring accredited professional development to the North Carolina workforce system’s employer-facing staff to help them better serve businesses’ workforce needs. The North Carolina Department of Commerce, local workforce boards and the nationally recognized organization, Business U, Inc. will partner to provide this new training as part of Governor Roy Cooper’s NC Job Ready priorities.

InterMarket Technology will bring corporate headquarters, manufacturing facility to Washington, NC

North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland appointed Daniel (Danny) Giddens to serve as the Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary of the Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS). Since December, Giddens has served as Acting Assistant Secretary of the division. 

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 56 of North Carolina’s counties in December, increased in 20, and remained unchanged in 24.  Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  Eleven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases and four remained unchanged.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.3 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent.  The December not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.4 percent. 

The 2017 Governor’s Export Awards honor growth through international markets

Raleigh, N.C. — The state’s seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, increasing 0.2 of a percentage point from November’s revised rate.  The national rate remained unchanged at 4.1 percent. North Carolina’s December 2017 unemployment rate decreased 0.7 of a percentage point from a year ago.  The number of people employed decreased 12,081 over the month to 4,727,107 and increased 63,522 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 8,755 over the month to 222,116 and decreased 34,736 over the year. 

David Knight will lead outdoor industry recruitment efforts for North Carolina

igh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in November and decreased in one.  Tyrrell County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.4 percent.  All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases.  Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 6.5 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 3.6 percent.  The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.5 percent. 

RALEIGH: DHL Supply Chain, a leader in contract logistics and part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, plans to bring 140 jobs to Cumberland County in partnership with Campbell Soup Company, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. Together, the companies plan to invest more than $40 million in this project. “DHL Supply Chain and Campbell chose Cumberland County for its skilled workforce, proximity to major transportation hubs, and favorable business climate,” Gov. Cooper said. “I’m proud to welcome them to North Carolina.”