Press Releases

New Rural Grant Program Launched to Support Downtown Economic Development

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders today announced a new grant program to support the revitalization of downtown districts in the state’s rural communities.  The Department’s Rural Economic Development Division is now accepting applications from local governments for th

Global Life Sciences Company Selects Lee County for First North American Manufacturing Center of Excellence

Kyowa Kirin has selected Lee County to build its first North American pharmaceutical manufacturing operation, creating 102 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $200 million to establish a biologics manufacturing Center of Excellence in Sanford.

N.C. Commerce Secretary Celebrates NCWorks Mobile Career Center’s First Year of Service

North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders today led a celebration of the new NCWorks Mobile Career Center, on the completion of its first year of service.

Governor Cooper Announces Eight Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 120 New Jobs and over $365 Million in Private Investment

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved eight grant requests to local governments totaling $1,465,000, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

Governor Cooper Recognizes Seven Companies for Export Excellence

Seven North Carolina companies today were recognized at the 2023 Governor’s Export Awards for their growing sales success in international markets. These companies range from tactical components to bicycle wheel manufacturing and textile machinery.

Governor Cooper Announces 559 New Jobs in North Carolina as Siemens Energy Expands in Mecklenburg County

Siemens Energy, Inc., one of the world’s leading energy technology companies and a long-standing North Carolina employer will expand its operations in the state, creating a total of 559 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The project brings an investment of $149.8 million and will est

Governor Cooper Hosts Veterans Roundtable on Supporting Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life

Today, Governor Roy Cooper hosted a veterans roundtable discussion focused on supporting North Carolina’s veterans during the transition to civilian life and beyond.

NC TOWERS Taskforce Discusses Statewide Opportunities Provided by Offshore Wind and Supply Chain

The North Carolina Taskforce for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies (

Veteran-Owned Aerospace Company to Start Aircraft Manufacturing in Bladen County with First Vulcanair Production Facility in U.S.

Aviation management company, Sovereign Aerospace, will invest $4.15 million to manufacture, sell, and service personal aircraft in Elizabethtown, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. This first U.S. manufacturing plant will bring 33 new jobs to Bladen County.

N.C. Commerce Awards Grants to Local Workforce Boards Supporting Sector Partnerships for Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy

The North Carolina Department of Commerce has awarded business services grants to 14 local workforce development boards, totaling $490,000, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.