Press Releases

North Carolina and South Carolina Team Up for Two Job Fairs

State workforce system partners in North Carolina and South Carolina are working together to conduct a pair of events to connect jobseekers with employers from both sides of the border.

New Round of Rural Transformation Grants Now Available

Local governments in North Carolina’s rural areas can once again apply for support from the Rural Transformation Grant Fund, a unique grant program from the Department of Commerce that helps communities overcome challenges that limit their economic competitiveness.

North Carolina's July County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in July. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.6 percent while Buncombe, Swain, and Chatham Counties each had the lowest at 2.9 percent.

Canadian Packaging Company to Expand U.S. Operations in Thomasville

Imaflex USA, Inc., a flexible packaging manufacturer, will add 37 new jobs in Davidson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest up to $15 million for a major building expansion along with capital equipment for its U.S. production site in Thomasville.

North Carolina Department of Commerce accepting applications from local workforce boards for American Rescue Plan Act grants

The North Carolina Department of Commerce is now accepting applications from local workforce development boards for special grants designed to help jobseekers and businesses in today’s tight labor market.

Governor Cooper Announces Biotech Manufacturing Equipment Company ABEC Will Create 251 Jobs in Wilson County

ABEC, Inc., a global leader providing engineered process solutions and services for biotech manufacturing will create 251 jobs in Wilson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $11 million in the City of Wilson to establish another ISO-7 cleanroom and increase si

North Carolina’s July Employment Figures Released

The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2022 unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 3.5 percent.

Governor Cooper Announces 15 Grants to Rural Communities to Attract 202 New Jobs and over $200 Million in Private Investment

The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 15 grant requests to local governments totaling $4,278,230, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.

2021 Visitor Spending Increases in All 100 North Carolina Counties

Visitor spending in North Carolina for 2021, with numbers broken out at the county level. All 100 counties saw increases.

Carbon Supplier to Expand in Robeson County with $17 Million Investment

Asbury Graphite of North Carolina, will create 22 new jobs in Robeson County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $16.9 million as part of a capacity expansion project at its Lumberton operation.