Press Releases

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.  

Five more television and film projects are approved to receive North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant funds, Governor Roy Cooper announced today.