The state’s seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate was 4.4 percent, decreasing 0.2 of a percentage point from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.5 of a percentage point to 5.4 percent.
All in Business
Public invited to comment on the proposed 2021–2023 community services Block Grant State Plan
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is seeking public comment on the revision of the proposed 2021–2023 North Carolina Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) State Plan, which outlines how the state will facilitate the CSBG program over the next two years.
Film production in North Carolina reaches new investment high
Filmmakers producing projects in North Carolina are on track to invest a record amount of money in the state in 2021, Governor Roy Cooper announced earlier today during a press conference at EUE/Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington. The spending amount of $409 million is the largest tally seen in the state since the creation of the North Carolina Film and Entertainment Grant in 2014. Combined, these productions will create more than 25,000 job opportunities for North Carolina’s highly skilled film professionals and background talent.
Cooper wants budget provisions removed that would curb a governor's powers
Gov. Roy Cooper wants a provision to curb a governor’s powers removed from state budget plans. Cooper, a Democrat, responding to a question during a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 18, said he plans to talk with Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, as well as House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, about his concerns.
Attorney General Josh Stein announces $215 million in savings for Duke Energy customers
Attorney General Josh Stein today announced that as a result of his January coal ash settlement with Duke Energy, electricity customers will save approximately $215 million in future energy costs. These funds are a result of 14 settlements that Duke Energy reached with 23 insurance companies over coal ash coverage policies, the last of which was settled this week.
Electrical equipment manufacturer to expand operations in Robeson County
Harger, Inc., a leading supplier of electrical protection equipment, will expand its current operations in Robeson County, creating 20 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $3.2 million to increase the capacity of its facility in Fairmont.
Canadian pet treats manufacturer selects Nash County for first U.S. Production facility
The Crump Group Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of all natural, limited ingredient pet treats will locate its first production facility in the United States in Nash County, creating 160 jobs, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $13.2 million to outfit a new manufacturing and distribution center in Nashville.
Governor Cooper signs five bills into law
"The hospitality industry, restaurants and bars hit hard by the pandemic need this boost as we continue working to recover and grow our economy.”
Governor Cooper announces 21 Grants to rural communities to attract 539 new jobs and more than $546 million in private investment
The North Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 21 grant requests to local governments totaling $5,916,198, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The requests include commitments to create a total of 1,200 jobs, 661 of which were previously announced. The public investment in these projects will attract more than $546 million in private investment.
Chief Justice Paul Newby continues 100 county courthouse tour in Harnett, Johnston, and Lee counties
Chief Justice Paul Newby continued a 100 county courthouse tour today during which he will visit Harnett, Johnston, and Lee counties. This is the second segment of the courthouse tour which started in Western North Carolina in May 2021.
"Frozen in amber" UNC-dependent Chapel Hill suffers after COVID locks town down
It’s around lunchtime on a Wednesday in mid-July, the bright remnants of the morning quickly morphing into the typical hot, heavy Carolina afternoon. A dozen or so people — diners and drinkers — survey downtown Chapel Hill from atop a third-floor balcony at Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery.
House budget passes with bipartisan support
The House budget passed its third and final reading in a bipartisan vote Thursday afternoon, shining a spotlight on infrastructure, growth, and innovative projects to propel the state forward.
Attorney General Josh Stein: Be a smart mover this summer
The real estate market is booming in many North Carolina communities as many families move neighborhoods, towns, or states. We’re glad so many people want to live and work in our beautiful state, but moving can be stressful. Adding to that stress? Movers who lose your belongings, damage your furniture, or scam you out of your money. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth move.
New NC Job Ready Grants Introduced to Support Workforce Training
North Carolina will add a new type of targeted workforce training grant to the state’s economic development toolkit, Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders announced today. Up to $1 million will be available to fund grants during the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
Businesses Participate in “Safe + Sound” Week Statewide, Nationwide
A national campaign to promote workplace safety and health has been declared in North Carolina for the week of Aug. 9–15 by Gov. Roy Cooper and in conjunction with NCDOL, the state’s lead agency for workplace safety and health. The federal “Safe + Sound” campaign, promoted each August, encourages businesses to develop a comprehensive safety and health program to ultimately eliminate hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities in the workplace.
Volunteers needed for statewide litter sweep
The N.C. Department of Transportation needs volunteers to help clean up trash along roads during the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep from Sept. 11-25.
Proposed NC redistricting criteria nearly identical to successful 2019 effort, forbids "Partisan Considerations and Election Results Data"
Legislators on North Carolina's Senate and House redistricting committees will consider adopting map-drawing criteria nearly identical to the successful 2019 redraw, which Democrats called "the most transparent redistricting process in history."
NFIB Tax Survey: High Taxes Remain a Significant Burden on Small Businesses
The NFIB Research Center released today a new tax survey of small business owners assessing their biggest tax challenges, implications of potential changes to the tax code, and how tax policy impacts business operations. Most notably, federal income and payroll taxes are significant costs and administrative burdens for small businesses.
Vitamin Manufacturer to Make $19 Million Investment in Winston-Salem
Nature’s Value Inc., a global contract vitamin and dietary supplements manufacturer, that will create more than 183 new jobs in Forsyth County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will be expanding its manufacturing operations to Winston-Salem with an investment exceeding $19 million.
NC retirement plans wins two NAGDCA Leadership Awards for excellence and innovation
Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, the Supplemental Retirement Board of Trustees and staff have been recognized by the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) with two national leadership awards recognizing outstanding achievements in Technology and Interactive Multimedia and National Retirement Security Month awareness.