Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed Sept. 12-19, 2021, as Small Business Week to highlight the importance of small, independent businesses and entrepreneurship to North Carolina’s economy.
All in Business
Thermo Fisher to expand operations in Pitt County with $154 million investment and 290 jobs
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, will create 290 new jobs in Pitt County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $154 million to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing operations in Greenville.
Bill allowing festival liquor sales and online orders from ABC stores passes Senate
The N.C. Senate has passed House Bill 890, an all-encompassing measure that could help distillers succeed in a crowded and burgeoning industry.
Senate passes bill to ease bottlenecks of HOPE Rental Assistance Program
The N.C. Senate passed House Bill 110 on Wednesday, Sept. 8, which would modify rules to the HOPE rental assistance program.
Trade lifts North Carolina economy
When North Carolinians are free to trade with whomever they choose, be it South Carolinians or South Koreans, some local businesses may lose sales. The case for markets isn’t based on promises of cost-free benefits or perfect outcomes. No such promises could ever be honored in the real world.
Latest CON court ruling helps keep Kitty Hawk surgery center closed
An ambulatory surgery center in Kitty Hawk will remain closed for the foreseeable future, thanks to the latest certificate-of-need ruling from the N.C. Court of Appeals.
Major anniversary approaches for N.C. right-to-work protections
That simple statement opens the text of a state law that has helped boost North Carolina’s economic competitiveness for nearly 75 years.
North Carolina's July County and Area Employment Figures Released
Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in July and remained unchanged in one. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 9.1 percent while Avery County had the lowest at 3.5 percent.
Billboards call on teachers to leave NCAE, get a $500 raise
A statewide campaign launched by the John Locke Foundation — publisher of The Carolina Journal — urges public school teachers to save $500 in dues each year by leaving the partisan N.C. Association of Educators.
Proposed OBX offshore wind farm full of risks, hits snag with fishermen
Avangrid Renewables wants to erect 69 wind turbines, spread out over 50,000 acres, 27 miles offshore of Corolla, North Carolina.
Social Security Board of Trustees: combined trust funds projected depletion one year sooner than last year
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined asset reserves of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Disability Insurance (OASI and DI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2034, one year earlier than projected last year, with 78 percent of benefits payable at that time.
Sports betting bill passes Senate, moves to House
The N.C. House will take up sports betting legislation after a bill to expand wagers statewide passed in the Senate last week.
Senate Bill 688 was read for the first time in the House on Tuesday, Aug. 24. The legislation was then referred to the Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
$100 Summer Card incentive to get a COVID-19 vaccine ends Tuesday
North Carolina’s $100 Summer Card program will end Tuesday, Aug. 31. As part of its ongoing effort to get more North Carolinians vaccinated and safely bring summer back, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been offering $100 Summer Cards at select locations in various counties across the state. Cards were distributed to offset the time and transportation costs of getting vaccinated.
Utility pole regulations hurt broadband growth in North Carolina, report warns
A new study commissioned by the N.C. Cable Telecommunications Association warns that red tape regarding utility pole access could cost the state $3.5 billion in consumer value due to the resulting delays in broadband deployment.
Senate sends ‘sweeping’ criminal justice reform bill to governor
Criminal justice reform is a bipartisan issue, a phrase lawmakers frequently use when noting the parties coming together and advancing legislation. True to form, Senate Bill 300, Criminal Justice Reform, was approved by the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support and awaits the governor’s signature.
Governor Cooper visits Pizzeria Mercato to highlight business efforts encouraging vaccination
Governor Roy Cooper visited Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro to thank the owner, Gabe Barker, and employees for their work to help protect staff, patrons and the community. The restaurant requires customers to show their vaccine card or a photo to dine indoors.
NC Commerce Secretary announces 110 new jobs and $28 million invested at NCGTP
Global manufacturer of household appliance components, Grupporeco, will create 110 new jobs in Lenoir County, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company will invest $28 million to build its first manufacturing facility for dishwasher components in North America.
Rowan County’s Gold Hill fights plans for massive solar farm
In the 1820s, a gold rush brought people from across the state to Rowan County to try to strike it rich. Now, energy companies are coming for much the same reason: To cash in by building solar farms.
North Carolina Turnpike authority receives two awards from prestigious Government Finance Officers Association
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) is pleased to announce it has received two awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) in Chicago, IL.
Auditor uncovers troublesome financial decisions in Hertford
The state auditor found that the town of Hertford made several questionable financial decisions, under the guidance of its former Mayor Pro Tem Quentin Jackson.