North Carolina tourism generated record visitor spending in 2018 with a total of $25.3 billion. The 5.6 percent increase from 2017 was North Carolina’s largest percentage growth in travel and tourism spending since 2011. Additionally, tourism industry-supported employment topped 230,000 jobs to set another record for the state. “Tourism is a major economic engine for…

North Carolina ranks No. 4 in the nation among the top-performing states in Chief Executive magazine’s 2019 Best and Worst States for Business survey. Chief Executive surveyed CEOs across the country about their opinions of all 50 states for the 2019 report. The results were released today. In its coverage of the award, the magazine…

For the second year in a row, North Carolina holds the No. 1 spot on Forbes magazine’s Best States for Business ranking. North Carolina has been the only state to place among the magazine’s top five states for business overall every year since 2006, when Forbes began ranking all 50 states. In an article announcing the…

BrightFarms, a packaged salads company, will create 54 jobs in Henderson County. The company will invest $21 million to operate a hydroponic greenhouse in the Etowah community of Henderson County. “Agriculture has always been a strong driver in North Carolina, and BrightFarms’ expansion is good for our state. They are committed to conserving water, land…

Microsoft Corp., a technology company, will create 430 new jobs in Mecklenburg County. The company will invest $23 million to expand its operations in Charlotte. “Global companies like Microsoft can choose anywhere in the world to expand, and again a highly recognizable brand has decided North Carolina is the right fit,” said Governor Cooper. “Today’s…

Carolina Botanicals, a company formed to process industrial hemp, will create 30 jobs as it establishes operations in Columbus County. The company will invest $3.46 million in its new facility, located in Tabor City. “Today’s announcement is the latest example of the growing market for hemp-related products,” said Secretary Copeland. “And we know companies like…

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) has hired Asheville businesswoman Amy Allison as the new director of the state’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Allison, most recently marketing director for Eagles Nest Outfitters in Asheville, begins her new role later this month. She will be responsible for promoting the state’s tremendous outdoor recreation industry…

More than 20 years ago, Chris Anderson began making rope sandals and selling them out of the back of his 1969 VW bus while traveling across the United States. This was the start of his Fayetteville-based business, Nomadic State of Mind. “I had no idea I would be sitting here with a global business 20…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Oct. 3, 2019 Local economic developers and civic leaders from counties across North Carolina will gather Oct. 8-9 in Sanford to discuss strategies to retain, attract and develop workforce in the state’s rural communities. “Companies considering North Carolina consistently say talent is their No. 1 concern when deciding where to locate or…

Atlanta-based, customer-contact service provider Chime Solutions will expand its operations in Charlotte. The company plans to hire 400 employees in Charlotte by early October and 1,000 by the end of 2020. Chime Solutions, a minority-owned, family business, positions its job opportunities as a pathway for upward mobility and fosters a company culture that empowers its…

Bharat Forge America, Inc. will build an aluminum forging plant to manufacture automobile components in Lee County, creating 304 jobs. The company will invest $127.3 million in Sanford.   “Global industrial manufacturer Bharat Forge is making its largest overseas investment in Sanford because our quality workers along with our other resources will help drive demand…

Do you want to learn more about workforce challenges in North Carolina’s rural communities and strategies to address them? Are you eager to connect with those who might be your best resource in developing solutions? Then register now for the statewide Energizing Rural North Carolina conference Oct. 8-9 in Sanford, North Carolina. Registration is open to…

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is coordinating the participation of four North Carolina furniture and design companies exhibiting this week at the high-profile Middle East Design and Hospitality Week at the Dubai World Trade Center. “We have been exhibiting at this particular event over the past five years and find that this is…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 13, 2019 CARY, N.C. – North Carolina has won nearly $775,000 in federal grant funding to help small businesses increase their international sales over the coming year. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced this week that the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) had received a $774,514 grant through…

Medline Industries Incorporated, the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, will create 250 new jobs in Mebane, North Carolina, as it invests $65 million to build a new distribution center there. The Mebane location will be a 1.2 million square-foot LEED certified distribution center. At full capacity, the company anticipates the…