North Carolina 2023 Economic Development Guide

2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

TOP OF THE LIST From Tar Heel born to national and international players, companies are choosing North Carolina for big expansions.

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NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

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®

2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

F E AT U R E S TO R Y

FINTECH FINDS NOTHING COULD BE FINER

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DIGGING IN

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SCORING BIG WINS

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INVESTING IN THE WEST

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Charlotte and the Triangle are becoming financial technology hubs, with Wilmington also attracting a share of this burgeoning industry.

Eastern North Carolina, a perennial agricultural powerhouse, is turning new leaves. It’s refocusing, expanding and cultivating assets to create a bountiful future.

The Triad and the Carolina Core regions landed the biggest economic development investments in state history last year along with other game-changing employers. Its educational resources and labor force, notably in aerospace, are two of many key factors.

Western North Carolina is a top tourist destination that is also becoming more popular for business relocations because of its quality of life, educational support and improving infrastructure.

AROUND THE STATE 10 reasons to be in N.C. ............................................................................6 Q&A with Machelle Baker Sanders. ..............................................10 Incentives ..........................................................................................................54 Notable business expansions ................................................................56 Largest private companies .......................................................................58 Largest public companies ........................................................................60 Higher education directory .....................................................................62 Top hospitals ........................................................................................................66 North Carolina by the numbers...........................................................68 Economic data by county ....................................................................70 For more information ..............................................................................83 NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

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NCEDG | WELCOME

10 REASONS TO BE IN N.C. 1. A BUSINESS FRIENDLY TAX ENVIRONMENT North Carolina’s 2.5% corporate income tax rate is the lowest among the 44 states that levy this tax. Starting in 2025, the rate will drop to 2.25% and decrease gradually until it ultimately is eliminated in 2030.

2. NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED BUSINESS CLIMATE North Carolina was recently recognized as CNBC’s #1 Top State for Business in the annual ranking, which is an exhaustive study of business climate and economy, workforce, education, and lifestyle measures. This recognition is in addition to the state winning Area Development’s Platinum Shovel award, and both Site Selection magazine and Business Facilities magazine awarding North Carolina the #1 ranking for business climate in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

3. FAST-GROWING POPULATION AND TALENT POOL North Carolina has one of the fastest-growing populations in the country.

Last year, the state grew at a rate nine times faster than the US average.

This tremendous growth feeds directly into North Carolina’s robust talent pipeline. North Carolina residents have access to top-tier training from 52 college and universities. North Carolina’s 58-campus community college system is the third largest in the US. The North Carolina Community College System is also renowned for its highly personalized customized workforce training model. In 2021-22 alone, nearly 23,000 North Carolina workers received intensive job-specific customized training through NCCCS in partnership with more than 770 new and existing companies.

4. AFFORDABLE BUSINESS OPERATING COSTS North Carolina’s cost-effective business environment is clear across several measures. The state’s construction costs are 17% below the national average, and industrial electricity rates are 14.5% lower than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in North Carolina is 11% lower than the national average cost of living. According to the 2021 Location Matters Report published annually by KPMG, North ranked #3 for lowest effective tax rates for new firms and #5 for lowest effective tax rates for mature firms.

5. LOCATION AND LOGISTICS TO REACH MILLIONS North Carolina’s central East Coast location and superb road transportation network provide access to more than 180 million customers within a day’s drive. The state’s two deep water seaports and two Class 1 rail carriers enable companies to reach millions of domestic and international customers. North Carolina boasts several regional airports in addition to four international airports. Among these, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is the world’s

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fifth-busiest international airport as of 2022, and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) was ranked third in passenger satisfaction among large North American airports for 2022.

6. LEADERSHIP IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION Fifty-two colleges and universities comprise North Carolina’s higher education system. Per the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, North Carolina is also home to three Tier 1 research universities: Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University. The state also is home to several research parks, including North America’s largest — Research Triangle Park — which is home to more than 300 innovative companies employing more than 55,000 people.

7. QUALITY OF LIFE North Carolina’s low cost of living and family-friendly reputation make it an ideal place to call home. Residents enjoy a moderate climate yearround and unique access to a variety of stunning natural landscapes, flanked by the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and 300 miles of pristine coastline to the east.

8. STRONG MANUFACTURING AND GROWING TECHNICAL WORKFORCE With more than 455,000 employees, North Carolina has the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast. This number continues to grow as the state has averaged a 6% increase in manufacturing jobs over the past 10 years. North Carolina also boasts the third-most jobs in the IT and analytical instruments sector in the Southeastern U.S. and ranks among the top 10 states in the nation for total employment this sector.

Over 169,000 IT workers alone are employed in North Carolina.

9. PERFORMANCE-BASED, TARGETED INCENTIVES North Carolina offers eligible companies state and local programs that lower their costs and increase their global competitiveness, including performance-based grants tied to job creation. In recent years, legislators have significantly expanded possible grants for projects that create largescale employment and investment.

10. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina helps companies of all sizes identify sites, navigate economic development incentives, find workforce solutions, and more. If you are interested in learning more about relocating or growing your business in North Carolina, please visit edpnc.com.

source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

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P R OJ E C T E D I TO R

Katherine Snow Smith P R OJ E C T A R T D I R E C TO R

Peggy Knaack

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kathy Blake, Lawrence Bivins, Katherine Snow Smith PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY

PUBLISHER

Ben Kinney EDITOR

David Mildenberg ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Colin Campbell, Ebony Morman, Cathy Martin SENIOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Edward Martin

SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR

Katherine Snow Smith

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Peggy Knaack

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ty Gentry

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Jennifer Ware

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Melanie Weaver Lynch

ACCOUNT MANAGER / AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Scott Leonard

1230 W. Morehead Street, Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 Telephone: 704-523-6987 All contents copyright ©2022 Old North State Magazines LLC PRESIDENT

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NCEDG | WELCOME

FIRST IN FASTEST FLIGHT The Wright Brothers chose North Carolina for its sand dunes known as Kill Devil Hills. While their decision made history that’s still touted on state license plates, the state is attracting game-changers these days with much more than dunes.

Colorado-based Boom Supersonic picked Triad International Airport in Guilford County for the new manufacturing site of its Overture plane because of local aviation talent, key suppliers and the state’s strong support for its businesses. When the first Overture rolls out in 2025, it will fly at twice the speed of today’s jets and run on 100% sustainable aviation fuel.

Whether it’s aerospace, financial technology or another industry choosing North Carolina, companies are coming for a myriad of reasons.

Educational resources are at the top of the list with 52 colleges and universities, among which are three Tier 1 research universities, and 58 community colleges. North Carolina has the nation’s highest enrollment of students in Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

When Apple chose Research Triangle for its 1-million-square-foot research, development and operations hub, the close proximity to three HBCUs was a factor in the decision. Businesses benefit from numerous partnerships with all schools and universities.

The military provides another talent pool. North Carolina has the

fourth-largest active-duty military population in the country with 18,000 well trained personnel entering the civilian workforce each year.

The state is known for its friendly residents as well as for being business friendly. The corporate income tax rate of 2.5% is the lowest in the United States. Recent tort reform and streamlined practices mean less red tape and litigation. When there is litigation, the North Carolina Business Court allows for faster access to trials and specific judges that focus on complex business issues.

It’s easy to get clients, employees and products to and from North Carolina. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, the fifth-busiest airport in the world, offers access to virtually any major city across the globe. Ten airports across the state also enable efficient domestic and international travel.

Two Class 1 rail carriers and two deep-water seaports in Morehead City and Wilmington move products throughout North America.

Boom Supersonic is just one of several large employers who decided last year to invest multiple millions and even billions of dollars in N.C. facilities. The state also, of course, values and caters to smaller startups and entrepreneurs.

We’ve come a long way since that famous first flight in 1903.

Entrepreneurs Wilbur and Orville would be proud.

— Katherine Snow Smith, project editor

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Q & A

OPENING DOORS Since taking the helm as N.C. Secretary of Commerce in early 2021, Machelle Baker Sanders has helped steer the state’s economic development. Her department plays a key role in landing businesses that are making big investments and creating thousands of jobs. She’s also overseen new programs and tactics for supporting existing businesses, attracting new ones and increasing diversity.

Machelle Sanders came to the post with private and public experience.

Most recently she was the Secretary of Administration leading the department that acts as the business manager for the state and oversees construction, purchasing and contracts.

Sanders also has 30 years of management and leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. She was vice president of manufacturing and general manager at Biogen’s largest manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park and also held high-level posts at Purdue Pharma and Diosynth-Akzo Nobel.

Sanders earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from N.C. State University and a Master of Health Administration from Pfeiffer University.

She’s the mother of adult twin daughters and a native of Belhaven in Beaufort County, where she loves time on the Albemarle Sound and Pungo River.

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-Katherine Snow Smith

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Sanders’ hometown of Belhaven, located on the Albemarle Sound, is a destination for boating, birding, fishing, shopping and dining. The scenic town is known for its lumber and saw mills and oyster and fishing industries.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Q & A

WHAT’S A KEY ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR IN YOUR TENURE AS SECRETARY OF COMMERCE? I’m proud of the work towards transitioning North Carolina to a clean energy economy. We have established an office of Clean Energy Economic Development that focuses on transitioning North Carolina as a leader in the clean energy space. The N.C. Task Force for Offshore Wind Economic Resource Strategies was created. The work we are doing will bring potentially billions of dollars and (many) jobs to North Carolina in the clean energy sector. One of our universities, N.C. A&T State, was recognized and earned a grant for clean energy workforce. They received a grant for a new program called STEPs4GROWTH, which funds clean energy workforce training. I’m also proud of the launch of North Carolina’s strategic economic development plan, “First in Talent,” and its intentional incorporation of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the plan.

WHAT IS THE DEPARTMENT’S ROLE IN RECRUITING NEW BUSINESSES? We work with Chris Chung and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina as well as economic developers and workforce partners across the state with recruiting new businesses. We consult with local officials, state agencies and the General Assembly to ensure that we, as a state, align needs, strengthen, and expand key industries for long-term job creation, investment, and good corporate citizenship.

The other responsibility is Commerce’s role in negotiating deals in the best interest of our state with the support of the Governor and General Assembly. Our objective is always a positive economic impact for North Carolina while bringing family sustaining jobs across the state.

Rural North Carolina is a vital part of the state’s economy.

It is a priority of the Department of Commerce to have a keen, sharp focus and to remain inclusive. The department of Commerce is involved in helping those communities become more sustainable. We’re talking about water and sewer infrastructure and broadband infrastructure. The governor has made it a priority to expand broadband access across North Carolina. That is vitally important and long overdue, frankly.

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YOU CREATED PROGRAMS TO BOOST WOMEN AT BIOGEN AND IN STATE GOVERNMENT. WHAT IMPACT HAVE THEY HAD AND ARE THERE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES? Through programs like those at Biogen, and the Lady Cardinals in state government, we are focused on female talent and increasing the presence of women in the STEM space or in public board rooms or leadership positions. It’s really to celebrate and highlight the unique skills and abilities that women bring to any setting, work environment or community.

(The Lady Cardinals STEM Program for High School students) was designed to reach young girls and encourage them to pursue STEM fields. We have hosted (Lady Cardinal students) in Commerce. The STEM field has good paying jobs that lead to careers. The average salary five years ago was about $76,000.

We also know there is inequality of salaries between men and women not only in the STEM space, but across sectors.

When we are able to encourage and sponsor young girls into these fields, it can help close that gap, we hope, by providing them equal opportunity to have a career in the STEM space.

Greater female representation will accelerate innovation, improve businesses’ bottom line, and expedite solutions for the world’s greatest problems. Women are the bedrock of society.

We need policies and champions to address the salary inequities (in all industries) that are solely because of gender.

There are females who are working in the same role as males with the same level of experience and qualifications yet are paid substantially less. The Council For Women Report found women in North Carolina earn a median income of about $36,000, an average of $8,600 less than men. That is not acceptable. We also know if the current trend continues, working women will see equal pay in 2060. Not only is (addressing the inequality) the right thing to do, it’s an economic issue and it’s a family issue. It’s not just a woman’s issue.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Q & A TELL US MORE ABOUT ONBOARDNC. There is a lack of gender diversity on public boards. I am a member of OnBoardNC and our focus is to increase gender diversity on public boards. I would like to see companies in North Carolina reap the benefits of including women on their public boards. Not only will these women enjoy personal development and career growth but these companies will also get the best return on their investments and have the best bottom line for their business. Greater female representation will accelerate innovation, improve businesses’ bottom line, and expedite solutions for the world’s greatest problems.

Data shows public boards with gender and racial diversity as well as diversity of thought and perspective are the companies that have breakthrough products and services garnering competitive advantage.

In North Carolina, we value diversity and inclusive business practices. We want to help businesses evolve to transform themselves to inclusive practices. Progress has been made.

WHY SHOULD BUSINESSES LOCATE IN NORTH CAROLINA? North Carolina is the best place to expand and to create a thriving business. We have premier universities and community colleges with strong private and public partners across the state.

We have an excellent quality of life. It’s an unparalleled quality of life. You can live, work and thrive here. This is a welcoming

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state and community. Our environment fosters entrepreneurship and innovation.

We have a great business climate, recognized as the best in the nation. We can help businesses navigate and hit their operational timelines. We have shovel-ready sites. We are also a state that not only embraces diversity and inclusion. We live it in our communities.

When we were recognized by CNBC as the “No. 1” place to do business in the country, they talked about how we get things done. We collaborate across the aisle and across communities, across the state — rural and urban, beaches to mountains. We are a collaborative state and the way we get things done really matters and shows up in the success we’ve had.

We do not do this only when a company is assessing our state or starting to work with our state. We are lifelong partners. North Carolina can be counted on to lift your boat, to rise, and to shine with you.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO VACATION IN NORTH CAROLINA? The place I love to vacation most of all is at (my childhood) hometown of Belhaven. It’s a relaxing place. It’s a beautiful small, quaint town on the Pungo River and Albemarle Sound.

There are one-of-a-kind shops on our Main Street and the best restaurant in the state, I believe. Spoon River. People are the warm charm of Belhaven. There’s nothing better than eastern North Carolina.

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

FINTECH FINDS NOTHING COULD BE FINER Charlotte and the Triangle are leading the way as North Carolina becomes a fintech hub.

By Lawrence Bivins

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he post-pandemic transformation of the workplace has shuffled the deck for communities and companies hoping to draw — and keep — tech-savvy employees.

The work-from-anywhere trend has led to an exodus from crowded, expensive metro areas like New York City and San Francisco for more affordable and livable places.

North Carolina’s global leadership in banking, information technology and financial services makes it a natural fit for businesses and professionals in “fintech.” This modern industry serves both businesses and consumers with applications that make financial transactions and money management faster, more convenient, safer and more efficient.

Globally, the fintech market is projected to reach $460 billion by 2025, according to a study by Adroit Market Research.

Charlotte, the nation’s second-largest financial service center, continues to gather the lion’s share of the state’s fintech attention and job growth, though the Triangle and Wilmington are also poised for a sizable cut of the market.

The Queen City is enjoying an impressive run of announcements by major names. In mid 2022, The Bank of London unveiled plans to base its U.S. Global Platform & Services headquarters in Charlotte, a move that will spark a $33 million annual payroll impact for the region when staffing is complete in 2026. The bank will employ 350 people at the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in the center of the city. Staff will include software developers, engineers, technology professionals and risk management specialists.

“We’ve chosen Charlotte as a key location to drive our agenda forward, enabled by Charlotte’s unique combination of banking talent, technologists and financial business

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

leaders,” according to Jim Ditmore, co-president and group operating officer at The Bank of London. The company’s clients range from banks and clearing houses to government agencies and global payment networks.

Launched in 2021, The Bank of London, also has offices in New York City, Belfast and London. “The Bank of London has truly game-changing and patented technology that will power the borderless economy of the future,” Ditmore says.

Developing Charlotte’s fintech cluster is a clear priority for local leaders.

“We continue to demonstrate that Charlotte is the epicenter of where finance and technology converge,” said Mayor Vi Lyles, upon joining The Bank of London officials in announcing the bank’s choice of Charlotte for its U.S. operations. “This announcement further builds on our strategic international partnerships, and I look forward to seeing The Bank of London’s growth in our city.”

County and municipal leaders have seized on fintech as a path to bringing additional diversification to Charlotte’s labor market, which had been stung by the loss of high-dollar banking jobs in the wake of the Great Recession 15 years ago.

“Charlotte is aware of how valuable the industry is and how it can sow prosperity for a really broad array of citizens,”

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says Chris Kouri, an economic development attorney at the Charlotte office of Nexsen Pruet who advises businesses on site selection. When recruiting fintech companies, government entities can deploy the Business Investment Program, a local economic development incentive that triggers lucrative state benefits available under the Jobs Development and Investment Grant ( JDIG) program. Charlotte’s capacity to meet JDIG’s local match requirement, for example, enabled the North Carolina Department of Commerce to offer performance-based awards totaling more than $13.2 million to LendingTree.

The leading online marketplace for consumer financial services announced major expansions to its Charlotte headquarters in 2016 and 2018.

LendingTree was founded in Charlotte in the late 1990s, and its phenomenal success has prompted significant additions to both its office space and talent force.

“I’m thrilled that this city and the State of North Carolina will remain the indisputable location for our corporate headquarters as we expand our footprint and advance our leadership position within the Fintech industry,” said Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree.

“LendingTree has experienced incredible growth in recent years, and after a thorough process, we are excited to continue

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BIGGEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES UNC Charlotte Gardner-Webb University Queens University Central Piedmont Community College Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, multiple campuses Gaston College, multiple campuses

ATTRACTIONS

City of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE SNAPSHOT

COUNTIES: Alexander Anson Cabarrus Catawba

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Cleveland Gaston Iredell Lincoln

Mecklenburg Rowan Stanly Union

U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte Harvey B. Gantt Center for AfricanAmerican Arts & Culture, Charlotte Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord Carolina Panthers, NFL team, Charlotte NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte Charlotte Hornets, NBA team Charlotte FC, professional soccer club Charlotte Knights, minor league baseball team Carowinds, Charlotte Discovery Place, Charlotte Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, Belmont Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium, Gastonia N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer Lake Norman and Lake Wylie

INDUSTRIES Business, financial services and fintech Corporate headquarters Aerospace and defense Textiles Energy Automotive-parts manufacturing

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

that growth in Charlotte.” The firm also maintains offices in California, New York City and Chicago.

“Charlotte leaders have seen over the last decade the quality of jobs created by fintech, the entrepreneurial nature of that industry, and how these companies support a vibrant start-up community here,” Kouri says. State support is critical, he adds, but given Mecklenburg County’s significant size and wealth, state programs require local partners to be on board. “There are also a lot of workforce programs city and county staff are knowledgeable about and can connect clients to.”

Programs include customized training from Central Piedmont Community College, employee screening and hiring support available through Charlotte Works, the local workforce development board, and strategic partnerships with institutions such as UNC Charlotte, one of North Carolina’s largest higher education campuses.

Retirement Clearinghouse similarly exemplifies Charlotte’s competitive edge in fintech. Founded there in 2001, the company uses innovative technologies to provide retirementplan management services to workers nationwide as they navigate among employers and retirement plans during their careers. In 2020, the company announced a $4.1 million

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expansion that brought 300 new jobs to Charlotte. Through a network of partnerships with 401(k) recordkeepers, third-party administrators and pension plan sponsors, Retirement Clearinghouse has reduced employee cash-outs by 52%, thus enhancing retirement prospects for millions of American workers, according to the company.

A plus for area employees, the company’s new hires include individuals without college degrees or prior experience in finance or technology.

“The ability to tap into Charlotte’s hidden sources of fintech talent has been huge for them,” says Kouri, who advised Retirement Clearinghouse. “This is a company that can work with folks at all levels,” providing in-house training for those lacking the formal educational credentials and career backgrounds other tech companies seek.

The distinction resonated with local officials, creating synergies between the firm and the city. “Retirement Clearinghouse needed access to people to fill all their new positions just as Charlotte was working hard to connect an overlooked pool of job seekers with livable job opportunities,” Kouri says. “It was a win-win situation.”

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

TRIANGLE TAKING ITS PIECE OF THE FINTECH MARKET Steady flows of finance, business, computer science and engineering graduates from Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University and North Carolina State University have helped fuel the success of companies like MetLife, Credit Suisse, Fidelity Investments, Deutsche Bank and others drawn to the Triangle in recent years as consumer tastes shift to digitally based financial products.

The pandemic accelerated that transition, which was among the reasons Fidelity Investments decided to significantly boost its RTP-based technology and customer contact staff in 2021.

Credit Suisse is another fintech operation that has relied heavily on local talent, especially Wake Technical Community College graduates, since arriving in the area in 2005. About half the Swiss company’s 2,000 Triangle employees work in technology operations.

In 2022, the company announced a $250,000 commitment through its Credit Suisse Americas Foundation (CSAF) to support the college’s WakeWorks® Apprenticeship program. WakeWorks® offers young people strategic pathways to career opportunities through skills development, access to employers, earned income and “stackable” credentials. The funds will help Wake Tech broaden apprenticeships across a wider network of local employers.

“At Wake Tech, we sometimes use the phrase ‘ladder economics’ to refer to our college’s approach to inclusive opportunity through education, training and career development,” says Wake Tech President Scott Ralls. “The support by Credit Suisse will make a difference by ensuring that apprenticeship opportunities are more readily accessible and more people in our communities have the opportunity to ladder into the outstanding job opportunities available today in our region.”

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BIGGEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES N.C. State University, Raleigh N.C. Central University, Durham UNC Chapel Hill Duke University, Durham Wake Technical Community College, multiple campuses Central Carolina Community College Durham Technical Community College

ATTRACTIONS

Downtown Raleigh

TRIANGLE SNAPSHOT

COUNTIES: Chatham Durham Franklin Granville Harnett

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Johnston Lee Moore Orange

Person Vance Wake Warren

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh PNC Arena, home of NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes and N.C. State basketball, Raleigh State Farmers Market, Raleigh North Carolina Courage, women’s professional soccer team, Cary North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh Durham Performing Arts Center Durham Bulls Minor League Baseball, Durham Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, Chapel Hill Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh Museum of Life and Science, Durham Koka Booth Amphitheater, Cary

INDUSTRIES Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals Information technology Fintech Clean technology Higher education State government

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

INNOVATIVE RALEIGH CREDIT UNION PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE Some homegrown North Carolina financial pioneers are using technologies to reach underserved consumers across the state. That is the mission of Civic Federal Credit Union, which was chartered in 2019 as a digital-first not-for-profit financial institution. It works to reach municipal governments and employees in the small towns that increasingly lack brick-andmortar commercial banks.

“We provide services to the people who keep our state running,” explains Lamar Heyward, chief marketing officer at Civic FCU. “We wanted to start a credit union from the ground up with best-of-breed financial services that are competitive with other institutions in the marketplace.”

Headquartered in north Raleigh, Civic FCU has no physical branches or ATMs. Still, after only three years, it serves 3,800 members statewide and currently has assets totaling $100 million – both measures achieved solely through organic growth.

Its success has earned it recognition as one of America’s fastest-

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growing credit unions by Callahan & Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based research firm that tracks credit union trends.

“We’re now turning up more of a focus on the consumer market with best-in-class products that can compete with the best banks and credit unions in the country,” according to Heyward.

Civic FCU utilizes its not-for-profit mission to offer competitive yields on savings products, low rates on auto loans and rebated user fees on transactions conducted at ATMs of other financial institutions. It offers a 1 percent dividend yield on checking account balances, and it hopes to launch a mortgage product by 2024. Civic’s workforce totals 215, with more growth on the horizon.

“We’ve had a lot of success attracting and retaining talent because of our mission,” Heyward says. “We not only have access to great people with the right skills, but people with commitment and passion who are interested in working with an institution that can help build better lives and better futures for people who are serving our communities.”

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FEATURE STORY | FOCUS: CHARLOTTE & TRIANGLE

FINTECH WORKFORCE GROWING IN WILMINGTON Chris Ainsworth is among the many professionals finding a change of scenery in the Tar Heel State. In June 2022, the global human resource executive arrived in Wilmington to begin work as chief people officer at nCino Inc., a fast-growing provider of banking software founded and headquartered in the port city. Ainsworth, whose career has included positions at financial giants in New York and New Jersey, was eager to join a disruptive firm in a community hungry to build on its reputation as a fintech hub.

“As a recent transplant to North Carolina myself, I am privileged to join a company that is passionate about progressing the industry forward, helping to grow the region and making a meaningful impact within our local community,” says Ainsworth, who is one of 420 workers nCino has recruited to Wilmington from around the country since 2020. “It remains a top priority for nCino to attract top talent and, ultimately, contribute to the city and state’s growing status as a tech hub.”

The July 2020 initial public offering for nCino was a showcase for one of fintech’s hottest names. The company was started in Wilmington in 2011 with 15 employees. With a name derived from the Spanish word for “live oak,” nCino now has an 1,800-person global workforce housed at offices in Wilmington, Japan, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

The company’s financial technologies are used by 1,200

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financial institutions around the world. Its cloud-based nCino Bank Operating System helped financial institutions across the globe support businesses during the pandemic, so that lenders could respond quickly to the needs of customers during that uniquely challenging time.

The company’s high-profile IPO along with its growing success, has similarly put Wilmington on Wall Street’s radar screen.

“Greater Wilmington’s economic diversification took on a new dimension with the successful IPO by nCino in 2020,” says Scott Satterfield, chief executive officer at Wilmington Business Development (WBD), a nonprofit that oversees economic development for the city and surrounding New Hanover and Pender counties. “No longer is North Carolina’s fintech story only about Charlotte and Research Triangle Park.”

When combined with the success of Live Oak Bank, a homegrown digital-only bank that is the nation’s No. 1 SBA lender, nCino has underscored Wilmington’s powerful brand as a magnet for technical talent.

“All of this activity has put our region on the map as a center for fintech operations,” says Satterfield. He also credits Wilmington’s modern digital infrastructure, abundant Class A office space, user-friendly international airport, and attractive business and living costs as factors behind the success of nCino, Live Oak Bank and other companies.

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FOCUS | EASTERN REGION

DIGGING IN Eastern North Carolina, a perennial agricultural powerhouse, is turning new leaves. It’s refocusing, expanding and cultivating assets to create a bountiful future.

By Kathy Blake

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bountiful agriculture system has dominated the region’s economy and business dealings for decades. But more is stirring here than crops. Infrastructure improvements are underway, bringing new opportunities to longtime industries, such as health care, manufacturing and tourism. Newer sectors, such as biotechnology, have taken root and are growing across eastern North Carolina. Educational and workforce development opportunities are expanding, ensuring a skilled workforce is available.

Lawrence Bivins is a former managing director of policy and public affairs for the Raleigh-based North Carolina Economic Development Association. He’s bullish about eastern North Carolina. “If it were a publicly traded company, I’d be buying shares of stock right now,” he says. “Eastern North Carolina is in many respects a very rich place, not always financially but in terms of history and culture. The infrastructure is coming in. The leadership is working on solutions. We’re working on keeping the talent that we have.”

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MAINTAINING A HOMEGROWN WORKFORCE The Greenville-based NCEast Alliance, which develops business and industry in eastern North Carolina counties, completed a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis in September 2020. It identified workforce and entrepreneurial development as ways to unite its 29 members. It said they need “to work specifically with the talent that we have, the economic landscape that we find ourselves in, while aiming toward the economic landscape that we hope to see in the future.”

Bivins says economic development’s priority is always the problem that’s most difficult to solve at the moment.

“And that’s people — workforce and talent,” he says. “You can invest in all the infrastructure, site prep, natural gas, broadband — but that’s really putting the cart before the horse. So how do you change this overnight? How can you change the hemorrhaging of young people leaving at [age] 18 and never looking back? You need

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BIGGEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES East Carolina University, Greenville UNC Wilmington UNC Pembroke Fayetteville State University Fayetteville Tech Community College Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington Pitt Community College, Greenville

ATTRACTIONS Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Wright Brothers Memorial, Kitty Hawk Historic Tryon Palace, New Bern Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington Airlie Gardens, Wilmington 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton North Carolina Aquariums: Kure Beach, Roanoke Island, Nags Head and Pine Knoll Shores Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach N.C. Maritime Museums: Beaufort, Hatteras, Southport

Wilmington

EASTERN SNAPSHOT COUNTIES: Beaufort Bertie Bladen Brunswick Camden Carteret Chowan Columbus Craven Cumberland Currituck

Dare Duplin Edgecombe Gates Greene Halifax Hertford Hoke Hyde Jones

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Lenoir Martin Montgomery Nash New Hanover Northampton Onslow Pamlico Pasquotank Perquimans

Pender Pitt Richmond Robeson Sampson Scotland Tyrrell Washington Wayne Wilson

INDUSTRIES Aerospace and defense Agriculture Biotechnology Marine trades Metalworking Textiles Tourism

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ECU Health Medical Center is an economic power for eastern North Carolina.

to reach out not just to the 18-year-olds but the parents, too. You have to help the parents understand [benefits of ] staying around and going to community college and getting an associate degree in culinary arts, in aircraft maintenance — there are careers that are in high demand. That’s a viable alternative to going away to a big fouryear university, so you can manage a hedge fund.”

Two programs — Rivers East Academy for Advanced Manufacturing and STEM workshops — expose high school students to hometown career options. “These projects are pursuing the opportunity to better educate teachers on what jobs exist in eastern North Carolina to steer local students to those jobs,” says Trey Goodson, NCEast regional economic developer and director of marketing and communications. “The plan is to expand these initiatives to [the Alliance’s] entire 29-county region.”

Rivers East Academy, funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation to advance the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Pipeline for Eastern North Carolina — RAMP East — launched in Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Hyde, Martin and Pitt counties in late 2021. It trains faculty from high schools and community colleges, along with community college student “ambassadors,” to use inspiration, motivation and empowerment to ease students’ transition from high school to community college to a career.

STEM East, in collaboration with businesses, economic developers and other entities, uses state-of-the-art instruction labs in Craven, Jones, Lenoir and Wayne counties, to educate students on career options and align them with opportunities. The College of the Albemarle, for example, has campuses in Elizabeth City, Barco, Manteo and Edenton, and its course offerings include manufacturing and transportation, hospitality and public service, 30

and health and wellness. “In the post-COVID world, we’ve really identified how important strengthening our workforce and infrastructure will be for the future of Chowan County,” says Liza Layton, Edenton Chowan Partnership executive director. “We are working with our local community college, school system and other partners to promote the school-to-work pipeline and enhance workforce training for our industry and business.”

ENHANCED HEALTH CARE ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville is the largest of the system’s 10 hospitals. More than 12,000 workers make it the region’s largest private employer, and it’s the teaching center for the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

The university and the not-for-profit health company, formerly known as Vidant, entered a joint operating agreement in early 2022, creating ECU Health. The newly formed entity will train the next generation of physicians.

“The two mission-driven organizations will create enhanced rural health training opportunities for medical students and residents, as well as expanded research and clinical trial capabilities,” says spokesperson Brian Wudkwych. “[The two] will integrate under the new shared brand.”

Another key provider, New Bern-based CarolinaEast Health System welcomes UNC Health medical students, fellows and residents, one facet of an affiliation agreement announced last year. “The affiliation will enhance the quality of health care in the eastern region while simultaneously growing specialty services in Craven County and beyond,” says CarolinaEast President and CEO Ray Leggett. “This affiliation underscores both

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organizations’ commitment to rural health care [and] expands the range of services CarolinaEast offers today, including those in the pediatric population.”

The affiliation also expands offerings at 80,000-square-foot SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at CarolinaEast Medical Center.

“As a result of that partnership, patients receive cancer treatment capabilities not previously available in the East,” Leggett says. “Residents of Craven County no longer need to travel to the Triangle for leading-edge clinical trials, treatment protocols and the skill of additional oncology specialists to aid their care.”

CarolinaEast provided a $150,000 grant to Craven Community College. It supports a full-time nursing instructor that allows for increasing class size and producing more graduates to help meet the growing need for nurses, says Jim Davis, the health system’s chief nursing officer. CarolinaEast organizes a health care career day for high school students from Craven, Jones, Pamlico and Carteret counties.

“We educate students about health care careers by having different disciplines in the classroom,” says Lesley Hunter, the system’s vice president of human resources. “We are a site for

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[career technical education] students, and they are routinely in the medical center. We also present tips for interviewing and resume writing. We also provide scholarship opportunities to students graduating from high school to provide financial assistance to attend healthcare programs in the local community college and universities.”

IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE Todd Edwards is a founding member of The Farmville Group, which helps bring businesses to Farmville, 10 miles west of Greenville on N.C. 264. He also serves on NCEast’s board.

Edwards calls interstates “ribbons of prosperity for the regions they serve.”

Several interstate projects are dawning a new day across the region, whose options have been limited to interstates 40 and 95 for decades.

“It has been an unpleasant outward sign of our overall lack of prosperity, compared to the rest [of the state],” Edwards says. “Up until now, most of eastern North Carolina has not been on that playing field. We are soon to have new fields all over our region

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to play on, and that future is looking very bright because of prospects that these highways bring.”

Edwards says 137-mile Interstate 42, which will use a long stretch of U.S. 70, is under development. It will connect Raleigh, I-95 and I-40 and improve access to the Port of Morehead City, U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East in Havelock, Marine Corps Cherry Point Air Station and the Crystal Coast, a popular tourist destination on the southern Outer Banks.

It also will link to 2,500-acre Global TransPark in Kinston, a multimodal industrial park and airport that supports defense, aerospace, manufacturing and advanced materials companies. Its onsite workforce training center — Spirit Aerosystems Composite Center of Excellence — is a partnership with Lenoir Community College.

Another “ribbon,” future Interstate 587, an upgraded stretch of U.S. 264, is near completion. “[It] will connect ECU Health, [East Carolina University] and a large cluster of pharmaceutical and boat industry manufacturers to the rest of the world,” Edwards says. “Finally, the partially completed I-87 from Raleigh to Norfolk has recently garnered newfound attention and is being heavily considered for some fast tracking to renewed planning and funding initiatives in the very near future.

This will be a huge boost for all of eastern North Carolina, Raleigh and our friends in the Tidewater region. It is a project being pushed from both sides of the VirginiaNorth Carolina line.”

Interstates support the region’s BioPharma Crescent, which arcs across Edgcombe, Johnston, Nash, Pitt and Wilson counties. More than 10,000 people work there. It’s home to some of the industry’s biggest companies, including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific. “Logistically, they’re near [Research Triangle Park] and in an area with plenty of available land and plenty of industrial sites where there

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is an affordable cost of living,” Bivins says. “Plus, they’re near I-95 and the port [of Morehead City].”

Kitty Hawk Offshore is a proposed 122,405-acre wind-power project about 28 miles off Currituck County’s coast. It would generate enough electricity to power 700,000 homes. Avangrid Renewables has been studying it since 2017, when it was awarded a lease by the U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

The Portland, Oregon-based energy developer submitted its construction and operations plan in December 2020.

Construction and operation will begin after it is approved and energy buyers secured.

Former Currituck County Economic Development Director Larry Lombardi says offshore wind projects are tremendous economic opportunities that create high-paying jobs. Dominion Energy is building one off the coast of Virginia, which has welcomed such projects with open arms.

“Currituck County’s role will be to provide a greenfield of new buildings for the second- and third-tier manufacturers and suppliers to these projects,” he says. “Due to the rising cost of land, the tax structure and as more manufacturing sites in Virginia’s Tidewater become hard to find, Currituck County being right over

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the state line with its lower taxes and proximity to the Outer Banks will be able to leverage those advantages and capture some of those companies looking to supply the [wind-energy] projects.”

Lombardi describes Currituck County’s recent growth as “tremendous.” Its school district plans to add a $30 million elementary school, for example, within three to seven years. And Currituck County Regional Airport in Maple is poised for its first updates in more than two decades. They include a longer runway, more hangars and modern runway lights. Government grants will pay for 90% of the cost. “Now that we have the [airport] layout plan, we can move forward in trying to find the [local] funding, hopefully from the state by lobbying our elected state representatives,” he says.

Edenton Chowan Partnership’s Layton wants to see more.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention broadband,” she says. “What a need we’ve seen through the pandemic and after. We have to figure out how to expand quality and reliable broadband in our state so children in rural areas have the same opportunities as those in the urban centers. Chowan County has made the expansion of broadband a priority and is committed to being a partner to internet-service providers in the area.”

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Wilmington

THE EAST IS WELL POSITIONED The Port of Wilmington, where finished goods, such as furniture and fertilizer, arrive and agricultural products and auto parts depart, is 26 miles up the Cape Fear River from open ocean.

“We have the capability to have the largest boats that use the Panama Canal call on the Port of Wilmington,” says Christina Hallingse, N.C. State Ports Authority communications manager.

“We have trans-Atlantic services, ships that are either northbound or southbound to and from Central America, or trans-Pacific, a number of places.”

But the Port could do more. Its 42-foot-deep channel, 6,768 feet of wharf frontage and 100-acre container terminal can handle 600,000 shipping containers worth of goods annually. But it can’t welcome larger fully loaded ships. Those require a channel that’s at least 47-feet deep at low tide.

“A more efficient channel would modernize the Port, attract more import and export business, help mitigate East Coast congestion, and help North Carolina ports become an even stronger player in this competitive landscape, thereby supporting the economy of Wilmington, New Hanover County, eastern North Carolina and the entire state,” Hallingse says.

Help is on the way. Congress approved the Wilmington Harbor Navigation Improvement Project in late 2020. It includes dredging the Cape Fear River, which is estimated to cost $834 million, according to a feasibility study commissioned by the ports authority. The dredging project is one of several

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underway on the East Coast. The Army Corps of Engineers is deepening the port in Savannah, Georgia, and the channel in Charleston, South Carolina. Norfolk, Virginia, has begun a project to make its port 55-feet deep by 2024, which will make it the East Coast’s deepest.

North Carolina’s other port in Morehead City is four miles inland. Ships, which set sail with wood chips, aircraft parts and other cargo, access it through a 45-foot-deep channel. It has more than 1 million square feet of warehouse space and, like Port of Wilmington, is served by rail.

“Ports are catalysts for economic development,” Hallingse says. “The N.C. State Ports Authority works in conjunction with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on any potential projects that they are recruiting that could utilize or benefit from the proximity and access to a port.”

Eastern North Carolina is home to many industries, such as agriculture and food processing. There’s boat building, too, including well-known Grady-White in Greenville. The Perquimans Marine Industrial Park recently received state funding. “The $4 million will be used to construct a basin at the industrial park,” says NCEast’s Goodson. “This will help recruit boat builders who have shown interest in the park in recent years.”

ElecriCities of North Carolina, which represents municipal electric utilities in the Carolinas and Virginia, certified the 71-acre Perquimans Marine Industrial Park as a Smart Site. It’s shovel ready for development with on-site municipal electric service, water and sewer services within 200 feet, and less than five miles from an interstate or interstate-quality highway.

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TOUTING TOURISM

Visitor spending in North Carolina totaled $28.9 billion in 2021, according to Visit NC, EDPNC’s tourism promotion arm.

As the pandemic eases, the state’s tourism industry is rebounding. That’s especially true in eastern North Carolina, whose accommodations, beaches and golf courses have been attractions for generations. The North Carolina Economic Development Association, for example, held its recent spring conference in Pinehurst. “We have 25 site-selection people flying in from all over the country,” Bivins said prior to the event. “We want to show that North Carolina is ready and reliable.”

Moore County had the state’s 10th-biggest tourism economy in 2021, taking in $673 million in the sector. It hosted the U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in June 2021. The United States Golf Association’s second headquarters — Golf House Pinehurst — and a 34-room boutique hotel is under development.

“Overall, the USGA coming here will have a huge impact on tourism, especially with the new testing center and museum,” says Phil Werz, president and CEO of the Convention and Visitors Bureau for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area. “The [turf grass management component] will also have an impact based on the partnerships they are creating with local and regional universities, including Sandhills Community College, N.C. State University and North Carolina A&T.” The Home of American Golf isn’t resting on its laurels. The CVB has launched “Paradise in the Pines,” a twice-monthly podcast that shares stories of local attractions, events and

Rendering of Golf House Pinehurst and the pollinating garden.

residents. It also created a Sandhills Pour Tour Passport. Holders who have it stamped at seven local craft breweries qualify for a reward. “They receive a Sandhills Pour Tour mug and, while supplies last, a special Donald Ross 150th anniversary commemorative coin,” Werz says. “For every coin we give as a prize for a fully stamped passport, the CVB will donate $25 to support the Tufts Archives [history collection and display at Given Memorial Library] in the village of Pinehurst.” He says the passport encourages people to explore the whole county, beyond the greens, and support a variety of local businesses in the process.

Moore County is just one example of a longtime popular tourism destination in the East that continues to work to draw visitors. The beaches and other towns with their signature attractions are also constantly planting new seeds to grow their harvest as well.

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SCORING BIG WINS The Triad and Carolina Core score big wins and prepare for more.

Within less than 12 months, the region landed four big employers that are investing more than $13 billion in new facilities.

K

eeping up with the economic development activity in North Carolina’s Triad region can lead to whiplash with all the head-turning from one big announcement to the next.

Toyota Motor in late 2021 announced that it’s building a $1.3 billion electric-battery factory at the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite and creating 1,750 jobs. It followed up in August with a $2.5 billion expansion and another 350 jobs when construction is completed.

A few months later, Boom Supersonic decided on Guilford County for the assembly of the world’s fastest airplane at Piedmont Triad International Airport. The Colorado-based company plans a $500 million manufacturing facility that will construct its Overture airplanes. It has pledged it will hire 1,750 employees by 2030 and create a workforce of more than 2,400 employees by 2032.

Then in March, Vietnamese carmaker VinFast announced plans to invest $4 billion in a manufacturing operation at Chatham County’s Triangle Innovation Point. The company expects to hire 7,500 employees over the next five years.

In September, Durham-based chip maker Wolfspeed picked the Chatham-Siler City Advanced Manufacturing Site for a $5 billion silicon carbide semiconductor plant. It expects to create at least 1,800 jobs paying an average of $77,753 a year.

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These companies’ decisions to plant some serious Triad roots have drawn national and international attention. The Toyota, Boom, and Wolfspeed plants are within 30 miles of downtown Greensboro, while VinFast’s site in eastern Chatham County is closer to Raleigh and Durham.

“I think we are definitely on the map now if you’re moving your company,” says Mike Fox, president of the Piedmont Triad Partnership. Businesses throughout the South and up and down the East Coast have known the region’s advantages for decades.

Now there’s even more awareness.

Fox cites the area’s draws: “The workforce, the available land, the ease of living, the cost of living compared to a lot of other places, the low tax structure, the workforce development programs, the excellent universities and other schools.”

Piedmont Triad International Airport and the vast open acreage around are also big lures, especially to commercial aerospace companies.

“With some of the country’s best and brightest aviation talent, key suppliers, and the state of North Carolina’s continued support, Boom is confident that Greensboro will emerge as the world’s supersonic manufacturing hub,” Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, said in a release about his company’s decision.

PHOTO CREDIT: BOOM SUPERSONIC

By Katherine Snow Smith and Kathy Blake

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BIGGEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES UNC Greensboro Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem Elon University High Point University N.C. A&T State University, Greensboro Winston-Salem State University Guilford Technical Community College Forsyth Technical Community College

ATTRACTIONS North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro International Civil Rights Center & Museum, Greensboro Old Salem Museum & Gardens, Winston-Salem Greensboro Science Center, Greensboro Andy Griffith Museum, Mount Airy Yadkin Valley Wine Country, Elkin Kaleideum (North and Downtown museums) Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem

TRIAD SNAPSHOT

COUNTIES: Alamance Caswell Davidson Davie

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Forsyth Guilford Montgomery Randolph

Rockingham Stokes Surry Yadkin

INDUSTRIES Aerospace and defense Furniture Finance Insurance Textiles Winemaking

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Toyota leadership echoes his sentiments.

“The future of mobility is electrification and the GreensboroRandolph Megasite is the ideal location to make that future a reality,” Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America, said in a release. “North Carolina offers the right conditions for this investment, including the infrastructure, high-quality education system, access to a diverse and skilled workforce, and a welcoming environment for doing business.”

Toyota shared its relocation “wish list” that made the 1,800acre Greensboro-Randolph Megasite rise above other finalists.

■ An extensive and well-maintained highway system for overland logistics ■ Four international airports and two seaports ■ Onsite rail ■ An outstanding, diverse workforce ■ Renewable energy availability ■ World-renowned education system ■ Strong government partnership at both the state and local levels

State, county and local incentives also make a difference.

These four companies alone will receive more than $2.5 billion from government entities for infrastructure and job creation.

A FIELD OF JOBS

RENDERING CREDIT: WOLFSPEED

The Triad’s counties are Surry, Stokes, Rockingham and Caswell along the Virginia line, and Forsyth and Guilford at the center, surrounded by Yadkin, Davie, Davidson, Randolph, Montgomery and Alamance. Four years ago, the Piedmont Triad Partnership dubbed the area the foundation of the Carolina Core, where low tax rates, 2 million workers and 7,200 acres of certified land are attracting businesses, small and large.

Threaded together by a 120-mile stretch of U.S. 421 from Dunn to Yadkinville, the Carolina Core adds five counties — Chatham, Cumberland, Harnett, Lee and Moore. When the Carolina Core initiative was announced in August 2018, the Partnership said one of the measures of success would be to create 50,000 jobs in the region over the next 20 years.

Since then, more than 37,900 new jobs have been announced.

“We’re tracking ahead of schedule, absolutely,” Partnership spokesperson Melanie Jennings says.

Fox acknowledges with a laugh that they probably need to adjust the jobs forecast.

“There’s a delicate balance between meeting your goal and moving the goal line,” he says. “When we said 50,000 was the goal it was a very different landscape. These megasites were not totally in play yet. It’s really just in the past 12 months that we’ve picked up such great momentum. We were getting singles and doubles but these home runs are accelerating things.”

The Carolina Core’s four certified megasites totaling 7,100 acres give plenty of room for playing ball.

The 1,800-acre Greensboro-Randolph Megasite that’s welcoming Toyota is minutes from I-40 and I-85. The ChathamSiler City Advanced Manufacturing Megasite has 1,800 acres of certified, shovel-ready land powered by excellent logistic and high capacity utilities. The 2,500-acre Moncure Megasite in Chatham County is close to Raleigh, the state capital, and Research Triangle. It’s within 45 miles of three Tier 1 research universities: UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. State University in Raleigh and Duke University in Durham.

And the Piedmont Triad International Airport 1,000-acre megasite that will be home to Boom Supersonic offers tenants runway access among other in-demand amenities.

Rendering of Wolfspeed’s new facility.

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PHOTO CREDIT: INNOVATION QUARTER

COVERING ALL THE BASES It’s not just just the “big dogs” that are attracted to the Triad and Carolina Core. The region has lures and supports for small businesses and entrepreneurs, too. Fox and his economic development partners across the region say it thrives with all sizes of employers. “We’re still chasing and winning those singles and doubles, too,” he says.

Nature’s Value, which is relocating from New York, will create 183 jobs and invest $19 million in a new headquarters and vitamin factory in Winston-Salem’s Whitaker Park.

Charlotte-based Nucor, the largest U.S. steel producer, is opening a $350 million plant in Lexington in Davidson County that will employ 180 people. Children’s clothing manufacturer LT Apparel Group is investing $57 million at Greensboro’s Reedy Fork Corporate Park and will create 116 jobs.

Commercial equipment provider Altec is expanding near Mount Airy, investing $9 million and creating 100 jobs. And flooring manufacturer Mohawk Industries is spending $87 million in an expansion that will create 87 jobs in Davidson County over the next three years.

Technimark, a manufacturer of injection-molded components, is investing $62 million in a Randolph County facility where it plans to employ 220.

“NorthPoint (Developers), one of the largest industrial developers and landlords in the country, manages over 105 million square feet of property. It’s developing a park in Kernersville,” Fox adds. The number of tenants and their employees are not yet known, but this is another big source of new jobs.

Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem

New, relocating and expanding small businesses all make a big impact.

“For every Toyota there are a thousand mom-and-pop small businesses out there, all working together to make the economy work,” Fox points out.

Congdon Yards in High Point is one of many facilities throughout the Triad catering to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Three historic buildings including a former hosiery factory now provide space for retail, restaurants, small business and start-ups.

Construction of a Spring Suites by Marriott is also underway.

The Innovation Quarter in Winston-Salem has 2.1-million square feet of office laboratory and educational space. It’s home to 90 companies, 1,000 residents, five academic institutions (including Wake Forest University), myriad community-based art projects and green walkways dotted with restaurants, cafes and galleries.

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■ Second Harvest Food Bank is building their new headquarters and bulk distribution center on the site.

■ Brennan Investments purchased an 84,000-squarefoot building and is in the process of remodeling.

There is strong interest from companies wanting to lease space.

■ JC Harris purchased a 2.7-acre site and is working on plans for a 25,000-square-foot spec building.

■ A 160-unit apartment project will be completed by mid 2023. The developer has optioned adjacent sites and is considering a mid-rise hotel or additional apartments.

■ Forsyth County owns two small warehouses and leases them to the school system.

■ A lab building is home to Virtue Labs and Nanosoft Polymers.

Congdon Yards in High Point

EXCELLENT ACCESS Whitaker Park has a Norfolk Southern rail spur onsite and is less than 30 minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport and FedEx’s regional hub. The park has quick access to major interstates, including I-40, I-85, and future I-74. And it’s not just Whitaker Park that’s well connected. The Triad’s easy access to top notch transportation for all of its residents and worksites is a major draw.

The N.C. Department of Transportation is preparing a study and application for federal review, and two new interstate-quality interchanges will provide access to Toyota’s site from U.S. 421.

The $1 trillion infrastructure bill, which President Biden signed in November 2021, brings hopes of accelerating U.S. 421’s journey toward becoming Interstate 685, though money has yet to be designated.

Above: Whitaker Park is located two miles north of downtown Winston-Salem and directly adjacent to Wake Forest University.

Right: The main entrance to R.J. Reynolds at Whitaker Park in the 1960s.

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PHOTO CREDIT: WHITAKERPARKNC.COM

Whitaker Park is another innovative commercial space on 220 acres in Winston-Salem, for businesses of varying sizes. The manufacturing complex was donated by Reynolds America to Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. It served as R.J. Reynolds Tobacco’s main cigarette manufacturing facility and at one time was the largest plant in the world. Redevelopment of the site will generate thousands of jobs. The complex is located two miles north of downtown Winston-Salem and directly adjacent to Wake Forest University. As noted above, Nature’s Value is opening its facility there. Robert Leak, president and chief executive officer of Whitaker Park Development Authority, offers these other updates.

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“Connecting two of North Carolina’s most active interstate corridors — I-85 and I-95 — will mean that Future 685 can offer alternative and redundant access for goods and people moving through the center of our state in the event of storms and weather disruptions,” says Piedmont Triad Partnership’s Fox. “Oftentimes, companies looking to locate a new project want to be close to an interstate highway and may rule out a site that is not within a certain distance of the interstate. Designating the U.S. 421 corridor not only makes the Chatham County megasites more desirable in many consultants’ eyes but also brings interstate access to industrial sites in Lee, Harnett and Randolph counties.”

Interstate 685 would move more than goods. It would connect people to jobs, too. “It’s kind of obvious that if we have an interstate-level road that runs east and west, it does nothing but help us to access employees who would want to work at the airport,” says Kevin Baker, executive director of Piedmont Triad Airport. “Highway 421 is good, but it has its downfalls, like the occasional traffic signal, and having a full interstate would certainly be beneficial. There are a lot of growing communities [southeast of PTI], and especially given the news of the Greensboro-Randolph site, a whole lot of people are going to need a place to live.

They are going to need housing, and they will need a place to fly.”

The interstate designation has a military component, too. U.S. 421 runs a few miles from Fort Bragg, the U.S. Army’s largest installation by population and home to the famed 82nd Airborne Division and Special Operations Command.

“It would be a huge advantage from a military readiness perspective as well as continuity of services and so forth,” says Kevin Lacy, a N.C. Department of Transportation traffic engineer.

Greensboro

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FOCUS | TRIAD REGION

Aviation Systems Technology at Guilford Technical Community College

EDUCATING A SUPERIOR WORKFORCE The Triad’s educational and workforce development opportunities are vast and varying. The area is home to 21 colleges and universities, which enroll more than 100,000 students, according to the Piedmont Triad Regional Council.

The region’s community colleges regularly customize training to individual needs of businesses. They support many industries, including advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, automotive, biomedical and life sciences, technology, entrepreneurship, and logistics.

“We are particularly excited and proud to not only expand Wolfspeed’s footprint in our home state of North Carolina, but also our relationship with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University to develop a workforce of the future,” says Gregg Lowe, President and CEO of Wolfspeed, when he announced the company’s $5 billion facility. Wolfspeed is also partnering with the N.C. Community College System for other customized training programs.

Another educational asset, Jamestown-based Guilford Technical Community College, offers more than 70 workforce training programs, including several in medical fields. It has three in aviation manufacturing, including a structures assembly program.

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A portion of community college students are hired by the more than 200 aviation and aerospace companies that have landed in the region, particularly at PTI airport and in Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. “Aviation and aerospace are key growth sectors for our region,” Fox says.

The Piedmont Triad leads the state in the number of students enrolled in local community college aviation programs, with more than 500 students enrolled in Guilford Technical Community College programs alone. The college’s Aviation Campus in Greensboro is one of the Southeast’s best equipped maintenance training facilities.

Forsyth Technical Community College’s $16-million Mazie S. Woodruff Aviation Technology Lab, which opened at Smith Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem in late 2021, will train students to meet the high demand for aircraft maintenance and avionics technicians. The facility honors Mazie Spencer Woodruff, the first African American elected as a Forsyth County commissioner and a champion of education and social justice.

It has a 15,356-square-foot hangar that can house up to eight aircraft. Students learn to work with sheet metal and composites, electronics, paint, and piston and turbine engines in its classrooms and labs. “Talent in the Carolina Core has a strong work ethic,” says Michimasa Fujino, recently retired president and CEO of Honda Aircraft Co., which established its Greensboro headquarters in 2006 and employs 1,500 in research and

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development, manufacturing and customer service.

The region’s focus on aviation technology and manufacturing clearly was a lure for Boom and its plan to build a workforce to construct its Overture plane. The aircraft, which was featured on “60 Minutes,” will carry up to 88 passengers at twice the speed of today’s fastest passenger jet and be powered by fuel made from sustainable and renewable sources.

In August, American Airlines announced the company is buying up to 20 Overture aircraft, with an option for an additional 40.

The Boom Supersonic facility will sit on 65 acres, leaving 1,000 acres at PTI airport available for other employers.

“One of the main messages we want to make sure everyone understands is we’ve had all this success (landing big employers) and it’s validating. We’ve been at it for a long time,” says Fox. “But we are still open for more business.”

Honda Aircraft’s HondaJet Elite S is assembled in Greensboro.

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FOCUS | WESTERN REGION

INVESTING IN THE WEST Western counties thrive on tourism while abundant educational resources and improving infrastructure attract business.

By Katherine Snow Smith and Kathy Blake

W

estern North Carolina is known for its majestic mountains and wildlife, breweries and wineries, small shops and the biggest house in the country.

The region has been popular with tourists for well over a century, and in recent years, it also beckons a steady stream of businesses.

Asheville-based Biltmore Farms, founded in 1897 by George Vanderbilt, is just one example of how the West combines beauty and business. It has an expansive portfolio of housing communities, business, hotels and retail and mixed-use properties.

“There are a lot of special places in the country that are urban, and there are a lot of mountain areas, but having urbanity in the mountains is really unique,” says Ben Teague, vice president of strategic development for Biltmore Farms. “It balances the sophistication of the cities and the serenity of nature. There’s a lot to be said for having nature and innovation together, and that’s what I think western North Carolina is.”

A MECCA FOR TOURISTS Tourism is the region’s biggest cash crop. Buncombe County, home to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, took in $2.6 billion in tourist spending in 2021, according to the latest data from Visit North Carolina, the state’s tourism development arm. Buncombe had the second-highest economic impact from tourists after Mecklenburg County.

When much of the travel and tourism industry struggled 46

during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism industry experts say Western North Carolina’s abundance of open spaces allowed for socially distanced recreation that continued to draw guests.

Now, restaurants and stores are again packed. Hundreds of small businesses that feed, clothe and entertain tourists beneath “Shop Local” banners give North Carolina’s mountain towns distinct personalities. From Asheville (population 98,000) to Maggie Valley (population 1,100), and Boone (population 19,000) to Bryson City (population 1,400), microbreweries, artists, retailers and recreation businesses attract visitors who have been supporting the economy for multiple generations as well as newcomers.

Like any community that thrives on tourism, there’s a need to balance access for full-time residents. No downtown or mountaintop wants to fall into Yogi Berra’s old adage: “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”

“As a resident I have a tendency to go to outlying restaurants rather than right downtown during tourist season. I had a meeting downtown the other day and was able to get right in to eat without a problem,” says Kit Cramer, president and chief executive officer of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We’ve partnered with Go Local Asheville (business alliance) on “Go Local” cards. They provide discounts to locals who buy them.”

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BIGGEST COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES Western Carolina University, Cullowhee UNC Asheville Appalachian State University, Boone Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

ATTRACTIONS Biltmore Estate, Asheville Blue Ridge Parkway Carl Sandburg Home, Flat Rock Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City Tryon International Equestrian Center, Mill Spring Sliding Rock, Transylvania County North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville Grandfather Mountain, Linville Chimney Rock State Park, Chimney Rock Linville Caverns, Marion Asheville Tourists minor league baseball Hickory Crawdads minor league baseball Cherokee Cultural Attractions, Cherokee Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock

Asheville

WESTERN SNAPSHOT

COUNTIES: Alleghany Ashe Avery Buncombe Burke Caldwell Cherokee Clay

West_region_NCEDG2023.indd 47

Graham Haywood Henderson Jackson Macon Madison McDowell Mitchell

Polk Rutherford Swain Transylvania Watauga Wilkes Yancey

INDUSTRIES Aerospace and defense Furniture Craft beer Data centers Tourism Advanced manufacturing Christmas trees

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Hickory

BUSINESS BEYOND TOURISM While tourism is a major economic driver, North Carolina’s western counties are home to a variety of larger employers in sectors such as health care, manufacturing and construction.

Employers are lured by a strong existing workforce and a quality can also attract employees from outside the area.

Pratt & Whitney, a division of Raytheon Technologies, chose Buncombe County for its new $650-million aircraft component manufacturing plant. The recently opened facility makes jet engine fan blades and will employ about 800 people when it’s fully staffed. Salaries average $68,000 a year. Biltmore Farms sold 100 acres to Pratt & Whitney for $1.

“Given the number of high-paying jobs and capital investment, we believe this project will benefit the families of western North Carolina for generations to come,” says Biltmore Farms President and CEO John “Jack” Cecil.

The new positions aren’t just jobs, they are careers, Teague points out.

“There has to be that ability for someone to get on the career ladder,” he says. “And if the rungs are close enough, they can climb. But when you get on the career ladder and have to leave because you can’t get to the next rung, something’s broken.

“Pratt & Whitney is an ideal career-ladder employer. They will take you out of high school and pay for the skills training all the way up to where you have a six-figure [salary] job. When 48

you can easily see the next rung and make it there, and have that pathway, that’s called economic hope. The average wage [for a machine operator] is $70,000-plus a year. Not only do you have a defined career ladder, but they pay you to move up. Those types of employers are important for our future.”

GE Aviation is another employer boosting the region’s visibility and workforce. In 2014 the company opened a $126 million facility to accommodate production of a revolutionary aircraft engine material known as ceramic matrix composite. CMC materials can outperform advanced metallic alloys, make jet engines lighter and more fuel efficient, and cut emissions dramatically. The Asheville plant is the first highvolume production facility of CMC materials in the world.

In 2018, the company announced plans to invest another $105 million in its Asheville operations, adding 131 new positions that pay 30% above the Buncombe County average wage and will increase the total workforce to 425.

Hickory, in Catawba County, is a leading hub for furniture making. This longtime North Carolina specialty carries on with state-of-the-art technology. Hickory Springs Manufacturing and Sherrill Furniture each employ more than 1,000 people while many other businesses in the furniture industry employ 100 to 500.

Lowe’s and Amazon have also invested in Western North Carolina. Each company has opened a distribution center of about 100,000 square feet in the past few years, adding to the area’s diversity of employers.

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EDUCATION IN STRONG SUPPLY Employers have a steady stream of college graduates and skilled potential employees graduating from more than 20 universities, colleges and technical schools throughout the western region. Through workforce development initiatives at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, UNC Asheville, Appalachian State University in Boone and other highereducation institutions across the region, residents can prepare for well-paying employment that’s close to home.

“Our goal is to ensure that students see a meaningful path to working and living in the region, and they are connected to employer partners throughout their educational experience at Western Carolina University,” says Theresa Cruz Paul, director of WCU’s Center for Career and Professional Development.

WCU’s 2022 Career Fair PLUS+ hosted 150 employers, nonprofits and graduate school representatives. “The [Center for Career and Professional Development] works hard to ensure that each student can pursue their individual career goals in the state of North Carolina and in particular western North Carolina,”

says Rich Price, WCU’s executive director of economic and regional partnerships.

Appalachian State University broke ground on its Innovation District in March. The Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research will develop economic opportunities across the region. “[It will] serve as a vital link between the campus and the regional community through education, research and outreach,” according to a university press release.

“One thing we learned during the pandemic is we don’t want to be over reliant on one particular sector, so I think diversification in growth and looking for opportunities to capitalize on new industries is something we’re looking at and our partners are looking at,” says Scottie Parks, impact officer for economic opportunity at Dogwood Health Trust, a private foundation improving the well-being of the region’s residents and communities.

Dogwood’s Success Coach Partnership with Blue Ridge, Western Piedmont and Asheville-Buncombe Technical community colleges helps students stay on their chosen career tracks. “[It’s] essentially case workers and counselors for community college students that will ensure that these students have what

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FOCUS | WESTERN REGION

they need to complete their credentials,” Parks says. “We had a meeting with community college presidents early in 2021 to hear from them about what challenges they face and what we can do.

And Success Coach rose to the top of the conversation, so we felt like we could get those three [colleges] funded, and we hope to engage with some of the others.”

Another example of the community supporting education and careers is the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce program, Next AVL, named after the airport code for Asheville Regional Airport. The mentorship program matches students from the many colleges and universities with successful business owners or leaders.

“Some of these students may be the first in their family to go to college. We want to connect them to opportunities. The best way to find a job is through connections,” Cramer says. “It helps these young people establish relationships.”

It also encourages graduates to stay in the area where the mentorship and resulting connections can continue.

Other nonprofit organizations invest in the west and partner with schools to enhance education and quality of life.

Gateway Wellness Foundation helps local governments and nonprofits in Burke, McDowell, Polk and Rutherford counties address community needs.

Dogwood Health Trust, formed in 2019 when HCA Healthcare purchased Asheville-based Mission Health, distributes about $75 million in grants annually.

Gateway helps train people to construct modular homes from Kituwah Builders, which is owned by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Gateway and Dogwood also partner with McDowell Technical Community College’s Construction Trade Skills Academy to prepare students for general construction, construction project management and modular housing. “[It] not only increases the affordable housing stock and the number of low-income, first-time homeowners, but it also increases the number of trained, certified carpenters and project managers to build the affordable homes,” says Neil Gurney of the Gateway Foundation. “This very technical aspect of the curriculum is coupled with additional courses on employability skills, communication and interpersonal skills. The student is being taught not only how to do the job but how to get the job and how to keep the job.”

Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, and UNC Asheville are UNC System institutions.

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FOCUS | WESTERN REGION

MANAGING MOUNTAINOUS GROWTH The increasing numbers of residents and businesses heightens ongoing demand for housing, road improvements, technology, health care and childcare. Numerous organizations and government entities are accessing and addressing these needs and coming at them in a variety of tactics from small fixes to large undertakings.

The city of Asheville is putting some of its streets on a diet as a way to combat congestion and help businesses. Charlotte Street has undergone a “road diet,” and other busy thoroughfares will also. The process reduces four lanes to three lanes and designates the center one a turn lane going either way.

“You’ve got that turn lane so it doesn’t block traffic behind you,” says Cramer. “It makes room for bike paths and allows broadening of sidewalks. It gives easier access to local retail along the way.”

The road diets are an example of a small initiative compared to the bigger considerations for infrastructure in a comprehensive plan for the next 20 years.

“We are balancing growth with the need for additional housing,” says Cramer. “Are there neighborhoods where they have higher unemployment rates? Can we find land adjacent to that to try to plant a business to be a job provider and simplify transportation issues?”

Government entities will provide incentives for businesses to invest in real estate in these areas.

“We are doing it in collaboration with surrounding counties,” says Cramer. “They have areas ripe for potential new development or redevelopment.”

Bowen National Research conducted a study on housing needs and supply throughout the western region in 2020.

The six-month study examined population trends, income expectations, and supply and affordability for home ownership and rentals. It detailed the hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom rental unit in each county.

That amount ranged from $12.90 in Graham, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Swain and Yancey counties to $24.13 in Buncombe, Henderson and Madison counties. According to Asheville-based sustainable economy advocate Just Economics, the 2022 living wage — the minimum needed to meet basic needs — was $17.70 per hour in Buncombe County. It’s $13 in rural regions.

The housing study, funded by Dogwood Health Trust, clearly

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With a lack of housing, only about 13% of the 12,000 people employed in Boone as of 2018 lived within the city limits.

concluded there’s a housing shortage in western North Carolina, much like in the rest of the state and country.

The Bowen Research study on housing, is a first step to creating more homes.

“While some of the need is for market-rate homes, much of our housing shortage falls in the areas of transitional, supportive or affordable housing,” says Sarah Grymes, Dogwood’s vice president of impact. “Forming partnerships and leveraging other sources of revenue are going to be key to creating more safe and stable housing.”

With Dogwood’s backing, Gateway Wellness Foundation is building 31 affordable single-family homes in a Rutherfordton development that also will have 60 multifamily units and an Early Head Start location, which will support families and young children. Gateway also plans 26 affordable single-family homes in Marion.

Along with working to expand housing, child care, transportation and health care, Dogwood is improving broadband internet. It has partnered with the Institute for Emerging Issues at N.C. State University to fund the planning grants for all 18 counties and the Qualla Boundary so each will receive a $75,000 grant for broadband.

A recent Appalachian Regional Commission study found 22% of homes in western North Carolina lack broadband access, a deficiency highlighted by remote learning and work during the pandemic.

“We’re focused largely on filling needs that will remove barriers,” says Grymes.

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AROUND THE STATE | INCENTIVES

READY TO HELP Businesses expand or locate in North Carolina for many reasons, including financial incentives and grants. Here are some of what’s available and the investments they helped make possible.

NORTH CAROLINA’S 2021 SCOREBOARD

$1.83

billion

new annual payroll

$10.01 23,748 billion in capital investment

new jobs

(compared with $6.3B in 2020)

(compared with 20,026 in 2020) source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

BIGGEST JOBS ANNOUNCEMENTS

2022 VinFast

2021 7,500

Centene

2020 3,237

Lowe’s

1,600 1,200

Macy’s

2,800

Apple

3,000

Amazon

Toyota Motor

2,100

Google

1,000

Bandwidth

1,165 930 749

Boom Supersonic Amazon

1,750

BioAgilytix Labs

878

Microsoft

850

Pratt & Whitney

800

Q2 Solutions

source: BUSINESS NORTH CAROLINA

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DISCRETIONARY GRANTS Job Development Investment Grants provide performancebased incentives directly to new and expanding businesses. They help offset the cost of establishing or expanding in the state.

The One North Carolina Fund awards cash grants based on the number of jobs created, investment made, location selected and economic impact projected.

In 2018, legislators approved a Transformative Project provision of the JDIG grant program. To qualify, companies must create at least 3,000 jobs and invest at least $1 billion within 10 years.

Building Demolition and Building Reuse grants provide funds for site rehabilitation and renovation of vacant industrial and commercial buildings.

TIERED TAX CREDITS North Carolina annually assesses the economic health of its 100 counties. Each is assigned to one of three tiers. Projects in the 40 most distressed counties — Tier 1 — for example, are eligible for greater tax credits than those in the 20 least distressed, Tier 3.

1

2

3

2022 tier designations source: North Carolina Department of Commerce

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AROUND THE STATE | EXPANSIONS

MAKING A BIG FOOTPRINT IN NORTH CAROLINA From a homegrown semiconductor maker to a Vietnamese car manufacturer, companies near and far decided last year to expand in North Carolina. These are some of the biggest announcements.

VINFAST

MACY’S

North Carolina’s decades-long quest for an automobile assembly plant came to fruition with a March announcement by VinFast, part of the Vingroup conglomerate founded by billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong. The company, which delivered its first electric vehicles in Vietnam in December 2021, says it will start assembling vehicles in Chatham County’s Moncure community in July 2024. Total state and local investment, including roads and utilities around the plant, could top $850 million if VinFast meets its targets for jobs and investment. The 2,150-acre Triangle Innovation Point was among 29 sites in 29 states that VinFast officials considered before narrowing their search to Moncure and Savannah, Georgia.

Founded in 2017, the company intends to make electric SUV models expected to trade for more than $40,000.

By mid-2024, China Grove is expected to be the home of a 1.4 million-square-foot fulfillment center that will serve customers of the storied American retailer. The site is slated to account for 30% of Macy’s digital supply-chain capacity. Online sales make up about a third of sales at the company, which operates about 725 stores. New Jersey-based Silverman Group is collaborating with real estate advisory firm Avison Young in developing the property at the 85 North Logistics Center. Macy’s executives cited the region’s strong labor market and highway network as the factors leading them to Rowan County.

HANOI, VIETNAM NEW JOBS: 7,500 COUNTY: CHATHAM PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $4 BILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: $316.1 MILLION OVER 32 YEARS

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NEW YORK CITY NEW JOBS: 2,800 COUNTY: ROWAN PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $584 MILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: $2.3 MILLION OVER 12 YEARS

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WOLFSPEED

TOYOTA MOTOR

Durham-based chip maker Wolfspeed’s investment in this new facility stands to be the largest in the state’s history. It plans to create 1,800 jobs paying an average of $77,753 by 2030 for its new semiconductor factory. The facility at Chatham Advanced Manufacturing site near Siler City will enable Wolfspeed, formerly Cree, to increase its capacity tenfold. Construction of the first phase should be completed in 2024. Wolfspeed will add capacity as needed, eventually occupying more than a million square feet on 445 acres. Wolfspeed is a leading producer of silicon carbide wafers, which are largely used to power smartphones and electric vehicles.

Toyota’s first North American battery plant will support the company’s 10 U.S. automotive assembly sites, while providing a high-profile jolt to the Triad’s reputation as a manufacturing center. Expected to begin operating in 2025, the site will initially feature four production lines, with two more anticipated later.

Average salaries are likely to top $62,000. Each line will deliver enough lithium-ion batteries to power 200,000 vehicles. Access to renewable energy was among the factors leading the Japanese automaker to the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite. Electric and hybrid vehicles currently comprise 25% of Toyota’s sales, a number the company hopes to increase to 70% by 2030.

BOOM SUPERSONIC

AMAZON

DURHAM NEW JOBS: 1,800 COUNTY: CHATHAM PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $5 BILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: $86 MILLION OVER 20 YEARS

DENVER, COLORADO NEW JOBS: 1,750 COUNTY: GUILFORD PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $500 MILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: $87.2 MILLION OVER 20 YEARS

Gov. Roy Cooper described the company’s choice of Piedmont Triad International Airport for a manufacturing site “both poetic and logical” given North Carolina’s history as the birthplace of flight. The company aims to shake up the commercial aviation industry with its Overture jet expected to fly at twice the speed of sound while burning sustainable aviation fuels. The company’s factory will span 400,000 square feet and be LEED-certified.

Boom says it plans to begin production in 2024, with test flights by 2026.

AICHI, JAPAN NEW JOBS: 2,100 COUNTY: RANDOLPH PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $3.5 BILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: $315 MILLION OVER 20 YEARS

BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON NEW JOBS: 850 COUNTY: ALAMANCE, CUMBERLAND, JOHNSTON AND PENDER PROJECTED INVESTMENT: $200 MILLION N.C. INCENTIVES: NONE

E-commerce giant Amazon employs 27,000 North Carolina workers and has invested $5 billion at more than 25 Tar Heel operations. It’s quickly become among the state’s biggest employers over the past few years. Amazon typically doesn’t seek state incentives, but it benefits from local support in some cases.

For example, its 1 million- square-foot warehouse at Fayetteville’s Military Business Park, expected to open late this year, is receiving $2.5 million in incentives from county and city governments.

Another 620,000-square-foot center with an expected 500 jobs is being built in Smithfield in Johnston County.

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AROUND THE STATE | P R I VAT E CO M PA N I E S

NORTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST PRIVATE COMPANIES For more than 30 years, Business North Carolina magazine has recognized privately-owned businesses that play pivotal, but often understated, roles in building the state’s economy. Its list, compiled with revenue and employment information shared by companies, includes best estimates for those that prefer not to disclose that information. Private equity controlled companies whose operations are based in North Carolina are eligible for the list. The majority of businesses are closely held organizations with long histories in the state. The list is based on 2021 revenue.

$1 BILLION OR MORE

1. Hendrick Automotive Group

7. Parkdale Mills Gastonia Textiles

Mount Airy Construction and engineering services

CEO: Anderson Warlick

CEO: J. Eric Pike

15,000

2,000

15. Golden Corral

8. Bojangles

Raleigh Restaurants

Charlotte Automotive dealerships

Charlotte Restaurants

CEO: Rick Hendrick

CEO: Jose Armario

CEO: Lance Trenary

10,800

9,000

22,000

9. National Gypsum

2. Epic Games

16. AmWINS Group Charlotte Wholesale insurance provider

Cary Video game software

Charlotte Wallboard product manufacturer

CEO: Tim Sweeney

CEO: Thomas Nelson

CEO: Scott Purviance

3,118

2,500

3,634

3. American Tire Distributors

10. House of Raeford Farms

17. SteelFab Charlotte Steel fabricator

Huntersville Tire distribution service

Rose Hill Poultry processor

CEO: Stuart Schuette

CEO: Robert Johnson

CEO: R. Glenn Sherrill Jr.

4,700

4,500

1,200

18. Form Technologies

11. Leith Cars

4. Belk Charlotte Department store retailer

CEO: Don Hendricks 17,000

Raleigh Auto dealerships

Charlotte Metal components manufacturer

1,800 (estimate)

8,800

COO: Danny Williams 12. Flow Automotive

5. Alex Lee Hickory Wholesale and retail grocer

CEO: Brian George

Winston-Salem Auto dealerships

6. SAS Institute Cary Software development

CEO: James Goodnight

Global VP: Daniel Adam

19. Case Foods Troutman Poultry processor

CEO: Don Flow

CEO: Michael Popowycz

1,700

3,200

14,850

13. Market America Greensboro Digital marketer

CEO: JR Ridinger

11,952

58

14. Pike

746

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$500 MILLION — $999 MILLION

20. Variety Wholesalers

26. Window World

33. Liberty Healthcare & Rehabilitation

North Wilkesboro Window installation service

Wilmington Nursing homes and health services

CEO: Tammy Whitworth

CEO: John McNeill Jr.

2,000 (estimate)

5,500 (estimate)

27. Charlotte Pipe & Foundry

34. Vannoy Construction

Charlotte Pipe manufacturer

Jefferson General contractor

CEO: Art Pope

CEO: Hooper Hardison

CEO: Eddie Vannoy

7,000 (estimate)

1,500 (estimate)

386

Henderson Discount retailer

28. Gregory Poole Equipment

21. CTE

35. Concord Hospitality Enterprises

Raleigh Construction equipment dealer

Raleigh Lodging services

CEO: Ed Weisiger Jr.

CEO: J. Gregory Poole III

CEO: Mark Laport

1,590

1,350

4,949

Charlotte Construction equipment dealer

22. Atlantic Packaging

29. Goldsboro Milling

36. Shurtape Technologies

Goldsboro Turkey producer

Hickory Manufacturer: adhesive tape, office supplies

CEO: Russell M. “Rusty” Carter

CEO: H.G. Maxwell III

CEO: Vuk Trivanovic

2,000

800

1,600

Wilmington Packaging materials distributor

30. CaptiveAire Systems

37. The Cook & Boardman Group

Raleigh Manufacturer of kitchen-ventilation products

Winston-Salem Distributor of doors, frames, building products

CEO: William H. “Bill” Prestage

CEO: Bob Luddy

CEO: Darrin Anderson

2,600

1,250

1,300 (estimate)

23. Prestage Farms Clinton Poultry processor

24. Southco Distributing

31. MegaCorp Logistics

38. True Homes

Wilmington Logistics services

Monroe Homebuilder

CEO: Sherwin Herring

CEO: Ryan Legg

CEO: Dan Horner

240

530

350 (estimate)

Goldsboro Convenience-store supplier

25. Shoe Show Concord Retailer

32. Sampson-Bladen Oil Co. Clinton Petroleum products distributor

CEO: Robert Tucker

CEO: Haddon Clark III

10,000 (estimate)

950 (estimate)

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AROUND THE STATE | P U B L I C CO M PA N I E S

NORTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST PUBLIC COMPANIES Business North Carolina magazine used stock-market performance as of June 30, 2022 to determine this list of the 50 largest public companies headquartered in North Carolina. Shares of companies based in the state generally got slammed in the 12 months through June 30, perhaps an inevitable reversal after stunning advances in the previous year. Five companies bucked the odds with gains topping 20%, including grocery chain Ingles Markets, beverage seller Coca-Cola Consolidated and building products distributor Cornerstone Building Brands, which is being acquired by a private equity company.

1. Bank of America Charlotte Financial services

11. Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Burlington Medical testing

21. Coca-Cola Consolidated Charlotte Beverages

12. Martin Marietta Materials Raleigh Building materials

22. Curtiss-Wright Charlotte Aerospace and industrial equipment

13. Ingersoll Rand Davidson Industrial goods

23. Driven Brands Charlotte Automotive services

14. Advance Auto Parts Raleigh Specialty retail

24. Premier Charlotte Health care services

15. First Citizens BancShares Raleigh Financial services

25. Vontier Raleigh Industrial machiner

16. Qorvo Greensboro Semiconductors

26. Highwoods Properties Raleigh Real estate

17. Sealed Air Charlotte Containers and packaging

27. Hanesbrands Winston-Salem Apparel

18. Wolfspeed Durham Semiconductors

28. Enact Holdings Raleigh Financial services

9. Nucor Charlotte Steel

19. Dentsply Sirona Charlotte Medical supplies

29. nCino Wilmington Computer software

10. Albemarle Charlotte Chemicals

20. Syneos Health Morrisville Pharmaceutical services

30. Hayward Holdings Charlotte Electronic components

2. Honeywell Charlotte Diversified services 3. Lowe’s Mooresville Home-improvement stores 4. Duke Energy Charlotte Utilities 5. Truist Financial Charlotte Financial services 6. IQVIA Durham Pharmaceutical services 7. Trane Technologies Davidson HVAC systems 8. Old Dominion Freight Line Thomasville Trucking

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31. Cornerstone Building Brands Cary Building supplies 32. Brighthouse Financial Charlotte Financial services 33. SPX Charlotte Industrial equipment 34. Krispy Kreme Charlotte Specialty retail 35. BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Durham Pharmaceuticals 36. Kontoor Brands Greensboro Apparel

41. Live Oak Bancshares Wilmington Financial services

46. First Bancorp Southern Pines Financial services

42. Sonic Automotive Charlotte Car dealerships

47. AvidXchange Charlotte Electronic payroll services

43. Phressia Raleigh Managed health care

48. Extreme Networks Morrisville Telecommunications equipment

44. Jeld-Wen Charlotte Building products 45. CommScope Hickory Telecommunications equipment

49. Barings BDC Raleigh Financial services 50. Snap One Charlotte Electronics distribution

Provided by: Capital Investment Cos. and Nottingham

37. EnPro Industries Charlotte Industrial equipment 38. Ingles Markets Asheville Grocery stores 39. N-Able Morrisville EDP services 40. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Greensboro Shopping centers

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AROUND THE STATE | HIGHER EDUCATION

NORTH CAROLINA’S HIGHER EDUCATION DIRECTORY UNC GREENSBORO GREENSBORO uncg.edu

PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY BOONE

appstate.edu

EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY GREENVILLE ecu.edu

ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY ELIZABETH CITY ecsu.edu

FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY FAYETTEVILLE

UNC PEMBROKE PEMBROKE uncp.edu

UNC SCHOOL OF THE ARTS WINSTON-SALEM uncsa.edu

UNC WILMINGTON WILMINGTON uncw.edu

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CULLOWHEE

wssu.edu

CAROLINA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE WINSTON-SALEM carolina.edu

CAROLINA COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES FAYETTEVILLE ccbs.edu

CAROLINA UNIVERSITY carolinau.edu

SALISBURY

catawba.edu

CHARLOTTE

chamberlain.edu

CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CHARLOTTE

charlottechristian.edu

PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS

CHOWAN UNIVERSITY MURFREESBORO chowan.edu

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

BARTON COLLEGE

ncsu.edu

barton.edu

UNC ASHEVILLE

BELMONT ABBEY COLLEGE

WILSON

ASHEVILLE

BELMONT

unca.edu

belmontabbycollege.edu

UNC CHAPEL HILL

BENNETT COLLEGE

unc.edu

bennett.edu

UNC CHARLOTTE

BREVARD COLLEGE

uncc.edu

brevard.edu

62

campbell.edu

CHAMBERLAIN UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

CHARLOTTE

BUIES CREEK

CATAWBA COLLEGE

WINSTON-SALEM

ncat.edu

CHAPEL HILL

CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY

WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

GREENSBORO

RALEIGH

cabarruscollege.edu

WINSTON-SALEM

NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL STATE UNIVERSITY

nccu.edu

CONCORD

wcu.edu

uncfsu.edu

DURHAM

CABARRUS COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

GREENSBORO

BREVARD

DAVIDSON COLLEGE DAVIDSON

davidson.edu

DEVRY UNIVERSITY CHARLOTTE devry.edu

DUKE UNIVERSITY DURHAM duke.edu

ECPI UNIVERSITY

CHARLOTTE, GREENSBORO, RALEIGH ecpi.edu

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ELON UNIVERSITY

MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

elon.edu

mhu.edu

ELON

MARS HILL

SOUTHEASTERN BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY WAKE FOREST sebts.edu

GARDNER-WEBB UNIVERSITY

MEREDITH COLLEGE

gardner-webb.edu

meredith.edu

SOUTHEASTERN FREE WILL BAPTIST BIBLE COLLEGE

GREENSBORO COLLEGE

METHODIST UNIVERSITY

sfwbc.edu

greensboro.edu

methodist.edu

ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

MID-ATLANTIC CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

sa.edu

BOILING SPRINGS

GREENSBORO

GUILFORD COLLEGE GREENSBORO guilford.edu

HERITAGE BIBLE COLLEGE

RALEIGH

FAYETTEVILLE

ELIZABETH CITY

macuniversity.edu

DUNN

MILLER-MOTTE COLLEGE

HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY

miller-motte.edu

heritagebiblecollege.edu

HIGH POINT

FAYETTEVILLE, JACKSONVILLE, RALEIGH, WILMINGTON

WENDELL

LAURINBURG

STRAYER UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA CHARLOTTE, CONCORD, GREENSBORO, HUNTERSVILLE, MORRISVILLE, RALEIGH strayeruniversity.edu

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE

highpoint.edu

MONTREAT COLLEGE

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY

montreat.edu

MOUNT OLIVE, DURHAM, GOLDSBORO, SMITHFIELD

NORTH CAROLINA WESLEYAN COLLEGE

WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY

CHARLOTTE jwu.edu

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY CHARLOTTE jcsu.edu

LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE BANNER ELK lmc.edu

LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY

MONTREAT, BLACK MOUNTAIN

ROCKY MOUNT

WINSTON-SALEM

ncwc.edu

wfu.edu

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE

CHARLOTTE, ONLINE

SWANNANOA

northeastern.edu

warren-wilson.edu

PFEIFFER UNIVERSITY

WATTS SCHOOL OF NURSING

ASHEVILLE, HICKORY

MISENHEIMER, CHARLOTTE, RALEIGH, DURHAM

lr.edu

pfeiffer.edu

LIVING ARTS COLLEGE

QUEENS UNIVERSITY CHARLOTTE

living-art-college.edu

queens.edu

LIVINGSTONE COLLEGE

SAINT AUGUSTINE’S UNIVERSITY

SALISBURY

RALEIGH

livingstone.edu

st-aug.edu

LOUISBURG COLLEGE

SALEM COLLEGE

LOUISBURG

WINSTON-SALEM

louisburg.edu

salem.edu

MANNA UNIVERSITY

SHAW UNIVERSITY

manna.edu

shawu.edu

DURHAM

wattsschoolofnursing.org

WESTERN GOVERNORS UNIVERSITY

RALEIGH

FAYETTEVILLE

omu.edu

DURHAM, ONLINE

wgu.edu/north-carolina

WILLIAM PEACE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH

peace.edu

WINGATE UNIVERSITY WINGATE, CHARLOTTE, HENDERSONVILLE wingate.edu

RALEIGH

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AROUND THE STATE | HIGHER EDUCATION

CARTERET COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOREHEAD CITY

COMMUNITY COLLEGES

carteret.edu

ALAMANCE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CONOVER, HICKORY, NEWTON, TAYLORSVILLE

BURLINGTON, GRAHAM alamancecc.edu

ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE ARDEN, ASHEVILLE, CANDLER, MARSHALL, WOODFIN abtech.edu

BEAUFORT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CATAWBA VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE cvcc.edu

CENTRAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DUNN, LILLINGTON, PITTSBORO, SANFORD, SILER CITY cccc.edu

CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WASHINGTON

CHARLOTTE, HUNTERSVILLE, MATTHEWS cpcc.edu

BLADEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CLEVELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

beaufortccc.edu

DUBLIN

bladencc.edu

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE BREVARD, FLAT ROCK, HENDERSONVILLE

SHELBY

clevelandcc.edu

COASTAL CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE JACKSONVILLE

EDGECOMBE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROCKY MOUNT, TARBORO edgecombe.edu

FAYETTEVILLE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

FAYETTEVILLE, FORT BRAGG, SPRING LAKE faytechcc.edu

FORSYTH TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

KERNERSVILLE, KING, WALNUT COVE, WINSTON-SALEM forsythtech.edu

GASTON COLLEGE

BELMONT, DALLAS, LINCOLNTON gaston.edu

GUILFORD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COLFAX, GREENSBORO, HIGH POINT, JAMESTOWN gtcc.edu

HALIFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE WELDON

halifaxcc.edu

blueridge.edu

coastalcarolina.edu

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

COLLEGE OF THE ALBEMARLE

brunswickcc.edu

abemarle.edu

CALDWELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

CRAVEN COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAVELOCK, NEW BERN

COLUMBUS, RUTHERFORDTON, SPINDALE

cccti.edu

CAPE FEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DAVIDSON-DAVIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

JAMES SPRUNT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

cfcc.edu

davidsondavie.edu

BOLIVIA, LELAND, SOUTHPORT, SUPPLY

BOONE, HUDSON

BURGAW, CASTLE HAYNE, HAMPSTEAD, WILMINGTON

BARCO, EDENTON, ELIZABETH CITY, MANTEO

cravencc.edu

BERMUDA RUN, LEXINGTON, MOCKSVILLE, THOMASVILLE

DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DURHAM, HILLSBOROUGH

HAYWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLYDE

haywood.edu

ISOTHERMAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE isothermal.edu

KENANSVILLE

jamessprunt.edu

JOHNSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLAYTON, FOUR OAKS, SMITHFIELD johnstoncc.edu

durhamtech.edu

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LENOIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE KINSTON, LA GRANGE, PINK HILL, SNOW HILL, TRENTON lenoircc.edu

MARTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE WILLIAMSTON, WINDSOR martincc.edu

MAYLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BURNSVILLE, NEWLAND, SPRUCE PINE mayland.edu

MCDOWELL TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MARION

mcdowelltech.edu

MITCHELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MOORESVILLE, STATESVILLE mitchellcc.edu

MONTGOMERY COMMUNITY COLLEGE TROY

montgomery.edu

ROANOKE-CHOWAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

roanokechowan.edu

tricountycc.edu

AHOSKIE

ROBESON COMMUNITY COLLEGE LUMBERTON robeson.edu

ROCKINGHAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MARBLE, MURPHY, ROBBINSVILLE

VANCE-GRANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CREEDMOOR, HENDERSON, LOUISBURG, WARRENTON vgcc.edu

rockinghamcc.edu

WAKE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ROWAN-CABARRUS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

waketech.edu

WENTWORTH

CONCORD, KANNAPOLIS, SALISBURY

CARY, MORRISVILLE, RALEIGH, WAKE FOREST, WENDELL, ZEBULON

rccc.edu

WAYNE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SAMPSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

waynecc.edu

CLINTON

sampsoncc.edu

SANDHILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE PINEHURST, CARTHAGE, RAEFORD, ROBBINS

GOLDSBORO

WESTERN PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE MORGANTON wpcc.edu

sandhills.edu

WILKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE

nashcc.edu

SOUTHEASTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

wilkescc.edu

PAMLICO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

sccnc.edu

NASH COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROCKY MOUNT

BAYBORO, GRANTSBORO pamlicocc.edu

PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE ROXBORO, YANCEYVILLE piedmontcc.edu

PITT COMMUNITY COLLEGE WINTERVILLE pittcc.edu

RANDOLPH COMMUNITY COLLEGE ASHEBORO

randolph.edu

RICHMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE HAMLET, LAURINBURG richmondcc.edu

WHITEVILLE

SPARTA, WEST JEFFERSON, WILKESBORO

WILSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SOUTH PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE

WILSON

wilsoncc.edu

MONROE, POLKTON, WADESBORO spcc.edu

SOUTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYLVA

southwesterncc.edu

STANLY COMMUNITY COLLEGE ALBEMARLE, LOCUST stanly.edu

SURRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

DOBSON, ELKIN, MOUNT AIRY, PILOT MOUNTAIN, YADKINVILLE surry.edu

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AROUND THE STATE | HOSPITALS

Business North Carolina’s list of the state’s best hospitals with 50 or more beds examines data compiled from several sources to determine which medical centers provide the best care for their patients.

The rankings are calculated using more than 25 metrics, including information provided by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Patient-satisfaction surveys, as well as infection, readmission and death rates for common procedures, are also taken under consideration.

Other factors include safety report cards by the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit The LeapfrogGroup, distinction awards from insurer Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and z national performance ratings from U.S. News & World Report.

1 TIED

5 TIED

8 TIED

DUKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

UNC REX HEALTHCARE

CAROMONT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

BEDS: 957

BEDS: 660

BEDS: 435

2021 RANK: 2

2021 RANK: 1

2021 RANK: 3

PRESIDENT: THOMAS OWENS

PRESIDENT: ERNIE BOVIO

PRESIDENT, CEO: CHRIS PEEK

DURHAM

1 TIED

RALEIGH

5 TIED

GASTONIA

8 TIED

MOSES H. CONE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

WAKEMED HEALTH & HOSPITALS

BEDS: 529

BEDS: 726

2021 RANK: T-6

2021 RANK: T-16

BEDS: 597

PRESIDENT: PRESTON HAMMOCK

PRESIDENT, CEO: DONALD GINTZIG

2021 RANK: 11

GREENSBORO

RALEIGH

NOVANT HEALTH PRESBYTERIAN MEDICAL CENTER CHARLOTTE

PRESIDENT, COO: SAAD ETHTISHAM

3 TIED DUKE REGIONAL HOSPITAL DURHAM

7 ATRIUM HEALTH CABARRUS

11

2021 RANK: T-13

BEDS: 457

WAKE FOREST BAPTIST HEALTH - HIGH POINT MEDICAL CENTER

INTERIM PRESIDENT: DEVDUTTA SANGVAI

2021 RANK: T-6

HIGH POINT

VICE PRESIDENT: ASHA RODRIGUEZ

BEDS: 351

BEDS: 369

CONCORD

2021 RANK: T-13

3 TIED UNC HOSPITALS CHAPEL HILL BEDS: 929 2021 RANK: T-10 PRESIDENT: JANET HADAR

PRESIDENT, CEO: JIM HOEKSTRA

8 TIED ATRIUM HEALTH CAROLINAS MEDICAL CENTER CHARLOTTE BEDS: 907 2021 RANK: 12 VICE PRESIDENT: D. CHANNING ROUSH

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12 TIED

14 TIED

19

CAROLINAEAST HEALTH SYSTEM

NOVANT HEALTH FORSYTH MEDICAL CENTER

NOVANT HEALTH MATTHEWS MEDICAL CENTER

BEDS: 350

BEDS: 921

2021 RANK: T-6

2021 RANK: T-6

BEDS: 146

PRESIDENT, CEO: MICHAEL SMITH

PRESIDENT, COO: CHAD SETLIFF

2021 RANK: 19

NEW BERN

WINSTON-SALEM

MATTHEWS

PRESIDENT, COO: JASON BERND

12 TIED

17

MISSION HOSPITAL

WAKE FOREST BAPTIST MEDICAL CENTER

ASHEVILLE

20

WINSTON-SALEM

CATAWBA VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER

2021 RANK: T-4

BEDS: 885

HICKORY

PRESIDENT: CHAD PATRICK

2021 RANK: 15

BEDS: 258

CEO: JULIE ANN FREISCHLAG

2021 RANK: T-23

BEDS: 730

PRESIDENT, CEO: DENNIS JOHNSON

14 TIED

18

FIRSTHEALTH MOORE REGIONAL HOSPITAL

DUKE RALEIGH HOSPITAL

PINEHURST

RALEIGH

BEDS: 390

BEDS: 186

2021 RANK: T-4

2021 RANK: 19

PRESIDENT: MICKEY FOSTER

PRESIDENT: BARBARA GRIFFITH

14 TIED FRYE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER A DUKE LIFEPOINT HOSPITAL HICKORY BEDS: 355 2021 RANK: T-16 CEO: DENNIS BRUNS

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AROUND THE STATE | B Y T H E N U M B E R S

TOP PERFORMERS North Carolina is a great place to do business. But you don’t have to take our word for it. The state’s competitive tax rates, infrastructure, customized workforce development and quality of life are a few of the reasons it consistently ranks as a top state for businesses.

#1 #1 #1 #1 #1 #3

AMERICA’S TOP STATE FOR BUSINESS CNBC cable business network, 2022

BEST BUSINESS CLIMATE Business Facilities magazine, 2022

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVEMENTS Site Selection magazine, 2022

BEST STATE TO DO BUSINESS Visual Capitalist, 2022

LARGEST CITIES RANK

CITY

POPULATION

1

CHARLOTTE

903,211

2

RALEIGH

480,419

3

GREENSBORO

304,909

4

DURHAM

294,542

5

WINSTON-SALEM

25 3,5 31

6

FAYETTEVILLE

210,089 182,619

7

CARY

8

WILMINGTON

117,247

9

HIGH POINT

115,997

10

CONCORD

105,240

11

ASHEVILLE

96,829

12

GREENVILLE

88,815

13

GASTONIA

82,145

14

JACKSONVILLE

73,239

15

HUNTERSVILLE

64,296

16

APEX

63,040 62,906

17

CHAPEL HILL

18

BURLINGTON

58,771

19

KANNAPOLIS

55,212

20

ROCKY MOUNT

53,713

21

MOORESVILLE

53,689

22

WAKE FOREST

51,097

23

WILSON

47,587

24

HOLLY SPRINGS

44,555

25

HICKORY

44,186

26

INDIAN TRAIL

41,293

27

FUQUAY-VARINA

37,396

28

SALISBURY

35,916

29

MONROE

34,914

30

GOLDSBORO

33,101

31

CORNELIUS

32,722

32

GARNER

32,241

33

MORRISVILLE

31,840

34

NEW BERN

31,645

35

SANFORD

30,695

36

MATTHEWS

29,883

37

STATESVILLE

29,197

38

CLAYTON

28,345

BEST STATE FOR BUSINESS

39

ASHEBORO

27,584

40

THOMASVILLE

27,269

41

MINT HILL

27,196

Forbes, 2017, 2018 and 2019

42

KERNERSVILLE

27,115

43

LELAND

24,784

44

WAXHAW

22,670 22,238

45

SHELBY

46

CLEMMONS

21 ,671

BEST STATE TO MOVE TO

47

CARRBORO

21,637

48

KNIGHTDALE

21,041

Forbes, 2022

49

HARRISBURG

20,455

50

LEXINGTON

19,772

source: worldpopulationreview.com, 2022

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Charlotte

Raleigh

Greensboro

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AROUND THE STATE | COUNTY BY COUNTY

AL AMANCE Alamance Chamber of Commerce 336-228-1338 alamancechamber.com

AL E X AN D E R EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 17.2% Retail: 14.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Alexander County Economic Development Corp.

828-632-1161 alexanderedc.org

Laboratory Corporation of America

2021* 173.4 59.8 4.8% $44.0

HIGHER EDUCATION

Elon University; Alamance Community College

AL LEGHANY Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce 336-372-5473 alleghanycountychamber.com

Taylorsville: population 2,323

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

65.0 cents per $100 value

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 37.0 8.8 11.4% $28.3

2021* 36.1 9.2 4.2% $40.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 18.7% Health care: 11.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Anson Economic Development Partnership 704-690-4936 ansonedp.com

59.7 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Wilkes Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 26.4 7.5 12.2% $27.1

2021* 21.9 6.7 6.3% $38.8

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 16.3% Health care: 14.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Avery County Economic Development Committee 828-504-2045 averycounty.com/edc

American Emergency Vehicles

Manufacturing: 19.8% Government: 15.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

77.7 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

South Piedmont Community College

2021* 26.4 7.2 4.0% $39.6

HIGHER EDUCATION

Wilkes Community College

B EAU FORT Beaufort County Economic Development 252-946-3970 beaufortedc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 17.9 6.5 11.6% $28.3

2021* 17.8 6.7 3.9% $39.4

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 12.9% Manufacturing: 13.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Bertie County Economic Development 252-794-5301 co.bertie.nc.us

HIGHER EDUCATION

Lees-McRae College; Mayland Community College

Government: 14.8% Health care: 12.4%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Perdue Farms

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Washington: population 9,793

Windsor: 3,253

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

62.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Beaufort County Community College

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

County by County_EDG 2023.indd 70

40.0 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 44.1 16.0 4.8% $46.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

BERTIE

Nutrien

2011 47.6 16.4 11.5% $34.1

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Banner Elk: population 1,194

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

51.0 cents per $100 value

Retail: 13.0% Government: 13.6%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Jefferson: population 1,614 2011 27.0 7.1 12.2% $29.8

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Sugar Mountain Resort

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

70

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

AVE RY

Ashe County Economic Development 336-846-5501 ashencedc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Catawba County Community College

Wadesboro: population 4,964

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

ASH E

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Sparta: population 1,888 2021* 10.8 3.2 4.6% $40.6

79.0 cents per $100 value

Peoplease

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 11.0 3.2 12.4% $29.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

AN SON

Parkdale Mills

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Burlington (part): population 56,391 2011 152.1 56.3 10.7% $33.2

Manufacturing: 41.1% Government: 9.8% Craftmaster Furniture

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 20.8 6.5 12.7% $27.6

2021* 17.6 5.3 5.9% $40.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

86.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Roanoke-Chowan Community College; Martin Community College

For sources and notes, see page 82

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B L ADE N

B R UN SW I C K

Bladen County Economic Development Commission 910-645-2292 bladennc.govoffice3.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 45.0% Government: 6.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Brunswick Business and Industry Development 910-408-1603 brunswickbid.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 17.0% Hospitality: 13.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Smithfield Foods

Walmart

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Elizabethtown: population 3,254 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 34.5 12.4 13.1% $29.8

2021* 28.8 13.3 5.8% $39.3

Leland: population 25,459

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

78.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Bladen Community College

B U NCOMBE

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 109.3 27.4 11.5% $33.7

2021* 140.4 35.1 6.0% $46.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

48.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Brunswick Community College

B UR K E

Economic Development Coalition Asheville-Buncombe County 828-258-6101

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

ashevillechamber.org/economic-development

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Health care: 18.8% Retail: 13.0%

Burke Development Inc. 828-764-9370 burkedevinc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 22.7% Manufacturing: 24.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Mission Health

Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Asheville: population 95,052 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 242.3 111.1 8.2% $36.4

2021* 272.9 130.1 4.2% $53.3

Morganton: population 17,525

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

48.8 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

UNC Asheville; Montreat College; Warren Wilson College; Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

CAB AR RUS Cabarrus Economic Development 704-704-703-1725 cabarrusedc.com

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 89.8 28.2 12.7% $27.8

2021* 86.8 28.9 4.5% $38.9

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 15.4% Health care: 12.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Atrium Health

Economic Development Commission of Caldwell County 828-728-0768 caldwelledc.org

2021* 232.1 79.1 4.4% $49.7

HIGHER EDUCATION

Western Piedmont Community College

HIGHER EDUCATION

Barber-Scotia College; Rowan-Cabarrus Community College; Cabarrus College of Health Sciences

CAM DE N

Manufacturing: 23.4% Health care: 14.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Lenoir: population 18,500

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

74.0 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Merchants Distributors

Concord: population 108,229 2011 181.5 61.2 10.1% $36.3

69.5 cents per $100 value

CA L DW E L L

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 82.6 24.2 13.2% $27.8

2020* 80.2 24.4 4.9% $38.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

63.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

CA R T E R E T

Camden County Economic Development Commission 252-338-6363 camdencountync.gov

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Education: 24.6% Government: 11.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Carteret County Economic Development Department 252-648-7880 carteretedc.com

Boddie Noell Enterprises Easter Seals UCP North Carolinas

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 18.4% Hospitality: 17.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Walmart

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Morehead City: population9,773

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 10.0 2.1 8.5% $39.7

2021* 10.5 1.2 3.9% $48.6

Elizabeth City (part): population 38 COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

87.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 67.4 21.4 9.4% $40.6

2021* 67.3 23.5 4.1% $53.3

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

33.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Carteret Community College

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CASW E LL

CATAW B A

Caswell County Office of Economic Development 336-933-4674 allincaswellnc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Government: 21.8% Health care: 14.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Catawba County Economic Development Corp.

828-267-1564 catawbaedc.org

WS Construction

2021* 22.6 2.8 5.3% $39.3

Hickory (part): population 43,960

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

73.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Piedmont Community College

CH ATHAM

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 155.1 78.3 12.7% $35.4

2021* 161.9 86.2 4.7% $49.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 14.9% Retail: 10.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Cherokee County Economic Development 828-835-9564, ext. 204 cherokeecounty-nc.gov

Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 77.7 15.8 3.6% $66.8

Andrews: population 1,661

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

66.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Central Carolina Community College

CH OWAN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 27.4 7.8 13.8% $27.0

2021* 28.9 7.7 5.0% $36.6

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 17.5% Retail: 13.5%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Clay County Economic Development 828-389-0089 economic.claync.us

Tri-County Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Ingles Markets

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Edenton: population 4,476 2021* 13.6 4.7 4.9% $45.4

Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership 704-669-4701 chooseclevelandcountync.com

Hayesville: population 466

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

66.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

CL EVEL AND

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 10.7 1.9 10.7% $27.3

2021* 11.1 2.0 4.9% $37.6

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 19.0% Health care: 13.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Columbus County Economic Development Commission 910-640-6608 columbusedc.com

43.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Tri-County Community College

Gardner-Webb University; Cleveland Community College

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Whiteville: population 4,705

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

HIGHER EDUCATION

Health care: 15.5% Retail: 12.4%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Shelby: population 22,078 68.8 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Employer HR

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 100.5 35.1 5.3% $41.6

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

COL UM B US

Walmart

County by County_EDG 2023.indd 72

HIGHER EDUCATION

Retail: 19.3% Health care: 13.4%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

72

61.0 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Meherrin Agricultural & Chemical

2011 97.6 31.8 11.8% $30.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

C L AY

Edenton Chowan Partnership Inc. 252-482-2007 edenton.net

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Lenoir-Rhyne University; Catawba Valley Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Siler City: population 7,699

2011 14.7 4.6 11.6% $32.9

HIGHER EDUCATION

Retail: 18.3% Health care: 16.7%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

57.5 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Carolina Meadows

2011 64.4 14.1 8.0% $47.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

C H E R OK E E

Chatham County Economic Development Corp.

919-542-8274 chathamedc.org

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Yanceyville: population 1,939 2011 23.6 3.2 10.9% $27.4

Manufacturing: 27.4% Retail: 12.6% Target Stores

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 57.5 15.3 13.9% $28.2

2021* 49.3 15.3 6.3% $37.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

80.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Southeastern Community College

For sources and notes, see page 82

11/7/22 12:02 PM

C RAVE N

C UM B E R L AN D

Craven County Economic Development 252-633-5300 cravenbusiness.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Government: 17.1% Health care: 17.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Fayetteville Cumberland County

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

910-500-6464 fayedc.com

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Economic Development Corp.

BSH Home Appliances

Walmart

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Fayetteville: population 214,255

New Bern: population 32,339 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 104.3 37.5 11.0% $37.4

2021* 100.1 39.2 4.7% $48.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

56.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Craven Community College

C U RRIT UCK Currituck County Economic Development 252-232-6015 thinkcurrituck.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 331.1 118.9 10.2% $33.9

2021* 334.7 118.3 6.9% $43.0

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 19.7% Hospitality: 11.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce 252-441-8144 outerbankschamber.com

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Kill Devil Hills: population 7,674

46.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 34.2 18.0 11.8% $42.4

2021* 37.3 19.2 6.0% $59.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 23.5% Retail: 11.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Davie County Economic Development Commission 336-751-2714 daviecountyedc.com

Atrium Corp.

40.1 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

HIGHER EDUCATION

Davidson County Community College

DU PL I N

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Mocksville: population 5,991

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

54.0 cents per $100 value

Manufacturing: 29.1% Retail: 12.5%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Thomasville (part): population 26,874 2021* 170.0 44.0 4.5% $43.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Ashley Furniture Industries

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 41.2 9.6 10.2% $38.6

2021* 43.3 12.9 4.3% $52.2

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

73.3 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Davidson County Community College

D UR H A M

Duplin County Economic Development Commission 910-296-2180 duplinedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 29.0% Agriculture: 10.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce 919-328-8750 durhamchamber.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 18.1% Professional services: 13.6%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Duke University

Butterball

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Durham (part): population 286,658

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Wallace (part): population 3,439 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

DAVI E

Davidson County Economic Development Commission 336-243-1900 davidsoncountyedc.com

2011 162.9 39.1 11.6% $31.7

Methodist University; Fayetteville State University; Fayetteville Technical Community College

Food Lion

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

DAVI DSON

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

Hospitality: 24.0% Retail: 19.0%

Myock, unincorporated 2021* 29.3 7.3 4.1% $49.2

79.9 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 23.9 5.3 7.0% $37.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

DAR E

Vacasa North Carolina

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Health care: 18.7% Retail: 14.3%

2011 58.1 19.5 9.8% $29.0

2021* 47.0 18.4 4.4% $37.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

73.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

James Sprunt Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 276.5 179.5 8.5% $41.0

2021* 330.0 221.8 4.1% $54.1

72.2 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Duke University; NC Central University; Durham Technical Community College

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EDGECOMBE Carolinas Gateway Partnership 252-442-0114 econdev.org

F OR SY T H EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 21.1% Manufacturing: 19.1%

Greater Winston-Salem Inc. 336-728-9200 winstonsalem.com

Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

QVC

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Winston-Salem: population 250,249

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Rocky Mount (part): population 15,243 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2021* 48.1 16.0 8.5% $39.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

95.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Edgecombe Community College

F RANK LIN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 354.7 171.1 10.0% $39.3

2021* 385.5 186.1 4.9% $51.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 22.1% Retail: 11.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Gaston County Economic Development Commission 704-825-4046 gaston.org

Novozymes North America

2021* 70.4 12.3 4.7% $39.5

78.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Louisburg College; Vance-Granville Community College

Manufacturing: 19.2% Health care: 18.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 207.7 64.9 11.6% $33.6

2021* 230.4 74.5 5.2% $44.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

81.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Belmont Abbey College; Gaston College

GR A H A M

Gates County Chamber of Commerce 252-506-1592 gatescountync.gov

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 11.6% Government: 10.4%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Graham County Economic Development 828-479-7984 grahamcountyedc.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Construction: 19.5% Government: 13.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Ashton Lewis Lumber

Graham County Land Co.

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Gatesville: population 264 2011 11.9 1.4 7.8% $31.1

2021* 10.2 1.5 4.3% $41.6

Granville County Economic Development Commission 919-693-5911 granvillecounty.org

Robbinsville: population 600

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

84.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

GRANV ILLE

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 8.8 2.2 17.0% $27.3

2021* 8.0 2.0 6.9% $37.9

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 24.2% Manufacturing: 18.5%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Greene County Economic Development Commission 252-747-3446 greenecountync.gov

Tri-County Community College

84.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Vance-Granville Community College

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Government: 27.4% Health care: 12.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Snow Hill: population 1,468

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

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HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Oxford: population 8,691 2021* 61.4 20.3 4.0% $42.8

65.0 cents per $100 value

Greene County Health Care

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 57.7 19.8 10.5% $31.3

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

GR E E N E

Food Lion

74

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Gastonia: population 81,558

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

GATES

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Wake Forest University; Salem College; Winston-Salem State University; UNC School of the Arts; Forsyth Technical Community College

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Louisburg: population 3,075

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

Food Lion

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 60.6 11.8 10.3% $29.1

67.8 cents per $100 value

GASTON

Franklin County Economic Development Commission 919-554-1863 franklincountync.us

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Health care: 21.0% Retail: 11.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

2011 55.8 18.2 15.9% $29.6

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 21.4 4.3 10.7% $26.1

2021* 20.4 4.5 4.1% $34.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

78.6 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Lenoir Community College

For sources and notes, see page 82

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GU I LF ORD

H A L I FA X

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce 336-387-8310, greensboro.org High Point Economic Development Corp.

336-883-3116, highpointnc.gov

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 13.1% Manufacturing: 11.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Cone Health

Halifax County Economic Development Commission 252-519-2630 halifaxdevelopment.com

Greensboro: population 299,197 2021* 547.4 278.6 5.6% $49.9

Roanoke Rapids: population 15,097

73.1 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Bennett, Guilford and Greensboro colleges; High Point and NC A&T State universities; UNC Greensboro; Guilford Technical Community College

HARNE T T

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 54.0 16.5 14.1% $30.1

2021* 47.9 14.6 7.5% $39.7

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 17.6% Health care: 13.6%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Haywood Economic Development Council 828-456-3021 haywoodchamber.com

Blue Ridge Paper Products LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 134.8 26.0 5.3% $38.3

Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development 828-692-6373 gohendersoncountync.org

Waynesville: population 10,295

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

59.1 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Campbell University; Central Carolina Community College

HENDERSO N

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 59.0 16.3 9.9% $32.8

2021* 62.4 17.2 4.2% $43.8

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 18.0% Retail: 14.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Hertford County Economic Development 252-358-7801 hertfordcountync.gov

53.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Haywood Community College

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 26.6% Retail: 17.6%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Duck Thru

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Hendersonville: population 15,959 2021* 117.4 39.2 4.1% $47.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

H E R T F OR D

Ingles Markets

Ahoskie: population 4,772

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

56.1 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Blue Ridge Community College

HOKE

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 24.5 8.8 11.1% $25.7

2021* 19.9 8.5 6.5% $36.2

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

84.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Chowan University; Roanoke-Chowan Community College

H YD E

Raeford Hoke Economic Development Commission 910-875-6113 hokecounty.net

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 22.1% Health care: 19.4%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Hyde County Office of Planning and Economic Development 252-926-4178 hydecountync.gov

Butterball

2021* 52.3 8.5 6.4% $35.4

HIGHER EDUCATION

Sandhills Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Swan Quarter, unincorporated

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

89.5 ncents per $100 value

Government: 24.1% Hospitality: 14.6%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Raeford: population 4,610 2011 48.9 7.8 9.9% $28.0

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Illinois Tool Works

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Halifax Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Dunn: population 8,533

2011 107.1 33.8 8.2% $34.6

HIGHER EDUCATION

Retail: 18.7% Manufacturing: 14.7%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

76.0 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Food Lion

2011 118.4 21.5 11.6% $29.6

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

H AY WOOD

Harnett County Economic Development Commission 910-893-7524 harnettedc.org

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

2011 495.4 261.3 10.8% $37.5

Health care: 16.3% Retail: 15.4% Resers Fine Foods

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 5.7 2.1 10.5% $24.5

2021* 4.5 1.7 6.5% $42.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

89.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Beaufort County Community College

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I REDELL

JAC K SON

Iredell Economic Development Corp.

704-663-1898 iredelledc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 14.7% Retail: 13.7%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Lowe’s

Jackson County Office of Economic Development, 828-631-2240 jacksonthrive.jacksonnc.org Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 800-962-1911, mountainlovers.com

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 161.3 62.6 11.3% $38.9

2021* 191.2 77.8 4.6% $56.2

HIGHER EDUCATION

Mitchell Community College

JOHNSTO N Johnston County Economic Development 919-205-1232 growwithjoco.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 40.3 12.0 9.7% $26.7

2021* 43.1 14.1 4.5% $38.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 14.3% Manufacturing: 13.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Jones County Economic Development 252-448-1315 jonescountync.gov

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Maysville: population 818

73.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Johnston Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 10.2 1.8 10.9% $34.4

2021* 8.9 1.6 4.2% $43.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 29.5% Retail: 12.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Lenoir County Economic Development 252-775-6180 lenoircountync.gov

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

72.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Lenoir Community College

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 28.7% Health care: 17.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Caterpillar

Sanderson Farms

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Sanford: population 30,762 2011 58.4 25.0 12.9% $33.4

2021* 64.3 25.3 5.4% $44.9

Kinston: population 19,749

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

73.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Central Carolina Community College

LI NCOLN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 59.4 26.4 11.1% $33.2

2021* 54.8 27.9 5.0% $44.4

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 19.8% Retail: 13.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Macon County Economic Development Commission 828-369-2306 maconedc.com

RSI Home Products

HIGHER EDUCATION

Lenoir Community College

2021* 88.3 25.0 4.1% $50.2

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gaston College

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

Retail: 18.6% Hospitality: 15.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Franklin: population 4,216

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

61.9 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Lincolnton: population 11,207

County by County_EDG 2023.indd 76

84.5 cents per $100 value

Drake Enterprises

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 78.2 19.4 11.8% $33.5

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

M ACON

Lincoln Economic Development Association 704-732-1511 lincolneda.org

76

Western Carolina University; Southwestern Community College

L E N OI R

Sanford Area Growth Alliance 919-774-8439 growsanfordnc.com/edc

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

Brookstone Living Center

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

LEE

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

38.0 cents per $100 value

Health care: 20.5% Government: 12.4%

Clayton (part): population 28,188 2021* 224.0 53.0 4.2% $44.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 172.6 41.7 9.6% $32.8

DLP Partner Medwest

JON E S

Novo Nordisk

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Sylva: population 2,473

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

53.8 cents per $100 value

Education: 20.9% Hospitality: 16.5%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Mooresville: population 52,545 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 33.9 10.5 11.3% $31.8

2021* 37.4 11.3 4.2% $44.6

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

40.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Southwestern Community College

For sources and notes, see page 82

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MADI SON

M AR T I N

Madison County Economic Development Board 828-649-1377 investinmadison.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 14.0% Government: 13.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Martin County Economic Development Corp.

252-789-4904 martincountyedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 15.7% Retail: 16.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Ingles Markets

Snacks Holdings

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Mars Hill: population 2,203 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 20.8 4.1 9.8% $27.8

2021* 21.2 3.9 4.3% $38.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

50.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Mars Hill College; Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

MC DOWE LL McDowell Economic Development Association Inc. 828-652-9391 mcdowellnceda.govoffice3.com

Williamston: population 5,151 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 24.1 7.5 11.8% $28.8

2021* 21.7 6.2 5.5% $38.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 35.2% Retail: 14.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Charlotte Regional Business Alliance 704-378-1300 charlotteregion.com

57.8 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

McDowell Technical Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 941.4 550.8 10.7% $48.3

2021* 1133.5 718.4 4.9% $65.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 17.3% Retail: 14.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Montgomery County Economic Development 910-576-4221, ext. 1308 montgomerycountync.com

Sibelco North America

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Wells Fargo Bank

61.7 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Davidson College; Johnson C Smith, Johnson & Wales, Pfeiffer and Queens universities; UNC Charlotte; Central Piedmont Community College

HIGHER EDUCATION

Mayland Community College

MOOR E

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Troy: population 2,848

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

56.0 cents per $100 value

Manufacturing: 32.9% Retail: 10.9%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Spruce Pine: population 2,210 2021* 14.8 4.7 5.1% $39.5

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Jordan Lumber & Supply

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 27.6 8.5 12.6% $26.7

2021* 25.7 8.9 4.7% $39.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

61.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Montgomery Community College

N ASH

Moore County Partners in Progress 910-246-0311 moorebusiness.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 25.0% Hospitality: 14.3%

Nash County Economic Development 252-462-2737, selectnashnc.com

2021* 101.6 35.7 4.6% $54.5

Manufacturing: 18.1% Health care: 13.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Hospira

Pinehurst: population 18,074 2011 89.0 31.0 9.5% $42.0

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

FirstHealth of the Carolinas

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Health care: 11.2% Finance: 11.2%

M ON TGOM E RY

Mitchell County Economic Development Commission 828-537-1690 mitchellcountyedc.org

2011 15.3 5.0 11.7% $29.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

MI TCHE LL

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Martin Community College

Charlotte: population 878,778

Marion: population 7,684 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 44.4 15.5 4.5% $37.9

81.0 cents per $100 value

M E C K L E N B UR G

Baxter International

2011 44.9 14.6 13.0% $27.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

Rocky Mount (part): population 39,243

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

48.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Sandhills Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 95.7 40.1 13.0% $34.4

2021* 95.1 38.6 6.3% $45.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

67.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

N.C. Wesleyan College; Nash Community College

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NEW HANOV E R

N OR T H A M PTON

Wilmington Business Development 910-763-8414

Northampton County Economic Development Commission 252-534-1092. ext. 4301 northamptonnc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care:16.5% Hospitality: 13.1%

wilmingtonbusinessdevelopment.com

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

2021* 227.8 117.8 4.2% $50.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

45.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

UNC Wilmington; Cape Fear Community College

ONSL OW

Gaston: population 990 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 21.6 5.0 12.2% $27.5

2021* 16.8 5.2 6.2% $38.4

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 21.4% Hospitality: 16.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Orange County Economic Development 919-245-2325 orangecountync.gov

Walmart

2021* 206.7 50.3 5.1% $43.1

65.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Coastal Carolina Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 135.4 60.9 6.7% $51.1

2021* 150.3 72.0 3.5% $67.1

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 15.2% Health care: 15.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Elizabeth City Pasquotank County Economic Development Commission

252-338-0169 elizabethcitypasquotankedc.com

Capital Area YMCA

2021* 12.1 3.5 4.3% $46.0

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

83.1 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

UNC Chapel Hill; Durham Technical Community College

62.5 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Pamlico Community College

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 18.1% Retail: 16.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Elizabeth City (part): population 18,923

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

PENDER

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 40.2 15.8 10.8% $32.9

2021* 40.7 15.0 5.4% $42.5

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

62.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Elizabeth City State University; College of The Albemarle

PE R QUI M A N S

Wilmington Business Development 910-763-8414

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 14.2% Health care: 12.4%

wilmingtonbusinessdevelopment.com

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Perquimans County Economic Development Commission 252-426-8484 econdevperquimansnc.com

Medical Edge Recruitment

HIGHER EDUCATION

Cape Fear Community College

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Hertford: population 1,973

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

64.5 cents per $100 value

Retail: 12.6% Government: 13.8%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Burgaw: population 4,203 2021* 61.1 13.6 4.2% $41.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

FedEx

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

County by County_EDG 2023.indd 78

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Bayboro: population 1,164

78

Education: 28.3% Health care: 26.3%

Sentara Healthcare

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 53.0 9.5 12.0% $31.1

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

PASQUOTAN K

Pamlico County Office of Economic Development 252-745-3081 pamlicocounty.org

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Halifax Community College; Roanoke-Chowan Community College

Chapel Hill (part): population 58,904

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

PAML I CO

2011 13.1 3.1 10.3% $34.5

HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Jacksonville: population 71,729

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

90.0 cents per $100 value

UNC Healthcare

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 186.4 46.8 9.1% $43.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

OR AN GE

Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development 910-939-7023 joednc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Wilmington: population 118,063 2011 205.5 96.9 9.9% $36.8

Wholesale: 14.1% Government: 11.0% Lowe’s

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 13.5 1.8 10.4% $34.4

2021* 12.8 2.2 5.3% $44.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

61.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

College of The Albemarle

For sources and notes, see page 82

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PERS ON

PI T T

Person County Economic Development Commission 336-597-1752 personcountyedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 18.0% Manufacturing: 14.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Pitt County Economic Development Commission 252-902-2075 locateincarolina.com

Greenville: population 90,212

Roxboro: population 8,183 2021* 39.0 9.5 5.0% $41.6

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

72.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Piedmont Community College

POLK

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 169.1 69.8 10.8% $33.1

2021* 170.3 76.3 5.0% $45.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 27.8% Hospitality: 9.6%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Randolph County Economic Development Corp.

336-626-2233 rcedc.com

Acts

HIGHER EDUCATION

East Carolina University; Pitt Community College

2011 20.1 4.7 8.5% $35.3

2021* 19.0 5.1 4.7% $48.1

HIGHER EDUCATION

Isothermal Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 141.8 44.6 10.6% $30.4

2021* 144.8 43.1 4.7% $41.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 23.4% Retail: 14.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Robeson County Office of Economic Development 910-739-7584 robesoncountyoed.org

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Lumberton: population 18,896

83.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Richmond Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 133.0 38.3 13.9% $25.2

2021* 113.7 37.4 7.6% $33.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

77.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

UNC Pembroke; Robeson Community College

R OWAN EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 22.2% Retail: 16.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Rowan EDC Partnership for Economic Development 704-637-5526 rowanedc.com

Walmart

Rockingham Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Salisbury: population 35,905

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

HIGHER EDUCATION

Health care: 15.1% Retail: 13.9%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Eden: population 15,379 69.5 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Food Lion

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 91.1 23.9 5.5% $40.7

Randolph Community College

Mountaire Farms

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

ROCKING HAM

2011 93.2 26.4 12.2% $30.6

HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Rockingham: population 9,128

Rockingham County Center for Economic Development, Small Business & Tourism 336-342-8138 rockinghamcountync.gov

63.3 cents per $100 value

Manufacturing: 18.1% Health care: 18.2%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2021* 42.5 13.4 7.3% $38.6

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Perdue Farms

2011 46.4 13.6 13.9% $28.0

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

R OB E SON

RIC HMO ND Richmond County Economic Development 910-997-8190 richmondnced.com

Manufacturing: 32.1% Retail: 10.7%

Asheboro: population 27,473

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

51.4 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Tryon: population 1,564

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

68.4 cents per $100 value

Technimark

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

R A N DOL PH

Polk County Office of Economic Development 828-894-2895 polkedc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 39.3 9.7 10.6% $30.9

Health care: 22.7% Education: 13.5%

Patheon Manufacturing Services

GKN Automotive Components

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 138.2 44.4 11.6% $30.6

2021* 147.8 48.6 5.0% $43.7

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

65.8 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Catawba College; Livingstone College; Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

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RU THE RFORD Rutherford County Economic Development 828-287-6200 rutherfordncedc.com

SA M PSON EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 14.7% Manufacturing: 14.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Sampson County Economic Development Commission 910-592-8921 sampsonedc.com

Walmart

2021* 64.2 18.0 6.5% $36.7

HIGHER EDUCATION

Isothermal Community College

S COTL AND Scotland County Economic Development Corp.

910-266-4326 scotlandcountyedc.org

Clinton: population 8,375

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

59.7 cents per $100 value

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 63.2 18.9 9.0% $31.6

2021* 58.3 17.3 4.5% $38.2

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 20.0% Health care: 18.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Stanly County Economic Development Commission 704-986-3682 stanlyedc.com

99.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

St. Andrews University; Richmond Community College

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 60.4 18.0 11.5% $30.0

2021* 62.2 18.8 4.4% $42.6

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 17.6% Education: 13.5%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Surry County Economic Development Partnership 336-401-9900 surryedp.com

Walmart

Manufacturing: 17.9% Retail: 15.4%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

61.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Pfeiffer University; Stanly Community College

2021* 44.3 7.4 4.2% $41.2

HIGHER EDUCATION

Forsyth Technical Community College

S WAI N

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Mount Airy: population 10,609

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

66.0 cents per $100 value

Retail: 14.9% Manufacturing: 14.7%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

King (part): population 6,736 2011 47.0 6.8 9.7% $29.6

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Pike Electric

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 73.3 27.2 11.3% $30.6

2021* 71.2 27.4 4.4% $42.1

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

55.2 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Surry Community College

T R AN SYL VA N I A

Swain County Economic Development Commission 828-488-9273 swaincountync.gov

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Entertainment: 38.8% Government: 23.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Transylvania Economic Alliance 828-393-4130 transylvaniaalliance.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 14.9% Retail: 15.8%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Brevard College

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Bryson City: population 1,556

80

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

SUR RY

Stokes County Economic Development 336-593-2497 stokesedc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

Sampson Community College

Albemarle: population 16,404

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

S TOKES

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Laurinburg: population 15,035 2021* 33.7 11.4 9.5% $36.2

82.5 cents per $100 value

Walmart

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

2011 36.3 11.9 17.5% $28.5

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

STAN L Y

Scotland Memorial Hospital

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Forest City: population 7,360 2011 67.5 17.7 14.8% $26.9

Manufacturing: 16.0% Retail: 13.0% Smithfield Foods

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

2011 14.2 8.2 14.8% $30.4

2021* 14.1 10.1 4.5% $44.2

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

36.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Southwestern Community College

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Brevard: population 7,904 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 32.8 8.2 10.2% $31.4

2021* 32.8 9.2 4.1% $44.7

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

60.3 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Brevard College; Blue Ridge Community College

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TYRRE LL

UN I ON

Tyrrell County Economic Development 252-796-1371 tyrrellcounty.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Government: 20.8% Retail: 12.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Monroe-Union County Economic Development 704-282-5780 developunion.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 17.1% Retail: 12.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Capt. Charlie’s Seafood

Tyson Farms

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Columbia: population 574 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 4.3 1.2 10.9% $25.9

2021* 3.1 0.9 7.0% $37.6

Indian Trail: population 41,188

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

95.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Beaufort County Community College

VANCE

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 204.3 52.2 9.3% $38.2

2021* 242.7 65.6 3.9% $56.8

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Retail: 14.7% Health care: 14.0%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Wake County Economic Development 919-664-7000 raleigh-wake.org

Wingate University; South Piedmont Community College

Professional services: 11.7% Health care: 11.1%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

WakeMed Health & Hospitals LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Raleigh (part): population 470,566

Henderson: population 14,757 2011 45.2 14.4 14.7% $30.2

2021* 42.1 13.9 7.9% $37.8

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

89.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Vance-Granville Community College

WARRE N

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 927.1 442.1 8.3% $47.1

2021* 1156.3 582.1 4.0% $65.5

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Government: 22.2% Education: 13.3%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Washington County Economic Development 252-793-5823 washconc.org

HIGHER EDUCATION

Meredith College; William Peace University; St. Augustine’s University; Shaw University; N.C. State University; Wake Technical Community College

Manufacturing: 20.1% Health care: 16.2%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Domtar Paper

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Norline: population 926 2021* 18.3 3.0 7.7% $33.8

Plymouth: population 3,243

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

81.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Vance-Granville Community College

WATAUG A

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 12.9 3.2 13.5% $30.4

2021* 10.8 3.1 6.9% $39.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

85.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Beaufort County Community College; Martin Community College

WAY N E

Watauga County Office of Economic Development 828-264-3082 wataugaedc.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Hospitality: 18.2% Retail: 15.9%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Wayne County Development Alliance 919-731-1503 waynealliance.org

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Health care: 17.3% Retail: 15.5%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Wayne Memorial Hospital

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Boone: population 19,676 2011 51.5 21.2 9.0% $29.3

62.0 cents per $100 value

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Glen Raven

2011 20.9 3.4 13.9% $25.0

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

WASH I N GTON

Warren County Economic Development Commission 252-257-3115 warrencountync.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

HIGHER EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Walmart

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

58.8 cents per $100 value

WAK E

Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Corp.

252-492-2094 vancecountyedc.com

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

2021* 53.6 23.6 3.7% $40.2

Goldsboro: population 33,723

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

31.8 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Appalachian State University; Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 123.2 42.8 9.4% $32.4

2021* 116.1 40.4 5.0% $42.9

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

74.3 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

University of Mount Olive Wayne Community College

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W I L KES

W I L SON

Wilkes Economic Development Corp.

336-838-1501 wilkesedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 19.0% Retail: 16.6%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Wilson Economic Development Council 252-237-1115 wilsonedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 20.4% Health care: 12.4%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Tyson Farms

Bridgestone Americas

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

North Wilkesboro: population 4,312 POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 68.8 20.9 12.4% $29.1

2021* 65.4 19.9 4.7% $39.5

Wilson: population 48,035

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

66.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Wilkes Community College

YADKI N

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 80.9 37.1 13.5% $34.2

2021* 78.3 35.1 6.7% $43.1

73.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Barton College; Wilson Technical Community College

YAN C E Y

Yadkin County Economic Development Council 336-679-2200 yadkinedc.com

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Manufacturing: 27.5% Transportation: 9.5%

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Yancey County Economic Development Commission 828-682-7722 yanceyedc.org

Unifi Manufacturing

2021* 37.1 9.9 4.2% $41.3

HIGHER EDUCATION

Surry Community College

LARGEST PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYER

Burnsville: population 1,597

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

66.0 cents per $100 value

Manufacturing: 25.3% Retail: 14.7%

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

Yadkinville: population 2,986 2011 38.3 9.8 9.8% $30.3

EMPLOYMENT BY INDUSTRY

Altec Industries

LARGEST CITY/TOWN

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

POPULATION (000S) EMPLOYMENT (000S) UNEMPLOYMENT RATE PER CAPITA INCOME (000S)

2011 17.8 3.6 12.0% $29.4

2021* 18.6 4.3 4.3% $40.4

COUNTY PROPERTY TAX

60.0 cents per $100 value HIGHER EDUCATION

Mayland Community College

SOURCES

Population, counties, largest city/town, employment and unemployment rate: N.C. Office of State Budget and Management. Hyde and Currituck counties have no incorporated towns. Employment share by industry sector and largest private-sector employer: N.C. Department of Commerce Labor and Economic Analysis Division, as of fourth quarter of 2021. 2022-23 property-tax rate: N.C. Department of Revenue. Per capita income: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Community colleges are listed for every county in their designated service area. *Per capita income is for 2020, the most recent year available.

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AROUND THE STATE | FOR MORE INFORMATION

REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS CHARLOTTE REGIONAL BUSINESS ALLIANCE JANET LABAR, PRESIDENT AND CEO jlabar@charlotteregion.com 330 S. Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 charlotteregion.com | 704-378-1300

Serves Alexander, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties in North Carolina and four South Carolina counties.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP OF NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTOPHER CHUNG, CEO clientservices@edpnc.com 150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1200 Raleigh, NC 27601 edpnc.com | 919-447-7777

NCEAST ALLIANCE VANN ROGERSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO rogerson@nceast.org 209 E. Fifth Street Greenville, NC 27858 nceast.org | 252-482-4333

Serves Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Jones, Lenoir, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington, Wayne and Wilson counties.

NORTH CAROLINA’S SOUTHEAST STEVE YOST, PRESIDENT locate@ncse.org 707 W. Broad Street, P.O. Box 2556 Elizabethtown, NC 28337 ncse.org | 910-862-8511

Serves the state, working with regional and local partners to help businesses relocate and grow.

Serves Anson, Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Hoke, Lenoir, Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland and Wayne counties.

MOUNTAIN WEST PARTNERSHIP

PIEDMONT TRIAD PARTNERSHIP

125 Bonnie Lane Sylva, NC 28779 gownc.org | 828-586-1962

MIKE FOX, PRESIDENT AND CEO info@ptpnc.com 416 Gallimore Dairy Road, Suite M Greensboro, NC 27409 piedmonttriadnc.com | 336-668-4556

Serves Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Serves Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Montgomery, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties.

RESEARCH TRIANGLE REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP RYAN COMBS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR rcombs@researchtriangle.org P.O. Box 110351 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 researchtriangle.org | 919-670-2819

Serves Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Person, Wake, Warren and Wilson counties and Research Triangle Park.

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EDPNC BUSINESS / INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT AND RECRUITMENT CLIENT SERVICES 919-447-7744 clientservices@edpnc.com edpnc.com

N.C. BOARD OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION John Hardin, executive director 919-814-4639 jhardin@nccommerce.com nccommerce.com/sti

NORTH CAROLINA INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES A. Hope Williams, president 919-832-5817 williams@ncicu.org ncicu.org

EDPNC EXPORT ASSISTANCE Mike Hubbard, director of international trade 919-447-7757 mike.hubbard@edpnc.com edpnc.com/start-or-grow-a-business/ export-assistance

NORTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Liz Dobbins-Smith, managing director 888-246-2332 liz@nceda.org nceda.org

NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS Andrea Bushnell, CEO 336-294-1415 abushnell@ncrealtors.org ncrealtors.org

STATE LIBRARY OF NORTH CAROLINA Susan Forbes, assistant state librarian 919-814-6786 susan.forbes@ncdcr.gov statelibrary.ncdcr.gov

NORTH CAROLINA LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES Rose Vaughn Williams, executive director 919-715-3930 nclm.org

UNC SYSTEM General administration 919-962-1000 northcarolina.edu

NORTH CAROLINA CHAMBER Gary Salamido, president and CEO 919-836-1403 gsalamido@ncchamber.com ncchamber.com

EDPNC TOURISM Wit Tuttell, vice president 919-447-7740 wit.tuttell@visitnc.com visitnc.com GOLDEN LEAF FOUNDATION Scott Hamilton, president 252-442-7474 shamilton@goldenleaf.org goldenleaf.org N.C. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Susan Fleetwood, executive director of economic development 919-814-4605 sfleetwood@nccommerce.com nccommerce.com

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N.C. COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM Bruce Mack, vice president of economic development 919-807-7150 mackb@nccommunitycolleges.edu nccommunitycolleges.edu

N.C. STATE PORTS AUTHORITY Brian Clark, executive director 910-763-1621 brian.clark@ncports.com ncports.com

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