WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and the 9th largest in the United States, employing more than 452,000 workers who represent 12.5 percent of the state’s total workforce; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina's manufacturers make significant contributions to our economy, comprising 19.5 percent of our state's gross state product - the fifth highest ranking in the country; and
WHEREAS, we recognize the immense skills and training required to work in manufacturing today; the North Carolina Community College System offers more than 800 courses covering manufacturing skills in biotechnology, aviation and defense, pharmaceuticals, and other advanced manufacturing fields; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina's Community College System is partnering with local manufacturers to continuously develop and improve high-quality customized training programs that draw on the latest advancements; and
WHEREAS, manufacturing is a major driver of exports for North Carolina; in 2020, North Carolina exported nearly $27 billion in manufactured goods, and is continuously led by pharmaceutical products, chemicals, aerospace products, and meat products; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s response to COVID-19 is heavily supported by the manufacturers that produce and donate Personal Protective Equipment, testing kits, and other critical supplies, as well as the biomanufacturers that have provided research and development treatments, detection tools and vaccine components to continue combating the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, during North Carolina Manufacturing Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of manufacturers in our state, as well as our manufacturing sector research initiatives and workforce development programs;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 26 – October 2, 2021, as “NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.