Governor Proclaims North Carolina Manufacturing Week 2023

WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, and the 9^th largest in the United States, employing more than 472,000 workers who represent 10 percent of the state’s total workforce; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina's manufacturers make significant contributions to our economy, comprising 17.1 percent of our state's gross state product, the 8^th 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 2022, North Carolina exported more than $38 billion in manufactured goods, and is continuously led by pharmaceutical products, chemicals, aerospace products, nonferrous metals, semiconductors, and fiber, yarns, and threads; and

WHEREAS, during North Carolina Manufacturing Week, we acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of manufacturers in our state, especially throughout the pandemic, 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 October 1 – 7, 2023, as “NORTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.