WHEREAS, the North Carolina technology industry represents more than 20 percent of the state’s economy; and
WHEREAS, the technology industry employs more than 340,000 North Carolinians across all 100 counties; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina has the 5th highest technology growth rate in the country and more than double the national average; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina’s strength in the industry is bolstered by the internationally recognized University of North Carolina system and the innovations which have been developed at each of the system’s institutions; and
WHEREAS, since its founding, the Research Triangle Park has served as world leader, as the largest research park in the United States and the home for many transformational technology and biotechnology companies which have led the way in innovation for more than 70 years; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to multiple corporate headquarters for domestic and international technology industry leaders; and
WHEREAS, companies such as IBM, Lenovo, Cisco, Red Hat, SAS, and many others have made North Carolina their home for decades, leading the way with corporate and community investments across the state; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina continues to recruit highly qualified employees and innovative, top-notch companies because of our reputation and support for the workforce needed to support the technology industry;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 11, 2023, as “NORTH CAROLINA TECHNOLOGY DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.