Yesterday, during Small Business Week, Governor Stein and North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley visited downtown Marshall to highlight the importance of supporting small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein has proclaimed May 4 – May 10, 2025 as Small Business Week to celebrate the impact of entrepreneurs and small businesses on North Carolina’s economy.
Press Releases
Today Governor Josh Stein joined law enforcement and North Carolinians impacted by the fentanyl crisis to call for funding for a Fentanyl Control Unit dedicated to investigating and stopping the flow of narcotics into North Carolina.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in the City of Shelby. The company reports it will invest $380 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County, marking the return of the PPG brand name to Shelby, where the company first established a facility in the 1950s.
Governor Josh Stein announced today that the overall North Carolina tourism economy held strong against the headwinds of Hurricane Helene. Travelers spent more than $36.7 billion on trips to and within the state in 2024. The previous record of $35.6 billion was set in 2023.
North Carolina has been recognized for the #7 Best Economy and #5 Best Growth in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The Best States rankings evaluate all 50 states across a range of categories, including health care, education, economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections, and natural environment. North Carolina was ranked as the #13 state overall, up six spots from #19 in 2024.
Today Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 4-10 as State Employee Recognition Week and Wednesday May 7 as State Employee Appreciation Day. “One of the many reasons North Carolina is a great place to live is the state employees who dedicate their lives to service to our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am grateful for their commitment to making our state safer and stronger.”
Today, Governor Josh Stein announced appointments and nominations to boards and commissions.Governor Stein has appointed the following to the Education Commission of the States:
Today Governor Josh Stein and Superintendent of Public Instruction Mo Green visited Hillcrest Elementary School in Burlington to highlight his budget proposal to strengthen North Carolina’s public schools, including a $4 billion school bond to address aging school buildings and facilities across the state.
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina have distributed $55 million to 2,182 small businesses through the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. These grants are supporting western North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolstering regional economic recovery. More than 7,300 businesses applied.
To honor western North Carolina graduates’ achievements and resiliency in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Governor Josh Stein will deliver remarks at the commencement ceremonies of Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College on May 9 and 10. Governor Stein will applaud the graduates who have overcome tremendous adversity and encourage them to continue pursuing their dreams.