N.C. Commerce

@DukeU "North Carolina's economic strength depends on connecting people to opportunity," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "When institutions like Duke commit to developing local talent and supporting small businesses, it creates lasting benefits for our communities."

Local #EconDev news: Duke University recently announced a $203 million investment to expand economic opportunity for residents of Durham and the Triangle through the new HomeGrown initiative. Read more about Duke's commitment: corporate.dukehealth.org/news/duke-comm… @DukeU @CityofDurhamNC

@DukeU @CityofDurhamNC Through the HomeGrown initiative, Duke University and Duke University Health System commit to strengthening the local economy through employment pathways, construction opportunities, local business partnerships, and affordable housing and home ownership pathways.

@NCArchives @EDPNC @VisitNC @ncfilmoffice The 1992 historical drama takes place during the French & Indian War and is set in New York but was shot in North Carolina. Productions like this show North Carolina's history as a leader in the entertainment industry, stimulating economic activity and creating jobs in the state.

#TBT: Check out this behind-the-scenes photo from "The Last of the Mohicans," filmed in North Carolina! Actor Daniel Day-Lewis is seen standing on a cliffside trail in the Chimney Rock area. 🎥 Photo credit to the State Archives of NC.

@ncfilmoffice @VisitNC @EDPNC Read about the 2025 economic impact of film and TV production in NC: commerce.nc.gov/news/press-rel…

#TBT: Last year, film and television production in North Carolina generated an estimated $185.5 million in direct in-state spending. 38 productions filmed across the state in 2025, creating over 7,000 job opportunities for crew, talent, and background extras.

Nearly 3.5 million North Carolinians live in rural communities, the second-largest rural population in the country. More people live in North Carolina’s rural areas than live in at least 20 states. The promise of North Carolina isn’t real unless it reaches every corner of the state, so I want to hear from folks in our rural communities on what’s working and what needs attention. We kicked off this important conversation this week at McDowell Tech. In western NC, we can’t talk about the future of rural communities without discussing the impact of rebuilding after Hurricane Helene.

Happy Women's History Month! #DYK that women make up 47% of the state workforce, and own over 46% of all businesses in North Carolina? This month and every month, we're celebrating the important contributions women make to our state economy. #WHM #WorkforceWednesday

Looking for work in Western NC? You may qualify for a disaster recovery workforce program providing temporary #jobs & career training support through #NCWorks. Contact your local NCWorks Career Center for more information - NCWorks.gov.

Read Governor Stein's proclamation of March 2026 as Students@Work Month: governor.nc.gov/governor-stein… #NCWorksNextGen #internship

Governor Stein recently proclaimed March as Students@Work Month, highlighting opportunities for students to explore their future careers. If you're a student looking to learn about career and educational pathways, check out NCCareers and NCWorks NextGen: nccareers.org/ncworks-nextge…

Are you keeping up with the #LEADFeed? Check out #LEADNC's latest article on postsecondary degree completion and educational outcomes from UNC System schools: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley is in Asheville today, attending the 2026 @VisitNC Tourism Conference. Tourism is one of North Carolina's biggest industries, creating jobs for more than 230,000 North Carolinians and contributing $36 billion to the state economy.

Secretary Lilley heard important updates on Rapid Response, an early intervention program that helps employers and workers facing layoffs, closures, and other sensitive business actions.

Earlier this month, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley attended a senior team meeting for the N.C. Division of Employment Security, led by Assistant Secretary for Employment Security Antwon Keith.

Citi is reaffirming its commitment to the Queen City by investing $16 million and adding 500 more jobs to Charlotte! Charlotte is already the second-biggest banking hub in the nation and still growing. I look forward to seeing all that @Citi continues to do in North Carolina.

In the past decade, 8 Australian companies have announced investments in North Carolina. Our relationship with @AusintheUS is strong, steadfast, and valued in these challenging times. I appreciate @AmboRudd’s partnership, and I look forward to strengthening the ties between North Carolina and Australia in years to come.

Read about the 41st annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards: charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/…

#ICYMI: The Stellar Gospel Music Awards are coming to Charlotte! The awards show is supported in part by the Major Events, Games & Attractions Fund from the N.C. Department of Commerce, designed to support the state's travel and tourism industry: commerce.nc.gov/grants-incenti…