Something for all

Signs of growth are all around — from the cranes in Charlotte and Raleigh to the spruced-up downtowns in smaller cities across the state: Shuttered commercial and industrial buildings are enjoying new life as restaurants, breweries, galleries, co-working spaces and other businesses.
Newer industries — including solar, advanced manufacturing and financial technology — are joining legacy industries such as agriculture, textiles and furniture-making as our state’s economy becomes more diverse. Companies continue to be attracted to our strong workforce, educational resources and business-friendly climate.

International companies such as candymaker Morinaga are choosing North Carolina to build their first North American sites. Technology companies are attracted to our talent pool, enriched by the state’s major research universities. And companies such as New York-based Corning Inc. are building on decades of success, assisted by the state’s supportive business environment.

More than 50 million people visited North Carolina in 2016, drawn to our beaches, mountains, historic sites and lively metro areas, as tourism spending reached a record $22.9 billion. They’ve discovered what makes this state special — we hope you will, too.

— Cathy Martin, project editor