Confidence and optimism are the buzz words being heard in economic circles this month as business leaders discuss the outlook for North Carolina in 2012. Positive trends in the state’s economic indicators are evident, and while gains may be slower than past recoveries, they are steadily on the rise in North Carolina.
Governor Bev Perdue emphasized optimism for the state’s economic future during the 10th Annual Economic Forecast Forum held Tuesday, sponsored by the N.C. Bankers Association and the North Carolina Chamber. Unemployment rates are predicted to decline. Economic growth is expected to climb. North Carolina is expected to nearly double the number of jobs it will add in 2012 over the number added in 2011.
Anchoring North Carolina in its economic growth upswing and supporting optimism for the New Year are several important factors:
- North Carolina was ranked by Forbes (Nov. 2011) as having the no. 1 best regulatory environment for business.
- North Carolina is consistently top-ranked for its business climate.
- North Carolina is one of the most innovative states in the U.S.
- North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states.
One of the concerns regarding persistent unemployment is that new jobs being created in technology and manufacturing require newer and more advanced skills. North Carolina has the infrastructure to accommodate for this caveat. In addition to the 16-campus public university system, North Carolina has a strong, 58-campus community college system that works with business and industry to create training programs specific to current workforce needs.
Craven Community College is currently using a grant from Golden LEAF Foundation to purchase equipment for a specialized program to train current and future employees of the BSH factory in New Bern. BSH manufactures household appliances. The program was also designed to benefit employees of other industries in Craven and surrounding counties.
Spirit AeroSystems worked closely with Lenoir Community College to train its workforce and get the plant up and running when they located at the N.C. Global TransPark. The customized program at Lenoir Community College continues to produce a skilled aerospace workforce as well as develop and support the aviation culture in North Carolina.
The past year has also seen North Carolina growing as a prime location for emerging hubs in the areas of energy, aerospace, data centers and craft beer production. In addition to numerous corporate expansions and job announcements, North Carolina also became home to three new corporate headquarters and several North American division offices in the last quarter of 2011.