North Carolina Named America's Top State for Business in 2025

North Carolina's Top Ranking

• 🏆 North Carolina has been named the number one state for business in 2025 by CNBC, achieving this ranking with 1614 out of 2500 points.
• 🎯 The state demonstrated a well-rounded performance, securing top five finishes in economy, solid growth, and entrepreneurs dream workforce.
• 📈 This marks the third time in the last four years North Carolina has received this prestigious recognition.

Economic Growth and Job Creation

• 🚀 North Carolina has successfully recruited businesses, creating tens of thousands of jobs, including over 14,000 promised by Jet Zero for fuel-efficient airliner manufacturing in Greensboro.
• 💰 Since January 1st, the state has announced over $20 billion in investments, generating more than 23,000 jobs.
• 🧑‍💼 Governor Josh Stein highlights the state's talented and hardworking people as a key asset for industries like biotech, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace.

Resilience Amidst Disasters

• ⚠️ The state is recovering from Hurricane Helen, a $60 billion disaster that caused over 100 deaths and worsened a housing shortage.
• 🌊 More recently, Tropical Storm Shantal caused five fatalities and significant damage, with downtown Clyde being submerged.
• 💪 Despite these challenges, North Carolinians have shown remarkable resilience, with business owners rebuilding and reopening with improved facilities.

Policy Challenges and Future Outlook

• 🏥 Governor Stein expressed concern over potential Medicaid changes that could lead to hundreds of thousands losing healthcare coverage and rural hospitals closing.
• 📉 He also noted the economic uncertainty caused by fluctuating trade policies and the impact of tariffs on the state's international goods trade.
• ⚖️ Regarding taxes, the governor advocates for keeping them as low as possible while ensuring sufficient revenue for public schools, universities, and infrastructure, urging a cautious approach to tax cuts amidst fiscal uncertainty.
• 🤝 Stein emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation to defend Medicaid and ensure North Carolina remains a welcoming state for businesses and workers, leveraging the talents of all its people.