Invest in North Carolina

Our region and state remain great areas to INVEST in!  Here are some great facts to consider …

1. Tourism & Recreation

• Tourism Spending Sets a New High:
  In 2024, travelers spent a record-breaking $36.7 billion in NC—up from $35.6 billion—with tourism supporting over 230,000 jobs and generating $2.7 billion in state and local tax revenue Cardinal & Pine+1Carolina Public Press+1NC Commerce+1ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV+1.
• Chimney Rock State Park Reopens:
  After nine months of recovery post-Hurricane Helene, Chimney Rock welcomed visitors again on June 27. Significant infrastructure improvements and a $700 million recovery fund are revitalizing western NC https://www.wbtv.com+2Southern Living+2AP News+2.
• Boost from FIFA Club World Cup:
  Charlotte enjoyed a 3.5% year-over-year rise in hotel occupancy in late June, thanks to hosting four FIFA Club World Cup matches at Bank of America Stadium—an economic and global branding win Axios.

2. Culture & Community

• Top Chef’s 2025 Season Filming Locally:
  The hit series Top Chef chose Charlotte and Greenville for Season 23, highlighting NC’s culinary innovations, regional agriculture, and Southern hospitality Eater Carolinas+1Food & Wine+1.
• Enchanting Blue Ghost Fireflies in Asheville:
  Spring brought the rare and mysterious blue ghost fireflies to Asheville forests—captivating tourists and rallying local environmental stewardship www.visitnc.com+2Spectrum Local News+2The Times of India+2The Times of India.
• New Dining Gems in Wilmington:
  A culinary renaissance blooms in Wilmington, featuring 12 buzz-worthy new restaurants—ranging from hip brewpubs to seafood eateries, perfect for both tourists and year-round patrons Eater Carolinas.

3. Business & Investment

• $2 Billion More for Biogen in RTP:
  Biogen is investing an additional $2 billion into its manufacturing campus in Research Triangle Park—bringing total investment in NC to roughly $12 billion, reinforcing the area’s biotech strength The Times of India+14reuters.com+14businessnc.com+14.
• Rockingham Speedway Returns:
  The iconic Rockingham Speedway welcomes back NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series races in 2025 following major renovations—a revival of a beloved motorsports landmark NC Commerce+11en.wikipedia.org+11Cardinal & Pine+11.

✨ Why It Matters for You

• Local Pride & Resilience: From Chimney Rock’s comeback to endangered fireflies making their return, NC stories reflect strength, community action, and dedication to preserving what makes our state unique.
• Economic Momentum: Record tourism spend, major logistic and entertainment events, biotech investments, and motorsports revivals mean more jobs and vibrancy across region.