North Carolina Named 2025 “State of the Year” by Business Facilities

RED BANK, NJ — North Carolina has been named 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine, earning top recognition for its business climate and economic development achievements. This marks the third time the Tar Heel State has received the award, previously being selected in 2020 and 2022.

The annual award evaluates states based on workforce and education, infrastructure, business incentives, quality of life, and efforts to attract and retain businesses. In 2025, North Carolina saw a record year for workforce development, with more than 33,000 job commitments announced through November under Governor Josh Stein, the North Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC).

Capital investment from new and expanding businesses across the state reached nearly $23 billion across 47 counties between January and November 2025. Sectors such as aerospace, life sciences, data centers, and rare-earth supply chains have contributed to the state’s economic growth.

Business Facilities Editorial Director Anne Cosgrove highlighted key projects, including JetZero selecting Greensboro’s Piedmont Triad International Airport for its first commercial airplane manufacturing facility, Genentech building a manufacturing plant in Wake County, and Vulcan Elements locating a rare-earth magnets facility in Johnston County with plans to invest nearly $1 billion and create 1,000 jobs.

The award underscores North Carolina’s continued success in attracting corporate investments, developing workforce talent, and cultivating emerging supply chains, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in economic development.

Other states recognized in the magazine’s 2025 Opportunity-Rich States list include Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.