Easley, Michael. Press Release, 2006-05-15, Gov. Easley Announces North Carolina Named Most Competitive In Economic Development; N.C. Department Of Commerce Wins Site Selection Magazine Award

Michael F. Easley Governor State of North Carolina Office of the Governor For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Sara Clark Date: May 15,2006 Phone: 919/ 733-5612 GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NORTH CAROLINA NAMED MOST COMPETITIVE IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT N.C. Department of Commerce Wins Site Selection Magazine Award RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley announced today that the North Carolina Department of Commerce has been named the winner of the 2005 Competitiveness Award by Site Selection , one of the nation’s premier magazines in the economic development industry. The award, which is in its fourth year, is given to the state-level economic development department that scores the highest based on 10 criteria. “This recognition by such a highly esteemed magazine shows that North Carolina continues to be a national leader in economic development,” Easley said. “Our aggressive and innovative strategies center on education, worker training and infrastructure improvements. These efforts continue to bring new companies to North Carolina and to help those already here prosper and expand.” The 10 award criteria include the state’s ranking in Site Selection's annual survey of best business climates. North Carolina has ranked No. 1 in the survey for four of the past five years, including 2005. Other criteria, based on 2005 activity in the state, include: total new and expanded facilities per one million people; total capital investment in new and expanded facilities per one million people; number of 100-plus job projects per one million people; and total number of new and expanded facilities. Based on the 10 criteria, N.C. Department of Commerce scored 141 points, well ahead of second place Tennessee, which received 130 points, and third place Alabama, which received 124 points. Site Selection editor Mark Arend said those numbers show that North Carolina and its Department of Commerce know the formula for economic success. “North Carolina’s claim to the 2005 Competitiveness Award is backed by investments in the right people, the right technology and a commitment to industries old and new,” Arend said. The N.C. Department of Commerce is headed by Secretary Jim Fain, a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, whom Easley appointed shortly after taking office in 2001 . The article announcing the award can be found in the May issue of Site Selection and will soon be available online at http://www.siteselection.com. ### Governor's Press Office State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001 (919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005 FAX (9 19) 733-5 166