Information on new businesses and economic development in Rocky Mount.

Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility Could be a “Game Changer”

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Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility

Working towards an idea that originally surfaced among city council members as far back as the 1940’s and brought back to the council chambers again in the mid 1970’s and 1990’s, the possibility of a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility (RMDCF) with an emphasis on hosting incoming sporting events among other activities could stand to bring an economic impact of an estimated $264 million spending dollars to the city with in ten years of its doors opening.

Detailed and referred to at the City of Rocky Mount’s official website as a “conceptual indoor sports destination” that would be located only minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve, in the heart of downtown Rocky Mount, rockymountnc.gov goes on to explain the proposed facility would be “unlike any sporting event center in eastern North Carolina.”

Continuing to explain what would set the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility apart from any similar in Eastern NC, the website noted it would be “unique in that it not only caters to sporting tournaments, but also has the capacity to accommodate a multitude of other occasions. The piece went on to promote the idea, noting, “This space is ideal for use by both locals and visitors alike, and will set Downtown Rocky Mount apart as the perfect destination location of experience for people of all ages and interests.”

Despite the planning stages obviously taking some time and since the concept has been brought back about by the council, there have obviously been some questions raised by Rocky Mount residents, the “Frequently Asked Questions” section devoted to the concept of a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility would point towards a very promising economic effect that the new facility could have on the city.

While the document does state that the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility would require several subsidies in its first few operating years ($872,000 in year one, $682,000 in years two and year three $264,000), the anticipated generated revenue and jobs locally would seem to counteract these and then some.

“In its first year, the projected operating revenue will be $1,646,552. By year 10, the projected revenue is $5,938,327, “ the document states. Equally as promising as that statement would be the section addressing the potential new jobs created by a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility. “The Downtown Community Facility would create 50 new jobs from the ongoing operations, plus 200 construction jobs. A general manager at the facility would make approximately $90,000 annually. A marketing director would generate $70,000 to $80,000 per year. There are also other high skilled positions that would be available. “

On top of these figures the anticipated economic impact of $264 million in new spending in the city over 10 years, coupled with several other high profile announcements recently of economic development in Rocky Mount and the surrounding community it would seem that things are looking bright for the future of the a Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility and the entire city as a whole.

To view the information at the City of Rocky Mount’s website on the Rocky Mount Downtown Community Facility, visit rockymountnc.gov.

(Photo Credit: City of Rocky Mount)

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Rocky Mount Receives Award as One of the Great Places in North Carolina

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Great Places in North Carolina

The American Planning Association (APA) recently recognized the City of Rocky Mount and continued their revitalization and beautification efforts to downtown, which is just a few minutes from your new home at Belmont Lake Preserve, making them one of only six communities statewide to receive a Great Places in North Carolina award for Main Street.

The city’s efforts to add to the already beautiful and historic downtown area was the basis for their receiving of the Great Places in North Carolina recognition, as Rocky Mount was honored in the “Professional’s Category,” with Main Street being recognized with the 2016 “Great Main Street In-the-Making Award.”

This honor marks the first time that the city of Rocky Mount has been bestowed one of the prestigious Great Places in North Carolina awards, which first were handed out to municipalities by the American Planning Association in 2012. The APA spoke of the six communities (including Rocky Mount) in the announcement of this years’ winners on their website, stating, “These communities represent some of the best planning efforts in North Carolina, and serve as models for visioning, partnerships, and collaboration.” Rocky Mount was recognized and actually received the award at an event held this summer during “Town Hall Day,” which was held in Raleigh.

The Great Places in North Carolina program was initially created five years ago as a way to honor the great communities across the state and the hard working people who have gone above and beyond to make them even greater. The APA website further explains the program and their reason for starting the program, noting, “North Carolina is full of amazing places that make this state a wonderful place to live, bring important money and jobs into our economy, and keep our communities thriving. Many people work hard to create, sustain, and improve these places, including citizens, planners, business leaders, and elected officials. This is a chance for everyone to celebrate together!”

To read more about Rocky Mount’s Main Street gaining recognition and the Great Places in North Carolina program, visit apa-nc.org.

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Go Fresh and Go Local at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market

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Rocky Mount Farmers Market

Open every Saturday through the month of November, and located conveniently at 1006 Peachtree Street, just a short drive from your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve new home community, the freshest produce, meats, seafood, and all other local products you could imagine are available at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market.

Running each Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Rocky Mount Farmers Market gives area farmers a “storefront” in which to sell their fantastic produce and local residents can not only get their fresh items straight from the farm, but also support the hardworking members of their community in doing so.

The philosophy of the Rocky Mount Farmers Market is simply described on the official Nash County website as a place where “local farmers sell products they actually produce.” Going on it explains, “This market philosophy is consistent with long term economic development and preservation of our local farming community.”

Over the years, the Rocky Mount Farmers Market has become a tradition and somewhat of an institution on Saturday mornings, with residents enjoying not only the goods for sale, but the friendly, community feel and the social aspect of the market as well.

“This market is not just a building,” the Nash County website explains. “It’s the dynamic activity of all of the people involved in growing, harvesting, buying, selling and sometimes socializing. Shoppers come to enjoy the farmers market experience.”

Throughout the Rocky Mount Farmers Market annual schedule, which runs from April through November, they also have a variety of activities periodically that take place at the market including live music and entertainment, opportunities to tour the farms of some of the participants following the Saturday sales, and much more.

The Rocky Mount Farmers market is a great place to get in touch and support the local community and its also a great place to get some unique items and some of the most delicious, homegrown fruits, veggies, meats, and more. For more information o the market or to see some photos of some of the produce and goods you’ll find there each Saturday, vista the Rocky Mount Farmers Market Facebook page here.

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Rocky Mount Economic Development Continues on Upswing with Huge Announcement of CSX Terminal

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Rocky Mount Economic Development

With an influx of new jobs and businesses coming to town, Rocky Mount Economic Development continued on a huge upswing last week with the announcement that Rocky Mount has been selected as the location for an all new $272 million CSX rail-to-truck terminal project that will bring about 900 jobs to the area and another 1,500 state wide.

Announced on July 19 in a press conference held next door to the Belmont Lake Preserve North Carolina golf community, at the Dunn Center by Governor Pat McCrory, was the news of the project’s financial awards that were unanimously approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. These include $110 million from the N.C. Transportation Department in performance incentives, $4.3 million in Job Development Investment Grants, and $7.8 million in intermodal tax credits. Ensuring the huge spike in Rocky Mount Economic Development is the fact that for CSX to receive the above incentives, they must invest $160 million into the Rocky Mount facility by 2024, meet all local hiring goals and keep 876 jobs that are already in the state.

CSX CEO, Michael Ward spoke on the selection of Rocky Mount for the 500 acre terminal, which will transfer freight containers that hold a variety of consumer goods between trains and trucks by electric cranes before being  sent to their drop off destination. Ward noted that the ideal location, the growing industrial market in Rocky Mount, and its existing CSX rail operations all weighed into the project that will be a huge boost to Rocky Mount Economic Development.

Leonard Wiggins, the Chairman of the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners spoke on several topics that residents may have been wondering about following the CSX announcement, as he had recently toured a similar facility in Ohio. “We stood right under this massive crane and you couldn’t hear it operate,” he offered up clearing the air for any residents who may have worries about any noise disturbances. Wiggins went on to remind residents that the terminal will also bring Rocky Mount back to its roots. “This is a railroad community,” he said. “ Railroad lines in Rocky Mount date back as far as 1840.”

This latest project in Rocky Mount Economic Development, the terminal, will be known as “The Carolina Connector” will also bring more public benefits and economic output for both the Rocky Mount community and the surrounding area. The Carolina’s Gateway Partnership noted that more than $310 million in public benefits and upwards of $125 million in statewide economic output. Gateway Partnership CEO, Norris Tolleson spoke to the huge effect this will have on the Rocky Mount Economic Development and the surrounding municipalities, stating, “This is the beginning of a new era of quality jobs in the Twin Counties.

The terminal is set to open for business in 2020 and CSX will host two open house events for the public to find out more and ask any questions they may have about the project. These will be held on Wednesday, July 27 at 6-8 pm at the Edgecombe County Administrative Building in Downtown Tarboro and on Thursday, July 28 in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College in Rocky Mount from 6-8 pm.

(Photo Credit: Nate Beal)

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Moorefield Real Estate named by Halle Companies as Exclusive Realtor at Belmont Lake Preserve

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Moorefield Real Estate

The Halle Companies has recently announced a partnership with Moorefield Real Estate of Rocky Mount, naming the company as the Exclusive Realtor at Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community.

“We are excited as the leaders’ in Rocky Mount Real Estate for over four decades to represent the premier development in our city, and absolutely thrilled to work along side, the Halle Companies, who also bring over 40 years of experience and excellence in residential development with them to the table,” said Kenneth Moorefield, Founder of Moorefield Real Estate. “With the unique amenities that are exclusive to this community- it’s golf course, the swimming pools, the restaurant, and so forth- we just can’t wait to put our brush to the canvas and paint this picture that we have been envisioning for all the families and residents of Rocky Mount at Belmont Lake Preserve.”

Upon their purchase of Belmont Lake Preserve in late 2011, the Halle Companies have invested millions of dollars into the development of the 1400-acre forested community. In a prepared statement released at the time of the purchase, Halle spoke of the difference between the community’s previous developer who struggled with financial issues and the Halle Companies, explaining, this was a cash purchase and that The Halle Companies continue to operate on a debt-free basis with no lenders. Halle added that by purchasing the community with cash it allows us to move at the proper pace and keep the community on a sound financial footing.

Once the purchase was finalized, the Halle Companies began focusing on providing retreat-like amenities that include both an indoor and outdoor pool and a full fitness facility at the Belmont Lake Community Clubhouse, which finished construction in 2014. The Golf Clubhouse also was added to the community and finished in 2014, hosting a full golf pro shop and the highly acclaimed Main Course at Belmont Restaurant. The 18-hole David Johnson golf design, Belmont Lake Golf Club has previously been named to the “Top 100 You Can Play” by the NC Golf Panel and also was recognized among the top course designs across Eastern NC.

About Moorefield Real Estate

With an emphasis on integrity, in-depth community and market knowledge, and a “client-first” approach, Moorefield Real Estate and its Founder/Manager, Kenneth Moorefield brings an unmatched customer and broker relationship with Rocky Mount residents and the surrounding area for nearly 44 years in his training of every broker on his team.

A multi-million dollar producer in each and every one of his 43-plus years in real estate, Moorefield, the 2011 Realtor of the Year, and the exceptional Moorefield Real Estate management team that will represent Belmont Lake Preserve includes Broker-in-Charge, Jay Hooks, who has been a multi-million dollar producer for seven consecutive years and the 2011 and 2014 REALTOR Associate of the Year, Trevor Foote, who likewise has been a multi-million dollar producer for all seven years she has been with the company.

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Expansion at Belmont Lake Preserve: Another Reason to Retire in NC

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Retire in NC

With over $10 million already invested into the spectacular 1,400 acre North Carolina golf community, Belmont Lake Preserve, the Maryland-based, Halle Companies, continues in its beautification and expansion of the Rocky Mount property. The most recent part of the expansion plan is the Villas at Belmont Lake, an 83-home development aimed to suit the needs of Northeast transplants as well as commuters to Rocky Mount and current residents nearing retirement or getting ready to Retire in NC.

Retire in NC

The outdoor swimming pool at the BLP Community Clubhouse

A recent article penned by Rocky Mount Telegram staff writer, Corey Davis, detailed the optimism shared by both the Halle Companies and the support and appreciation shown by the surrounding Rocky Mount community in speaking of Halle’s investment in the property to date and the further expansion of Belmont Lake Preserve giving people even more reason to Retire in NC.

Halle Companies assistant vice president, Eric Rifkin, spoke with the reporter on a variety of topics, beginning with the Villas at Belmont Lake and how the company is trying to help give a boost to the housing market across the entire area. “It’s going to be patio homes or ranch-style homes going into that subdivision (the Villas). We’re not going to be building 83 homes at one time…we’re going to build as buyers come.” Rifkin went on to say, “After the lots are completed, we’re hoping sales will start to pick up in the area. We understand that Rocky Mount doesn’t have a lot of sales every year…and our biggest goal will continue to be driving traffic and driving sales in the area.”

Retire in NC

A spectacular over head shot of Belmont Lake Golf Club

Rocky Mount Mayor, David Combs, also spoke in the Telegram piece, detailing the positive impact that the Halle Companies purchase has had and that he foresees it continuing to have on the local community. “They’ve made major investments here and they’re going to keep investing in Rocky Mount,” Mayor Combs said. “They’re adding to the tax base by building homes and building lots.” He concluded, “From a city perspective, as Belmont continues to develop, its like new industry coming here.”

Later in the article, Rifkin shared in the Mayor’s optimistic take on great things that lie ahead for the community and spoke of the continued beautification of Belmont Lake driving both locals and commuters in addition to those relocating from out of state to want to come to Rocky Mount to Retire in NC.

“We have a beautiful piece of property and we hear a lot of things going on potentially downtown that is extremely reinvigorating for the area,” Rifkin stated. “We hope since there are people living in the Triangle and commuting to companies like Pfizer, Cummins, and Honeywell that they will start to look at Belmont Lake Preserve and see that they can drive five minutes and be back home in this beautiful community.” He concluded, “We’re definitely trying to capture those people.”

Retire in NC

Delicious crab cakes one of the signature dishes at the Main Course at Belmont restaurant

Since being purchased by the Halle Companies, Belmont Lake Preserve, has under gone an incredible face lift, catching the eye of baby boomers across the nation who are looking to Retire in NC as they were recently named by “Where to Retire” Magazine among its prestigious annual list of the Top 50 Master Planned Communities in the United States.

Among the vast improvements seen at Belmont Lake since the Halle purchase is the gorgeous, new, 12,000 square foot Community Clubhouse, complete with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym and training facility, and dining and hosting facilities. Equally as impressive, is the Golf Clubhouse, complete with a full pro shop facility, an on site PGA professional available for instruction, and one of the top rated restaurants in the area, The Main Course at Belmont, serving a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu seven days a week.

Retire in NC

The pro shop at the BLP Golf Clubhouse

Adjacent to golf clubhouse is yet another investment that may entice many to Retire in NC at Belmont Lake, the Belmont Lake Golf Club. A David Johnson Golf Design 18-hole championship course, Belmont Lake has been named to the “Top 100 to Play” in the state of North Carolina and proves to be a fun, yet challenging course for golfers of all skill sets.

For more on Belmont Lake Preserve including available homes, floor plans, and full details on all the incredible on site amenities, visit www.belmontlakepreserve.com .

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Second Rocky Mount Brewery set for Spring 2016 Grand Opening

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Rocky Mount Brewery

With the development of the Rocky Mount Brewmill property bringing a wave of new economic development and breathing new life into the area on many business and residential fronts, the Sweet Taters Restaurant and Brewery is moving right along in their remodeling and renovation process, just minutes from the premier NC golf and retirement community, Belmont Lake Preserve, with a tentative Spring 2016 grand opening date set for what will be the second new Rocky Mount Brewery.

With all local roots, it is a perfect fit that Sweet Taters would select site of the former Rocky Mount Mills as the location for their Rocky Mount Brewery. The soon-to-be- opened, family run sandwich shop and brewery is rooted in the local farming community and will occupy the 2,100 square foot former mill house at 1121 Fall Road in Rocky Mount.

Once remodeled it is expected that the newest Rocky Mount Brewery will feature a cozy ambience, complete with several original fireplaces that will be reworked for a comfortable setting in the winter, with both front and back porch seating and dining available in the warmer months as well. They will also have areas for live music and entertainment, in addition to large televisions for viewing sporting events, and outdoor games that the entire family can enjoy.

With the majority of the Sweet Taters team growing up in the Zebulon area and spending many years locally in the community, the business manager for the Rocky Mount Brewery, Chris Flora spoke with excitement about getting the project off the ground and doing so in Rocky Mount. “The Rocky Mount Brewmill is a truly unique location with tremendous potential. What better place to work than at this historic site with these amazing buildings, looking out over the Tar River?” Continuing, Flora spoke of his excitement with the entire Brewmill project.  “We have also been extremely impressed with the vision of the Brewmill team.”

Speaking further on the local assets the new Rocky Mount Brewery will be afforded, Flora also noted the plan to utilize the local farming community at Sweet Taters, saying, “Wherever possible, we’re sourcing our ingredients for both our food and our beer from local and organic producers. After all, the Rocky Mount Farmer’s Market is just a quick walk up the street!”

For more information and updates on the Sweet Taters Restaurant and Brewery as they get closer to their grand opening, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SweetTatersBrewing.

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Economic Development in Rocky Mount on the Rise

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Economic Development in Rocky Mount

With an influx of new businesses and industry in the area, none may have a larger positive impact on the local economy than a merger that has taken place right across the street form your new home at the Belmont Lake Preserve NC golf community, as the recent acquisition of Hospira by Pfizer figures to have huge implications on the Economic Development in Rocky Mount.

A recent article in the Triangle Business Journal by staff writer, Jason deBruyn, detailed the impact that the Pfizer purchase will have on Economic Development in Rocky Mount. The piece, titled “What Pfizer-Allergan means for manufacturing in Rocky Mount,” explains that the merger between Pfizer and Allergan, combined with the purchase of the Rocky Mount plant that employs about 3,000 workers, will make the group the largest pharmaceutical drug maker in the world.

Krista Ikirt, the Vice President of the Carolina Gateway Partnership, which is a recruitment agency dedicated to the Economic Development in Rocky Mount as well as all of Nash and Edgecombe counties, noted in the article, “It’s been very important to our community.” She continued, speaking on the long-term impact the purchase will have on Economic Development in Rocky Mount, adding, “I don’t think any business makes that kind of investment and then thinks about getting rid of it…we just hope that they continue to invest in the Rocky Mount plant.”

Echoing Ikirt’s enthusiasm toward the acquisition of Hospira upon the finalized agreement this fall, Pfizer Chairman and CEO released the following statement, “We are pleased that Hospira, the world’s leading provider of injectable drugs and infusion technologies and a global leader in biosimilars, is now part of Pfizer. We want to welcome our new Hospira colleagues to Pfizer. We are excited to add their talents and proud of the shared commitment of all Pfizer colleagues to serving patients worldwide.”

To read the full Triangle Business Journal article on the Pfizer/Allergan acquisition’s effect on Economic Development in Rocky Mount visit bizjournals.com and to see more on the Pfizer company got to www.pfizer.com.

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Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount Opens Doors

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Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount

Founded in 2014 and aiming to provide “high quality, interesting, and delicious craft beer,” the first ever Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount, Koi Pond Brewing Company has officially opened its doors for business at 1107 Falls Road, just minutes away from your new home at the premier NC golf community, Belmont Lake Preserve.

What began as a request from a friend and eventually turned into a hobby for Koi Pond founder, Eric Ghiloni has resulted in the opening of the first Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount after said hobby became more of a passion and the responses from those tasting his product were increasingly positive.

Ghiloni explains on the official website of the Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount, “I had a friend, Jeff May, who asked me to make some beer. I was at a point in my life where I wanted to try something new, s I bought a homebrew kit and made up a batch.” He continued, “Jeff told me the brew was the best he’d ever had for a beginner. My mind raced with enthusiasm and ideas, from the single, heartfelt compliment.”

The rest of the story, as they say, “is history,” as Eric continued his exploration into the world of brewing and for more than a year began developing recipes that would include much of what you can expect to find at the new Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount. He would encourage his friends to taste the vast catalog of Indian Pale Ale’s(IPA’s), Witbiers, Stouts, and other tasty selections he created, basing his next moves on the essential feedback he received from them.

“The response has been overwhelming,” he noted. “There is a strong foundation for support of products like these in Rocky Mount, and an even stronger desire to see local businesses start up and become part of the action.”

The name, which was decided upon for the first ever, Craft Brewery in Rocky Mount, Koi Pond Brewing Company, comes from very deep and personal reasoning from Ghiloni. “I literally wear my life and heart on my sleeve,” he said in explaining how the name was decided upon as he has two koi fish tattooed on his arm representing each of his two sons. “My two sons…are responsible for the greatest joy in my life and provide the harmony, symbolic to many with Koi, that each of needs to succeed and do good.”

After opening production several months back at their production and bottling facility on South Grace Street near downtown, Rocky Mount’s first ever Craft Brewery opened it’s doors on January 3 and along with his wife, Mary and long-time friends and partners in Koi Pond, Matthew and Deborah Sperati they look forward to helping with the growth of the local business community.

“There is plenty of opportunity out there, especially in the Rocky Mount area.” My partners and I want to see Koi Pond grow, and we also want to see the establishment of other local breweries and supporting businesses.”

To see more on Koi Pond Brewing Company including their full selection of craft beers and hours of operation, visit their website at koipondbrewingcompany.com.

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Forbes Names North Carolina No. 2 Best State for Business and Careers

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Best State for Business and Careers

Another among many factors supporting your decision to buy a home at the award winning NC golf community, Belmont Lake Preserve in Rocky Mount is the recent Forbes ranking of the state of North Carolina, placing it second among all 50 states in the prestigious annual listings of the Best State for Business and Careers for 2015.

Improving even on last year’s lofty ranking as Forbes’ number three Best State for Business and Careers in the 2014 listings, North Carolina finished ahead of all states in the union other than Utah, which clung to the top spot for a second consecutive year. Maintaining the consistent growth that has many professionals taking notice of the “Tar Heel State,” it was noted in the Forbes’ article on the Best State for Business and Career that North Carolina is the only state in the entire country that has ranked in the top five every year since they have conducted the rankings.

Speaking to the lofty ranking on the Best State for Business and Career listings, the profile on North Carolina on forbes.com said, “With one of the highest net migration rates in the U.S., people have been flocking to North Carolina for the past decade. They are chasing jobs.” It continued to say, “The unemployment rate was stuck above 10% for most of 2009 through 2011, but has dipped to 5.4% in 2015. North Carolina has the smallest union workforce in the U.S. in terms of percent of total employment. The resulting benefit is labor costs that are 10% below the national average and fifth overall lowest in the country.”

Forbes’ also cited a cost of doing business in North Carolina at 10 percent below the national average, in addition to the state ranking tenth in prospective growth and ninth overall in labor supply as major factors in being ranked as the number two Best State for Business and Careers.

To see the entire listing and for more detail on North Carolina’s ranking as the number two Best State for Business and Careers in 2015, visit www.forbes.com.

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