Issue link: http://businessnc.epubxp.com/i/246526
4. PROXIMITY TO MAJOR MARKETS North Carolina's central location along the East Coast and extensive transportation infrastructure put the state within a 700-mile radius of more than 170 million U.S. and Canadian consumers. It provides global connections via deep-water ports and international flights. 5. GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY High-speed Internet access is available throughout the state, and 100% digital switching and other technology-infrastructure investments provide advanced and reliable voice, data and video communications and networking options. 6. COMPETITIVE OPERATING-COST STRUCTURE Construction costs, electric rates, taxes and cost-of-living indices are below the national average, providing an economical business climate. 7. A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE North Carolina's diverse geography and moderate climate provide a variety of outdoor recreation options. The state's cultural offerings, including a rich history and a variety of arts, mix with championship calibre collegiate and professional sports teams to create a quality of life that's a magnet for recruiting talent. 1. SKILLED WORKERS AND A GREAT LABOR ENVIRONMENT 8. A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR BUSINESS With a growing and diverse population, North Carolina's high-quality North Carolina's leadership has had the vision to make strategic invest- workforce meets the needs of today's advanced-manufacturing and ments in education, infrastructure and technology — and to emphasize knowledge-based industries. Workers here are 36% more productive than sound fiscal policy through a constitutionally mandated balanced budget, the average U.S. worker. The lowest unionization rate in the nation keeps reasonable tax rates and AAA bond rating. wages affordable and the workplace flexible. 9. PERFORMANCE-BASED, TARGETED INCENTIVE PROGRAMS 2. A COMPREHENSIVE WORKFORCE-DEVELOPMENT NETWORK North Carolina offers eligible companies a number of state and local North Carolina provides customized recruiting, screening and training programs designed to lower costs and increase global competitiveness, services and lifelong learning opportunities through a coordinated including discretionary grants in competitive situations and statutory tax network of state agencies. credits for job creation, investments, research and development. 3. EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES 10. PROFESSIONAL ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE New talent is developed through outstanding educational assets — begin- The N.C. Department of Commerce provides support and expertise for ning with nationally recognized preschool programs, accountable public companies in the United States or around the world, no matter what schools, accessible state community-college and university systems and a phase of business they're in. For more information, visit www.nccom- variety of superb private institutions. merce.com or call 919-733-4151. Source: N.C. Department of Commerce