Companies & People
Ramona Optics raises $25 million to expand Durham operation
DURHAM — Ramona Optics raised $25 million to scale sales and engineering as the microscope maker moves into a larger downtown office.
The Latest
Economy & Workforce
Charlotte deposits fall $44.6 billion as Wells Fargo drops 27%
CHARLOTTE — Bank deposits booked to Charlotte-area branches fell $44.6 billion in the year ended June 30, with Wells Fargo’s local total dropping 27%.
Companies & People
Blum plans $82 million Lincoln County expansion, 20 jobs
STANLEY — Blum plans an $82 million expansion of its Lincoln County furniture-hardware operation, adding 20 jobs and a 67,000-square-foot showroom and office building.
Government & Business
Rowan County approves incentives for 280-job Project Tribe
SALISBURY - Rowan County commissioners approved a five-year performance grant for Project Tribe, a confidential manufacturer considering a 280-job, roughly $63 million operation in the county.
Development & Infrastructure
New Bern airport wins $750,000 grant to pursue Dulles service
NEW BERN — Coastal Carolina Regional Airport won a $750,000 federal grant to pursue daily Washington Dulles service, though no route is yet guaranteed.
Development & Infrastructure
NC conditionally approves 42 more beds for UNC’s $1B Durham hospital
DURHAM — North Carolina regulators conditionally approved 42 more acute-care beds for UNC Health’s planned southern Durham hospital, lifting the campus to as many as 144 beds and…
Companies & People
Air Force names NC-developed FQ-44 as Anduril expands Triangle operation
MORRISVILLE — The Air Force has formally named the FQ-44 Fury, a North Carolina-developed autonomous aircraft tied to Anduril's expanding Triangle operation.
Economy & Workforce
TD forecasts NC will lead Southeast with 2.6% growth
RALEIGH — TD Economics forecasts North Carolina's economy will grow 2.6% in 2026, narrowly leading the Southeast as investment and job gains offset manufacturing weakness.
Development & Infrastructure
Charlotte metro single-family permits fall 28% through July
CHARLOTTE — Single-family permits in the Charlotte metro fell 28% through July, shrinking the authorized housing pipeline for builders, contractors and suppliers.
Development & Infrastructure
Lincoln County rejects 618-home Iron Gate rezoning
LINCOLNTON — Lincoln County commissioners rejected a rezoning request for a 507-acre, 618-home community near Iron Station.
Companies & People
Kingsdown lands Mattress Firm deal, expects added shifts
MEBANE - Kingsdown's exclusive Wesley collection agreement with Mattress Firm is expected to add production shifts and hiring at its North Carolina operation.
Development & Infrastructure
Southern Land plans 1,271-acre community at Chatham Park
PITTSBORO - Southern Land Company plans a 1,271-acre community and private golf club within Chatham Park, adding a major development proposal to Chatham County.