Press Releases

Today, Governor Josh Stein, the Department of Administration, and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources celebrated American Indian Heritage Month at the North Carolina Executive Mansion.  “American Indian North Carolinians enrich our state’s culture and economy, and in the face of adversity, they have led with resilience to preserve tradition from generation to generation,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This month and all year round, we recognize American Indians’ lasting impact on our state.”

Whereas, all people deserve to live in a state that respects their dignity, safety, and overall well-being through equal and fair treatment for everyone; andWhereas, members of the transgender community are valued and productive residents of our state who contribute to North Carolina’s progress and prosperity; andWhereas, transgender people in North Carolina are a small, vulnerable group of people who face high levels of discrimination, fear, stigma, and bias that can fuel abuse and violence; and

Whereas, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day recognizes women-owned businesses for their contributions to the vitality of our nation’s economy; andWhereas, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration, women own more than 12 million businesses nationwide, employing more than 10 million people and generating more than $2 trillion in sales in 2024 alone; and

Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to half-staff from sunrise Thursday, October 29 until sunset Monday, November 2, in honor of labor activist and civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who died earlier today at her home in Bakersfield, California. The 96-year old civil rights activist spent decades championing equal rights for women, immigrants, and workers. She is widely remembered for cofounding the United Farm Workers of America in the mid-1960s. 

Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset Sunday, October 25, in honor of Cherokee Indian Police Detective Jeff Smith, who died while performing his duties Friday afternoon.Statement from Governor Stein

For a limited time, owners of small businesses previously certified under the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) can become certified in the NC Small Business Enterprise Program (NCSBE) through a streamlined approval process.

Sunrise to Sunset on Friday, October 9

Whereas, National Business Women’s Week celebrates the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs across the country, recognizing women as key economic drivers of our nation’s economy; andWhereas, according to the National Women’s Business Council’s annual report, women-owned businesses comprised nearly 40 percent of all firms across the country in 2024, a 13.6 percent increase from 2019. These businesses also contributed $3.3 trillion in revenue to the national economy and employed approximately 12.9 million workers; and

Whereas, on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the perseverance and courage of Indigenous people, express gratitude for their contributions to our state and nation, and renew the State of North Carolina’s commitment to respect tribal sovereignty and self-determination; andWhereas, Indigenous people, through tribal governments, have preserved their identity, culture, and heritage, which sustained them long before the arrival of European settlers and even establishment of the United States government; and

Governor Josh Stein ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset Monday, October 5, in honor of former NC First Lady Dottie Martin, who served from 1985 to 1993 alongside her husband, former Governor James G. Martin. Mrs. Martin passed on September 28 at age 89.Statement from Governor Stein