NCMBC News Articles Defense Spending Booming in North Carolina What’s left for FY09? Remaining MILCON Projects USDA Forest Service Offers FREE Construction Opportunity Conference in Charlotte July 7 Recent Contract Awards to North Carolina Companies Happy Birthday NC Defense Machining Initiative and SourceNC! Admiral Outlines Construction Challenges – and Opportunities USO of North Carolina – Improving the Quality of Life of Our Military and Their Families Learning the Language of Government Contracts #3: Types of Small Businesses 3rd Annual NC Roundtable with NAVFAC a Success What You Should Know about Recovery Act Projects HUBZone Program Takes Precedence—Exploit this Advantage! Report: Advance Planning Brief for Textile Industry Business Spotlight Business Spotlight Companies Needed – Your Company Can be in the Spotlight Too! Upcoming Calendar of Events

By Scott Dorney, Executive Director, NCMBC

Official federal government data indicates that Department of Defense spending in North Carolina grew by 22% and exceeded $3.6 billion in 2008 – a jump of $657 million from 2007.

Governor Beverly Perdue announced the increase in defense spending.  The Governor noted that increased procurement in North Carolina clearly demonstrates that businesses in the state can compete successfully in the defense market and that programs initiated in this state to grow military business are working. 

The General Assembly and Governor Perdue established the NCMBC in the Community College System in 2005, and the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator (DSTA) in Fayetteville in 2006.  The Governor also spearheaded development of the North Carolina Military Foundation, a private organization focused on recruiting defense contractors and growing the military economy.

Growth in defense spending in North Carolina demonstrates that the defense and federal market is booming – in North Carolina and nationwide.  Businesses across the state are engaging, competing and winning in the federal market.  Businesses in 93 North Carolina counties performed defense-related work in 2008.

According to a 2008 study by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the military has a $23.4 billion total annual impact on the state economy.  Defense procurement in North Carolina, based on place of performance, increased from $2,990,823,003 in federal fiscal year 2007 to $3,647,698,701 in 2008.  During the same time frame, spending by all federal agencies in North Carolina increased approximately $743 million, or 16%, from $4,546,875,355 to $5,289,467,220.

In addition to jobs, defense spending of $3.6 billion in 2008 generated over $250 million in corporate income, personal income, sales and payroll taxes for the State of North Carolina.  Defense spending, which will continue to grow with expansion of bases in North Carolina, is an engine for job creation and economic and tax base expansion in our state.

<< return to top of page

The NC Military Business Center, the NC Community College System, and the State of North Carolina do not officially endorse events or activities listed on this website. These items are posted strictly for the information and convenience of NCMBC customers.