CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In an effort to promote economic development and support North Carolina communities, Duke Energy is implementing the new program – ‘Hire North Carolina’ – to maximize the use of locally owned and diverse contractors for utility projects within the state.
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“We want to continue to support job creation and investment with suppliers, vendors and contractors who, like many of our team members, are proud to call North Carolina home,” said Melody Birmingham, senior vice president of supply chain and chief procurement officer for Duke Energy. “Hire North Carolina will be a useful resource for Duke Energy to expand access to our local and diverse talent for construction projects.”

“As a small business owner, I am passionate about supporting other local and women and minority-owned businesses,” said Neeta Singh, owner of Tiger Controls, a Greensboro-based electrical and electronic distributor and engineering services provider. “At a time when many small businesses are facing financial challenges, I appreciate this new initiative to identify diverse suppliers. This program will not only drive in-state investments but open up additional opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses, and I look forward to adding our company name to the Hire North Carolina list.”

Read more below for information on qualifying projects and further details on the program!

​Six months ago, if I offered a person on the street $100 to tell me what PPE stands for, do you think they would know it stood for Personal Protective Equipment?   Likely not!  Indeed, the need, use and manufacturing of PPE has become quite the hot-button issue in the US during the COVID-19 crisis. North Carolina, with our rich history in textiles and manufacturing, has responded to these needs in resounding fashion. Across the state, masks, face shields and gowns found new producers through our strong manufacturing and textiles firms.