Dear Fellow Citizens:

North Carolina enjoys a strong, diversified, and growing economy. We have low unemployment rates and a high rate of job creation. New businesses emerge rapidly, high technology industries comprise a growing share of our economic base, and many of our traditional industries are modernizing through technological advancement. North Carolina's economic strength ranks sixth in the nation and opportunity for growth and improvement continues to flourish.

Our ability to sustain this level of economic growth and opportunity depends on our ability to supply businesses with skilled workers. The majority of new growth exists in technologically advanced new industries that require high skilled workers. Workers in every occupation now need to be critical thinkers who are able to solve problems and function as team players.

Fragmentation prevents our current job training and employment programs from providing comprehensive services. Job training and employment seekers wander from agency to agency in search of the services they need, and employers lack a clear point of access to training and placement services. To solve these problems, North Carolina is developing a system of JobLink Career Centers which will integrate training and employment programs, link job seekers with appropriate training and placement services, and provide businesses with well-qualified workers.

North Carolina's economic growth potential is determined by the strength of its workforce. We urge you to support these efforts to streamline and improve North Carolina's workforce.

James B. Hunt, Jr. Governor State of North Carolina

Henry C. Humphreys COO, National Spinning Company Chair, Governor's Commission on Workforce Preparedness