“We need more flexibility in recruiting tools in order to land the high-tech, good-paying jobs that will help us expand the winner’s circle into rural North Carolina,” Easley said.
-NC industrial recruiting legislation loaded up; 10/8/01 Associated Press

“All of the projections are out the window,” Easley said Friday. “Now we’re going to learn to adjust in the confines of the economy… Economic recovery is wholly dependent on educational opportunity,” Easley said. “We have to protect all our educational institutions as best we can… “They’re going to have to take a second look,” Easley said.
-NC hangs onto its AAA rating bond; 10/13/01 Charlotte Observer

“These are for jobs that are ‘but for’ jobs - jobs that but for an Incentive would be in another state.” he said. “These are going to be for jobs that are compatible with a knowledge-based economy - those are the ones we’re trying to recruit… We’re not going to pay a whole lot to replace the old jobs that we’re losing,” he said. “If it’s knowledge-based, something that takes North Carolina forward and gives us a tremendous amount of infrastructure, we’re willing to slide the scale more toward a higher percentage… “If I get a chance to land an industry, I can’t walt for the legislature to get back to town while they go to Toronto.” Easley said.
-State leaders outline proposal for business incentives; 8/1/02 Reidsville Review

I do not believe that we should, or can, wait until next year to establish these needed tools,” Easley wrote in a letter to legislative leaders yesterday. “Currently, there are several projects across the state that we are close to finalizing.”
-Session hinges on jobs incentives; 10/3/02 Winston-Salem Journal

“We have to face reality. Cheap labor is gone from North Carolina, and capital investment will follow that labor out of this market,” Easley said. “But capital also follows skilled labor, and we can’t compete for skilled labor if we cut [spending for] state university and community colleges… “We can’t wait for a convenient economy to change things,” Easley said. “We have to act now.”
-Plan links economy to education; 10/31/02 Raleigh News and Observer

Using the JDIG, we are bringing 1,580 jobs and more than $50.5 million in investment to our state,” says Gov. Mike Easley in a statement. “This targeted tool is proving effective in recruiting companies to North Carolina.
-Incentives lure GE Nuclear HQ to Wilmington; 10/30/03 Triangle Business Journal

“When this economy turns, the most competent workers will be within the borders of the state of North Carolina,” Easley said at a rural development forum at the North Raleigh Hilton. “And we are going to go out and sell that.”
-Economic Swoon noticed by NC parties; 10/24/03 Knight Ridder

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