More than 23,000 new jobs have been announced this year under North Carolina's Job Development Investment Program, according to data from the state's Commerce Department.

Why it matters: It isn't even the end of 2025 yet, but it's already been a record year for jobs announcements in North Carolina.

Yes, but: The state only pays out incentives once a company has reached its hiring or investment benchmarks. And even after an incentives deal is reached, companies, for a variety of reasons, don't always reach their pledged goals.

• While Toyota's new battery plant is up and running, several other large-scale announcements — like Wolfspeed, VinFast and Apple — have not yet been fully realized.

Between the lines: One reason it's been such a big year is because of a project North Carolina landed from the startup plane maker JetZero.

• The announcement of 14,000 jobs that JetZero has pledged by 2037 was an outlier in size and was, in fact, the largest economic development announcement in the state's history.
• In return, JetZero could get around $1 billion in tax incentives if it meets hiring and investment goals.

Other notable job wins this year include: Aspida Financial Services (1,000 jobs in Durham), Vulcan Elements (1,000 jobs in Johnston County), Scout Motors (1,200 jobs in Charlotte) and Genentech (400 jobs in Holly Springs).

What they're saying: Lee Lilley, North Carolina's commerce secretary, previously told Axios the state has tried to diversify the types of projects it recruits as a hedge against market uncertainty.

• While aerospace and biotech might be hot right now, the state is always trying to recruit a range of industries.
• "Sectors go up and down, and what we're trying to do is create shots on goal, frankly, for North Carolina's economy," Lilley said.

Keep reading

🎢 Charlotte-based Six Flags Entertainment Corp., the parent of Carowinds, has named former SeaWorld exec John Reilly to be its new CEO, effective Dec. 8. (🔒 CBJ)

🎣 Anglers who catch some of North Carolina's most popular coastal fish species (flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass and weakfish) are required starting tomorrow to file reports with the state if they're taking those fish home to eat. (Axios)

💰 Gene Woods, CEO of Advocate Health (Atrium Health's parent company), made about $25.8 million last year, up about $8.4 million from the previous year. (🔒 CBJ)

🏁 Charlotte City Council voted last week night to approve $25 million in upgrades to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, including new studio space, expanded classrooms, updated learning labs and additional event areas. (WFAE)

Starting tomorrow, Charlotte steakhouse staple Beef 'n Bottle is bringing back its popular month-long holiday gift card promo: Buy $150, get $50 free; buy $100, get $30 free.

Great for: The one in your life who already has enough stuff — or a loved one who prefers consumable gifts.

• The gift cards can't be used in December, however.

Why it matters: In a city that loves the new and sparkly, Beef 'n Bottle is a decades-old, tried-and-true institution that's withstood industry change, a pandemic, changing customer habits and lots of new development nearby.