ov. Bev Perdue, the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North Carolina Military Foundation (Foundation) today announced that Department of Defense spending in North Carolina grew by 10 percent and exceeded $4.0 billion in federal fiscal year 2009 -- an increase of $363.8 million over procurement in the state in 2008.

"These numbers continue to indicate that North Carolina is becoming a very significant player in the global military and defense industry cluster," said Gov. Perdue. "The state has made great strides to leverage expanding markets, capture federal revenues and grow jobs right here in North Carolina -- the most military friendly state in America."

Gov. Perdue helped establish the NCMBC within the North Carolina Community College System and launched the Foundation, a business development organization focused exclusively on building the state's defense and homeland security economy.

"Defense spending in North Carolina is critical to expanding our economy and growing jobs in North Carolina," said Scott Dorney, executive director of the NCMBC. "The defense and federal market is still booming. Although it is not easy, businesses across the state are competing and winning in the federal market."

Businesses in 86 of North Carolina's 100 counties performed defense-related work in 2009.

"North Carolina is coming into its own in terms of growing its defense economy," said Lance DeSpain, director of the North Carolina Military Foundation. "The state is well positioned to seize on opportunities presented by emerging DoD needs."

According to a 2008 Department of Commerce study, 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 $3.647 billion in federal fiscal year 2008 to $4.011 billion in 2009. During the same time frame, spending by all federal agencies in North Carolina increased approximately $117 million, from $5.289 billion to $5.406 billion.

For more information on Department of Defense spending and the North Carolina Military Business Center, please visit www.ncmbc.us or call the NCMBC Headquarters at Fayetteville Technical Community College at 910-323-4892.