The Durham County Commissioners unanimously opposed two state bills that would restrict school discussions of gender identity and prohibit gender-affirming healthcare for minors, though the most consequential action came when the board approved a $290,000 economic development incentive package for ChemPower Inc., a Finnish electric vehicle charging manufacturer planning to establish its first U.S. facility in Durham County.
ChemPower will invest $41.25 million over five years and create 601 jobs, with about 60 percent requiring only a high school diploma or associate's degree at average salaries exceeding $50,000 plus benefits including healthcare and paid parental leave. The company committed to a 25 percent minority and women-owned business enterprise participation goal, meaning $3.75 million of the capital investment will flow to minority and women entrepreneurs. The county also signed its first formal memorandum of understanding with Durham Technical Community College to develop certified training pathways for the company.
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