5:23 p.m. - Before Governor Bev Perdue visits the High Country next week, she made a pit stop in the foothills where she announced that a national food products manufacturer would bring 500 jobs to Catawba County.

The Governor said Pierre Foods would expand their operation in Claremont, investing $17 million and adding hundreds of jobs.

Perdue said the expansion was made possible in part by the One North Carolina Fund, which provides financial assistance to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.