(HIGH POINT) -- Gov. Beverly Perdue continues her jobs tour Monday with trips to High Point and Charlotte. As she makes her way across the state, Perdue said the general feeling is hope.

"Business leaders manufacturing folks tell me they're in the process of investing in equipment and more people and then there's a real feeling of optimism among workers," said Perdue. She added that she has heard from many unemployed people who say they're headed back to community college in order to better compete in a high tech economy.

Perdue's stop in High Point on Monday coincides with the spring furniture market.  There was once a time when the furniture industry in North Carolina was thought to be going by the wayside because of globalization.  Perdue said the industry is thriving once again.