CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Gov. Bev Perdue chose Charlotte as the venue to deliver her annual State of the State address Tuesday, and her message was optimistic.

She spoke to a who’s-who in Charlotte business and politics about her plans to strengthen public schools, straighten out state government and, first and foremost, build up small businesses.

“Make no mistake: Our number one priority in North Carolina has to be jobs, jobs and more jobs,” she said.

Small business owner Mary Tribble made it a point to be present when Perdue came to the Chamber of Commerce to talk about her plans.

“Last year was a real tough year, and the year before that was hard for us as well,” she said.

Perdue told the crowd Wednesday at the Charlotte Chamber she'll ask the Legislature this spring to create tax incentives for small businesses "born in North Carolina, that create jobs in North Carolina and stay in North Carolina."

She also announced the statewide rollout of a Commerce Department program that helps teach small businesses how to apply for credit and manage cash.

Perdue laid out other goals for 2010, including making sure every child in the public schools graduates from high school ready for a career or college.

Perdue also vowed to continue improving transparency in state government.

She talked about a Charlotte company that created jobs by turning old FedEx trucks into hybrids, and about expanding small businesses like it by expanding the Commerce Department program, called Biz Boost.

The governor’s message appeared to hit home with many in her audience, and especially with Tribble.

“I really got excited about her Biz Boost program,” Tribble said. “And focusing on how we can focus on the small business … hear what they need and figure out how to get them the tools to succeed.”