Details of private nonprofit to handle NC recruiting, marketing gets initial legislative OK

RALEIGH, North Carolina — North Carolina lawmakers gave initial approval Thursday to similar but competing bills that would transfer many Commerce Department functions to a private nonprofit corporation, bringing closer to reality Gov. Pat McCrory's proposal for business recruiting and marketing.

The House and Senate backed proposals that lay out terms of the state Commerce Department's contract with the nonprofit Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Lawmakers authorized McCrory's administration last year to plan a privatization strategy. The corporation, which has been formed and has named an executive director, would hire employees to take over agency functions to attract and retain businesses in the state, encourage international trade and promote the state's brand and tourism. More here.