Commerce Boards and Commissions
The North Carolina Department of Commerce staffs and receives policy direction from three statutorily required, independently appointed boards and commissions: the Board of Science and Technology, the Commission on Workforce Development, and the Economic Development Board. See the links in the left-hand navigation for information on their structure, goals and objectives.
The following agencies report directly to their respective Boards and Commissions, rather than to the Secretary of Commerce. They receive administrative oversight from the Department through the Deputy Commerce Secretary:
Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission manages the sale of alcoholic beverages in the state through operation of a centralized warehouse, oversight of the local government operated retail sales outlets, and permitting of facilities authorized to sell alcohol in bulk or by the drink.
Banking Commission
The Banking Commission oversees the chartering and regulating of North Carolina's state banks and trust companies, as well as registration and licensing of various financial institutions operating in the state, including
- Check cashers
- Consumer finance companies
- Mortgage bankers
- Mortgage brokers
- Money transmitters
- Refund anticipation lenders
Community Development Council
The Community Development Council (CDC) was established by the North Carolina General Assembly and consists of eleven members who are appointed by the governor.
Credit Union Division
The Credit Union Division regulates and monitors the operations of all state-chartered credit unions. For more information, call (919) 571-4888 or e-mail support@nccud.org.
Energy Policy Council
The North Carolina Energy Policy Council advises and makes recommendations on energy policy to the governor and General Assembly.
Film Council
This governor-appointed panel of film-industry professionals, business leaders, and citizens advises and offers guidance in the interest of the state’s film industry. The Council meets quarterly at various locations statewide.
Industrial Commission
The N.C. Industrial Commission administers the Workers' Compensation Act for all employees and employers in the state that protects them against loss due to work-related injury or disease. The Industrial Commission also has jurisdiction over tort claims against the state and claims by families of law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and rescue squad workers.
Public Staff of the Utilities Commission
The Public Staff reviews, investigates, and makes recommendations to the North Carolina Utilities Commission on the reasonableness of rates and adequacy of service provided by all public utilities in the state. The Public Staff also ensures policy consistency when verifying an energy supply is adequate to protect public health and safety.
Rural Electrification Authority
The Rural Electrification Authority ensures that customers in the predominantly rural areas of the state have access to adequate, dependable, affordable electric and telephone service.
Seafood Industrial Park Authority
The N.C. Seafood Industrial Park Authority is charged with creating jobs and economic growth in the community. Appointed to approve businesses located in the Park, members spend their personal time to help these businesses grow.
Travel and Tourism Board
The North Carolina Tourism Board advocates the sound development of the travel and tourism industry in North Carolina. Created in 1991, the board advises the Secretary of Commerce on policy matters related to tourism promotion in North Carolina.
Utilities Commission
The Utilities Commission regulates the rates and services offered by more than 1,200 utility companies in North Carolina including:
- Electric companies
- Local and long-distance telephone companies
- Natural gas companies
- Household goods motor freight carriers
- Motor passenger carriers
- Companies providing private pay phone service
- Water and sewer companies consisting of approximately 1,500 systems
- Ferryboat operators