RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Creating a private nonprofit corporation to perform many duties of the state Commerce Department and regional economic commissions would help North Carolina’s economy grow in both rural and urban areas, Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker said Wednesday.

Decker offered more details to a House commerce committee about a proposed North Carolina Economic Development Partnership, almost two months after Republican Gov. Pat McCrory unveiled the concept. The administration wants the General Assembly to pass legislation before adjourning this summer to get the idea rolling.