Fain will move on from Commerce

Jim Fain will not remain secretary of commerce under Gov-elect Beverly Perdue.

A member of Gov. Mike Easley's so-called "Iron Cabinet," the longest-serving secretary of the state Department of Commerce is moving on after the end of the Easley administration, according to a department spokeswoman.

"Secretary Fain has no plans to continue with the new administration," said Kathy Neal.

She said that she does not know his future plans yet, but she said she does not think he's retiring for good, but more likely looking for a new challenge.

"I don't think it's in his nature" to retire, she joked.

Fain was appointed Commerce secretary in 2001. The position is key to the state's efforts to recruit and retain businesses and is heavily involved in the use of state incentives.

Perdue's transition team has not made any announcements on Fain's replacement, although state Reps. Bill Owens and Jim Harrell, Sen. David Hoyle, Charlotte businesswoman Crandall Bowles and former deputy Tony Copeland have been rumored to be under consideration.