N.C. Gen. Stat. § 54-124

An association created under this Subchapter shall have power to conduct any agricultural, housing, horticultural, forestry, dairy, mercantile, mining, manufacturing, telephone, electric light, power, storage, refrigeration, flume, irrigation, water, sewerage, or mechanical business, or purchase, maintain and use fire-fighting equipment, or conduct any other lawful business, on the mutual plan.