1944                                                 LAWS OF MARYLAND                            [Ch. 573

COUNCIL FOR SOUTHERN MARYLAND WHICH IS COMPRISED OF
CALVERT, CHARLES AND SAINT MARY'S COUNTY.

(13)   THERE IS AN ADVISORY BOARD ON CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SERVING THE CALVERT, CHARLES AND SAINT MARY'S TRI-COUNTY
AREA TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE CONSUMER
PUBLIC OF THE AREA. THE BOARD IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION
OF THE TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL.

(14)   THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPRISED OF [[FIVE]] THREE
PERSONS APPOINTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE
TRI-COUNTY COUNCIL AND CHOSEN FROM THE STAFF MEMBERS OF
THE COUNCIL. THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SERVE AT THE
PLEASURE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRI-COUNTY
COUNCIL. THE DIRECTOR OF THE ADVISORY BOARD ON CONSUMER
AFFAIRS SHALL BE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRI-COUNTY
COUNCIL. THE MEMBERS SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION.

(15)   THE BOARD SHALL MEET AS FREQUENTLY AS REQUIRED
TO PERFORM ITS DUTIES BUT NO LESS THAN ONCE A MONTH.

(16)   THE BOARD SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES,
POWERS AND AUTHORITY.

(1)    TO RECEIVE AND INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS
AND INITIATE ITS OWN INVESTIGATION OF DECEPTIVE OR UNFAIR
TRADE PRACTICES AGAINST CONSUMERS.

(2)    TO REPORT TO APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENTAL
AGENCIES HAVING JURISDICTION OVER CONSUMER PROTECTION
MATTERS ANY INFORMATION CONCERNING VIOLATION OF ANY
CONSUMER PROTECTION LAW.

(3)    TO PRESENT THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERS
BEFORE ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY AGENCIES AND
LEGISLATIVE BODIES.

(4)    TO ASSIST, ADVISE AND COOPERATE WITH THE
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAUS OF THE TRI-COUNTY AREA AND LOCAL,
STATE AND FEDERAL AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS TO PROTECT AND
PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF THE CONSUMER PUBLIC.

(5)    TO ASSIST, DEVELOP AND CONDUCT PROGRAMS
OF CONSUMER EDUCATION AND INFORMATION THROUGH PUBLIC
HEARINGS, MEETINGS, PUBLICATIONS OR OTHER MATERIALS
PREPARED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE CONSUMER PUBLIC OF THE
TRI-COUNTY AREA.

(6)    TO UNDERTAKE ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE
LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY TO MAINTAIN HIGH STANDARDS OF
HONESTY, FAIR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PUBLIC
RESPONSIBILITY IN THE PRODUCTION, PROMOTION AND SALE OF
CONSUMER GOODS AND SERVICES AND IN THE EXTENSION OF
CREDIT.