PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor                             Ch. 321

(4)     Assist the growth and revitalization of small businesses;

(5)     Support the growth of the State and regional economies by providing
consulting, technical assistance, and liaison activities on business and economic
development issues;

(6)     Promote the development of international trade activities;

(7)     Assist businesses and employees through training and other employment
services;

(8)     Promote regulatory reform and coordinate efforts with other State and
local agencies; and

(9)     Foster and develop gainful employment opportunities for residents of
this State.

Subtitle 2. [ Office of Business Development and Resources] GENERAL DUTIES.

[3-201.

There is an Office of Business Development and Resources within the
Department.]

[3-202.] 3-201.                                                                                                 

The [Office] DEPARTMENT shall:

(1)     Investigate and assemble information pertinent to the economic
development, industrial opportunities and economic resources of the State, including raw
materials, power and water resources, transportation facilities, markets, labor, banking
and financing facilities, industrial sites and other fields of research;

(2)     Encourage location and development of new business enterprises in the
State and the retention and expansion of present enterprises in coordination with local
governing bodies and local economic development agencies;

(3)     [Coordinate its activities with those of the Division of Tourism and
Promotion in the promotion of tourism in the State;

(4)] Encourage formation of local and sectional development committees
and cooperate with local civic groups and other local, State and federal development
agencies;

[(5)] (4) Disseminate information in the interest of industrial development
in this State, by publication, advertising and other means;

[(6)] (5) Assist businesses in the areas of technology development and
commercialization, small business development, workforce development and productivity,
manufacturing modernization, and defense conversion;

[(7)] (6) Serve as ombudsmen for businesses affected by State policies and
programs;

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