Ch. 321                                    1996 LAWS OF MARYLAND

[(8)](7) Coordinate business assistance service delivery to individual
companies;

[(9)](8) Link groups of businesses to address regional and industry specific
needs;

[(10)] (9) Broker information exchange and entrepreneurial services that
enhance economic development through partnerships with businesses, nonprofit
organizations, professional groups, local economic development entities, and local
governments;

[(11)] (10) Assist in developing and conducting regional strategic planning
and coordinating State investments with regional economic development entities;

[(12)] (11) Collect and assemble information and data available from other
State agencies and departments;

[(13)] (12) Monitor economic conditions, release reports, and maintain
inter-industry models of State regulations and local economies;

[(14)] (13) Utilize the resources of the State's community colleges, as the
[Office] DEPARTMENT deems appropriate, to provide assistance in the delivery of
services; and

[(15)] (14) Administer those programs assigned to the [Office]
DEPARTMENT by law or designated by the Secretary.

[3-203.

The Secretary, with the approval of the Governor, shall appoint a Director of the
Office. The Director shall hold office at the Secretary's pleasure and may be removed by
the Secretary, with the approval of the Governor. Any such removal by the Secretary is
final and is not subject to any appeal. The Director shall be selected because of known
experience and interest in the development of natural resources and industrial and
business opportunities. The Director shall operate this Office under the direction of the
Secretary in accordance with the provisions of the law relating to establishment of the
Department.]

[3-204.

In the performance of duties, the Director, subject to the approval of the Secretary
or the Secretary's designee, is hereby authorized and empowered to make and enter into
contracts, and to assume such other functions as are necessary to carry out the provisions
of this subtitle that are not inconsistent with this or other acts. The Director, subject to
approval of the Secretary, may make and enter into contracts with other boards,
commissions, agencies and institutions of this State or other states, upon such terms as
may be mutually agreed upon, to have such studies and research activities conducted as
may be necessary and proper, and is authorized to pay the cost thereof out of funds which
may be appropriated to the Office.]

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