(a)      The purpose of the Western Maryland Regional Tourism Bureau is to:

            (1)      Develop regional advertising and marketing programs to disseminate information about Western Maryland;

            (2)      Stimulate the development of the tourist business in Western Maryland;

            (3)      Encourage the development of Western Maryland's recreational areas and facilities;

            (4)      Promote Western Maryland's business and job opportunities through tourism;

            (5)      Develop public awareness of Western Maryland's heritage and history;

            (6)      Coordinate and facilitate special events programming for Western Maryland;

            (7)      Serve as a liaison between the Western Maryland tourism industry, the Governor, the Department of Business and Economic Development, other State agencies, private organizations, and the General Assembly; and

            (8)      Advise the Governor, the Department of Business and Economic Development, and the General Assembly on programs affecting the tourism industry.

      (b)      (1)      The Executive Board of the Bureau consists of 15 members.

            (2)      Of the 15 Council members:

                  (i)      5 members shall be from Garrett County;

                  (ii)      5 members shall be from Allegany County; and

                  (iii)      5 members shall be from Washington County.

      (c)      Of the 5 Executive Board members in Allegany County and Washington County:

            (1)      2 members shall be appointed by the county commissioners;

            (2)      2 members shall be appointed by the county Chambers of Commerce; and

            (3)      1 member shall be a Council member who is a resident member of the House of Delegates or Senate of Maryland appointed by the members of the House of Delegates and Senate representing the county.

      (d)      Of the 5 Executive Board members in Garrett County:

            (1)      2 members shall be appointed by the County Commissioners;

            (2)      2 members shall be appointed from the Deep Creek Lake Garrett County Promotional Council by the Garrett County Commissioners; and

            (3)      1 member shall be a Council member who is a resident member of the House of Delegates or Senate of Maryland appointed by the members of the House of Delegates and Senate representing the county.

      (e)      After the initial appointment of the Executive Board, the qualifications, terms, and appointment of the Executive Board members shall be subject to the bylaws of the Bureau.

      (f)      Each member of the Bureau Executive Board:

            (1)      Shall serve without compensation; and

            (2)      Is entitled to reimbursement for approved expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations.

      (g)      The Bureau may establish its own officers, procedures, and voting requirements.

      (h)      (1)      The Bureau may employ a staff in accordance with its bylaws.

            (2)      The budget of the Bureau may be funded by private memberships and public contributions in accordance with the decision of the Executive Board.

      (i)      (1)      The Bureau may establish or cause to be established a private, nonprofit corporation for the purpose of assisting the Bureau.

            (2)      Subject to the Corporations and Associations Article, the Bureau shall determine the powers and duties of the corporation.

            (3)      The Bureau may:

                  (i)      Establish the number of Board members;

                  (ii)      Establish the procedure for electing and removing directors;

                  (iii)      Establish the compensation of the directors; and

                  (iv)      Require the corporation to periodically report its activities to the Bureau.

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