(a)      (1)      The Commission may not exceed 25 voting members and shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

            (2)      The Secretary shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio Commission member.

            (3)      The members appointed by the Governor shall be individuals with substantial interest or experience in business or knowledge of business and economic development.

            (4)      (i)      The Governor shall take into consideration geographic and industry representation when appointing the members of the Commission.

                  (ii)      The geographic representation of the Commission shall cover the entire State.

                  (iii)      The Commission shall include at least one representative from each of the following regions:

                        1.      The upper Eastern Shore;

                        2.      The lower Eastern Shore;

                        3.      The tri-county area of Southern Maryland (Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's Counties);

                        4.      Garrett and Allegany Counties; and

                        5.      Carroll, Frederick, and Washington Counties.

            (5)      The members appointed shall reflect the gender and racial makeup of the State.

            (6)      The Governor shall designate a chairman or co-chairmen from among the voting members.

      (b)      (1)      Each appointed member of the Commission serves for a term of 3 years, but shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.

            (2)      The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on July 1, 1995.

            (3)      At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

            (4)      A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

      (c)      (1)      The Commission shall meet at a time and place designated by the chairman or co-chairmen of the Commission.

            (2)      The Commission shall meet as often as its duties require, but no less than quarterly.

            (3)      Attendance by a majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum.

      (d)      The Commission and Commission members are subject to the provisions of the Maryland Public Ethics Law.

      (e)      Members of the Commission appointed by the Governor are not entitled to any compensation or other emolument, except reasonable expenses incurred in connection with attendance at hearings, meetings, and working sessions, for any services rendered as a commissioner.