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

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

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

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

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

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

            (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;

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

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

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

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

            (14)      Administer those programs assigned to the Department by law or designated by the Secretary.