Sec. 3. (a) For purposes of this section, the size of a political subdivision is based on the population determined in the last federal decennial census.

(b) A convention and visitor bureau having nineteen (19) members is created to promote the development and growth of the convention, tourism, and visitor industry in the county.

(c) The executives (as defined by IC 36-1-2-5) of the five (5) largest cities and the seven (7) largest towns in the county shall each appoint one (1) member to the bureau. The legislative body (as defined in IC 36-1-2-9) of the two (2) largest municipalities in the county shall each appoint one (1) member to the bureau.

(d) The county council shall appoint two (2) members to the bureau. One (1) of the appointees must be a resident of the fifth largest city in the county, and one (1) of the appointees must be a resident of the eighth largest town in the county. The appointees may not be of the same political party.

(e) The county commissioners shall appoint two (2) members to the bureau. One (1) of the appointees must be a resident of the sixth largest town in the county. One (1) of the appointees must be a resident of the seventh largest town in the county. The appointees may not be of the same political party.

(f) The lieutenant governor shall appoint one (1) member to the bureau.

(g) No appointee under this section may hold an elected or appointed political office while serving on the bureau.

(h) In making appointments under this section, the appointing authority shall give sole consideration to individuals who are knowledgeable about or employed as executives or managers in at least one (1) of the following businesses in the county:

(1) Hotel.

(2) Motel.

(3) Restaurant.

(4) Travel.

(5) Transportation.

(6) Convention.

(7) Trade show.

(8) A riverboat licensed under IC 4-33.

(9) Banking.

(10) Real estate.

(11) Construction.

However, an individual employed by a riverboat may not be appointed under this section unless the individual holds a Level 1 occupational license issued under IC 4-33-8. This subsection does not apply to board members appointed before July 1, 2007, who are eligible for reappointment after June 30, 2007.

(i) All terms of office of bureau members begin on July 1. Members of the bureau serve terms of three (3) years. A member whose term expires may be reappointed to serve another term. If a vacancy occurs, the appointing authority shall appoint a qualified person to serve for the remainder of the term. If an appointment is not made before July 16 or a vacancy is not filled within thirty (30) days, the member appointed by the lieutenant governor under subsection (f) shall appoint a qualified person.

(j) A member of the bureau may be removed for cause:

(1) by the member's appointing authority; or

(2) by vote of the bureau's board if it is determined that a member does not meet the qualifications under subsection (h).

If a member is removed under this subsection, the appointing authority may, not more than thirty (30) days after the member is removed, appoint a replacement member to fill the remainder of the removed member's term.

(k) Members of the bureau may not receive a salary. However, bureau members are entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their respective duties.

(l) Each bureau member, before entering the member's duties, shall take an oath of office in the usual form, to be endorsed upon the member's certificate of appointment and promptly filed with the clerk of the circuit court of the county.

(m) The bureau shall meet after July 1 each year for the purpose of organization. The bureau shall elect a chairman from its members. The bureau shall also elect from its members a vice chairman, a secretary, and a treasurer. The members serving in those offices shall perform the duties pertaining to the offices. The first officers chosen shall serve until their successors are elected and qualified. A majority of the bureau constitutes a quorum, and the concurrence of a majority of those present is necessary to authorize any action.

(n) If the county and one (1) or more adjoining counties desire to establish a joint bureau, the counties shall enter into an agreement under IC 36-1-7.

(o) Notwithstanding any other law, any bureau member appointed as of January 1, 2007, is eligible for reappointment.

As added by Acts 1982, P.L.67, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.96-1983, SEC.3; P.L.68-1996, SEC.2; P.L.176-2002, SEC.4; P.L.168-2005, SEC.2; P.L.223-2007, SEC.7; P.L.172-2011, SEC.92; P.L.193-2017, SEC.1.