Sec. 4.

The executive director shall plan and direct the carrying out of an economic expansion program for the state, except as to planning functions transferred to the executive office of the governor by Act No. 380 of the Public Acts of 1965, as amended, being sections 16.101 to 16.608 of the Compiled Laws of 1948. The program shall aid the creation of new job opportunities, encourage the expansion, development and diversification of industry, commerce and agriculture and the bringing of new industry to this state, and create an atmosphere in which the businesses of the state may prosper and its citizens may enjoy the benefits of a growing economy. The program shall include, but not be restricted to, the following activities:

(a) Investigation and study of conditions affecting the economy of the state, technical studies and statistical research and surveys necessary or useful for the expansion of the economy, and collection and dissemination of such information as may be beneficial to public and private organizations.

(b) Encouragement of scientific research, and the development of new and more extensive use of forest, mineral and other resources, through the universities and colleges of the state, and other public and private agencies.

(c) Conducting research and recommendations of programs necessary to provide training for vocational skills needed to take full advantage of the state's human resources.

(d) Recommendations to the governor and the legislature, for the study and improvement of conditions, and for the elimination of restrictions, trade barriers and burdens imposed by law or otherwise, which may adversely affect or retard the legitimate development and expansion of industry, commerce or agriculture.

(e) Study and advice to the governor, the legislature, industry and interested organizations and associations as to means and methods of providing financing for economic expansion in the state.

(f) Promotion and encouragement of the expansion and development of markets in domestic and international trade for products of the state.

(g) Publicizing of the material, economic and cultural advantages of the state which make it a desirable place for business and residence.

(h) Advise and cooperate with, regional, county, municipal and other local planning agencies within the state, for the purpose of encouraging cultural, economic and physical self-improvement of the communities and coordination of state and local planning under direction of the governor.

(i) Confer and cooperate with the executive, legislative and planning authorities of the United States and neighboring states, and of the counties and municipalities of such neighboring states, for the purpose of bringing about coordination between the development of such neighboring states, counties and municipalities, and the development of this state under direction of the governor.

(j) To conduct research and make recommendations to the governor for the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated and efficient development of the state in accordance with present and future needs and to best utilize the state's natural, material and human resources. Upon direction of the governor the department shall utilize and coordinate the research facilities of state departments and institutions in the interest of Michigan's economic and other development.

History: 1963, Act 116, Imd. Eff. May 10, 1963 ;-- Am. 1967, Act 88, Eff. Nov. 2, 1967