52:27H-20. Division of Economic Development; powers and duties

21. The Division of Economic Development shall:

a. Promote and encourage the location and development of new business, industry, and commerce in the State as well as the maintenance and expansion of existing business, industry, and commerce;

b. Promote and encourage the expansion and development of markets for products and services of New Jersey businesses and industries. In promoting and encouraging the expansion and development of those markets, the division shall place a priority on using any business directories developed pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1995, c.210 (C.34:1B-104) to stimulate the purchase of goods and services produced by New Jersey businesses and industries and shall, to the extent feasible, seek to coordinate the "New Jersey Purchase First Program" established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1995, c.210 (C.34:1B-103) with partnership campaigns which are privately funded or otherwise supported to promote the purchase of goods and services produced in the State;

c. Conduct or encourage research designed to further new and more extensive uses of the resources of the State, and designed to develop new products and industrial processes;

d. Cooperate with business service organizations, utility companies, railroads, financial institutions and similar groups and agencies actively engaged in economic development within the State and plan its program of work to supplement and support the programs of such voluntary private organizations and agencies;

e. Advise and cooperate with municipal, county, regional and other local agencies and officers within the State, to provide guidance and assistance, when requested, in their efforts toward economic development of their respective areas, and to assist them to make an effective selection of economic promotional activities best suited to their potentialities and needs;

f. Cooperate with other State and interstate agencies engaged in formulating and promoting the adoption of interstate compacts and agreements helpful to business, industry and commerce; and

g. Investigate, study, and undertake ways and means of promoting or encouraging the prosperous development and protection of the legitimate interests and welfare of New Jersey business and industry within and outside the State.

L.1981,c.122,s.21; amended 1995,c.210,s.5.