Louisiana Economic Development Partnership; advisory committee

A. There is hereby created an advisory committee to be known as the Louisiana Economic Development Partnership. The committee shall advise the department on matters relating to economic development policies, strategies, programs, and initiatives to promote economic growth in the state. B. (1) The committee shall consist of eleven appointed members as follows: (a) Nine members appointed by the governor, one from within the geographic boundaries of each of the state's eight regional economic development organizations and one at large. (b) One member appointed by the president of the Senate. (c) One member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives. (2) The secretary of Louisiana Economic Development or his designee shall serve as an ex-officio and nonvoting member of the committee. C. No member of the advisory committee shall hold an elected office while serving as an appointed member of the advisory committee. D. Vacancies on the advisory committee shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. E. The secretary of Louisiana Economic Development or his designee shall serve a term coterminous with the term of the governor. The remaining members shall serve four-year terms, except that, of the initial appointments, four shall be for two-year terms, four shall be for three-year terms, and three shall be for four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner of original appointment. No member shall be eligible to serve more than two terms; however, after the expiration of the term of a member appointed to serve three years or less, two additional terms may be served if appointed thereto. A person appointed to fill a vacancy may be appointed to serve two additional terms. F. The committee may meet quarterly and may hold additional meetings as necessary. G. A majority of the appointed members of the committee shall constitute a quorum. H. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation, but each member shall be entitled to reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties in accordance with state travel regulations. I. The committee shall annually elect a chairman and other officers as may be deemed necessary.