§5B-11-2. Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority created; membership; terms; meetings; quorum; compensation and expenses; assistance from Department of Economic Development.

(a) The Advanced Energy and Economic Corridor Authority (authority) is hereby created as an independent body corporate. It shall consist of the following 15 members who are involved in economic, commercial, or industrial development in the geographic region of the authority:

(1) A representative of the economic development agency of McDowell County;

(2) A representative of the economic development agency of Mercer County;

(3) A representative of the economic development agency of Mingo County;

(4) A representative of the economic development agency of Wayne County;

(5) A representative of the economic development agency of Wyoming County;

(6) A representative of the Region 1 Planning and Development Council;

(7) A representative of the Region 2 Planning and Development Council; and

(8) The following seven members appointed by the Governor, or his or her designee:

(A) A representative from businesses and industries located in the state;

(B) An economic development representative from a utility company that provides service to the corridor region;

(C) Four private sector representatives from the technology, energy, advanced manufacturing, and aviation, aerospace, or advanced air mobility sectors in the corridor region; and

(D) Two at-large members from regions and counties along the corridor who have knowledge and experience in local issues, economic development, and other areas of expertise.

(b) Each member shall serve a term of five years. Members may be reappointed to additional terms and, upon expiration of their respective terms, shall continue to serve until their successor has been appointed. The chair, vice-chair, and officers shall be selected annually by majority vote of the members. The chair shall schedule meetings and set the agenda for each meeting.

(c) A majority of members, in person or by real-time electronic communication, constitutes a quorum to conduct business at a meeting.

(d) If a member of the authority must recuse himself or herself because of a perceived or actual conflict of interest, a majority of the remaining members of the authority without a conflict shall be sufficient for the conduct of authority business.

(e) Members are not entitled to compensation for services performed as members.