The board of supervisors of any county may create a county economic development commission, as a separate agency or by designation of an existing county board, commission, department or agency, as the county economic development commission. The boards of supervisors of 2 or more contiguous counties may create a regional economic development commission. Economic development commissions created under this act shall consist of not less than 3 nor more than 35 members with such powers and duties as are herein prescribed. Membership of a regional commission shall be apportioned according to the population of the respective member counties. County economic development commissions heretofore established by county boards of supervisors are validated as commissions established under this act.

     The commission shall be deemed to be an agency of the county or region. The board or boards of supervisors may make such rules and regulations in respect to the commission as it deems advisable. The commissioners, in administering the activities of the commission, may adopt such further rules and regulations as they deem advisable. The compensation of the commissioners for carrying out the duties and responsibilities imposed hereunder, shall be fixed by the board or boards of supervisors.

     The commission shall appoint such employees as they deem necessary to carry out the provisions hereof, subject to civil service regulations in counties having adopted a civil service system.

     The board or boards of supervisors shall provide each year in its annual budget for the expenses of the commission.

     The commission shall plan and direct the carrying out of an economic development and expansion program for the county or region. The program shall include, but not be restricted to, the following activities:

    (a) Investigation and study of conditions affecting the economy of the area, technical studies and statistical research and surveys necessary or useful for the expansion of the economy, and the collection and dissemination of such information.

    (b) Recommendations to the board or boards of supervisors for the study and elimination of restrictions, barriers and burdens imposed by law or otherwise, which may adversely affect or retard the development and expansion of area industry, commerce or agriculture.

    (c) Study and advise the board or boards of supervisors, industry and interested organizations and associations as to means and methods of providing financing for economic expansion in the county or region.

    (d) Promotion and encouragement of the expansion and development of markets for products of the county or region.

    (e) Publicizing of the material, economic and cultural advantages of the county or region.

    (f) Conduct research and make recommendations to the board or boards of supervisors for the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing a coordinated and efficient development of the county or region in accordance with present and future needs and to best utilize the county's or region's resources.

     The commission, in addition to its other powers and duties, may:

    (a) Accept, with the approval of the board or boards of supervisors, grants of funds made by the state, the United States, or any department or agency thereof, or other public or private agency or individual.

    (b) Enter into contracts with boards, commissions and agencies, both public and private, and with individuals to carry out the purposes of this act.

    (c) Act as the county's or region's official liaison agency with state and federal agencies concerned with economic development programs.

     Upon the request of the governing body of any city, village or township located within the county or region, the commission may apply for and accept grants from the state or the federal government for assistance for the local units of government, which includes but is not limited to surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans and technical services. County costs shall be reimbursed to the county or counties by the local units of government. The commission may accept and expend grants from the state and the federal government and other public or private sources, contract with reference thereto, and enter into other contracts and exercise all other powers necessary to carry out the purpose of this act.