(a) The provisions of this article shall be construed liberally, it being the purpose to provide in this state appropriate housing facilities for displaying to the general public exhibits relating to the automobile racing industry and the automobile industry and providing for the management and control of the displays by such means as may be feasible and agreed upon.

(b) In view of the unique character and complexity of the duties and responsibilities imposed on the commission by this article, it is hereby specifically provided that the commission shall have, in addition to the power and authority enumerated in Section 41-9-472, the right, power and authority to:

(1) Develop and institute a program of promotion and advertising of the exhibits and facilities provided for by this article, said program of promotion and advertising to be conducted by the commission both within and without the state in such manner and to such extent as may be deemed economically advisable and appropriate by the commission;

(2) Purchase and acquire items of tangible personal property on a competitive bid basis in the manner prescribed by law for the purchase of such items by state trade schools, state junior colleges, state colleges and universities under the supervision and control of the State Board of Education, the city and county boards of education, and the county boards of revenue or other similar county governing bodies and the governing bodies of the municipalities of the state and the governing boards of instrumentalities of counties and municipalities under Article 3 of Chapter 16 of this title; and

(3) Itself operate, or in its discretion enter into lease agreement with a person or agency of its choosing to operate, all concessions located in or on the grounds and facilities operated by the commission, any such lease agreement to be so designated as to provide maximum services and convenience to the patrons of the exhibit center and to provide reasonable revenue to the commission.