(1) The board shall appoint a president. The president shall be knowledgeable about private and public export assistance and export financing programs.

(2) The president shall serve at the pleasure of the board and shall receive a salary and benefits as shall be fixed by the board.

(3) The president shall administer the programs of the corporation and perform such duties as shall be delegated by the board.

(4) The president may, upon approval of the board:

(a) Contract for services.

(b) Hold public hearings.

(c) Call upon and reimburse for services any state agency or department for assistance in carrying out the objectives of this part.

(d) Participate with government or private industry in programs for technical assistance, loans, technology transfer, or any other programs related to this part.

(e) Undertake or commission studies on methods to increase financial resources to expand the exports of goods and services by small and medium-sized businesses in this state.

(f) Hire staff and provide export finance training for them and other individuals involved in export finance assistance, including such training sessions as may be provided by the United States Export-Import Bank and other organizations.

(g) Exercise any other powers as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this part.

(5) The president shall provide staff to the board as requested.

(6) The president shall submit an annual budget to be approved by the board.

History.—s. 53, ch. 93-187; s. 73, ch. 96-320; s. 24, ch. 97-278.