(a) advise the commissioner in carrying out the functions, powers and duties of the division, as set forth in this article;

(b) advise the commissioner, the governor, and the legislature concerning recommended legislation necessary to foster and promote the prosperity, expansion and development of minority and women-owned business enterprises within the state;

(c) advise the commissioner, the governor, and the legislature concerning existing laws, rules, regulations and practices of state agencies which are counter-productive or inimical to the prosperity, expansion and development of minority and women-owned business enterprises within the state;

(d) advise the commissioner, the governor, and the legislature concerning the development of inter-governmental cooperation among agencies of the federal, state and local governments and cooperation between private industry and government so as to assure the optimum development of minority and women-owned business enterprises; and

(e) serve as a catalyst for creating and maintaining a minority and women-owned business enterprise consciousness in New York state.

(f) establish procedures for making annual awards to be known as "New York State Minority and Women-Owned Business Excelsior Awards". These non-monetary awards shall be given in recognition of unusual performance by persons, firms and organizations which are engaged in the operation of a New York state minority and women-owned business enterprise or which are engaged in activities to assist minority and women-owned business enterprises in the state. The board may nominate up to five award winners annually and forward such names to the governor for consideration. The governor may designate award winners from these nominees. Current members of the advisory board are not eligible as nominees. 7. The commissioner shall provide the board with such staff assistance and support services as necessary for the board to perform the functions required of it under this section.