A. There shall be an Advisory Team for the Rural Action Partnership Program.

B. The Advisory Team shall not have any direct control or policy making authority with respect to the Rural Action Partnership Program. The Rural Action Partnership Program shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

C. The Advisory Team shall consist of:

1. The Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce or a designee;

2. A person to be selected by action of the Board of Directors of Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.;

3. A person to be selected by action of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Association of Regional Councils;

4. A person to be selected by the governing entity for the Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers;

5. A person to be selected by the Oklahoma Association of R.C. and D. Councils;

6. A person to be designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry;

7. A person to be designated by the Governor’s Council of Workforce and Economic Development;

8. A person to be selected by the Board of the Oklahoma Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence;

9. A person to be selected by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education;

10. A person to be selected by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education;

11. A person to be selected by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation; and

12. Three persons to be selected by the Governor to represent rural businesses and rural communities.

D. For purposes of the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, the Advisory Team shall be deemed a public body, but shall be authorized to conduct its meetings by teleconference.

E. The Advisory Team shall be authorized to meet as often as may be required to assist in the development of the Rural Action Partnership Program and may request assistance from the Rural Area Development Task Force for such purpose.

Added by Laws 2004, c. 471, § 2, eff. July 1, 2004.