(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.