The commission is authorized and empowered to:
(1) Advise, facilitate, and coordinate with the Tennessee State Fair Association, a not-for-profit corporation, or Wilson County Promotions, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation, or both, for the purpose of the entities operating, managing, and conducting at least one (1) fair or exposition annually, under the supervision of the commission, with such additional fairs, expositions, or exhibitions as the commission determines are in the general public interest;
(2) Enter into any contracts and agreements necessary and do and perform any acts necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
(3) Maintain and manage property held by the state for the purpose of conducting fairs, expositions, and exhibits;
(4) Accept gifts, contributions and bequests of unrestricted funds from individuals, foundations, corporations and other organizations or institutions for the purpose of furthering the objectives of the commission’s programs;
(5) Accept on behalf of the state conveyances of property for the purposes of conducting fairs, expositions, and exhibits, subject to any terms and conditions agreed to by the commission;
(6) Sell or convey all or a portion of the property, land, or buildings under its management subject to the approval of the state building commission;
(7) Grant leases on all or any part of the property, land, or buildings under the management of the commission to private or public organizations, which appear to be in the best interests of the state;
(8) Recommend to the commissioner such rules and regulations that should be promulgated in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in chapter 5 of this title, in order to carry out the purposes of the commission; and
(9) Form advisory panels, as needed, from qualified persons within the state to obtain their advice and counsel on matters pertaining to the state fair. Members of these panels shall serve at the will and pleasure of the commission and shall receive no compensation.
