A special position shall be provided, in the division of economic development of the department of business and economic affairs, to be known as area industrial agent for the counties of Coos, Grafton, and Carroll. The commissioner shall, subject to the personnel laws of the state, employ such area industrial agent for said counties, who shall be fully qualified by specific training and experience and who shall work under the supervision of the director. She or he shall maintain a residence in one of said 3 counties and her or his duties shall be primarily concerned with, but not limited to, assisting the political subdivisions of the state, regional development organizations or groups, and individuals to maintain and expand existing industries and to encourage, assist, and aid new industries to establish operations in said Coos, Grafton and Carroll counties, and the agent’s efforts shall be directed to the economic development of said 3 counties.