(1) six members who reside in or represent all or some portion of the counties designated as distressed or least developed pursuant to § 12-6-3360 for 2009 or a county designated as such at the time of appointment; one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, one appointed by the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, and two appointed by the Governor. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 8-13-770, the members appointed pursuant to this item (1) by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee may be members of the General Assembly and, if so appointed, shall serve ex officio; and

(2) the Secretary of Commerce, ex officio, who shall serve as chairman.

(B) Members not serving ex officio shall serve for terms of four years and until their successors are appointed and qualify except that of the members first appointed by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and one of the members first appointed by the Governor, the member shall serve for a term of two years and the term must be noted on the appointment. Vacancies must be filled in the manner of original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term. Members shall serve without compensation, but are allowed mileage, subsistence, and per diem allowed by law for members of state boards, committees, and commissions.