Program created; purposes.

A. The "New Mexico artisans business development program" is created within the economic development and tourism department to promote, in conjunction with the arts division of the office of cultural affairs, the New Mexico artisans industry by establishing a greater demand for New Mexico artisans' wares and by providing technical and marketing assistance to New Mexico artisans. B. The purposes of the program shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) establishment of a not-for-profit organization to carry out the objectives of the New Mexico artisans business development program; (2) educational workshops and seminars in cooperation with the small business development centers for artisans to assist the centers in the development of their businesses and marketing of their wares; (3) an assessment of a full range of marketing strategies for artisan wares and relating those wares to target markets; (4) production of a promotional brochure of New Mexico artisans and their products; (5) development and publishing of a marketing catalog of New Mexico artisans; (6) establishment of a network of state and national distribution points and gift and trade shows for the promotion and export of New Mexico artisans' wares; (7) development of a state and national marketing and exhibitions calendar; (8) participation in state and national promotional shows by New Mexico artisans; and (9) development of a marketing network with private-sector distributors, catalog producers and retailers.