1. To sue and be sued and to prosecute and defend, at law or in equity, in any court having jurisdiction of the subject matter and of the parties;

2. To adopt and use a corporate seal and to alter the same at pleasure;

3. To contract and be contracted with;

4. To employ and pay compensation to such employees and agents, including attorneys, as the board of directors deem necessary in carrying on the business of the Authority;

5. To exercise all powers expressly given the Authority and to establish bylaws and make all rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, deemed expedient for the management of the Authority’s affairs;

6. To borrow money and to accept contributions, grants and other financial assistance from the United States of America and agencies or instrumentalities thereof, the Commonwealth, or any political subdivision, agency, or public instrumentality of the Commonwealth;

7. To formulate a tourism development and marketing agenda for each locality in the West Piedmont and Southside Planning District Commissions;

8. To receive and expend moneys on behalf of tourism marketing and development; and

9. To coordinate the individual tourism efforts of the localities who choose to be members of the Authority.