It shall be the duty of the executive director and he is hereby authorized to prepare and execute a program of publicity and advertising that will bring into favorable notice the industrial, commercial, recreational, educational and social advantages, opportunities, possibilities, resources, farm and dairy products, and facilities of the state, and in the preparation and execution of such program he may use any funds which may be appropriated or otherwise made available for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Sections 57-1-1 through 57-1-51. The department may erect, equip, maintain and operate a research laboratory for the purpose of finding new and additional uses for Mississippi products and is authorized and empowered to receive, use and expend any funds from state, federal or private sources which it may receive for that purpose.