New Director shares plans aimed to boost CK's economic outlook...
Kathy Weiss, Director
I have spent my first five weeks as Director of Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services assessing activity and skills of the economic development team, meeting with stakeholders and members of the business community, and getting to know my way around Chatham-Kent.
Over the next few months, a realignment of the economic development department will be underway. The intent is to capitalize on the skills and strengths of the team and match them in roles that will lead economic development and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in a new direction of growth and prosperity.
Business attraction will be a key focus of this new structure. To attract investment we need to have people in place who are out pounding the pavement and knocking on doors selling Chatham-Kent as a place to do business. And it doesn’t stop at the manufacturing sector. New energy, agriculture, commercial, retail, tourism and culture all have tremendous opportunity for growth. A diverse economy is key to a stable and resilient economy.
Our team will knock on doors selling Chatham-Kent as an excellent place to do business. Manufacturing has been a traditional focus here but tremendous opportunity for growth and economic diversity also exists in the sectors of agriculture, energy, commercial, retail, tourism, and culture.
Small business is also a priority. The hidden gem known as the Chatham-Kent Business Enterprise Centre will resurface more identifiable through a strong marketing campaign. Signage and marketing materials will help entrepreneurs and those aspiring to become small business owners know where to turn for assistance. Each month, satellite locations will provide small business-related services to residents throughout Chatham-Kent.
New opportunities are endless in attracting tourists to Chatham-Kent and we have a great team of tourism and cultural experts who will ensure arts and culture remain an economic driver for our community.
I am very proud to represent Chatham-Kent. I am equally impressed with the strength of the local business community and the opportunities that lie ahead which will position Chatham-Kent as a competitive place to do business.