‘Boots on the street’ strategy helps economy, director says
With a greater focus on customer service and community awareness this past year, Chatham-kent economic development officials believe the department is on the right track.
Economic development director Stuart Mcfadden said reallocating staff to be “boots on the street” has gone a long way in helping existing businesses to reach their potential.
“We have the right people in the right place, doing the right things,” he said Friday.
Mcfadden said a big part of 2019 was working with the new mayor and council elected in 2018 and discussing priorities.
“Then it was an internal reflection about how we go about doing our business,” he said. “(We were) able to complement council’s vision. That was a big first step.”
In previous years, the department was more sector-specific — dedicating an employee to manufacturing or agriculture, he said.
Now the municipality is focusing on economic development zones.
“Six people out on the street knocking on doors, trying to find out what we can do to help the businesses there today,” Mcfadden said.
“I’ve always said we want to be the conduit between business and government. Businesses are getting used to (staff ). They know who to call now if they have an issue.”
As for what 2020 might bring, Mcfadden couldn’t get into specifics but said various companies are planning expansions.
There is also the chance for more relocations and new investment within Chatham-kent.
“We’re making investments in the Bloomfield Business Park in 2020 to make sure we can open up some more lands for sale,” Mcfadden said.
“That’s making sure we have all the right infrastructure that’s required for businesses to be able to come in.”
He said improving the availability of housing — whether it’s market-based residential or multi-unit rentals — will be key in helping companies attract employees and building up Chatham-kent’s workforce.
Mcfadden added the department has had a stronger social media presence to boost local businesses and keep the community informed, crediting marketing and communications officer Andrew Tompsett for his efforts.
He doesn’t expect the department to be making significant changes or requests come budget time.
“We’ve basically held the line. We made the adjustments in 2019, which set us up,” Mcfadden said.
“That gives us the ability to go out and execute the plan that we believe council is interested in.”
I’ve always said we want to be the conduit between business and government.