Chatham-Kent’s Economic Development Services Division is moving to a different department.

Chief Administrative Officer Don Shropshire announced this morning that effective immediately, the division has been transferred to John Norton.

Norton is the General Manager of Community Development, and oversees several other divisions as well, including Planning Services, Building Development Services, Municipal Governance, Fire & Emergency Services, and Legal Services.

Shropshire says the move will “enhance the municipality’s efforts to build a business-friendly environment that promotes investment”.

Norton says his goal is to “assist business owners and create an environment that makes it possible for businesses to flourish”, and to “aim for a balance of regulatory functions and business friendly practices”.