Economic Development and natural gas are just some of the issues local officials hope to discuss at this week’s ROMA conference. 
The Rural Ontario Municipal Association kicked off in Toronto yesterday.
Mayor Randy Hope and members of administration are focusing on the Chatham-Kent Workforce Planning Board and natural gas expansion during the three-day summit.
Officials say with its rural-urban mix, the municipality presents some unique and diverse challenges when it comes to the workforce, and would like to see additional funding from the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.
Local representatives will also be looking to the Energy Ministry for support on its natural gas expansion and greenhouse corridor development pilot project.