The new Executive Director for Portage Regional Economic Development has been selected. Vern May is scheduled to fill the office in the middle of February and will be in the newly built extension office at 800 Saskatchewan Avenue W. alongside the Planning District office.

"May comes to PRED with a professional background in business retention, expansion initiatives as well as investment attraction," says the PRED news release. "He has been working in the economic development field in Manitoba since returning to the Province from Alberta in 2013. His career in recent years has included positions as an Economic Development Officer with the towns of Souris and Minnedosa."

Board chair Roy Tufford says, "PRED is excited to move forward with Vern at the helm."

PRED's Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for facilitating, promoting and ensuring community, economic and tourism development in the Portage la Prairie Region. May will take the reins of overall management and work as well as foster positive relationships with various partners and stakeholders at the local, provincial and federal levels.

May and his wife Karen with their two sons Oscar and Ty say they're excited to move to town. "There is already a great foundation locally to build upon and the potential for future growth and development is very exciting," he adds.