The search for someone to lead Portage's economic development agency continues. Portage Regional Economic Development has been without an executive director since Douglas Barill vacated the position in May. A job posting was sent out to advertise the position back in June, but City Planning and Economic Development Chair Liz Driedger says that didn't yield the results they were looking for. She notes they've now sent out a second advertisement to fill the vacancy, and they're hoping for better results this time around.

"We've taken some time in the last month to tighten the description of the job a little bit more. If you did apply previously, and you still feel you're a good fit please apply again. We're hoping this round of applications will garner exactly who we are looking for."

While PRED's been without an executive director for more than four months, that hasn't halted work to bring more business to the city. Driedger says without a formal person in that role, they're still looking after the region's economic development needs.

"We've had quite a few questions about how long we're going to be without a director. The bottom line is Jean-Marc Nadeau, the city manager for Portage la Prairie, and Nettie Neudorf, the CAO at the RM, have taken on the responsibilities of executive director in the last few months. They've been doing a great job."

She says they want to take their time to ensure they're hiring the right person for the position. Driedger says the area has a lot to offer potential businesses, and they're looking for someone who can truly showcase what Portage has to offer.