Portage Regional Economic Development's (PRED) new executive director's now on location. Vern May was at his first City and RM of Portage la Prairie councils this week and outlines his approach to feeling his way through the community to begin his work.

"Generally, what I find is that it depends on how open the communication is," May explains. "If I'm coming into to the community without having been there before, and have to go and seek that all out on my own, it could take six months to figure it all out and get it laid out."

He says everyone's been very forthcoming with him about both the challenges and opportunities here in Portage, including the city's history, which is vital. So far, May notes, it's been a tremendous visible welcome, indicating that people are finding him.

"On the first day in the office I walked in at 8:30 in the morning and there were already two phone messages," he adds. "In the next few days, I'll be out and about to connect as many faces with names as much as possible."