Portage's new Economic Development Executive Director is the current E.D. for Minnedosa's Economic Development office. Vern May will be taking the position here next month, and PRED board chair Roy Tufford's optimistic.

"Vern May, our new executive director comes to us from Minnedosa, and he's going to be starting at about the date of February 15th," Tufford says. "Based on the discussions that we've had with him, we're very excited to be getting him to be part of that process going forward. Those of us who have spoken to him quite a bit are very optimistic that it's going to be a good fit for our region."

Tufford says two processes to put the word out for a potential E.D. failed to provide anyone who was prepared to start and take their offers, and May found out about the position later. He adds May contacted the board and submitted a resumé asking if the position was still available, was interviewed and everyone was pleased.

May was with Souris in the same position before moving to Minnedosa, so he comes with experience and knows what the goals are and what he's going to be doing, Tufford adds. His office will be located in the newly-expanded Portage La Prairie Planning District building at 800 Saskatchewan Avenue West.