Portage Regional Economic Development will be looking for a new executive director. The board announced this morning that Douglas Barill had resigned, effective immediately, after serving in the role for more than two years. Portage Planning and Economic Development Chair Liz Driedger says they're already discussing the recruitment process.

"The board did receive his resignation yesterday, and my only comment at this time is that we wish him well in his future endeavours. We will be actively looking to replace him in the near future."

In the meantime, a combination of city, RM, and office staff will ensure it's business as usual for the economic development agency.

"The direction of PRED is with the board, and the day-to-day duties will be handled by the respective CAOs of the two municipalities represented by PRED. Also, the office will remain open. Amanda is there to receive calls and to direct calls to the appropriate people."

She says they're looking to fill the position as soon as they're able, and will be accepting applications in the near future.

"The ad will be posted in various places in the next couple of weeks, and we'll be receiving applications and interviewing. At this point the board is actively looking to replace the executive director of the Portage Regional Economic Development office, and we hope to have someone in place sooner, rather than later."

PRED was developed in 2012, after the cancellation of provincial funding for Central Plains Inc. Barill started as Executive Director for the role in November of 2013.

Here's the news release from PRED.