This week's RM of Portage la Prairie council received a presentation from Portage Regional Economic Development's new executive director, Vern May, about PRED"s vision and plans of direction for the future. Reeve Kam Blight says things look exciting.

Kam Blight"Vern's doing an excellent job taking a look at the actionable items presented, and the direction that both (City of Portage la Prairie and RM of Portage la Prairie) councils want to go, and where the PRED board wants to go," notes Blight. "He's got a great plan put in place. We're very excited to see where it all goes from here. I think the communication's been excellent between Vern and the RM of Portage, as well as the PRED board and the RM of Portage."

Blight says council asked questions about the way May's focus is on improving communication, and the issue of not competing for the same dollars with other not-for-profit groups in the RM. He notes they're prioritizing the direction the RM needs to go and will work together with PRED to achieve that goal. 

May says council asked him questions about how they can ensure the challenging achievables are achieved, as well as how collaboration can be best carried through without internal competition. May adds the best strategy to be taken for investment attraction both locally and regionally was also discussed.

May says the type of role he holds requires a vision, and he felt he was able to adequately present that to council.