Although it may take a little longer than projected, Pat Clonch, executive director of the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, said she could still hire someone to fill the vacant position of park manager at The Point by May 1.

Clonch said she has conducted three interviews so far and has two more scheduled later this week. She said at least four of these candidates are qualified.

"I want to be very sure we get the right person," she said. "There is one person that stands out, but I know both the other candidates yet to be interviewed are qualified."

All of the candidates are currently employed elsewhere, and it may take a little longer before they are actually in place, but she said she is still working towards that May 1 goal.

"I am more interested in finding the right person than doing it quickly," Clonch said. "Every position we have here is important because it takes complete teamwork."

Qualities that the person needs include being personable, good communication skills, excellent computer skills, knowledge of the rules and regulations of industrial and commercial development, Clonch said.

"We need a very multi-faceted person," she said. "Someone who can do multi-tasking because they may work on five different things in a day."

Former park manager Roger Haley resigned earlier this month because he said it seemed like a good time for a change. Haley had been a part of the LEDC for the past three years and had focused on getting the 504-acre industrial park ready for businesses.

Clonch said the search for Haley's replacement will not impede the development of the park at all, and that everything is continuing as planned.

"We will not permit it to slow down," she said. "It is too important. We have got to get these jobs and infrastructure in."

Phase 1 of developing the Point is a $3.25 million project that will focus on building roads and making water, sewer, electric and natural gas services available throughout the park.

As soon as the final approval from the Environmental Protection Agency is received and cleared by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, these infrastructure projects will go to bid.