21 leaders for the 21st century 2008

Original '21' aim to create the capacity for change by developing the nation's best community leaders

Moncton, NB - Together with Premier Shawn Graham, 21inc. today launched a province-wide search for 21 enthusiastic and energetic young New Brunswickers to participate in its renewed 21 leaders for the 21st century program - a unique leadership development exercise designed to give new and emerging leaders the tools, networks and confidence to help advance New Brunswick's self-sufficiency agenda.

Born of UNB's NextNB: 21 leaders for the 21st century initiative, 21inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating the capacity for change in New Brunswick by developing the best community leaders in Canada.

Established in 2006 by the original group of 21 leaders, 21inc. Executive Director Tim Coates said: "The 21 leaders experience offered us considerable attention and encouragement. We want to offer other young New Brunswickers the same chance we had to broaden our networks and gain a deeper understanding of our province and its challenges."

Participants in the 2008 21 leaders for the 21st century program will have the opportunity to meet with - and learn from - established provincial and national leaders; accelerate their leadership development by designing and implementing community solutions projects and, importantly, join a dynamic and diverse network of engaged young New Brunswickers committed to their province, and its future.

The 2008 class will be selected by an inter-disciplinary panel of judges. Applicants will be chosen based on a combination of criteria, including: their vision; their academic, professional and extra-curricular contributions; and for their capacity to have an impact on the province and its people. Application guidelines and more detailed program information are available at www.21inc.ca.

"Achieving the kind of large scale transformation we're seeking for New Brunswick means identifying, cultivating and enlisting our next generation of leaders," said the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick, acknowledging 21inc. as the first link in this new network of emerging leaders. He said, "21inc.'s 21 leaders for the 21st century program closes an important gap - instilling in our young people a sense of opportunity, community and responsibility here, in New Brunswick. Thanks to 21inc.'s efforts, our province will have a forever-growing pool of promising young people working to ensure New Brunswick remains the kind of place where people want to live, study, invest and raise families."

21inc. is supported by the Government of New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick, Revolution Strategy, Caisses populaires acadiennes, Major Drilling, Mariner Partners, McCain Foods, Moosehead Breweries, Diversis and the Barrett Corporation.

Event photos and interviews with members of 21inc. and the original '21 leaders' are available.
For more information, contact:

Anne McInerney Tim Coates
(506) 875-4390 (506) 260-8362
anne@21inc.ca tim@21inc.ca