for starters
(leadership) 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, a
program designed to motivate young
World of opportunity New Brunswickers to confront regional
economic problems and to find opportu-
SANDOR FIZLI
nities to solve them within the province.
Coates was among the 21 chosen.
At the time, the program was meant
as a one-off initiative, but the initial 21
leaders were so impacted by their experi-
I love the ence that they decided to continue on
their own. Coates had been working with
the original group to find a way to offer
changes the program on a recurring basis. One of
those members was Anne McInernery,
who has since become the co-founder and
in my Tim Coates: “Good
president of 21inc. “New Brunswick is
facing significant challenges,” she says.
“We felt it was key to enlist the contribu-
employees! leaders can inspire
people to make
things happen.”
tion of the next generation in order for the
province to move forward.”
In January the organization reintro-
When Fredericton native Tim Coates them that there are great opportunities duced 21 Leaders for the 21st Century.
took part in a rebuilding mission in for regrowth there.” All of the 2008 young men and women
I’ve seen a big difference since my
New Orleans in 2006, he wasn’t there to After studying public policy and ranging in age from 20 to 35, are leaders
company started the corporate in their sectors and include a oncologist,
help reconstruct houses and clear working throughout Canada, the United
fitness program at Nubody’s. an entrepreneurs, a playwright, a
debris, as were many other volunteers States, and India, Coates returned to
after Hurricane Katrina destroyed most Fredericton in 2007, determined to find lawyer, and a social worker. In May the
We are back in shape, have more group went on a province-wide tour,
of the city. Instead, Coates was there to ways to improve his province. “What I
confidence, more energy, less making more than 25 stops to meet with
rebuild the community. learned in New Orleans,” he says, “is
stress and we’ve never been Along with 10 graduate students, that good leaders can inspire people to private and public sector leaders, artistic
more productive. Coates was part of a partnership make things happen.” That lesson and aboriginal communities, and
program between the Boston–based helped form the business model for community-minded volunteers. “As a
I’ve never felt better about me, Harvard Kennedy School and the Broad- what is now Fredericton–based 21inc, a group, it energized all of us,” says
moor Improvement Association, which provincial non-profit network for devel- Coates. “These men and woman are
my employees, my company or
is a neighbourhood association in New oping young leaders in New Brunswick. committed to improving their sectors by
our bottom line, and you can too.
Orleans aimed at developing the area. 21inc’s roots date back to 2004, when taking on more risks to succeed and be
“I saw firsthand that community building John McLaughlin, the president of the more entrepreneurial.”
Call today and take the first step in
is about the power of good leaders,” says University of New Brunswick, created To run the program, several public
creating a happier and more and private sector sponsors support it
Coates. “After Katrina, many people left Next NB, a public-policy initiative that
productive team. financially, including Bell Aliant. “Our
New Orleans. Broadmoor is run by local aimed to draw attention to the economic
community leaders who are working to issues facing New Brunswick. support is twofold,” says Robyn Tingley,
bring people back to the area and to show Its centrepiece: the creation of the vice-president of Bell Aliant’s commu-
nications and public affairs department.
“We want to help build capacity within
these individuals. We also want to create
(human resources) awareness in New Brunswick that there
are new ideas emerging about how to
Good manners count solve some of the challenges the province
is facing.” Tingley hopes that this year’s
With locations across If you’re not doing it already, it would be a good idea to insert leaders will consider taking on issues such
Atlantic Canada to serve you. some Emily Post-like behaviour into your job-hunting process. as out-migration, the sustenance of rural
Visit www.nubodysfitness.com According to a survey conducted by Accountemps, post-interview thank-you communities, linguistic issues, and
for the club nearest you. messages can influence the hiring decisions of a potential employer. In fact, of economic diversification.
the 100 senior Canadian executives surveyed, 75% reported that they have been “When we look at the labour market
For Corporate Membership influenced by such notes. The problem? Most candidates don’t send them. and how it’s getting increasingly compet-
information, please contact According to executives polled, the most effective thank-you notes are those itive,” says Coates, “now is the time to
Paula Gillis at 902.468.8920 ext 228
received via a short e-mail, which convey the interviewee’s appreciation for the invest in creating the right type of
opportunity to meet the potential employer and reinforces his or her interest in environment that will keep our young
or email pgillis@nubodysfitness.com
the company. Most importantly, hopeful candidates should restate the value they leaders here, as well as attract new ones.”
will bring to the company in the note. — I.G. — Red Bolton
16 PROGRESS, JULY/AUGUST 2008 WWW.PROGRESSMEDIA.CA 17