Nominations Open for New Leadership Experience

• --------------------------------------------------------------- A pilot project for promising young leaders and entrepreneurs, age 20 to 35 is playing an important role in shaping Atlantic Canada's future.

21inc., a youth led nonprofit organization, is seeking nominations for the 21inc Emerging Leaders Summit. The Summit identifies and engages young leaders in companies and organizations across Nova Scotia, while developing leadership skills in 50 of the region’s most promising young people, approximately 20 of which will come from Nova Scotia. Nominations can be made online at www.21inc.ca

The province, through Economic and Rural Development and Nova Scotia Business Inc., is investing $30,000 to support this project.

"We're investing in our future leaders so they can make a significant and lasting impact on the economic and social well being of our communities," said Premier Darrell Dexter today, June 25. "This is an investment to ensure that more young people stay and build a life here in Nova Scotia, which is vital to the province's economic stability and growth in the long term."

Nova Scotia's aging population means young people need to increasingly take positions of leadership in companies and organizations. The summit will help participants develop relevant skills, which will help to foster innovative, growing and globally competitive companies.

It offers networking and mentoring opportunities among peers, while enhancing skills and strategic knowledge of trends to help lead and grow companies and organizations to create a strong economy in Atlantic Canada. The program is designed to enhance abilities to motivate self and others, build teams, strategize, design structures and measure success.

After the summit, being held Nov. 22-24 at St. Andrews by-the-sea, N.B., the emerging leaders will engage with top doers and thinkers at the 21inc Ideas Festival.

"This is a unique and exciting skill development opportunity for young people, which is not currently found in Canada," said Mr. Dexter. "It's important to create stimulating forums where senior public- and private-sector leaders engage with the region's future leaders on common challenges and opportunities."

To be eligible, potential participants must be nominated for a selection process. The successful nominees will be announced in September.

"This support from the government of Nova Scotia sends a strong message of the province's commitment to retaining young leaders and will help to ensure the success of the summit," said executive director, 21inc., Tom Coate. "The combination of skill development, relationship building, and idea sharing will ensure our emerging leaders are better equipped to lead today and in the future."

The 21inc. Emerging Leaders Summit is supported by private and public sector partners, including Scotiabank, Emera, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, Colour, Evolving Solutions, Transcontinental, Nova Scotia Business Inc., the government of Nova Scotia, the government of New Brunswick, and government of Prince Edward Island.