21inc. - Day 7

After getting lost in Edmunston trying to find the rental company so we could drop off the car, we made it to the Université de Moncton - Edmunston Campus for a presenation of a new model of partnership the Université has with teh CCNB of Edmunston in sharing facilities and services. Very welcoming individuals and good discussion...

On another note, the week has been a tremendous learning experience in terms of living accessibility through Courntey's reality. Courtney is a C5 quadrapalegic and everytime a building, or room, or vehicle is not accessible, the whole group and guests witness it and have to find a solution to it. In travelling with him in the rental down to Fredericton, it was also nice to chat with him about all that. I had assumed he would have been frustrated with all this, but he's really a true champion of the cause, also being President of the Canadian Parapalegic Association of NB, and each time a challenge occurs, he wants it to be noticed so people can take note and hopefully address it in the future. Thanks for that part of the trip Courtney...

We travelled to Florenceville to visit McCain Foods. We had a tour of the R&D centre and then had an hour with the Chairman of the company, Allison McCain. With companies not only in NB, but all over the world, it was nice to pick his brain on economic development, business, young entrepreneurs, community impact, organisational culture etc. Looking back at all the companies we visited this week, all were so different. From JDI to McCain, to Imperial manufacturing, to Big Tide Brewing to NB Power just to name a few. I have so much reading to add to my list now...

We had great supper with 2 other business leaders of the region. Sabian Cymbals and Barrett Corporation. I was really impressed by Ed Barrett, the Co-CEO. Great insights on leadership, business and advancing NB forward from business to community development.

Now I'm in Woodstock. Super tired. The group has gone out for drinks at Courtney's place... so me and my co-prego-leader are staying in to relax. I'm still not over my cold either so I am exhausted. Tomorrow is our last day... we have supper with the group and I think I'll bring LP so I can spend time with him before I go home to put him to bed! Looking forward to relaxing at home on Sunday...