The Co-operative Enterprise Council of New Brunswick (CECNB) helps strengthen local economies and build sustainable communities through co-operative and social enterprise development. It provides many services including training, routes to necessary capital and connections to partners across the country. CECNB is always looking ahead with youth engagement programs and business succession planning using the co-operative model. Wendy Keats was the first and only Executive Director of CECNB until recently. Our discussion is in the first half of this program.
Then, some years ago, the K-8 school in Dorchester, N.B. was set to close due to declining enrollment. It was the latest blow for a region losing people, businesses and services. Residents began a Save Our School campaign and with assistance from CECNB decided to create The Greater Dorchester Moving Forward Co-operative to put life back into their community. Now the area is thriving with its school firmly rooted, new daycare services, programs for youth and seniors and a building to house activities. Board President Reg Tower shares the story.
