Stephen Prasad

Cochrane and Area Community Development Corporation

The Lake Abitibi Model Forest welcomed a new partner in December 2001 when Stephen Prasad of the Cochrane and Area Community Development Corporation joined our Board of Directors. Stephen moved to the Cochrane area from India in 1970 at the age of 22. He has a Masters Degree in Agriculture, and when he first arrived in the area, worked for the Department of Lands and Forests in Cochrane, and with Federal Department of Agriculture at their experimental farm in Kapuskasing. Stephen later joined the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Stephen has actively participated in the Cochrane Community since his arrival in 1970. He is an ex-Kinsman. He has also been a director and later President of Cochrane Community Living. In addition, Stephen raised money locally for the poor people in Bangladesh. He was a director and chairperson of Cochrane Tourism and he is currently chairperson with the Cochrane Community Learning Center and also is the current President of the Cochrane Board of Trade.

Stephen and his computer and electronics business, Video Mart and Computer Center have been an important part of the Cochrane business community since 1983. Stephen’s wife Tracy works as Operating Room Supervisor at Lady Minto Hospital. They have two children, Samantha and Naveen, both of whom were born and raised in Cochrane. Stephen joined the Cochrane Board of Trade when he opened his business in 1983, and he currently chairs the organization. He has also expanded Video Mart to three additional stores in several northern communities. As a representative of the Community Development Corporation, Stephen is well aware of the importance of a healthy and sustainable forest.

"We all depend directly or indirectly on the forest industry, tourism, recreation, and everything else that the forest supports or provides," says Stephen. "If the forest is in good condition, then our local economy will also do well, and so will all the individuals and families in the area."

As the president of The Cochrane Board of Trade and a director of The Community Development Corporation, Stephen is dedicated to promoting a healthy local economy, positive social conditions, and opportunity for Cochrane and area. As a long-time local businessman and member of the Corporation, Stephen has seen the economic downturn and social drain endemic in most of northern Ontario. He and many other members of the Cochrane Board of Trade are working to revitalize the downtown area by attracting new businesses, and encouraging the reoccupation of unused buildings.

"We can stop and reverse the long and slow decline in the north if we work together through organizations like the Lake Abitibi Model Forest," says Stephen. "If we all work to keep the forest productive and healthy, then we can build on our existing economic base, and explore new opportunities for economic growth for our communities."

Recent developments spearheaded by Stephen clearly demonstrate the strong community support for the Lake Abitibi Model Forest and for sustainable forest management in general. The Cochrane Town Council has permanently donated the old Cochrane library building to the

Lake Abitibi Model Forest for continued use as its office. The Cochrane and Area Community

Development Corporation will add a highly useful and relevant perspective to the Lake Abitibi Model Forest. We welcome Stephen Prasad to our Board of Directors, and anticipate a long and mutually beneficial relationship.