A diverse group of over 120 community leaders from the mid-south region participated in the 30th Annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas. The five-day training session, held August 1-5, exposed participants to elite community and economic development speakers and interactive sessions aimed to enhance their skill sets. The week’s activities also included remarks by Governor Asa Hutchinson, a special luncheon to commemorate the 30th Annual Institute, and tours that took participants throughout central Arkansas.
Two special Keynote Speakers, Ed McMahon of the Urban Land Institute and Ted Abernathy of Economic Leadership LLC, left participants, CDI partners, and guests primed and ready to move their communities forward.
CDI concluded with a special graduation and awards ceremony. Thirty two community leaders from Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi graduated from CDI and became new, shiny links in our alumni network! Newport Economic Development Commission (NEDC) was honored with the Friend of Community Development Award, offered each year to an individual or organization that demonstrates strong support for community development and CDI. NEDC Director Jon Chadwell accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Ivy Owen, Executive Director of the Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority, received the Bill Miller Award as recognition for his longstanding leadership and support of CDI, which includes many years of service as a CDI Board Member, Class Director, Instructor, and Sponsor.
Lisa Johnson of Bossier City, Louisiana was selected by her peers to receive the Ernest Whitelaw Award. The Whitelaw award recipient is someone who has demonstrated dedication to professional community development practice, a willingness to assume leadership roles, and a spirit of caring and inclusion, along with strong personal integrity. Year 1 and Year 2 Champions were also chosen by their peers; Jonathan Dean was selected for Year 1 and Tiffny Calloway for Year 2.
Amy Whitehead, CDI Director, said, “The CDI staff and advisory board are proud to honor the award winners and graduates of the 30th Annual Community Development Institute. UCA has been able to fulfill its mission of lifelong learning and public service through programs like CDI, and CDI’s network of community and economic development professionals have been instrumental in that work.”
The Community Development Institute, established in 1987 at the University of Central Arkansas, in Conway, Arkansas, trains community and economic development professionals from Arkansas and surrounding states. The complete CDI experience is a three-year training program, with five days of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.
For more information about CDI, visit uca.edu/cdi.
For pictures of the Institute, including participants who graduated, please visit: facebook.com/CDI.UCA/photos
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