The Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas today will celebrate its 20th anniversary by presenting its first “Friends of Community and Economic Development” award.
“This award is to recognize those people who are forward thinking and committed to making life better by investing in community and economic development — not only for Central Arkansas, but for the state and region as well,” said Robert Pittman, executive director of the Community Development Institute.
The award presentation will take place today during a luncheon at 12 noon in the Brewer-Hegeman conference center on the UCA campus.
CDI trains local officials, board members, and citizens from all walks of life to strengthen their local economies and build communities.
UCA is home to the nation’s first Community Development Institute, which was founded in 1987. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, West Virginia, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council (CDC), has been created. Now referred to as CDI Central, the Arkansas program has attracted sponsors such as Entergy, AT&T, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Arkansas Community Development Society.
According to Pittman, “Training local leaders and citizens is one of the keys to successful community and economic development. Creating a great place to live, work and play facilitates business growth and new jobs. Community and economic development don’t happen by accident. Pro-active and knowledgeable community leaders and citizens make it happen.”
