Lisa Johnson, Bossier Chamber president/CEO, has recently completed the Year 2 Class of the 29th Annual Community Development Institute – Central CDI at the University of Central Arkansas on August 6, 2015. She was also awarded the distinguished Champion of CDI award during her time at CDI.
The 35 CDI participants in the Year 2 Class voted on and named Johnson as the recipient. The award is given to participants who demonstrate leadership that unites. Johnson attended the training through a scholarship given by Franklin E Crockett, CEcD, Manager of Economic & Business Development for Southwestern Electric Power Company.
CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.
The complete institute experience is a three year program, with one week 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.
UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987, in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, CDIs have been established in Texas, Idaho, Alabama, and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.
