Program will train community leaders to strengthen our local economy
BOSSIER CITY — The Bossier Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second cohort of participants for the Community Development Institute, a national program aimed at training community leaders and economic development professionals. In partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, the Bossier Chamber will join host sponsor Louisiana Tech University to offer the only site in the state of Louisiana and will serve as a satellite site of CDI Central at the University of Central Arkansas in 2025.
The 2025 class is the second cohort of CDI Central in Louisiana, and is enrolling now with a start date of Feb. 18, 2025.
“Attending the Community Development Institute significantly enhanced my professional development, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address complex community challenges. The invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship provided by CDI have been instrumental in advancing my career and positively impacting my community,” said Michael Colston, PCED, Vice President Community Development Officer for Bonvenu Bank.
CDI trains leaders on how to strengthen their local economies and build communities. The curriculum is delivered through various formats including a combination of lecture, small group discussions, simulations, and individual projects. The focus is on active, rather than passive learning.
The ideal participants include elected officials, city planners and employees, chamber directors, community and economic developers, nonprofit leaders, bankers, state employees and anyone who is dedicated to making the community a better place to live, work, play and learn.
“Personally, I have attended four years of Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas and have brought a lot of those practices back to incorporate into our work at the Bossier Chamber,” said Lisa Johnson, President/CEO of the Bossier Chamber. “We had a fabulous first class in 2024 and we are looking forward to hosting community leaders from across the state and across the South this year.”
The complete CDI experience is a three-session program, with one week of training per session. Unlike other CDI sites, the Bossier City site will have participants complete all three sessions within one year whereas other sites host participants for one week each 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. After attending all three sessions, participants are then eligible to take the Professional Community and Economic Developer exam to earn that certification.