Last week, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted its inaugural Community Development Institute (CDI), aimed at training local and state leaders on the best practices in community development. The institute, a satellite of CDI Central, was made possible through partnerships with Louisiana Economic Development and the LA Tech College of Business.
Participants from across the state convened to delve into a wide range of topics essential for community development, including inclusion, leadership, strategic planning, and understanding community economies. The program also covered practical aspects such as asset mapping, identifying stakeholders, managing volunteers, and building healthy communities.
One of the highlights of the institute was the hands-on experience provided through town and poverty simulations. Participants engaged in a town simulation called Newtonia, which provided valuable insights into the complexities of community dynamics. Additionally, a poverty simulation helped participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families in underprivileged communities.
The CDI not only equipped participants with valuable knowledge and skills but also fostered meaningful connections among classmates. Through collaborative exercises and discussions, participants forged relationships that are expected to endure throughout their professional careers.
“This training goes beyond traditional classroom learning. It’s about investing in oneself to become better equipped to invest in one’s community,” remarked a representative from the Bossier Chamber. “Our goal is to empower leaders to create vibrant and thriving communities fueled by growth and success.”
The success of the Community Development Institute would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors, including CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier Health System, Noel Foundation, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), Cyber Innovation Center, and Greater Bossier Economic Development Foundation (GBEDF).
For those interested in participating in future CDI sessions, the Bossier Chamber encourages individuals to reach out and join the waiting list for the 2025 institute by emailing [email protected].
