From February 18 to 21, the Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted the first session of the Community Development Institute (CDI) Central in Louisiana, a national training program designed to equip community leaders and economic development professionals with the skills needed to foster growth and resilience in their communities. In partnership with Louisiana Tech University, the Bossier Chamber offers Louisiana’s only CDI site, serving as a satellite location of CDI Central at the University of Central Arkansas.
CDI Louisiana, now in its second year, provides an intensive learning experience for participants seeking to strengthen their local economies. Unlike other CDI sites that spread training over three years, Bossier City’s accelerated model enables participants to complete all three sessions within a single year. This streamlined approach immerses participants in an interactive learning environment, incorporating lectures, small group discussions, simulations, and individual projects.
Training the Next Generation of Community Leaders
During the first session, participants were introduced to broad community development concepts, laying the foundation for more specialized instruction in future sessions. Topics covered included grassroots organizing, asset mapping, leadership development, and strategic planning.
“This first session of CDI training is important in laying a foundation for our participants to really grasp the concept of a whole community approach to the development of their communities,” said Jessica Hemingway, co-Director of CDI Central in Louisiana. “As the participants move through the other two weeks of training, they will experience more specific instruction in economic development practices like financing, as well as community development topics like neighborhood planning and quality of place.”
CDI Louisiana provides a hands-on approach to tackling real-world economic and social challenges. Participants work in cohorts, gaining insight into best practices for identifying community assets, fostering collaboration, and addressing economic and quality-of-life issues.
Local Leaders Embrace CDI’s Impact
One of the standout participants in this year’s CDI cohort is Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, CNP, Executive Director of Renesting Project, Inc. After completing the first session, she shared her enthusiasm for the program and its impact on her professional development.
“This first year was an incredible experience. The information, the networking, and the connection with my class—I am already looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned and going back for the next session!” said Manchester-Sanden.
She also praised the Bossier Chamber of Commerce leadership team, including Lisa Johnson and Jessica Hemingway, for their dedication to bringing CDI to Louisiana. “Lisa and Jessica did a fantastic job hosting and running the class; they very gracefully pivoted one day when our trainers were snowed in up north—I’m so grateful to them for bringing this opportunity to Bossier,” she said.
Strengthening Louisiana’s Economic Future
With a curriculum designed to empower community leaders, non-profit executives, and economic development professionals, CDI Louisiana is fostering a new wave of trained professionals who can drive meaningful change. As more leaders complete the program, Northwest Louisiana stands to benefit from innovative strategies to boost economic resilience and enhance quality of life.
—BIZ Magazine.