BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and Louisiana Tech University, is gearing up to host its second cohort of the Community Development Institute (CDI). This national program, designed to train community leaders and economic development professionals, will return to Bossier City as a satellite site of CDI Central at the University of Central Arkansas in 2025.
The program, scheduled to begin on February 18, 2025, offers participants a unique opportunity to enhance their skills in building stronger local economies and communities.
Empowering Leaders for Community Growth
The CDI curriculum is structured to provide active learning through lectures, small group discussions, simulations, and individual projects. The training equips leaders with the tools necessary to tackle complex community challenges and foster economic growth.
“Attending the Community Development Institute significantly enhanced my professional development, equipping me with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address complex community challenges,” said Michael Colston, PCED, Vice President and Community Development Officer at Bonvenu Bank. “The invaluable networking opportunities and mentorship provided by CDI have been instrumental in advancing my career and positively impacting my community.”
Ideal participants include elected officials, city planners, chamber directors, nonprofit leaders, bankers, state employees, and others dedicated to improving their communities.
Unique Format and Certification Opportunity
Unlike other CDI sites that spread sessions over three years, the Bossier City location offers a condensed format, allowing participants to complete the program’s three sessions within one year. This accelerated schedule provides a comprehensive, applied approach to community and economic development.
Graduates of all three sessions become eligible to take the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification exam.
Building on Success
Lisa Johnson, President and CEO of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the program’s value. “I have attended four years of Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas and have brought many of those practices back to incorporate into our work at 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 the South this year.”
How to Register
The 2025 CDI Central cohort in Louisiana is now enrolling participants. To join this impactful program and strengthen your community leadership skills, register at the Bossier Chamber’s website.
This initiative underscores the Bossier Chamber’s commitment to fostering a better future for Louisiana communities by equipping leaders with the tools they need to succeed.