Brick completes CDI training

Brick completes CDI training

Marion's economic development director graduates from Community Development Institute

news@theeveningtimes.com

Tracy Brick, Marion Chamber of Commerce President and Director of Economic Development , was among the 40 individuals who were awarded graduation certificates during the 32nd annual Community Development Institute (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 3, 2018. Mrs.

Brick completed all three years of the lnstitute's program of study.

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, organi- zations and businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

The complete CDI 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 California, Texas, Alabama, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development

Council, has been created. More information about CDI can be found at www.uca.edu/cdi.

By the Evening Times News Staff