HOUSTON, TX – Lone Star College System will host the Texas Community Development Institute during a week-long session March 5-9.
The five-day training is designed for community officials, volunteers and employees who work with city/state/county governments, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, utility companies and community social services.
CDI was created to train community officials and volunteers in the techniques of modern leadership and management of community development efforts. Since the program’s inception more than 1,500 community leaders from throughout the country, many from Texas, have participated in the program.
According to Kay Fitzsimons, LSCS director for Community Leadership Institute, more than 60 local community leaders will attend the March sessions at the Lone Star Community Building.
Lone Star College System, one of the premier educational institutions in Texas, the Texas Economic Development Council, and the Community Development Council are supporting organizations of the Texas Community Development Institute. Entergy Texas is the major supporter of the program. During the five day session 50-plus classes will be offered by 30 practitioners and instructors from across the United States, each well-known in his or her business and community development fields.
“We are delighted to once again host this group at Lone Star College System,” said Fitzsimons. “The partnership between the Texas Community Development Institute and LSCS has proved meaningful and beneficial throughout the years for all involved.”
The comprehensive program curriculum is designed to meet the increasing challenges facing community developers in today’s fast paced society and is applicable for community leaders from towns and cities of all sizes. CDI approaches community development as both a process and a program. It seeks to:
Develop an individual’s ability to identify community problems.
Assist participants with setting personal and organizational goals.
Encourage liaison with outside agencies.
Stimulate community interaction.
Bring groups together to support competitive economic development, human resource development and quality of life issues.
This year Texas CDI will partner with Impact DataSource, an Austin, Texas-based economic consulting, research and analysis firm, to host Advanced CDI on March 5-6.
Advanced CDI is designed for individuals who have completed Years 1 through 3 and want to learn additional information regarding the latest trends in community development. Jerry Walker, principal, and Paul Scheuren, economist, with Impact DataSource will facilitate this year’s strategic workshop focusing on making good decisions on incentives.
“Attending the institute is an important step in continuing my knowledge and diversity as a chamber president,” said Reggie Gray, Houston Intercontinental Chamber of Commerce president.
“The diversity of the attendees and instructors gives insight to the many different levels and partners involved in community development,” Gray said. “It has also proved to have been a great networking tool as my fellow attendees and I are still exchanging ideas and utilizing each other’s knowledge as tools to further our communities.”
The registration fee of $600 for Years 1 – 3 and $350 for the Advance Year covers instruction, student materials, two meals a day and refreshment breaks. Lodging and evening meals are the responsibility of the participant. Enrollment is limited and prospective participants are encouraged to apply before the Feb. 17 deadline.
For more information contact Kay Fitzsimons, director of Community Development Institute at 832-813-6623 or visit LoneStar.edu/cdi to register online.
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