Developing a community for the future has never been more important as the increased use of global communications has expanded the boundaries of communities of all sizes.
Lone Star College presents the Community Development Institute (CDI) Texas March 2 – 5. The four-day workshop was created to train community officials and volunteers in the techniques of modern leadership and management of community development efforts. The training will help increase the capability of participants to effectively and positively impact economic and social development.
CDI Texas 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 Texas is part of a national network of training sites endorsed by the Community Development Council (CDC).
“This program is for economic and community development professionals who work in a fast-paced environment,” said Kay Fitzsimons, director of the Community Leadership Institute. “It involves practical, interactive and comprehensive training.”
During the institute, 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. In addition, informal peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities provide value to the participants for years to come.
CDI also offers an opportunity for attendees to enhance their career by becoming a Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). CDI helps prepare participants for this nationally-recognized certification exam offered through the Community Development Council and CDI Texas will offer the PCED exam Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. Application and eligibility information are available at cdcouncil.com.
CDI Texas will also include an advanced session March 2 – 3 focused on community planning and retail analysis and development. These Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI) continuing education courses are designed to help professionals transition from the data collection and analysis phase of a business and retention program to involving the community to address the business needs of their local economy. Participants will also be given the tools and resources necessary to analyze and develop a community’s retail sector to its fullest extent.
The two-day training is designed for individuals who have completed all three years of CDI as well as for non-CDI alumni who want to stay current with trends and best practices. Completion of Advanced CDI is recognized as continuing education credit for BREI members and by the CDC for education requirements, training, work experience and eligibility criteria for re-certification.
The cost to attend CDI Texas is $600. The Advanced course is $350 for CDI alumni and $400 for non CDI participants. Register online at LoneStar.edu/cdi. Registration fee covers training, participant materials and breakfast, lunch and refreshment breaks daily. Accommodations and other food costs are the responsibility of the participant.
All sessions will be held at the Lone Star Community Building located at 5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas, 77381.
The Courtyard Houston North/Shenandoah will serve as the host hotel for CDI Texas. To make a reservation, call 817.932.0748 and ask for the CDI rate, or visit LoneStar.edu/cdi for a direct link to book online.
Lone Star College has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSC remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online.