Bossier City’s CDI Training Program: enhancing local community leaders

BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — The Community Development Institute (CDI) is a nationally recognized training program designed to enhance leaders and manage those individuals responsible for developing their local communities.

The Community Development Institute (CDI) Central was established in 1987 to train community
and economic development professionals in Arkansas and surrounding states.

There are currently seven CDI locations, including CDI Central in Arkansas, a CDI Central satellite site in Louisiana, CDI Mid-Atlantic in Delaware, CDI Midwest in Illinois, CDI Northwest in Idaho, CDI Southeast in Alabama, and CDI Texas.

The Bossier Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with CDI at the University of Central Arkansas, hosts CDI training in Bossier City, Louisiana, to help the community become a better place to live, work, play, and learn. Lisa Johnson, President/CEO, and Jessica Hemingway, PCED, Vice President, co-direct the Louisiana site of CDI. Both have participated in three years of CDI Central and the advanced year course.

The curriculum is delivered through various formats, including lectures, small group discussions, simulations, and individual projects. It provides all three training sessions in one year for a small cohort of 30 engaged citizens committed to making a difference in their communities.

Emily Jo Manchester-Sanden, CNP, Executive Director of the Bossier City’s Renesting Project, Inc., has recently completed Year 1 of the Community Development Institute (CDI) Central in
Louisiana on February 18-21, 2025, in Bossier City.

“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,” stated Manchester-Sanden.

The Louisiana CDI experience differs from other sites as they train for three weeks within one
year. “This first year was an incredible experience. The information, the networking, the connection with my class- I am already so looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned and going back for the next session!” said Manchester-Sanden.

The following sessions will occur from June 16-19 and September 29-October 3.

If you are interested in the CDI Louisiana, call the Bossier Chamber of Commerce at 318-746-0252.