Lone Star College System will play host once again to the Texas Community Development Institute during a week-long session Feb. 28 – March 4.
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 1,000 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 sessions at the Lone Star College System Training Center.
Lone Star College, 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 underwriter for the program. During the five-day session more than 50 classes will be offered by 30 practitioners and instructors from across the United States, each well-known in their 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 designed to meet the increasing challenges facing community developers in today's fast paced society, 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
• Set 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 the North Houston Economic Development Alliance to host Advanced CDI on Feb. 28 through March 1. Advanced CDI is designed for individuals that have completed years 1 through 3 and want to learn additional information regarding the latest trends in community development. Jack Allston, CEcD, FM, IOM, senior economic development consultant for JBA & Associates will facilitate this year’s strategic workshop focusing on the keys to successfully working with site selectors.
"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. 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,” said Gray.
The registration fee of $600 for years 1 – 3 and $400 for Advance Year covers instruction, student materials, two meals and refreshment breaks. Lodging and meals are the responsibility of the participant. Enrollment is limited and prospective participants are encouraged to register as early as possible.
For more information contact Fitzsimons, director for community leadership institute at 832-813-6623 or visit lonestar.edu/cdi to register and get additional information.
With more than 69,000 students in credit classes for spring 2011, and a total enrollment of more than 85,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of five colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, and LSC-Tomball, six centers, LSC-University Park, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
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