The Bossier Chamber of Commerce hosted the third session of Community Development Institute, a national program aimed at training community leaders and economic development professionals, from Sept. 27-Oct. 1. In partnership with Louisiana Tech University College of Business, the Bossier Chamber offers the only CDI site in the state of Louisiana.
The 2026 class is the third cohort of CDI Louisiana and recently completed its third session in October. CDI trains leaders to strengthen their local economies and build communities. The curriculum is delivered through various formats, including a combination of lectures, small-group discussions, simulations and individual projects. The focus is on active, rather than passive, learning.
Armed with the knowledge gained during the first and second sessions, known as Year I and Year II, participants further explored the big picture during Year III. Participants focused on implementing the knowledge gained in previous years while acquiring skills in leadership, marketing and organizing community development efforts…