Richard Weaver, Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce Board Director, Greenbrier City Councilman and franchise owner of Kona Ice of Conway and Saline, was among the 30+ individuals awarded graduation certificates from the Community Development Institute – Central (CDI) at the University of Central Arkansas on Friday, Aug. 1st.

CDI trains community leaders and economic development professionals to strengthen their local economies and build communities. This is achieved by developing the ability of participants to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring communities, organizations and business together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.

The institute is a three-year program, with one week of intense training per year. After the completion of the third year, graduates can opt in to take their Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) certification exam and optional fourth (advanced) year.

“We are extremely proud of Richard for investing his time by gaining knowledge and a better understanding of how communities thrive. Not only will his education benefit the health of Greenbrier, but help him grow as a leader,” Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce President and 2024 Graduate of CDI Ashton Pruitt said. “At the Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce we are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Greenbrier and CDI prepares leaders like Richard to do just that.”

UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell and ARKLA. Since that time, CDI programs have been established in Texas, Alabama, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created.More information about CDI can be found at uca.edu/cdi.