FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2024
SHREVEPORT, LA – The Director of Existing Industry for the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP), Dean Baugh, was among six individuals from the inaugural Community Development Institute (CDI) Louisiana class who graduated on October 4, 2024 and also obtained their Professional Community and Economic Developer certification (PCED).
Dean recently completed all three sessions of the institute’s program of study, which provides extensive training on community building. Upon successfully completing the PCED exam, he is recognized nationally for these accomplishments and joins just eleven other PCED holders in the state.
“It is our greatest pleasure to welcome Dean Baugh as a PCED in the state of Louisiana,” said Jessica Hemingway, PCED, and co-director of the CDI Central in Louisiana site. “After three sessions of trainings, Dean has shown that he has the knowledge – along with the heart – to help our communities and our state move forward through the meaningful and comprehensive work of Community Development.”
The Community Development Institute Central (CDI) was established in 1987 to train community and economic development professionals in Arkansas and surrounding states. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the fields of community and economic development. Beginning in 2024, the Louisiana program is hosted by the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, an official satellite site of the original CDI Central in Conway, AR.
The institute builds the capacity of individuals and communities to positively impact economic and social development. This is achieved by expanding the individual’s ability to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders, and bring together groups of people to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues.
The Louisiana CDI experience is different than other sites as training takes place during three week-long sessions within one year.
More information about CDI Louisiana can be found at bossierchamber.com/cdilouisiana.
About North Louisiana Economic Partnership
North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to an 11-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. Its mission is to be a catalyst and connector advancing economic growth in the region. Visit nlep.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Lanier Thibodeaux, Director of Marketing & Communication
North Louisiana Economic Partnership
318.677.2514