Professional Development
Federal Resources
Delta Leadership Institute
DRA invests in regional leadership through its annual Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. Fellows representing each of the eight DRA states are selected by the eight governors and the federal co-chairman from a competitive pool of applicants representing both the public and private sectors. During the nine-month executive leadership development program, six sessions are held in different cities throughout the eight-state region, focusing on areas such as transportation infrastructure, government relations, and regional collaboration.
Visit dra.gov/programs/human-infrastructure/leadership/delta-leadership-institute
State Resources
Leadership Arkansas
Leadership Arkansas, a State Chamber/AIA program, cultivates and develops emerging and established leaders dedicated to improving the state of Arkansas.
Visit arkansasstatechamber.com/leadership-arkansas
University Resources
Oklahoma University – Economic Development Institute
OU Economic Development Institute (EDI) is the premier economic development program in the nation. With more than 50 years of experience, it provides professional economic developers with the up-to-date knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in today’s constantly changing environment. This is a three week-long training course leading to the Certified Economic Developer accreditation through the International Economic Development Council and the University of Oklahoma.
Visit ou.edu/pacs/edi
University of Arkansas – Cooperative Extension Service – LeadAR
The Cooperative Extension’s LeadAR program empowers Arkansans to drive meaningful change by deepening their understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. Through a focus on leadership development, the program enhances participants’ knowledge, hones their skills, and expands their networks, equipping them to create lasting impacts in their communities and champion long-term economic growth.
Visit uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/leadership/leadar
University of Central Arkansas – Community Development Institute
Community and Economic Development training that goes towards the Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED) certification through the Community Development Council. CDI is a three-week-long program that is the go-to resource for community and economic development training. Participants will learn the skills and strategies needed to make an immediate impact on their community. CDI benefits any community leader: elected officials, economic and community developers, city planners, nonprofit professionals, and more. Additionally, the UCA Center for Community and Economic Development offers numerous other trainings and workshops throughout the year.
Visit uca.edu/cdi
Non-profit or Other Resources
Arkansas Community Development Society
The Arkansas Community Development Society is an educational nonprofit organization whose purpose is to advance community development and the community development profession by; providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of common interest among the members of the society, providing for the publication and dissemination of community development information to members of the public, advocating excellence in community development scholarship research and practice for the good of mankind, and promoting citizen participation as essential to effective community development.
Visit arcds.org
Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives
Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE) is the statewide professional association representing economic developers and chamber executives in Arkansas. Previously organized as two separate entities, (Arkansas Economic Developers and Arkansas Chamber of Commerce Executives) the two associations merged in 2016 to create a stronger, more efficient, and unified alliance. Membership is available to anyone with an interest in the economic and community development of Arkansas. AEDC hosts and offers numerous trainings for community leaders throughout the year including regional workshops, the Midsouth Basic Economic Development Course, and an annual conference.
Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course – The Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course (MSBEDC) is tailor-made for community leaders engaged in economic development across various scales – local, regional, state and federal. This inclusive program caters to a diverse array of participants, fostering collaboration among elected officials, government agency staff, planners, utility and transportation personnel, business leaders, real estate developers, community volunteers, educators and professionals from chambers of commerce or economic development organizations. MSBEDC is the precursor for the IEDC’s Economic Development Institute.
Visit aedce.org
Arkansas Municipal League
The Arkansas Municipal League was founded in 1934 and exists for a threefold purpose: To act as the official representative of Arkansas cities and towns before the state and federal governments; to provide a clearinghouse for information and answers; and to offer a forum for discussion and sharing of mutual concerns. The AML offers numerous events and training programs throughout the year, including; the Arkansas Civic Education Program, seasonal conferences, an annual conference, and regional trainings and seminars.
Visit armunileague.org
Association of Arkansas Counties
The Association of Arkansas Counties is an organization that provides a single source of cooperative support and information for all counties and county and district officials through the provisions of general research, public education programs, and conducting seminars for county governments in Arkansas. They host many trainings and events throughout the year including; seasonal conferences, an annual conference, a county judges annual meeting, and sheriffs association meetings.
Visit arcounties.org/events