Community Development Institute
73 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago -The Community Development Institute (better known as CDI) has been the go-to resource for community and economic development training in the Mid-South since 1987. At CDI, community leaders learn the skills and strategies they need to make an immediate, positive impact on their community. On the CDI podcast, we are expanding our reach by connecting with community leaders and citizens to explore a broad range of community and economic development topics and engage in real conversations with leaders across the state of Arkansas and beyond.
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Episodes
Arkansas Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin
April 29, 2022 14:00 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBJoin us on for episode 58 of the CDI Podcast as our CCED 2022 spring intern Dalton Thompson and UCA student Gabrielle Harvey speak with Arkansas Lt. Governor Tim Griffin! Lt. Governor Griffin shares his background, vision, and scope of work. Learn more by listening to his story on the CDI Podcast.
Robert Furrey of Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway
April 20, 2022 14:00 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MBHealth is a critical component of a strong community and economic development ecosystem. On this week's CDI Podcast, we deep dive into why creating healthy communities is important with Robert Furrey, Associate Vice President of Hospital Operations at Baptist Health Medical Center - Conway. Robert also shares his thoughts on HOW we can support our citizens on their health journey.
Zachary Mannheimer of Atlas Community Studios and Alquist 3D
April 13, 2022 13:30 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBOn the latest episode of the #CDIPodcast, we are joined by Zachary Mannheimer of Atlas Community Studios and Alquist 3D to learn about his career, a holistic approach to community and economic development, and the future of affordable housing development with 3D printed homes. Fun Fact: Zachary is a certified Arkansas Traveler through the State of Arkansas!
Greta Hacker of the University of Central Arkansas
March 02, 2022 16:45 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBWhy should community leaders focus on mental health as an important economic issue? According to a study published by PharmacoEconomics, latest estimates show that the incremental economic burden of adults with major depressive disorders (MDD) was $326 billion in 2018, 38 percent higher than in 2010. On this week's CDI Podcast, we explore why supporting mental health should be a crucial piece of every leader's community and economic development plans.
Alison Wish of the Arkansas Coding Academy
February 23, 2022 16:04 - 11 minutes - 15.3 MBSince its inception in 2016, the Arkansas Coding Academy (ARCA) has provided information technology training to individuals looking to learn new technical skills. On this week's CDI Podcast episode, ARCA Director Alison Wish shares how ARCA supports its students and the workforce demands in our state in a unique way.
Dr. Ryan Watley of Go Forward Pine Bluff
February 16, 2022 18:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Ryan Watley, CEO of Go Forward Pine Bluff, to learn about their progress on community and economic development initiatives in Pine Bluff including their downtown streetscape and upcoming 6th Avenue Project.
Dr. Kim Hoffman of the University of Central Arkansas
February 09, 2022 15:00 - 14 minutes - 20.3 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we are joined by CCED Graduate Assistant, Greta Hacker, as she interviews UCA Professor and Director of the UCA Public Administration Program, Dr. Kim Hoffman. We will hear about Dr. Hoffman's career, her thoughts on civics education, and the value of public service in our communities.
Joe Borgstrom of Place + Main Advisors
February 02, 2022 15:13 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBJoe Borgstrom's 20+ year career in community and economic development has been focused on helping communities develop into their best selves, build their future, and tell their stories. Joe's company, Place + Main Advisors, understands the importance of a multi layered development approach, at neighborhood, downtown, citywide and regional levels. Tune into this week's CDI Podcast as we explore the amazing work that Joe and Place + Main Advisor's are a part of.
Senator Joyce Elliott of Get Loud, Arkansas!
January 26, 2022 14:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we're joined by Senator Joyce Elliott to discuss her new civic engagement organization, Get Loud, Arkansas, that aims to register new voters, engage low propensity voters, and mobilize all Eligible voters to utilize the power of their vote to shape the future of Arkansas. We discuss Senator Elliott's career, the goals of this effort, and how you can get involved in the process.
Amy Whitehead of the University of Central Arkansas
January 19, 2022 15:00 - 19 minutes - 12.9 MBIt's the season 3 premiere! Listen in on our conversation with University of Central Arkansas Chief of Staff and Bill Miller Award winner Amy Whitehead! We discuss the UCA Extension services group and UCA's role in community and economic development in the state of Arkansas.
Dr. Michael Yoder
June 30, 2021 14:00 - 41 minutes - 57 MBYou thought Season 2 of the CDI Podcast was over? Not quite! We have one more "bonus episode" to share with our listeners featuring Dr. Michael Yoder. Dr. Yoder speaks with us about the knowledge he imparted in the new edition of the Community Development Handbook (our core curriculum at the Community Development Institute) and gives us a sneak peak into the content of his latest book.
David Orr and Representative Aaron Pilkington of ARcare
June 23, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 37.1 MBWhen Dr. Steven Collier created ARcare, a nonprofit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) with discounted rates, he shared the mandate to serve “the least, the last, and the lost." ARcare focuses on providing healthcare to all, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. On this final episode of season 2 of the CDI Podcast, Director of the ARcare Foundation David Orr and Vice President of Operations Representative Aaron Pilkington share ARcare's mission, vision, and why they believ...
Dee Brown and Grandon Gray of The P3 Group
June 16, 2021 14:42 - 13 minutes - 16.8 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we're joined by CEO Dee Brown and Chief Business Offer Grandon Gray of The P3 Group. The P3 Group specializes in business, community, and urban development through the creation of Public-Private Partnerships. We talk about their careers, their work in Arkansas and beyond, and how they've woven in community development into their business model. You can find out more about The P3 Group here: thep3groupinc.com/
Drake Smith and Ken Warden of the Ft. Smith Regional Alliance
June 09, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBMarch 2021 marked the 10 Year Anniversary of the Fort Smith Regional Alliance! To mark the occasion, Drake Smith and Ken Warden join us on the podcast. We discuss the various projects coming out of the Ft. Smith Regional Alliance and the bright future of the Ft. Smith region.
Martie North Hamilton of Simmons Bank
June 02, 2021 14:00 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBWhat do you know about the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)? As our team was considering who would be best to discuss this topic, there was only one answer: Martie North with Simmons Bank. Martie serves as the senior vice president and director of community development and the Community Reinvestment Act at Simmons. On this week's CDI Podcast, we speak with Martie about the CRA, Simmons Bank, and why it is important for community leaders to build relationships with their local bankers...
Jenn Gregory and Clay Craft of Retail Strategies
May 26, 2021 14:00 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBRetail is a foundational piece of the economic ecosystem in our communities, and oftentimes even a place to begin to build your local economy. But if you want to get serious about retail development and recruitment, where do you start? Join us on the CDI Podcast as experts with Retail Strategies, Clay Craft and Jenn Gregory, share insider knowledge on retail and small business development at the local level.
Dr. Joe Thompson of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI)
May 19, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 13.5 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we talk with Dr. Joe Thompson of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement (ACHI)! We talk about the COVID-19 pandemic, the health of our communities in Arkansas, and what our community leaders can do to recognize and limit Zipcode Risk. Learn more about ACHI here: https://achi.net/
Charlotte Strickland and Wendy Holbrook of the University of Central Arkansas
May 12, 2021 14:00 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBIn its simplest terms, diversity means the richness and wide spectrum of humanity that is reflected all around us, and inclusion means identifying, understanding, and appreciating that richness and placing ourselves in it every day with the goal to listen, learn, and lean in. This definition reflects one of many beautiful insights and lessons that Wendy Holbrook and Charlotte Strickland of the University of Central Arkansas share on this episode of the CDI Podcast. Join us for this e...
Sasha Grist of Western Arkansas Planning and Development District
May 05, 2021 14:00 - 22 minutes - 14.6 MBThis week's episode features Sasha Grist, Executive Director of the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District. We talk about her unique career path, her passion for community development, and how CDI set her up for success!
Monieca West of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education
April 28, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 23.5 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we speak with Monieca West about her career in the community and economic development field, her work at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, and the knowledge and awareness she would like to impart on community leaders across the state.
Mark O'Mell of the East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition
April 21, 2021 14:00 - 16 minutes - 25.7 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we speak with Mark O'Mell of the East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition. We talk about Mark's career, the unique challenges of regional economic development, and why being your authentic self is the best way to navigate the community and economic development industry. Learn more about the East Arkansas Crossroads Coalition here: http://crossroadscoalition.org/
Shelley Short of the Arkansas State Chamber/Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives
April 14, 2021 14:00 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBShelley Short wears two distinct hats; simultaneously serving as the Vice President Programs and Partnerships at the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and as the Executive Director of Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE). While these two roles serve two purposes, they meld together to create a stronger foundation for economic development across the state of Arkansas. Episode 37 of the CDI Podcast will explore Shelley's professional life, her role at the Arkansas...
Dr. Stacey McCullough of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
April 07, 2021 14:00 - 40 minutes - 56.3 MBThe University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) Community, Professional & Economic Development unit is the team that has a long name, but provides amazing results across the state of Arkansas. The Community, Professional & Economic Development unit provides services such as leadership programs and development, community and economic development training and technical assistance, education services and programs for Arkansas businesses, an...
Bill Luther of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
March 31, 2021 14:00 - 25 minutes - 37.7 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we talk to Bill Luther of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. Bill talks about his upbringing, how his business community thrived during the pandemic, and the impact of the Community Development Institute on his career. Learn more about Bill and the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce here: http://goeldorado.com/
Linsley Kinkade of Winrock International
March 24, 2021 14:00 - 11 minutes - 7.76 MBThis week on the podcast, we're joined by the incredible Linsley Kinkade. Linsley is the Senior Director of U.S. Programs for Winrock International. Linsley is also a CDI graduate, a member of our CDI Advisory Board, and a PCED holder. We discuss her incredible professional background and work with Winrock International. Linsley also offers a few tips to current CDI participants.
Matt Dune of the Center on Rural Innovation
March 17, 2021 14:00 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBCDI 2021 Keynote Speaker Matt Dunne of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) joins us to share insights about himself, his organization, and how every small town can unlock its potential using innovation as a key. CORI uses progressive public, private, and philanthropic partnerships and strategies to achieve sustainable economic success in rural America.
Creating Startup Junkies with Jeff Amerine and Jeff Standridge
March 10, 2021 19:58 - 15 minutes - 23.2 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we speak with Jeff Amerine of Startup Junkie and Jeff Standridge of the Conductor about their new book, Creating Startup Junkies. Creating Startup Junkies focuses on the unique proposition of creating sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems in unexpected places. Arkansas, and other "flyover states", are well-positioned to create startup activity and strengthen their ecosystem through intentional cultivation of a collaborative culture, engagement wit...
Candace Williams of Rural Community Alliance
March 03, 2021 15:30 - 17 minutes - 11.5 MBIt's the season 2 premiere of the CDI Podcast! We are excited to carry the CDI Podcast into its second season with Candace Williams. Candace is the Executive Director for the Rural Community Alliance. Candace is also a CDI graduate, a CDI Year 2 Class Director, and a member of our CDI Advisory Board. In this episode, Candace tells us about her incredible history with Rural Community Alliance, her passion for education and advocacy, and how CDI continues to influence her work.
A CDI Thanksgiving
November 25, 2020 15:00 - 20 minutes - 17.8 MBWelcome to the finale of season one of the CDI Podcast! We wanted to make our season finale special so we have assembled some CDI Podcast All-Stars to reflect on the year, discuss our favorite CDI Podcast episodes, and talk about what we are looking forward to going into 2021. We hope you have enjoyed this season of the CDI Podcast as much as we enjoyed making it! Thanks so much for listening and be on the lookout for season two starting in the spring of 2021. See you next year on ...
Quint Studer on Building a Vibrant Community
November 18, 2020 20:27 - 31 minutes - 46 MBOn this episode, we talk with Quint Studer, author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen Powered Change is Reshaping America. We recently read Quint’s book at our CDI Book Club and wanted to invite him to the podcast to share his insights about community and economic development. We discuss his career, his experience revitalizing Pensacola's downtown, and how to prepare your community for change. You can learn more at QuintStuder.com.
Samantha Evans of the St. Louis Federal Reserve
November 12, 2020 22:35 - 22 minutes - 18.9 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we talk with Samantha (Sam) Evans who serves on the Community Development Team at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank. Sam focuses on workforce development and on the podcast we talk about the future of workforce development, how community members can be involved in that process, and her experience as a graduate, speaker, and advisor for the Community Development Institute.
Melida Heien of Longview Main Street
November 03, 2020 17:49 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down. That statement especially applies to our downtowns and Main Streets. Yet, those challenges lead to opportunities for change and lessons learned. Melida Heien of Longview Main Street shares insights into how she and her small business network have faced COVID head-on and highlights within downtown Longview.
Matt Twyford of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)
October 28, 2020 15:16 - 35 minutes - 48.6 MBDirector of Community Development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Matt Twyford and his team have continued to support communities, small businesses, and citizens across Arkansas as the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to affect our state. On episode 26 of the CDI Podcast, Matt shares information about himself and AEDC, how he and his team have pivoted their work, and why he thinks it's important for communities to focus on community development as well as econom...
Danny Presley of the City of Webster
October 21, 2020 14:54 - 15 minutes - 12.3 MBOn this episode, we talk with Danny Presley who serves as City Manager of Webster, Texas. Danny is a CDI graduate and recently participated in our CDI Advanced Year class where we created a First Impressions Tour (FIT) Report for the city of Beebe. Danny shares information about his career in law enforcement, his dedication to continuing education, and his experience during the CDI Advanced Year.
Patty Methvin and Whitney Horton of the Arkansas Community Development Society
October 13, 2020 16:09 - 25 minutes - 34.7 MB"We're not in person anymore..." (a play off of Stranger Things) may be the tagline for the 2020 Arkansas Community Development Society (ACDS) conference, but it accurately describes the reality many of us are still coping with. Pivoting to accomodate a COVID-19 world, the ACDS board made the decision to move it's annual event virtual and also make it accessible to everyone by eliminating registration fees. Check out this week's CDI Podcast to learn more about ACDS and the 2020 confe...
Dr. Phillip Fletcher of City of Hope Outreach (CoHO)
October 07, 2020 14:29 - 27 minutes - 20.5 MBOur team at UCA has been looking for ways to speak more directly to issues of race and racial injustice that affect our communities. Therefore we created the Arkansas Racial Equity Summit that will take place on October 8. Leading up to the Summit, we asked Dr. Phillip Fletcher, executive director of CoHO, to join us on the podcast to share about his career, his work in Conway and around Arkansas, and issues of racial inequality that face our communities. CoHO is celebrating 13 years...
Lisa Taylor of the City of Durant, Oklahoma
September 30, 2020 14:00 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBOn this episode, we are joined by CDI alum Lisa Taylor! Lisa serves as the Economic Developer for the City of Durant and Executive Director of the Durant Industrial Authority. Lisa was formerly here with us in Arkansas as the Economic Development Director for Sevier County. She is a CDI graduate, PCED holder, and just recently graduated from the CDI 2020 Advanced Year. Lisa shares information about the impact of walk audits and "geo conquesting."
Dr. Joe Fratesi and Jeremy Murdock on Strategic Doing
September 23, 2020 14:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we are speaking with Dr. Joe Fratesi and Jeremy Murdock of the Stennis Institute of Government at Mississippi State University. Joe and Jeremy work with us through our Community Catalyst program where we are utilizing Strategic Doing to spur community-led action. We talk about their careers, Strategic Doing, and how to utilize Strategic Doing to get things done in your community.
Tiffany Henry of The Conductor
September 16, 2020 14:00 - 13 minutes - 10.3 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, we talk to the AR Conductor's Director of Entrepreneurial Communities, Tiffany Henry, about entrepreneurial ecosystem building, supporting small businesses through COVID-19, and what communities can do to create a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs. The AR Conductor is a public-private partnership between UCA and Startup Junkie Consulting that works to empower entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers in central Arkansas. You can learn more ...
Mayor Joe Hurst of Van Buren, Arkansas
September 09, 2020 14:00 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MBOn this episode, we are joined by Mayor Joe Hurst of Van Buren, Arkansas! Mayor Hurst is in his first mayoral term and is a graduate of the Community Development Institute. We talk about what it's like being an elected official, his thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic, and his favorite part about CDI.
Emily Hathcock of the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD)
September 02, 2020 14:21 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MBWhen Arkansas native, Kentucky transplant, CDI graduate, and PCED holder Emily Hathcock was in college her goal was to become a librarian. Yet, she ended up in the field of community and economic development. Learn how Emily ended up where she is today, how BRADD is assisting its local communities during the pandemic, and the difference between Kentucky's area development districts and Arkansas's planning and development districts on this episode of the CDI podcast.
Mayor Trae Reed of Lonoke, Arkansas
August 26, 2020 14:15 - 20 minutes - 14.9 MBOn this episode of the CDI Podcast, UCA CDI's Dylan Edgell and Emily Cooper talk to Lonoke Mayor Trae Reed about what it was like becoming Mayor, his experience being on both sides of a strategic planning process (a citizen, then elected official), and what community leaders can do to involve their citizens in community and economic development projects.
Lisa Johnson of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce
August 20, 2020 18:46 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBOn Episode 16 of the CDI podcast we visit with one of our favorite neighbors to the south Lisa Johnson, president and CEO the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. The staff at the Bossier Chamber serves area businesses and is committed to working to help strengthen and enhance growth and development in Northwest Louisiana.
Talicia Richardson of 64.6 Downtown
August 12, 2020 20:09 - 25 minutes - 18.4 MB64.6 Downtown is a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, and special events and projects. On this episode of the CDI Podcast, Executive Director Talicia Richardson shares how 64.6 Downtown strives to be the intersection where arts, recreation, entertainment, and lifestyle collide to create a vibrant downtown.
Episode 14: Doug Warner with the City of Cabot
August 05, 2020 15:29 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBAre you curious about the CDI Advanced Year? Then you need to listen to this episode of the CDI Podcast! Doug Warner, a Cabot city council member, shares insights into the CDI Advanced Year and his own experience as an elected official in the City of Cabot.
Doug Warner with the City of Cabot
August 05, 2020 15:29 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBAre you curious about the CDI Advanced Year? Then you need to listen to this episode of the CDI Podcast! Doug Warner, a Cabot city council member, shares insights into the CDI Advanced Year and his own experience as an elected official in the City of Cabot.
Vicki Malpass of Innovate Arkansas
July 29, 2020 20:11 - 17 minutes - 12.7 MBInnovate Arkansas is a state-funded initiative that helps scale promising Arkansas technology ventures. Funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and administered by Winrock International, Innovate Arkansas assists technology entrepreneurs in turning startup companies into viable commercial enterprises. This week on the CDI Podcast, we speak with Innovate Arkansas Program Officer Vicki Malpass. Vicki works directly with startup companies and entrepreneurs in order to asc...
Episode 13: Vicki Malpass of Innovate Arkansas
July 29, 2020 20:11 - 17 minutes - 12.7 MBInnovate Arkansas is a state-funded initiative that helps scale promising Arkansas technology ventures. Funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and administered by Winrock International, Innovate Arkansas assists technology entrepreneurs in turning startup companies into viable commercial enterprises. This week on the CDI Podcast, we speak with Innovate Arkansas Program Officer Vicki Malpass. Vicki works directly with startup companies and entrepreneurs in order to ascertain th...
Episode 12: Jon Chadwell of the Newport Economic Development Commission
July 22, 2020 21:01 - 19 minutes - 26.2 MBWe are living in a new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission Jon Chadwell shares how the City of Newport is pivoting to support its citizens and businesses during the pandemic and how he and his staff are planning for a post-COVID world.
Jon Chadwell of the Newport Economic Development Commission
July 22, 2020 21:01 - 19 minutes - 26.2 MBWe are living in a new reality due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Director of the Newport Economic Development Commission Jon Chadwell shares how the City of Newport is pivoting to support its citizens and businesses during the pandemic and how he and his staff are planning for a post-COVID world.