Chamber director completes first phase of community development training

Brandi Schulz

Brandi Schulz, executive director of the Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce, has completed the first year of training at the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas.

The program, now in its 39th year, trains community leaders and economic development professionals to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Participants learn to identify community assets, set goals, encourage collaboration, and address economic challenges.

The full institute spans three years, with one week of intensive training each year. Participants move through the program in cohorts and gain practical tools to use in their communities.

“CDI empowers communities with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive,” Schulz said. “I’m excited to apply the strategies and connections from CDI as we continue strengthening our local economy and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens.”

Schulz attended with support from a 2025 scholarship awarded by the Arkansas Community Development Society, a nonprofit that promotes collaboration, research, and citizen involvement in community development.

“I am grateful to ACDS for supporting those of us working to strengthen our communities and for making this training possible,” Schulz said.

The Community Development Institute was founded at UCA in 1987 in partnership with Entergy. Since then, additional institutes have been established in Texas, Idaho, Alabama, Illinois and Delaware under the national Community Development Council.

Image provided by the Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce