CONWAY, Ark. -Phyllis Thompson, Director of Membership for the Van Buren Chamber, was among the individuals who were awarded graduation certificates during the 39th annual Community Development Institute (COi) at the University of Central Arkansas on August 1, 2025. Phyllis completed all three years of the lnstitute's program of study. 




"The past three years have been an amazing journey.  I met some of the most amazing people across the state with whom I can continue to learn from and share ideas . I  am excited to bring the knowledge I have gained back to the Van Buren Community." stated Thompson. 


COi trains community leaders and economic development professionals on how 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 businesses together to respond to a broad range of economic and quality of life issues. 
The complete COi experience is a three-year program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development. 
UCA is the birthplace for the Community Development Institute, which started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell, and ARKLA. Since that time, COis have been established in Texas, Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, and Delaware, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created. 
More information about COi can be found at www.uca.edu/cdi.