Amy Finster (Image submitted)
After three years of intensive coursework alongside professionals from across the country, a Batesville community development director is bringing new tools back home to help Arkansas towns grow.
Amy Finster, community development director for FARCO, a Batesville-based design-build construction company, graduated from the University of Central Arkansas’ Community Development Institute on July 31, one of 42 professionals recognized during the program’s 40th annual session.
CDI prepares community leaders, economic development professionals and public officials with the knowledge and skills to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Participants learn to identify community assets, set strategic goals, foster collaboration among stakeholders and build partnerships that support long-term development.
The three-year program consists of one week of intensive training each year, with participants progressing through the curriculum as a cohort while building professional networks.
“The Community Development Institute has challenged me to think differently about leadership and community growth,” Finster said. “Over the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from outstanding instructors and community leaders from across Arkansas and the country while building lasting friendships. The experience has reinforced the importance of collaboration, investing in people, and creating communities where businesses and families can thrive.”
As FARCO’s community development director, Finster works to strengthen relationships with municipalities, schools, economic development organizations and community partners throughout Arkansas. She plans to apply the strategies she learned through CDI to help communities identify growth opportunities, build partnerships and advance projects that improve quality of life while supporting sustainable economic development.
UCA is the birthplace of the Community Development Institute, established in 1987 through a partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell and ARKLA. The CDI model has since expanded to Texas, Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Delaware and Louisiana, and led to the creation of the Community Development Council, the national governing and certification organization for Community Development Institutes.
More information is available at www.uca.edu/CDI.
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ every weekday morning and afternoon. White River Now updates are also aired on weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. Catch NBC News around the top of every hour on 1340 KBTA.
