Директриса Main Street Texarkana прошла пересертификацию в качестве профессионального специалиста по экономическому развитию

TEXARKANA -- Main Street Texarkana announced Wednesday that Executive Director Ina McDowell was approved for re-certification as a Professional Community and Economic Developer through the University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute. McDowell completed the initial certification program in 2019, and this is her third re-certification, according to a news release. The field of economic development is a dynamic one, and certified PCED professionals are required to undergo re-certification every few years. The University of Central Arkansas Community Development Institute is a nationally recognized program that works to equip community leaders with economic tools and resources, as well as connecting communities with UCA resources. CDI started in 1987 in partnership with Entergy, Southwestern Bell and ARKLA. Since then, CDIs have been established in Texas, Alabama, Idaho and Illinois, and a national governing and certification body, the Community Development Council, has been created. The gruelling CDI certification process begins with a three-year course of study followed by periodic re-certification programs to ensure PCED recipients are up-to-date with current development trends and data. McDowell holds a B.A. in sociology, minoring in communication/public address, from the University of North Texas and a M.B.A from the University of Memphis. She has served as the executive director of Main Street Texarkana since 2012. Main Street Texarkana, accredited through the National Main Street program, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that champions economic development through historic preservation. The Main Street Texarkana District encompasses historic downtown Texarkana and is the only two-state program in the country. Main Street Texarkana is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities. For more information, visit MainStreetTexarkana.org.