ATLANTA, GA (April 18, 2019) – The Community Development Council is pleased to award Barbi Brewer-Watson, former President and CEO of the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce and newly appointed Executive Director of the Community Development Agency for the City of Kankakee, IL, the certification of Professional Community and Economic Developer (PCED). The PCED designation is available to professional community developers who successfully enlist others, lead collaborative efforts and utilize all available resources to increase the economic prosperity of their communities. Applicants must obtain points based on their education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam, in order to receive the designation.

“Barbi has demonstrated dedication and leadership in Kankakee County” CDC Chairman Kay Fitzsimons said. “Her efforts have guided and shaped a strong focus on effective community development.”

The Community Development Council, Inc. was organized in 1995 to increase the professional credentials and recognition of individuals working in the field of community development. The Council has established professional standards through certification and training that are recognized as valuable to both community development practitioners and those who employ their services. A 501 (c) (6) corporation, the Council is not a membership organization, and is supported by private and public sector sponsors and from fees generated by certification and accreditation services. The Council maintains a registry of Professional Community and Economic Developers in good standing.

“Having a team committed to best practices and professional development is essential in continuing to move Kankakee Forward. Barbi has demonstrated her commitment to professional development and excellence which will only benefit the City of Kankakee as our team seeks to build our Community Development Agency (CDA) and maximize our resources to provide the best services for our residents,” stated Chasity Wells-Armstrong.

To become eligible for certification, Barbi was required to attend multiple week-long community development trainings in Moline, Illinois. The Community Development Institute (CDI) is a national training offered in multiple locations and endorsed by CDC. There are currently six CDI locations including CDI Central in Arkansas, CDI Midwest in Illinois, CDI Northwest in Idaho, and CDI Texas. Midwest CDI is presented by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University. The training program is specifically designed for participants who are working to improve their community. Brewer-Watson is a 2014 graduate of Western Illinois University.

For more information about CDC please visit www.cdcouncil.com and to learn more about Midwest CDI, visit https://www.midwestcdi.org/

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