The NC Rural Center has opened the application period for its Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), the organization’s flagship leadership development program. Current and emerging leaders across the state are invited to apply.

Since its founding in 1990, the three-month intensive training program has helped nearly 1,200 people develop skills and increase their knowledge of economic and community development strategies, equipping them with the tools they need to tackle challenges in their rural communities.

“Rural communities need strong leadership to thrive,” said Olaunda Green, director of leadership training at the Rural Center. “We’re proud to provide training opportunities that not only equip established leaders but also emerging leaders who will greatly impact the future of rural North Carolina.”

Each year REDI welcomes local, state, and federal government staff, nonprofit and faith-based leaders, business owners, elected officials, economic development professionals, and other community-minded people for nine days of intensive rural community economic development training. Graduates of REDI join an extensive alumni network that spans all of North Carolina’s 100 counties and includes graduates from the Rural Center’s other leadership training program, Homegrown Leaders. Many of the Center’s leadership alumni are active in state and local government, and in philanthropic, nonprofit, and small-business sectors, as well as in faith and community-based organizations.

Applications will be available on the REDI webpage and accepted through September 15.

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Warren County Community and Economic Development Director, Charla Duncan was recently named a Trailblazer in the October edition of Business North Carolina Magazine.

In a feature piece titled, Trailblazers: 20 young leaders focused on improving the state’s smaller cities, this acknowledgement focuses on identifying and recognizing thriving business owners and professionals under the age of 40 who work in NC cities and towns that have fewer than 100,000 residents.

Business North Carolina received nominations through July 15, 2022 for leaders who were under the age of 40 as of June 30, 2022. Nominations included short statements supporting these influential business leaders, citing key accomplishments in the last two years and basic biographical information including age, title, hometown, and number of years spent in their current community.

In her profile, Duncan (36) revealed what she believes what makes the Warren County community so special:

Warren County is a bold community dedicated to building a bright future for all who live here. We are fearless and undaunted by hard work. We are a community of creative, innovative and entrepreneurial spirits.

She also named Harry Mills, Granville County Economic Development Director as a mentor and friend who has served as “a big inspiration and help” for her.

Warren County Manager Vincent Jones, Commissioner Walter Powell, Economic Develop Charla Duncan, Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, Haliwa-Saponi Chief Brucie Ogletree Richardson, Senior Advisor to President Biden Mitch Landrieu, and Reginald Speight, USDA NC Rural Development / Credit: Warren County Government

“On behalf of the County, I would like to congratulate Ms. Duncan on this well-deserved recognition,” said County Manager Vincent Jones. “We are looking forward to her continuing to help us move forward into a bright future ahead for Warren County.”

To read Charla Duncan’s full profile, you can find it here: Trailblazers: 20 young leaders focused on improving the state’s smaller cities – Business North Carolina
(businessnc.com)

Photo Credit: Submitted photo

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