CEDA’s 2013 Annual Meeting was held on May 3 at the Lewiston Country Club. Although an afternoon of golf was off the agenda due to several inches of new, heavy snow, over 70 people ventured out in less than ideal conditions to support CEDA and network with other professionals working in the areas of economic and community development. In addition to greetings from CEDA’s CEO/President Ron Zeigler and Board Chair Mike Tuohy, Lewiston City Council member Larry Rupprecht welcomed the crowd to the Lewiston area and talked about the city’s relationship with CEDA, beginning with EDA staffing several years ago and adding city administrative services in 2011. Zeigler then recognized CEDA’s volunteer Board of Directors and identified the many communities and organizations that continue to support CEDA through contracts or contributions.
Two CEDA team members, Erin Sparks and Cris Gastner, took the floor for a presentation on the Blandin Community Leadership Program. The two were part of a cohort from Lake City chosen to complete the program. Sparks and Gastner outlined the process that was used to select community participants and talked about the program’s schedule, activities, and time commitment. Both reiterated the tremendous value of the program, which was “life-changing” for each of them as individuals as well as instrumental for real change and progress at the community level. Sparks and Gastner strongly encourage other communities to consider an application for this Blandin program.
A special thanks to all those that were able to attend the meeting! For short clips of the meeting, visit these YouTube links: Part 1 and Part 2.