Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its Candidate Development Institute for six weeks. The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept. 11.
The course will be held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 19 through Oct. 24 at the Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, 510 Main St. The class will be limited to 30 participants.
The Candidate Development Institute topics include a practical course in campaigning, preparing for a political campaign, organizing a campaign, maintaining complete and accurate financial records, voting for progress in the community and helping a candidate get elected.
The institute is coordinated by the Chamber and in association with Go Forward Pine Bluff. CDI is designed to offer training in the basics of organizing and implementing a campaign for public office.
“Our goal for CDI is to encourage individuals who are interested in running for office or working in a campaign to find out what it’s all about. The institute is open to individuals that plan to seek office, campaign managers or anyone that has a general interest in the way campaigns are run. We also encourage incumbents and those wanting to serve on a public commission to attend,” a spokesman said in a news release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Neither the Chamber, the Alliance, nor Go Forward Pine Bluff endorses any candidate for public office.
“Graduates of CDI currently hold positions such as Pine Bluff mayor, Pine Bluff alderman, Jefferson County judge, and Jefferson County officials. Past graduates have also included a former Arkansas State Representative,” according to the release.
CDI is open to anyone and an application process must be followed. Each session includes dinner.
The course contains a $100 refundable deposit registration fee. For each session missed, there will be a charge of $25. If more than two sessions are missed, the total deposit is forfeited and the course can’t be completed by the participant, according to the release.
Interested participants may obtain an application from the Chamber. Applications must be completed and returned by Monday, Sept. 11.
“In future years, this GFPB Plan recommendation will be an ongoing project of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce,” according to the release.
For details or an application, contact Chamber Director Nancy Lee McNew at nmcnew@pinebluffchamber.com or 870-535-0110.