The West Virginia University Extension Service recently presented its Outstanding Resource Development Award to the West Virginia Development Office for its support of the Community Development Institute East (CDI East).

CDI East provides municipal and county officials, business owners, community volunteers and educators with opportunities to learn the skills needed to help advance a communitys economic and social growth.

Accepting the award for the Charleston-based development office were Bobby Lewis, Angela Negley and Pam Lewis. The honors were announced during a recognition program held recently at WVU Jacksons Mill State 4-H Camp and Lifelong Learning Center, near Weston.

Partnering with Mike Dougherty of the WVU Extension Services community and economic development unit in Morgantown, the West Virginia Development Office worked to expand CDI Easts external sponsorships.

For this years institute, they led a campaign that raised more than $37,000, which included $5,000 from new contributors.

CDI East is endorsed by the International Community Development Council (ICDC), a professional certification organization. CDI Easts integrated curriculum allows students to move toward becoming Certified Community Developers (CCD) or Certified Community Development Partners (CCDP) through ICDC .

Before CDI East opened in West Virginia in 2002, community leaders in this region had to travel to CDI sessions in Arkansas, Idaho or Texas. The institute is now sponsored every year by the WVU Extension Service and the West Virginia Development Office.

The West Virginia Development Office is the main economic and community development agency for the state. It strives to strengthen the states communities and expand the states economy by creating new and better jobs.

The WVU Extension Service provides educational programs and information for the citizens of West Virginia in all 55 counties. Program initiatives offered by WVU Extension include 4-H youth development, leadership development, community improvement, economic development, and agriculture and natural resources.

In 2006, CDI East will be held Sept. 24-29 in Charleston. Information about CDI East and other WVU Extension Service programs is available on the Web (www.wvu.edu/~exten/).