The American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) has selected 34 business-civic leaders to participate in its Regional Sustainable Development (RSD) Fellowship, funded by the Ford Foundation.  Join us in congratulating Peoria Area chamber of Commerce President, Roberta Parks for her selection into this prestigious fellowship program.

Beginning in the fall of 2009, Parks will begin a 12-month program designed to strengthen understanding of the policies and practices for long-term economic and community growth.  The Fellowship provides hands-on training covering a wide range of growth and sustainability issues that will strengthen our community, including: infrastructure, immigration, land use, housing, education, environment, and social inclusion.

Parks says “This is an amazing opportunity for me, and for the Chamber, to interact with key leaders from civic organizations around the country and examine strategies and opportunities that can help us improve our Central Illinois region.”  

“Spurring regional, sustainable development is one of the major issues facing civic organizations, especially chambers of commerce, in the 21st century,” says Mick Fleming, president of ACCE. “This program immerses regional leaders in integrated economic and community growth strategies that foster greater equity of opportunity for all sectors, neighborhoods and individuals.”