Faith and community leaders from north Louisiana gathered in Shreveport to learn best practices and methods for community and economic development during Southern University Ag Center's annual Community and Faith Leadership Development Conference.

The center has presented the annual conference for 11 consecutive years in cities throughout the state. The conference was held September 24-26 at the Clarion Hotel in Shreveport.

Leaders of non-profit organizations, congregations, and religious associations were in attendance to participate in the three-day event.

The theme "New Beginnings: Expanding beyond Charity," helped participants set strategies on marketing, grantsmanship, website development, church leadership, housing, community collaborations, health ministries, and workforce development.

"Whether the leaders have social programs, housing developments, or other not-for-profit programs, they will leave the conference with additional resources and specific solutions to further their development and programmatic goals," said Gina Eubanks, conference organizer and vice chancellor for extension. She also expressed gratitude to Chancellor Ray Belton and the Southern University, Shreveport community for their assistance.

Michael Roberts, president of The Roberts Group, was the keynote speaker. Roberts has transformed blighted buildings and restored hotel complexes throughout the southern region.

His speech touched on concepts found in his bestseller Action Has No Season.

Other speakers and presenters included representatives from HUD, SCORE, Scroggins Consulting, World Link of Churches and Ministries, and the Louisiana State Grants Management Section.

Participants connected with other leaders and ministers who shared their wealth of knowledge and experiences to help each other explore opportunities for development and community transformation.

Tours took conference participants to model Friendship Houses built by the Shreveport- Bossier City Community Renewal International. The mission, strategies and local impact of community renewal, community partnerships, basic elements of healthy communities, and expansion of local models throughout the community were shared in a panel discussion.

Eubanks welcomed participants to the conference and introduced the new assistant specialist for community and economic development Kenyetta Nelson-Smith to the audience.