RALEIGH — Todd Lyden of the Small Business Center at Bladen Community College graduated in June from the Rural Economic Development Institute, an intensive, three-month training program designed for those who help lead rural communities.

Rural Center President Patrick Woodie presented graduation certificates during a ceremony at the N.C. State Legislative Building.

Conducted by the N.C. Rural Center in Raleigh, REDI provides techniques to improve participants’ leadership skills while imparting proven strategies to help put those new skills into action. This year’s class included elected officials, business owners and educators. More than 1,000 rural leaders have graduated from REDI since the program began in 1989.