Strong leadership in any industry doesn’t happen by accident. In today’s industrial finishing and manufacturing environment, supervisors and emerging leaders are expected to manage people, solve problems, and keep operations running efficiently—often
without formal leadership training.
CCAI’s EDGE Leadership Training Program was created to close that gap. Designed exclusively for CCAI’s members, EDGE (Empower • Develop • Grow • Excel) is a structured leadership development experience that equips participants with the skills needed to lead teams effectively, communicate clearly, and drive real improvements back at their facility. The program combines expert‑led
workshops, peer learning, and practical leadership planning to ensure learning translates into action.
On February 26, 2026, CCAI hosted an introductory webinar from the EDGE Program developers: Tom Morrison & Associates and the Corp Group to give more detail about the EDGE program. Click the image below to view the recorded webinar.
What Participants Gain EDGE focuses on the leadership challenges supervisors face every day, including:
Building
high‑performing, accountable teams
Improving communication and decision‑making
Developing emotional intelligence and leadership presence
Turning
leadership concepts into measurable operational improvements
Participants leave with practical tools, a clear Leadership Development Plan, and greater confidence in their ability to lead people—not just processes.
Why Companies
Invest in EDGE Executives, managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders have a direct impact on employee retention, productivity, and workplace culture. When leaders struggle, teams struggle. EDGE helps companies:
Strengthen
retention by developing leaders employees want to work for
Improve consistency, communication, and execution with the company
Build a pipeline of capable future
leaders from within
Who Will Benefit from Participating in the EDGE Program
Line supervisors
Operational leads
Production
managers
Sales managers
Emerging leaders
Anyone ready to elevate team performance and drive measurable improvements
back at their company
EDGE Instructors
Kyle "Cruiser" Howlin, Corps Group COO & Partner A United States Marine Corps AV-8B II carrier-based fighter pilot, instructor, and weapons training officer, Cruiser has more than 25 years of leadership development, execution improvement, and strategic alignment experience. As a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of the Corps Group, Cruiser builds high performing teams by delivering transforming messages—equipping audiences with strategies, insights, and tools to reach peak performance.
Tom Morrison, Tom Morrison & Associates CEO Tom was hired by the Metal Treating Institute (MTI) as Executive Vice President in 2005 and assumed the role of CEO in 2008. Tom was instrumental in establishing the YES Management Training Program for MTI, which routinely sells out two years in advance. Tom's presentations bring an energy that fills the entire room, inspiration to change, motivation to take action, and a depth of content that hits at the heart of what your members need to hear about the future.
Dr. Richard Marks, PhD, RelateWell® Institute Founder Dr. Richard Marks earned a PhD in Counseling Psychology, an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an MA in Religious Education. He is a sought-after conference speaker for businesses, social service organizations, the military, and trade associations. His training includes working with trauma victims, individuals struggling with substance abuse, couples in distressed marriages, and a range of general mental health issues. Dr. Marks’ sessions on emotional intelligence (EQ) are consistently rated among the most impactful in leadership training.
Program Structure The EDGE program requires participants to attend four sessions throughout the course
of a year. Click each date to bring up a description of the session.
Graduation Session 4 Annual Meeting date & location announced soon!
Company Investment
EDGE is an investment in people that delivers long‑term value—stronger teams, more engaged employees, and leaders prepared to guide your organization forward. The registration fee is $3,995 per person and space is very limited. Registrants are responsible for their own hotel and travel and are required to attend all 4 sessions.
CCAI's EDGE (Empower • Develop • Grow • Excel) Leadership Training Program has been created to equip participants with the skills needed to lead teams effectively, communicate clearly, and drive real improvements back at their facility. The program combines plant tours, expert‑led workshops, peer learning, and practical leadership planning to ensure learning translates into action.
Support the next generation of Finishing Leaders by becoming a sponsor of the 2026-2027 EDGE Leadership Training Program. CLICK HERE to view the EDGE Sponsorship Flyer.
Sponsorships include:
$750 off one registration for the 2026 – 2027 EDGE program
Logo on all EDGE program promotion on CCAI’s website and in print for a full year.
Logo on Sponsor slide at all for events
Logo in the printed materials for all participants
One ticket to the graduation luncheon at the 2027 Annual Meeting
Sponsorship cost: $4,000
Sponsorships are exclusively available to CCAI Corporate Members.
