CCAI FEF Receives Significant Industry Support to Advance Education and Workforce Development

The CCAI Finishing Education Foundation (CCAI FEF), the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), announced today a series of recent contributions that will significantly strengthen and expand its education and training initiatives serving the industrial finishing industry.

CCAI FEF’s mission is to support education and training programs that improve skills at all levels within the industrial finishing industry, benefiting the industry today while building a strong foundation for the future. The Foundation’s primary programs include its Summer Industrial Finishing Camps, the Elizabeth Teska Women in Finishing FORUM Scholarship Program, and the Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program. Together, these initiatives engage the next generation of finishing professionals, support underrepresented groups, and invest in individuals who have already chosen careers in industrial finishing.

Among the recent contributions, CCAI FEF received a $125,000 unrestricted gift from CCAI. “CCAI’s contribution to the Finishing Education Foundation demonstrates our commitment to education and training in the finishing industry,” said Anne Goyer, Executive Director of CCAI. “By investing in the Foundation, we are helping ensure the continued development of a skilled workforce that will sustain and advance our industry.”

The PPG Foundation has also awarded CCAI FEF a $20,000 follow-on grant to support the

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continued growth and development of the Summer Industrial Finishing Camp Program. The PPG

Foundation has played a major role in its expansion over the past three years, increasing the number of camps, geographic reach, and students introduced to careers in industrial finishing.

“The PPG Foundation’s continued support of the finishing camp program aligns well with our goals to help students build practical, job-ready and technology-enabled abilities across skilled trades fields,” said Malesia Dunn, executive director, PPG Foundation and corporate global social responsibility. “The PPG Foundation shares the focus of the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation to provide programs that help individuals build the skills they need to step into high-demand modern manufacturing careers and to succeed in today’s workplaces.

Additional recent contributions include an unrestricted commitment of $25,000 over five years from GAT Finishing Systems, a $4,500 grant from the Towsley Foundation in support of the 2026 Summer Industrial Finishing Camp to be held at DeWys Manufacturing in Marne, Michigan, and a $500 donation from The Lake Club Women’s Giving Circle supporting this year’s finishing camp at the State College of Florida.

Sames continues its support of the Matt Heuertz Scholarship Program through a $2,500 contribution to the Bob Warren Award, which recognizes and assists students pursuing academics that could lead to a career in industrial finishing.

“These generous contributions are vital to our ability to continue fulfilling our mission and expanding our programs,” said Sheila LaMothe, Executive Director of CCAI Finishing Education Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to each of these organizations for their investment in education, workforce development, and the future of the industrial finishing industry.”

For more information about CCAI Finishing Education Foundation and its programs, visit www.finishingfoundation.org.