2027 Leading Edge Application

Description

2027 Leading E.D.G.E. Leadership Development Program

Emerging Leaders Driving Growth & Efficiencies

Invest in your future as a leader in Tennessee's trucking industry.

The Tennessee Trucking Association's Leading E.D.G.E. Program is designed to develop the next generation of industry leaders through hands-on training, meaningful connections, and real-world experiences.

Throughout the program, participants will strengthen their leadership and communication skills, gain firsthand insight into government relations and advocacy, connect with industry professionals, and collaborate on projects addressing challenges facing the trucking industry.

The experience includes interactive leadership workshops, professional development opportunities, a legislative visit, public speaking training, and a final industry presentation. Participants will celebrate their accomplishments with graduation recognition at TTA's Annual Convention.

Program Details

• Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
• Eligibility: Employees of TTA member companies in good standing
• Program Tuition: $1,750, including professional headshots and Annual Convention registration
• Program Requirements: Participation in scheduled activities, volunteering at two TTA events, and completion of a final group project

There is no age requirement to apply. Participants are responsible for their travel and lodging expenses.

Take the next step in your professional development. Apply today and become part of the next generation of trucking industry leaders. Apply here!

Program Experiences & Highlights

January 14 – Leadership Lab: Participate in a full-day immersive training session with Michele To, exploring High Road Leadership and applying leadership principles to real-world scenarios in the trucking industry.

Spring – Legislative Team Building & Capitol Visit: Work together on an interactive legislative activity to review a proposed bill, discuss its potential impact on the trucking industry, and explore how legislation can be reviewed and amended to better represent industry interests. Connect with fellow participants over dinner, followed by a visit the next day to the Tennessee State Capitol to meet with legislators and gain insight into the legislative process.

June 24-25 – Presentation Skills Training: Work with Deborah Boswell to strengthen communication, public speaking, and presentation skills while learning how to confidently deliver effective messages.

July 8 – Zoom Group Capstone Kickoff: Connect with your capstone group, review capstone expectations, and begin collaborating on a final presentation.

August 19 – Effective Meeting Training & Final Capstone Rehearsal: Learn how to plan, prepare for, and lead effective meetings. Groups will also participate in a final capstone presentation run-through to practice together and receive feedback ahead of the Annual Convention.

September 19-21  – Group Capstone Showcase & Graduation at the TTA Annual Convention: Put everything you've learned into practice by presenting your group's final project to trucking industry leaders and peers at the TTA Annual Convention. Celebrate the completion of the program at the graduation banquet dinner, where participants will be recognized and the winning capstone group will be announced.

Click here to submit your application and apply today!