A training session led by the CORPS Group, an organization comprising former fighter pilots and corporate executives, will highlight educational programming at the upcoming BEMA Winter Summit.

The annual event will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Hilton Chicago. The summit also will feature presentation of BEMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Hans van der Maarel, International Bakery Consulting Ltd.

Described by BEMA as “next-level leadership education” for the baking industry, the Summit will feature a hands-on learning lab led by the CORPS Group.

CORPS was established by John (Hatch) Borneman, who serves as chief executive officer. Mr. Borneman was a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 carrier based fighter pilot and a U.S Naval Academy and “Top Gun” graduate. His background includes more than 25 years of military aviation training, leadership development and strategic execution experience. The CORPS Group began doing corporate consultancy work more than 10 years ago. Corporate clients have ranged from Microsoft and Lockheed Martin to Lowe’s and Pizza Hut.

The session, Building High Performance Teams, to be held Sunday, March 1 at 10:15 a.m., is complimentary for bakers.  Customers of BEMA members may register on their own at www.bema.org/nextlevel.

Also on the Summit program will be a panel session themed, “Evolving Opportunities in Baking” focused on how baking is affected by the changing consumer environment. Panelists will discuss ways they have met the needs both of consumers and customers. Panelists will  include: David Foran, vice-president of sales and marketing, Little Lady Foods; Peter Cancro, c.e.o. of Jersey Mike’s; and Rick Stoecklein, vice-president, operations, Izzio’s Artisan Bakery.

On Feb. 28, the program will feature a BEMA-U session, “The Emotional Quotient.” The session will be led by Brent Darnell, a speaker, author and personal coach. Mr. Darnell believes E.I. is a key determinant of success in the workplace and beyond, describing E.I. as the ability to identify, assess and manage one’s own emotions and those of others to the greatest effect. In the session, Mr. Darnell will coach attendees in determining their EI and honing their Emotional Intelligence skills.

The 2015 Winter Summit also will feature networking events, including a welcome reception and luncheon. The welcome reception will be held Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. and is complimentary for bakers and guests of members. The BEMA luncheon will feature comedian, Rondell Sheridan, and the presentation  to Mr. van der Maarel.