The AEM Manufacturing Express rolled into Deer Park for its 100th stop on the tour and the first education stop in Texas to spotlight CICB, a veteran-owned company that has been training and preparing America’s workforce for more than five decades. Members of the community, clients, students, and local leaders—including Deer Park Mayor Jerry Mount–came together to celebrate CICB and its employees with food, refreshments, and games. Simulators and equipment used in CICB’s training programs were on display, giving visitors a hands-on look at how the company prepares workers for safe and successful careers across industries.
Founded in 1969 and family-owned for the past 25 years by Craig and Christina Epperson, CICB has grown into a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, the military, and the maritime sector. When the Eppersons bought the company, it was struggling. But they saw its potential. “It was a no-brainer,” Christina recalled. “Helping people do their jobs more safely—if it even helped save just one person– it would be worth it.” Today, thousands of students have been trained at CICB, and while the exact number of lives saved will never be known, the company’s impact is felt across the nation.
Mayor Mount highlighted how important that impact is for Deer Park: “There’s nothing that’s more beneficial to my community as a mayor than having a good economic base and good-paying jobs. To have CICB here as an invested partner in our community, knowing that these are the type of companies that are putting the next generation of the workforce forward—it ensures that the future of our community will be strong. This sector is a driving engine that pushes Texas forward, and I would argue in most cases that Texas is what is driving the nation.”
CICB’s role extends far beyond Deer Park. The company is designated as a Platinum Veteran Employer, the highest level of recognition, with over half of its workforce made up of veterans. As a veteran himself, Craig Epperson is passionate about giving back. “The thing about veterans,” he explained, “is they’re used to working in teams and they’re very disciplined. If they aren’t trained to the right level, they’re easy to train.” CICB not only hires veterans but also partners with the U.S. military to provide training before service members transition to civilian life, helping them land good-paying jobs once they leave active duty.
The company also partners with the Texas Workforce Commission and participates in grant training programs and career schools. Its classrooms are filled with both job seekers and people already working in industries who need new certifications for safety, OSHA compliance, or efficiency.
At its Houston training center, CICB offers a full learning environment with five classrooms, simulators, monitors, and visual aids, along with cranes, lifting equipment, and other tools for real-world, hands-on training. Students receive classroom instruction, practical evaluation, and time on actual equipment—ensuring they leave not just certified, but prepared.
For more than 50 years, CICB has been shaping the workforce that keeps America running—training men and women in manufacturing, construction, maritime, and government sectors. By investing in people, veterans, and communities, CICB embodies the values of service, safety, and innovation. As the Deer Park celebration made clear, CICB is not just training the workforce of today—it is building the workforce of tomorrow.
