WCMA Virtual Presentation 2021 Brings Industry Leaders Together
Theย WCMA Virtual Presentation 2021, hosted by theย Wire & Cable Manufacturers Alliance (WCMA)ย (wcmainc.org), marked the groupโs first online annual meeting. Executive Directorย Ed Fentonย summarized the event, which focused on manufacturing recovery, supply chain efficiency, and future business growth across the wire and cable industry.
Economic Outlook and Growth Expectations
Guest speakerย John Traynor, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer atย Peoples Bank Wealth Managementย (peoplesbankwealth.com), discussed national economic and political trends. He also highlighted potential growth factors and policy shifts likely to influence manufacturing in 2021.
Traynor noted that while oil, gas, and aerospace sectors remain under pressure, most other manufacturing areas performed better than expected during the pandemic. With effective vaccines, he expects gradual recovery and renewed industry momentum over the next one to two years.
Expert Insights on Metals and Supply Chains
The event also featured two management-focused presentations:
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John Gross, ofย JE Gross Consulting / The Copper Journalย (thecopperjournal.com), explored โCycles in Metal Market Pricesโ and strategies to manage volatility.
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Mike Kelley, founder ofย Kelley Productivity Partnersย (kelleyproductivitypartners.com), presented โSimplifying Supply Chains: More Important Now Than Ever.โ
In addition, WCMA plans a follow-up session with Kelley during the first quarter of 2021 to expand on his approach to supply chain optimization.
WCMA Members Maintain Charitable Support
Even with in-person events paused, WCMA members continued supporting key charitable initiatives. Membership dues helped fund donations toย Toys for Tots,ย UCONN Health Centerย Cancer Research, and scholarships forย WAIโs Wire Foundation,ย IWCS, andย The Copper Club.
New Members and Leadership Stability
WCMA added four new member organizationsโEncore Wire,ย Electrolock,ย Trans Cable International, andย Quantum Design. At the same time, the WCMA board extended leadership terms through 2021 to ensure stability during the pandemic.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Events
The organization plans to hold itsย Distinguished Career Awards Dinnerย on April 17 and theย Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiserย later this year. More updates will appear soon onย wcmainc.org.
