Members of the WAI’s New England Chapter, the Association’s first founded and largest chapter, were treated to a stirring speech about manufacturing in Connecticut, hear about its 2023 activities and more at its annual dinner on Jan. 25 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Following a reception where members got to meet up with their chapter colleagues, the event started with outgoing 2023 Chapter President Jessica Foss, Electric Cable Compounds, Inc., welcoming attendees. She thanked all the chapter members who have volunteered for different programs as well as the companies that have pitched in, providing essential support.

For the 2024 meeting, that included Platinum Sponsors James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp and Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp., Gold Sponsors Carris Reels and Multi Cable Corp.; Silver Sponsors Conneaut Industries Inc., Flourogistx and Electric Cable Compounds Inc.; and the Bronze Sponsor was W. Gillies Technology. A special callout went to Lloyd & Bouvier for its generous $2,000 sponsorship for the event.

The new chapter president, Ryan Carbray, Alphagary, introduced the keynote speaker, but speaking at different points in the program, he covered a lot of ground. “The WAI New England Chapter board will continue to organize and support opportunities to bring this regional industry together and strengthen our fraternity,” he said, noting that it could not be done without the continued leadership and support from the chapter members. The other officers for 2024 are Vice President Michael Roussel, ExxonMobil, Annaliese Sviokla, Gem Gravure Co., and Thomas Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC.

Carbray highlighted the chapter’s achievements in 2023, which include the continuation of the scholarship program and another successful golf tournament. In 2023, the chapter awarded six scholarships of $2,500 each. One of the 2024 chapter scholarships will go to either an intern or employee in the industry who is pursuing continued education at a college or university. He reminded attendees that applications for the 2024 scholarship must be sent by March 31.

Scholarship winners for 2023 were Kyle Albrinck, son of Alice Albrinck, Teknor Apex; Amarra Cruz, daughter of Luis Cruz, Times Microwave Systems; Katherine Fritz, daughter of James Fritz, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Group; William Goyette, son of Richard Goyette, MassMEP; Roma Kale, daughter of Rina Patel, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure Group; and John Stecker, grandson of David Stecker, a WAI Past President.

Carbray also introduced the members of the newly elected 2024 Board. New members include David Fisher, James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Thomas Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting LLC; and Paula Butkevich, Hueson Corp. Re-elected/returning board members include Lori Parent, Cable Components Corp.; Jim Evans, Web Industries Inc.; and Jeff Lawrence, Custom Wire Products. Continuing board members include Jessica Foss, Annaliese Sviokala, Jon Mello, Cheryl Stewart, Joel Cacopardo, Mike Mathiasen, Michael Sarni and Michael Roussel.

Carbray also thanked the members who helped make the chapter’s fund-raising efforts a success. He also singled out fellow Board Member Jim Evans, who heads the Annual Golf Tournament Committee, for outstanding work. He then introduced the keynote speaker, Paul S. Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer for the State of Connecticut, who had been mingling with the audience and remained there later, talking to attendees.

Lavoi talked about the biggest problem in the manufacturing industry being labor and finding people to work. He discussed alternative ways to strengthen the workforce such as collaborating with local schools to attract talent or offering flexible/shortened shifts to accommodate parents whose children take priority.

Up next for the New England Chapter is its annual golf tournament. Look here for more details on that, as well as a future educational program this year, or go to the chapter web page.