The New England Chapter golf tournament on Sept. 9 saw a healthy field of 142 golfers view for top honors at the chapter’s annual event, held at the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut, topping the 135 players that took part in 2023. In addition to the golfers, 15 attendees participated just for the awards program and dinner. The chapter’s scholarship program was also among the winners, with more than $2,000 being added to the cause.

At the end of what proved to be a glorious day for golf, the team from Gem Gravure Co. Inc. prevailed, It included company President Paul Gemelli and National Sales Manager Derek Olson and Schleuniger USA Director of Sales Micah Durham and Director of Technical Service Greg Douglas, who shot 10 under par.

“It was a terrific opportunity to catch up and network with so many friends of ours from this great industry, and to meet some new industry colleagues as well,” said Gemelli, who attributed the win with his longtime customers/teammates to consistent play with zero bogeys. “It felt great to bring home the trophy for the Gem team to see. Looking forward to defending our title next September!”

There was plenty of praise for the event, for the condition of the course, the way play largely moved along crisply and the networking opportunities that abounded both on the course and at the awards program. A key to making that happen was dependable cadre of volunteers. They were led by Web Industries’ Jim Evans, who for years has been a perennial whirlwind behind the scenes, along with numerous others. They were also supported by WAI staff.

“Kudos to everyone!” declared Tom J. Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC. “It was a first class outing. Everyone really enjoyed themselves.”

“It is very clear that (it) was a great success!” declared Chapter President Ryan Caraway, Orbia/Alphagary. “Both of my guests stated it was the best one yet! My hat is off to you, Jim, WAI staff, and all Golf Committee volunteers!”

Premium sponsors for the event included: Carris Reels; Commission Brokers, Inc.; Electric Cable Compounds, Inc.; Fluorogistx; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Joe Snee Associates; Lenze America; Lloyd & Bouvier, Inc.; M. Holland; The MGS Group; Rainbow Rubber; RichardsApex Inc.; Teknikor; W. Gillies Technologies LLC; Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.; and Woodward Insurance.
Corporate Hole sponsors were: Amaral Automation; Cable Components Group; Fenton Group/WCMA; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; and Lloyd & Bouvier. Of note, James Monroe and Lloyd deserve “angel status” for their very generous donations.

The New England Chapter will present an insightful experience on Nov. 7 when it continues its string of educational/networking events at the ACCEL Wire Drawing Plant in Cheshire, Connecticut.

The tour, which starts at 3:30 p.m., will present a behind-the-scenes look at cutting-edge wire drawing technology. Accel operates three vertically integrated factories in Connecticut and Indiana with nearly 500,000 sq ft of manufacturing space producing silver plated, nickel plated and tin plated copper and copper alloys for the wire and cable market. It also has a fourth plant, in Florida. The company serves fields that include aerospace, medical, telecom and industrial markets.

Following the tour, the chapter event will transition to nearby Viron Rondo Osteria for a networking dinner at 6 pm. There, participants can unwind and connect with industry peers over delicious Italian cuisine. Blending education with networking in a vibrant setting makes for a good combination, and it’s not too late to sign up.

Attendees of the chapter’s 2022 educational event got to tour the Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) plant in Meriden, Connecticut. That visit resulted in very positive reviews from members of the New England Chapter. The Oct. 25 tour saw some 50 chapter members and guests see the operations up close of RFS, which is a global designer and manufacturer of total-package solutions for wireless and broadcast infrastructure. The tour started with a half-hour presentation on the markets that the company serves, followed by the tour. After the tour concluded, everyone regrouped down the road at a restaurant that provided an enjoyable dinner experience just steps away from the Connecticut River.

It felt like old (better) times for the WAI’s New England Chapter, which held its annual meeting at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Montville, Connecticut, where 120 members and guests were able to mingle, recognize their new leaders, network, listen to an inspiring keynote speaker, get a keepsake photo, raise money for a good cause and just interact as the wire and cable industry does so well, given a chance.
The new officers for 2023 are President Jessica Foss, Electric Cable Compounds; Vice President Ryan Carbray, Alphagary; and Secretary Mike Roussel, Celanese Corp. The Past President is Mike Sarni, Insulated Wire, Inc.
Maxing out the capacity of the Mohegan’s Cabaret Theater, the gathering was akin to those held in pre-Covid times, enough that the Annual Dinner Committee will discuss other venue options within Mohegan for the 2024 meeting.
Speaking later, Jessica Foss, market development manager for Electric Cable Compounds, was pleased with the solid attendance, and observed that the chapter’s role continues to serve an important need. “Since I joined the industry, the Chapter has exemplified the tight knit community that is wire and cable. We certainly want the chapter to grow and have an even greater presence in the industry. To achieve this, we will continue to host events and programs that foster fraternity through networking and educational opportunities that offer an opportunity to expand one’s knowledge in a specific area. That includes getting to see other companies’ operations. I think it is also important that our annual events have a fresh feel each year.”
Keynote speaker Michelle Dray, creator of the “Getting Unstuck & Leading Fearlessly” program, presenting a different focus on personnel. Her 11-week program is designed for women, but she told attendees that it also applied to men. She explained the different signs of “career stuck-ness, and how they were different for industry newcomers (0-five years) or those who have been around longer, but also face plateau issues. Her message worked, and she had very good reviews.
The dinner itself was again well done. There was a review of chapter activity in 2022. As the society continues to adjust to life with Covid, the chapter’s annual golf tournament on Sept. 10 was a strong step forward to “normalcy,” with a maxed out field of 148 golfers at the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut. The Oct. 25 tour of the RFS plant in Meriden saw some 50 members take part, touring the operations, followed by a dinner at a well-chosen restaurant steps away from the Connecticut River. As of Feb. 10, the chapter numbers 266 members, by far the largest WAI chapter.
The raffle continues to support the chapter’s scholarship program. For hockey fans in attendance, the grand raffle prize, sponsored by Lloyd & Bouvier, was a pair of golden ducats: two tickets to a Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game. Gem Gravure Co., Inc., continued its legacy of generosity, providing tickets to Boston Red Sox games. The Mohegan Sun also donated two tickets to an Air Supply concert.
You didn’t have to win to walk away with a good memory as award winning photographer Ashley Abel worked a photobooth where attendees could get a free headshot or take a fun group photo with industry colleagues. Abel took the photos on this page.
Finally, a new concept suggested by golf committee chair Jim Evans, approved by the Chapter’s board, was introduced: a trophy for the winning team. It was presented to Proterial Cable America (formerly Hitachi America).
The ante may just have been upped some for bragging rights for the Sept. 11, 2023, golf
Tourney.

• The Ohio Valley Chapter President, Tom Maxwell, has drafted their scholarship program. The draft was reviewed internally by Association staff. The Chapter’s Board will soon meet to review and vote on this important piece, putting them one step closer to assisting college students. It is unlikely that the Chapter’s new scholarship program will be finalized in time to follow the 2023 timeline. Likely, this program will make its debut in January 2024, now less than a year away. 

• The New England Chapter Annual Dinner took place Jan. 26th at Mohegan Sun. Registration increased from last year (up from 100 to 130). The event is sold out at maximum capacity for the space. Sponsorships increased from last year (up from 22 to 26). The hotel room block was maxed out. The wrap-up will be in the March issue, including the announcement of new board members.

Starting this year, the Association will work closely with each chapter to develop a regional education program.

Currently, only the New England Chapter and Ohio Valley Chapter offer an education program. The plan is to have the other chapters (starting with Midwest and Southeast) establish an education component, in keeping with the Association’s educational mission. This will provide another attractive member benefit on the Chapter level. More details will follow as the Chapter Boards and Association work together on this.

“We’ve seen a lot of success from educational programs, and once members have a chance to go to them, it proves to be very worthwhile,” said WAI’s John Markowski, manager, membership & social media. He explained that while it does take work, the volunteers seem quite pleased with the results.

3/4/2022  On many levels, the New England Chapter had much to rejoice over at its Feb. 24th annual meeting: it was again able to be held in-person, it was at an even better location in the Mohegan Sun Casino, attendance was very respectable, and there was a lot to look forward to.

The event, held at the Mohegan Sun Cabaret Theater, provided lots of comfortable elbow space for the 97 attendees, a very respectable number that does not include WAI staff. The new officers for the chapter are President Michael Sarni, Insulated Wire; Vice President Jessica Foss, Electric Cable Compounds, Inc.; Treasurer Ryan Carbray, AlphaGary; and Secretary Sean Dezalia, EIS Wire, Inc. Other 2022 board members include Joel Cacopardo, Radio Frequency Systems; Jim Evans, Web Industries, Inc.; Michael Mathiasen, Mathiasen Machinery, Inc.; Harish Panchal, HP Technologies LLC; Lori Parent, Delta Technic; Jason Ponce, Harbour Industries LLC; Jonathan Rufe, Rainbow Rubber and Plastics, Inc.; Michael Roussel, Celanese Corp.; Jason Sterndale, Quabbin Wire & Cable; and Robert Swanson, Jr., United Wire & Cable.

Speaking remotely, Champlain Cable Group President William Reichert welcomed fellow chapter members, and spoke about the challenges of the supply chain, a topic that all could relate to. There was also discussion about two events, the golf tournament on Sept. 12th and an Oct. 25 educational program. Below are thoughts from the officers about the meeting, which featured much camaraderie as well as discussions on activity to come.

“Everyone in attendance was happy to be out ‘beyond the Zoom’,” said Sarni, who made it a point to meet with each attendee. He said that one of the main chapter focuses this year will be coming up with unique ways to increase membership, making it beneficial for companies to allow their employees to join and hopefully be active.

Dezalia observed that a lot of the chapter focus is rightfully on educational events and scholarship programs, but being together again for the annual meeting was special. “Wire and cable is an old and close-knit group, and being able to get everyone together at the annual meeting provided an amazing opportunity for old friends to catch up, discuss industry trends, and impart their love for this field to the next generation.”

The chapter’s annual meeting provides a feel for the pulse of the industry, but more than just that, Carbray said. “Beyond connecting with peers, customers, suppliers and other auxiliary companies, members see the value of networking, collaborating on solutions, and cherish the value in giving back through the scholarship program.”

Despite not being able to be at the meeting, Foss said that she always enjoys the opportunity to hear and talk to cable manufacturers and material suppliers in person, “It’s not often I have the opportunity to network with such a diverse group of industry colleagues at one time.”

More event news will be presented in future issues.

3/4/2022  Members of the Southeast, Midwest and New England chapters hoping to get a scholarship for their children can apply online through the March 31st deadline.
New England has added at sixth scholarship this year, each $2,500; the Midwest offers up to three, at $1,500 each; and the Southeast offers up to four recipients at $1,800 each. Visit wirenet.org to learn more and apply, or contact WAI’s John Markowski at tel. 203-458-4044, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., for more details.

Madison, Connecticut, USA – May 6, 2021 – The WAI’s Midwest Chapter grudgingly officially cancelled its annual golf tournament, but three other chapter tournaments are still scheduled to be held, all in September.

“We would have loved to hold the golf tourney, but the June timing was too much of a challenge,” said Kevin Sopczak, who has had a key role in organizing the Midwest Chapter’s golf tournament. He noted that the board agreed, for the second year in a row, that the event would not be held because of Covid-19, a very disappointing outcome. “We know that business is the priority, and we didn’t want golf to be a distraction as restrictions are being removed.”

For now, the news to focus on is that the three chapters that have scheduled tournaments are optimistic that the events will be held.

Up first, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, will be the New England Chapter Annual Golf Outing, to be held at the Tumble Brook Country Club in Bloomfield, Connecticut. For more details, contact: Shannon Timme, tel. 203-453-2777, ext. 126, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Next up, on Thursday, Sept. 16, will be the 2021: Ohio Valley Chapter Annual Golf Outing, to be held at the Kennsington Golf Club in Canfield, Ohio. For more details, contact: WAI’s Rex Tran, 203-453-2777, ext. 116, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The final event, on Thursday, Sept. 23, will be the Southeast Chapter Vannais Golf Outing at the Rock Barn Country Club in Conover, North Carolina. For more details, contact: WAI’s Rex Tran, 203-453-2777, ext. 116, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

At this point in a golf preview, all the details would have been finalized long ago, but in the current climate that is not the case. Golf courses are still evolving how they will handle group events, especially those that would traditionally include an indoor dinner, as well as what the cost would be. Those details are being discussed, and will be presented in future issues.

One other element that needs to be addressed is that each of the golf tournaments depend on sponsors to defray the costs for golfers, while the New England and Southeast chapters also use such funds to support their college scholarship programs. Companies that would like to support those efforts while getting recognition, are encouraged to become a sponsor. Multiple levels are available. For more details, contact: WAI’s Rex Tran, 203-453-2777, ext. 116, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..