The WAI New England Chapter hosted its 31st Annual Meeting and Dinner on Jan. 29 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut. Chapter members gathered for an evening of networking, industry discussion, and recognition of chapter achievements.
The event combined professional connections with a timely industry topic: the growing impact of artificial intelligence on business strategy and innovation.
Learn more about the Wire Association International at https://www.wirenet.org.
Keynote Speaker Explores AIโs Role in Industry Transformation
The evening featured keynote speaker Dr. John Sviokla, a recognized authority on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Dr. Sviokla delivered a presentation that explored how organizations can adapt and lead as AI reshapes business operations and decision-making. His talk offered both strategic insights and practical guidance.
Attendees actively engaged during the Q&A session. Chapter members asked questions about applying AI strategies in their companies and about long-term developments in AI technology.
Dr. Sviokla will also speak at Wire Expo 2026.
Learn more at wireexpo26.com.
Chapter Leadership Recognizes Contributions and Welcomes New President
Outgoing 2025 Chapter President Annaliese Sviokla opened the meeting with remarks that recognized the contributions of chapter members.
She thanked sponsors, volunteers, and participants for supporting chapter programs through sponsorships, raffle donations, and event participation.
Sviokla also honored former chapter president Tom Siedlarz, who served in 2004. He remained active in the chapter until his passing in February 2021. He also volunteered frequently at the Points Meeting hosted at WAIโs headquarters.
The chapter welcomed Tom Rosen of Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC as the 2026 president. Rosen joined WAI in 1975 and became active in the New England Chapter in 2018.
Rosen praised Dr. Svioklaโs presentation and encouraged members to continue engaging with emerging technologies.
New Board Members Join Chapter Leadership
The chapter also introduced several new board members for the coming year:
- Aaron Yaddow, Carris Reels Inc. โ https://www.carris.com
- Kel Jackson, Hueson Wire
- Mike Roussel, M. Holland โ https://www.mholland.com
- Tamar Kuipers, Lloyd & Bouvier Inc. โ https://www.lloydandbouvier.com
These additions strengthen the chapterโs leadership as it continues to expand programming and industry engagement.
Golf Tournament Continues to Support Chapter Scholarship Program
The chapter also reflected on highlights from 2025, including its annual golf tournament.
Golf Committee Chair Jim Evans noted that the event plays a key role in funding the chapterโs scholarship program. Since 2006, the program has awarded 82 scholarships.
The chapter plans to award up to five scholarships worth $2,500 each this year.
Rosen emphasized the importance of these programs. He thanked members and sponsors who support both the Annual Dinner and the Annual Golf Tournament, noting that funds raised directly support student scholarships.
Industry Sponsors Support the Event
The chapter recognized a wide range of sponsors who supported the annual meeting.
Sponsors included:
Gem Gravure Co.; Lloyd & Bouvier Inc.; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Gendon Polymer Services Inc.; International Wire; Sikora International Corp.; Teknikor; Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.; Carris Reels; M. Holland Company; Multi/Cable Corp.; Conneaut Industries Inc.; Fluorogistx; Specialty Cable Corporation; GEON Performance Solutions; Mathiasen Machinery; Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC; and Quabbin Wire & Cable Co Inc.
Looking Ahead to Another Year of Chapter Engagement
Rosen thanked the chapter board, members, staff, and the Mohegan Sun venue for making the evening successful.
He highlighted the networking hour as a valuable opportunity for industry connections. He also praised the venue and expressed enthusiasm for future events.
โIโm looking forward to next year already,โ Rosen said.
