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It will soon be time to get your application in for a 2026 WAI chapter scholarship

In 2025, the Midwest, New England, Southeast and Ohio Valley Chapters awarded 13 scholarships that had a combined total of $26,100.

WAI chapter members in good standing will be able to submit applications for 2026. The chapter scholarship programs are educational opportunities for academically qualified high school seniors who are children, grandchildren or dependents of WAI members in good standing. The sponsor must be a chapter member.

The deadline for applications is March 31. Further details about award amounts and how to apply will be in the January issue. Questions can be e-mailed to WAI Program Manager Vanessa Lewis at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Registration is now open for the New England Chapter’s annual meeting

The WAI New England Chapter will return to the Cabaret Theatre at Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, for its annual meeting.

Registration is open for the regional networking event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the WAI New England Chapter Scholarship Fund. Highlights of the event will include the dinner, the introduction of the officers for 2026, a raffle, photo booth and a look back at 2025, which likely will go down as a good one.

The New England Chapter returned to the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut, for its 31st annual golf outing on what proved to be an utterly gorgeous day for the 143 golfers. The event was won by the Lloyd & Bouvier team of Michael Tucker, Darren Tucker, Joe Yabba and Gibson Yabba that shot a very respectable score of 15 under par.

A healthy donation from the golf event went to the chapter’s scholarship program. The chapter also announced the six 2025 winners of its scholarship program. Those included: Jack Bienvenue, stepson of Walter Parsell, facility engineering manager, Prysmian; John Hartline, son of Christopher Hartline, vice president of operations, RichardsApex; Luke McComiskey, son of Thomas McComiskey, vice president, The MGS Group; Erin Mulligan, daughter of Alan Mulligan, sales representative, Vandor Corporation; Michael Russo, son of James Russo, electrical engineer, MGS Manufacturing; and Ryan Delage, the recipient of the Intern Scholarship, sponsored by Gary Collette and Michael Renner of Sjogren Industries Inc. Each scholarship was for $2,500.

The meeting will also feature a very smart guest speaker. Dr. John Sviokla is a globally recognized authority on AI and digital transformation. An Executive Fellow at the Harvard Business School, where he earned his doctorate and MBA, he generated some of the earliest thought-leadership on the coming world of AI and digital competition. He has since guided senior executives through the full lifecycle of technology-led change. At the meeting, he will explain why every organization must move from human centric to a hybrid of human and AI intelligence and how to do it.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event at Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels. These can be purchased during event registration. Registration costs $160 for non-members and $135 for WAI New England Chapter members in good standing.

To register, visit www.wirenet.org. For questions or assistance with registration for the event, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Last modified on December 1, 2025

Wire Expo 2026: event work continues

With six months to go, the Wire Association International is focused on making sure that key elements of the biennial event will match high expectations.

The May 6-7 Wire Expo schedule in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is designed for maximum cross-attendance with co-located Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE) at the Baird Center. The two events were previously co-located in 2010 at the venue now known as the Baird Center. The reunion comes at a time of industry growth and technological advancement, positioning the combined event as a catalyst for discovery and collaboration.

The EWPTE trade show attracts nearly 200 exhibitors and over 3,000 attendees from more than 40 states and 25 countries for the electrical wire harness, wire, and cable processing industries. The WHMA exclusively represents the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry

Conference sessions for Wire Expo have been updated to a 20-minute format to accommodate a dynamic lineup of relevant topics, along with a soon-to-be-announced keynote speaker. The Education program development is well underway. The first wave of confirmed speakers, new product showcases, and preliminary agenda details will be announced soon. Further details, such as registration, housing blocks and attendee matchmaking opportunities, will be posted online at www.wirenet.org and in future WJI issues.

Show hours for Wire Expo will be 9 am to 5 pm on Day 1 and 9 am to 3 pm on Day 2. The WAI’s iconic Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course will be presented on May 5.

Attendees will be pleased to see that both the conference and exhibits will take place directly on the show floor in Halls C and D. That will make for a seamless environment for learning, product discovery and networking. The Opening Reception will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm in the 4th Floor Ballroom.

More than 100 companies have already confirmed to exhibit, supported by a competitive package priced at $3,450 that offers an efficient, business-ready setup. The package includes: pipe-and-drape back wall (8 ft) and side wall (3 ft); skirted 6 ft table with two chairs; a trash receptacle; a company ID sign; 120 V electric hookup; 200 lb freight service in and out of facility; and carpet. Event-related advertising is available in WJI and the Show Program. Sponsorships are also in development.

For more details on these opportunities, contact Director of Sales Shannon Timme at tel: 203-453-2777, ext. 126, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or Director of International Sales and Business Development Anna Bzowski at tel: 203-453-2777, ext.119, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Last modified on December 1, 2025

WAI Education Center continues growth with new full extrusion course bundle

The Wire Association International’s Education Center has reached another important milestone with the release of the full packaged extrusion course, now available as a complete learning path for operators.

WAI Manager of Education John Markowski said that the new offering bundles all four parts of the extrusion curriculum (single layer extrusion overview, extrusion materials, extrusion applications, and special process considerations) into one comprehensive program designed to support skill-building of foundational knowledge. Each course will be available for separate purchase, enabling participants to also just focus on a specific area that matters most to their role.

To highlight the launch of the bundle, the Association recently hosted an “Extrusion Exploration” webinar, led by subject matter expert Richard Chamberlain, who guided the curriculum development. Attendance and engagement reflected growing interest in structured, accessible training for extrusion professionals.

“We’re beginning to see momentum build as more individuals and companies explore the platform,” said Markowski. “As we move into 2026, we’re looking forward to increased participation from learners and a steady rollout of new courses that will continue expanding the Education Center’s value to the industry.”

WAI encourages participation from members of the wire and cable community. Individuals and companies are invited to get involved as well, by presenting at conferences, submitting technical papers, leading webinars, contributing as subject matter experts, or serving on committees such as the Education Committee or the Paper Awards Committee. These opportunities offer valuable ways for professionals to stay current on industry trends while strengthening industry connections.

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Southeast Chapter golf event a return to better times

The Southeast Chapter (SEC) golf tournament returned Oct. 16 to the Rock Barn Country Club & Spa in Conover, North Carolina, for a beautiful day of golf. The event attracted a total of 115 golfers, who enjoyed the sunny, 70-degree weather, easily topping the 2024 field of 96 players.

The tournament at the par 71 Tom Jackson Course was very competitive, with ties for both 1st and 2nd place (14 under par) and 3rd and 4th place (13 under par). Tiebreakers determined that the winners were the team (pictured below right) of Steve Zande of Service Thread and Paul McConnell, Robert Kidd and Patrick Noble, all of CommScope.

In second place was Darin Nicol and John Downey of Fort Wayne Wire Die with Marc Finch and Harrison Cummings of IWG-HPC. Third place went to Craig Shell and Steve Pinnix of M. Holland Company, with Alex Magid of Westlake and Scott Tucker of CommScope. A shoutout has to go to the fourth place team of Dan Shelander and Joe Phipps of Windak, Eric Yount of CommScope and Paul Douwes of Advaris.

Players commented that the course was a fun challenge. The event kicked off at 11am. Players enjoyed the lunch sponsored by Carris Reels, then took to the driving range for the putting contest sponsored by Process Control Corp., Sonoco and Wire and Plastic Machinery Corp. It was won by Mark MacKimm of Rainbow Rubber and Plastics.

Other skill contest winners included the most accurate drive, sponsored by Sikora, won by Daniel Johnson of Advanced Technology Services, and closest to the pin, sponsored by Sonoco and JoeTools, Inc., which was won by Rocky Colapietro of CommScope and Pat Curtsinger, retired.

Hole sponsors for the event included Carris Reels, Gateway Recovery, Inc., Gem Gravure, Gene Brown Extrusion Techniques, GEON Performance Solutions, L-S Industries, Inc., Magnum Mfg. LLC, M. Holland Company, SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS, Sikora, Sonoco, Teknikor, Windak Inc., and Wire and Plastic Machinery Corp. Snacks and beverages on course were sponsored by Rainbow Rubber & Plastics and Teknikor. The $10,000 Hole-in-One was sponsored by JoeTools, Inc.

Following the tournament was a dinner and reception sponsored by GEON Performance Solutions and Wire and Plastic Machinery Corp. Participants enjoyed a southern barbecue dinner as Southeast Chapter President John Dognazzi announced the raffle winners. Players walked away with golf putters and gift cards, but the big-ticket item of the evening was an all-inclusive resort getaway sponsored by Wyndham Resorts. Participants cheered and clamored for this prize, but the lucky winner was Frank Wilkins of AFL Global.

Dognazzi said the event was possible due to the passionate volunteers and board members who come together each year to organize this tournament. “We really needed a big year like this. Covid hurt (our numbers) for a bit, but we’ve made a strong comeback.”

Dognazzi also declared that a special “thank you” was due to SEC Treasurer Brooke Stonesifer of Sonoco, who is resigning from the chapter board after over a decade of service. 

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WAI’s Paper Awards Committee issues a call for volunteers to rate presentations

WAI’s Paper Awards Committee will once again be rating presentations, and to that end it is seeking veteran volunteers to assess those made at 2025 events.

The committee will evaluate technical papers submitted from this year’s Interwire Conference Program, the Global Continuous Casting Forum and the Wire & Cable Kraków International Technical Conference. Serving on the committee gives members the opportunity to review new research, contribute to WAI’s educational mission, and connect with technical experts from around the world. It also is a way to give back to the industry.

WAI invites members interested in participating to join the committee and help recognize excellence in the wire and cable industry. For more details on what is entailed, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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WAI issues call for 2026 WAI Scholar; Jan. 1 is deadline for unique opportunity

The WAI is seeking applicants for the 2026 Wire Link Traveling Scholarship, a program that sends a wire professional to England where he or she can see how different companies operate as well as to attend the wire Düsseldorf show in Germany. That date is April 13-17, 2026. The deadline for applications is Jan. 1, 2026.

The Association is looking for ambitious wire professionals who have been employed for at least two years in the wire and cable (or related) industries, including manufacturers and suppliers. The program—which started in 2000—alternates between a U.S. representative going to Europe, and a U.K. representative going to the U.S. through the program’s co-sponsor, the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers of England.

The scholarship will be awarded to the candidate who best demonstrates to the judges how the award will help him or her grow professionally, gain a broadened knowledge of the industry and share those benefits with his or her company. All expenses will be met by the sponsors during the trip to the U.K. and Germany. The only employer cost is the employee’s time, and travel to and from the departure airport.

The most recent WAI Wire Link Traveling Scholar, in 2024, was Avery Caraker, who when he applied was a process engineering technician at Prysmian’s medium-voltage plant in Du Quoin, Illinois.

Some past WireLink Scholars have fared quite well in the industry, such as Kurt Breischaft, the 2006 winner, who at the time worked for Belden CDT. He later became president of SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS, and most recently was named CEO of Advanced Digital Cable, LLC. He also served as the 2023 Association president.

 Official rules, regulations & entry requirements

Candidates must:

  • Be employed full-time in the wire and cable industry

for at least two years at the time of travel.

  • Be a Wire Association International member in good

standing at the time of application and travel.

  • Be available for an interview.
  • Be able to attend the Award Presentation at the WAI annual meeting in the following spring.
  • Be able to travel to England and Wire Düsseldorf

for two weeks that same spring.

  • Be employed by his/her nominating company

at the time of travel.

  • Have a signed letter of recommendation from an

appropriate company official.

  • Be able to present a full report of his/her visit to the director of the company that recommended him/her as well as a separate one for the WAI for potential publication in WJI.
  • Submit an essay submission explaining how the applicant can meet the objective of the scholarship, and how the experience would broaden his/her knowledge of wire and the wire industry for his/her benefit and the benefit of his/her company.

 

Submissions or questions can be sent to WAI’s Wire Foundation via wirenet.org. Questions can also be sent by applicants and employers to WAI Executive Director Steve Fetteroll at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Oct. 2 Points Meeting for Wire Expo sees 62% of available floor space assigned

Wire Expo 2026 got off to a very strong start at the Oct. 2 Points Meeting at WAI headquarters in Madison, Connecticut, where 111 units were assigned for the show floor on May 6-7 at the Baird Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

WAI staff, joined by Mike Mathiasen, Mathiasen Machinery, were busy much of the day for the procedure of allocating show floor positions based on past activity. WAI Sales Director Shannon Timme reported that a total of 91 companies accounted for 111 of the 179 available units. There are other spots that could be converted to an additional 12 booths.

“At this point, all the remaining booths will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Timme. She noted that there is much interest in the event, especially as it will once again be co-located with the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo. That previously happened at the same venue in 2010.

For more information, visit the event website at www.wireexpo2026.com.

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U.K. clockwinder continues long-time tradition, calls for it not to be forgotten

The annual Clock Winding ceremony was held Oct. 6 at WAI’s headquarters in Madison, Connecticut, continued a long-time tradition that has never gotten old.

Introduced by WAI President Eric Bieberich, Bev Page took on the honored role of winding the stately timepiece. He well understood what this ritual meant—not just for his organization, but for the broader wire industry. As a longstanding member of the Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers alias Wire Workers of England, his talk prior to the winding of the clock covered a lot of turf.

Page, a long-time engineer whose past experience included serving as chairman of the U.K.’s Packaging Manufacturers Association, shared anecdotes of his colorful past, which included mentoring students and welcoming industry newcomers. He observed that ties formed through associations and the ongoing Wire Link Scholar program the WAI and Wire Workers share, last far longer than any one job or generation.

What echoed—a sentiment present in many past ceremonies—was his conviction that the clockwinding tradition goes beyond mere symbolism. That even in a digital age, the hands-on act of winding the clock connects people in ways that no virtual meeting ever could, reflecting the importance of tangible, shared experiences in the wire community.

Page captured the tradition as a unique experience, one that he hopes will not be forgotten or allowed to fade away. “Year after year, as representatives, we come to wind this clock not simply to keep it running, but to remind ourselves and each other that what was started in the aftermath of war is still alive in the everyday friendships and shared learning

we enjoy.

“I’ve seen, time and again, how these exchanges—whether between organizations or individual careers—breed innovation, resilience and a genuine sense of belonging. Tradition isn’t about looking back; it’s about carrying forward the spirit of gratitude and camaraderie that first brought us together.”

Page’s comments were well received by those in attendance, which also included WAI 1st Vice President Dave Fisher.

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-New England Chapter names 2025 scholarship winners

The WAI’s New England Chapter announced the six 2025 winners of its scholarship program, which includes one candidate who qualified as a sponsored intern. Each scholarship was for $2,500.

Jack Bienvenue is the stepson of Walter Parsell, facility engineering manager, Prysmian Group. He is attending the University of Connecticut, where he is seeking a degree in statistical data science.

John Hartline is the son of Christopher Hartline, vice president of operations, RichardsApex. He is attending Pennsylvania State University, where he is seeking a degree in computer science.

Luke McComiskey is the son of Thomas McComiskey, vice president, The MGS Group. He is attending the University of Rhode Island, where he is seeking a degree in nursing.

Erin Mulligan is the daughter of Alan Mulligan, sales representative, Vandor Corporation. She is attending at High Point University, where she is seeking a degree in business administration. She also won a scholarship from the Southeast Chapter.

Michael Russo is the son of James Russo, electrical engineer, MGS Manufacturing. He is attending Salve Regina University, where he is seeking a degree in biochemistry.
Ryan Delage, the recipient of the Intern Scholarship, was sponsored by Gary Collette and Michael Renner of Sjogren Industries Inc.

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Last modified on October 3, 2025

NE Chapter continues string of successful golf tournaments

The New England Chapter returned to the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut, for its 31st annual golf outing on what proved to be an utterly gorgeous day for the 143 golfers.

Coming out on top was the Lloyd & Bouvier team (pictured with trophy) of Michael Tucker, Darren Tucker, Joe Yabba and Gibson Yabba that shot a very respectable score of 15 under par. In second place, at 12 under, was the Web Industries team of James Evans, Trevor Lucas, Dave Morgan and Jordan Pihl. Third place went to the Little Falls Alloys team of Jeff Lawrence, Mike Sarni, Jake Pelletier and Sean Donnelly, 11 under.

The day had begun with the tee-off breakfast sponsored by James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp., and during play players could stop at designated lunch shacks—sponsored by Teknikor and Carris Reels—scattered throughout the course. Though golfers took their game seriously and the competition was fierce, players had a great time. Multiple golfers commented on how much they appreciated the brisk pace of play.

Following the tournament, players gathered at the pavilion for the dinner and awards ceremony, where the coveted New England Golf Tournament trophy was presented. The victorious team will keep it until the competition returns next year.

Event participants could also win an array of raffle prizes donated by a slew of generous sponsors. The winner of the grand prize—a set of TaylorMade Irons valued at $800—was Chris McCormick of Lightera, although the biggest winner was the chapter’s scholarship fund. Players dug deep for raffle tickets, adding nearly $4,000 to the chapter’s scholarship fund. See the six winners who won scholarships.

Event sponsors included: Amaral Automation Associates, Carris Reels Inc.; Electronic Drives & Controls, Inc.; Fluorogistx; Gem Gravure; Gendon Polymer Services Inc.; GEON Performance Solutions; James Monroe Wire & Cable Corp.; Joe Snee Associates, Inc.; Lake Cable, Lake Copper; Lenze Americas; Little Falls Alloys; Lloyd & Bouvier; M.Holland; Mathiasen Machinery; Quabbin Wire & Cable Co. Inc.; REELEX Packaging Solutions; RichardsApex; SIKORA; Teknikor; The MGS Group; W. Gillies Technologies LLC; Web Industries; Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC; Wire & Cable Manufacturers’

Alliance, Inc. (WCMA); and Wire & Plastic Machinery Corp.

Jim Evans, who led the tournament organization, offered special thanks to all the dedicated committee volunteers who participated. “Without them, the event would be nowhere near as enjoyable.”

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Last call for October 16th Southeast Chapter golf tourney!

Tee time is rapidly approaching for the WAI Southeast Chapter’s 23rd annual golf tournament, to be held Oct. 16 at the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa in Conover, North Carolina.

Last year, 96 golfers played at the site, which is host to the Tom Jackson course, recognized by Golf Digest on its list of “Best Places to Play.” That backdrop was matched by the performance of the winning team of Harrison Cummings and Mark Finch, IWG-HPC; Darin Nicol, Wayne Wire Die Company; and Kelly Grigg, I.T. Consultant (SRHS), who shot an unworldly 16-under-par to claim top honors in a very competitive field.

Both the second and third place teams shot a 13 under, which triggered the matching of cards to determine the official finishes. The official second-place winners were Jay Sweetenburg, Austin Duncan, Taylor Lane, and Steve Malott, all of Sonoco. Third-place winners were Brooke Stonesifer of Sonoco, Tom Heberling, Dylan Shepard and Gerald Galazin of Southwire.

WAI’s Steve Fetteroll and the Southeast Chapter Board cited outstanding support from three Southwire Company volunteers: Denise Siathone, Lauren Bozeman and Jasmine Monet.

The cost for playing and the awards dinner is $225 a player. Participants can register at the WAI Chapter’s page for either the tournament or dinner-only participation.

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Madison, CT 06443-2662

P: (203) 453-2777