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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.