To those who like to plan ahead, to block off time for a “must attend” event, two WAI Chapters would like to help.

The New England Chapter will return to the Tunxis Country Club on Sept. 8, 2025, and the Southeast Chapter will return to the Rockbarn Country Club on Oct. 16, 2025. For more details, visit the home pages of the chapters at wirenet.org or contact WAI Member Services Manager Corey Flynn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The WAI New England Chapter’s Annual Dinner will return to the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Feb. 6.

The event will again be held this year inside the Cabaret Theatre, starting with the reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the meeting. Registration opens at 5 pm. The program is still being finalized, and the January WJI will have a full preview. The meeting will include the introduction of the 2025 officers, the raffle and the perfect setting to catch up with friends and colleagues. The event remains a key fundraiser for the chapter’s Scholarship Fund, and companies/individuals can help further that goal by becoming a meeting sponsor. Registration is now open through WAI’s event registration system. WAI Chapter members in good standing receive discounted rates.

There will be a review of chapter activity in 2024. Looking back to the last meeting, Jan. 26, Keynote speaker Michelle Dray—creator of the “Getting Unstuck & Leading Fearlessly” program—presented 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.

One of the highlights was the annual golf tournament on Sept. 11 at the Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, Connecticut. A total of 135 golfers played, with the Fluorogistx-sponsored team of Jim Elliott and Rick Larson from New England Wire Technologies, and Jim Bliss, Marmon IEI, winning with a score of 60, 12 under par. The chapter’s scholarship fund was also a big winner, as the raffle once again saw members dig deep to support the cause.

Another was the WAI’s New England Chapter annual educational event on Nov. 7 at Accel International’s plant in Cheshire, Connecticut, followed by a networking dinner. Including WAI staff, a total of 46 people from 30 companies took part.

Accel International Holdings CEO and Founder Tony Oh talked to attendees about the company’s history and gave an overview, followed by attendees splitting into small groups to walk through the facility. That was followed by a dinner at Viron Rondo Osteria, where participants enjoyed a networking dinner.

The New England Chapter, the WAI’s largest one, currently has 209 members.

WAI’s New England Chapter held their annual educational event on Nov. 7 at Accel International’s plant Nov. 7 in Cheshire, Connecticut, followed by a networking dinner. Including WAI staff, a total of 46 people from 30 companies took part.

The host company excelled even before attendees set off for a behind-the-scenes look at the company’s cutting-edge wire drawing technology. There was a half-hour reception in the lobby of Accel, which provided gourmet snacks and a coffee cart from Green Kettle Coffee Company, both of which were much appreciated.

Participants were then greeted by Accel International Holdings CEO and Founder Tony Oh, who talked about the company’s history and presented an over-view. Following that presentation, attendees split into small groups to walk through the facility, where staff explained their activities during the 45-minute tour. The company operates three vertically integrated factories in 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 aero-space, medical, telecom and industrial markets.

The New England Chapter presented a $1,000 donation to Accel to go to a charity of its choice. It also wanted to thank Sjogren Industries, which was a sponsor for the event.

Following the tour, the chapter transitioned to nearby Viron Rondo Osteria, where they enjoyed a networking dinner. Participants got to connect with industry peers while enjoying Italian cuisine, proving once again that blending education with networking in a vibrant setting makes for a very good combination. The event ran well and garnered multiple accolades.

“You did an excellent job,” declared John Rivers. “I have known Tony Oh for many years and have never seen him that open about sales and profit margins. The restaurant choice was also excellent. Please extend a job well done to your team.”

“I would like to personally thank Lori Parent for her efforts in coordinating this event with the Accel team, WAI staff and Viron Rondo,” said Chapter President Ryan Cabray, Alphagary. “It was a wonderful evening, and the event exceeded all expectations.”

“Thank you to (WAI’s) Corey Flynn for supporting the orchestration of this event, working with Lori on key details, Accel and the restaurant,” said Tom Rosen, Wire & Cable Consulting, LLC.

If you are interested in better understanding the technology that is the heart of wire and cable production, you should be joining your peers at either Interwire or the Global Continuous Casting Forum (GCCF) next year. Much of the attraction will be the traditional WAI programs, but the Atlanta event will see the launching of a new element for the lineup.

“The education program at Interwire has always been a cornerstone of the event,” said John Markowski, WAI’s Education Project Manager. “This year, we’re building on that legacy by introducing a new, hands-on workshop and a more modern conference experience.”

WAI’s Advanced Extrusion Workshop will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at Southwire’s new training facility. Limited to 50 participants, this hands-on program will deepen attendees’ understanding of extrusion processes, with guidance from experts Rick Chamberlain (retired, Prysmian) and a representative from Southwire. Participants will also engage with extrusion exhibitors back on the show floor.

Interwire 2025 attendees will also notice some changes. “We’re adding a ‘Voice of God’ announcer for key transitions, walk-up music for speakers, and virtual presenter prep sessions before the event,” Markowski said. “These changes aim to streamline the event and create a more engaging atmosphere.”

The Global Continuous Casting Forum (GCCF), a full-scale conference featuring over 30 sessions, two panels and a facility tour, will run alongside Interwire. This event offers numerous networking opportunities, including an opening reception, awards dinner, and lunches.

At this point, the full schedule for these programs will be released online soon. For the latest updates, visit interwire25.com. Questions about educational programs can be directed to WAI at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

It all starts before the official start of Interwire 2025 with the well-established Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course. The full-day program continues to provide a comprehensive introduction to the wire industry, and even there, while the core content remains consistent, small improvements are being made to keep it fresh and relevant, Markowski said.