2024 Annual Meeting Summary

Approximately 120 members and guests attended the Wire & Cable Manufacturer's Alliance, Inc. Annual Membership Meeting on December 5, 2024, at the Downtown Hartford Marriott.

John Traynor, President of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management, joined us again as our Keynote Speaker and presented on current economic, political, and manufacturing topics.

Additionally, we held a Young Professional Panel Session entitled "The Next Generation's Perspective - How to Succeed in the Wire & Cable Industry," which drew about 40 attendees. The panel was moderated by the Young Professionals Steering Committee Chairperson Trish Weisberg Erwin, Service Wire Co., and included Committee Members Charles Glew, Cable Components Group/Marmon; Paul Gemelli, Gem Gravure; Grant Campbell, Wire & Cable Corp.; and Carlie Crawford, Marmon Innovation & Technology Group.

Weisberg Erwin noted, “It was wonderful to connect with many young professionals from our industry and discuss ideas and tips on how to strive for our best.  We look forward to building on the momentum from the panel with upcoming virtual programming and are always accepting new members.”

Members voted and approved a new slate of Officers and Board of Directors for 2025, including:

• President - Shane Berry, Service Wire Co.
• Vice President - Peter Moran, Marmon IEI
• Secretary/Treasurer - Cheryl Stewart, Quabbin Wire
• Past President - David Fisher, James Monroe Wire & Cable
• Young Professionals Liason - Sue Welsh, President (retired), Rubadue Wire
• Directors:
  • Alberto Aguilar, Carris Reels
  • Tom Artinian, TiniFiber
  • Adam Chase, Chase Corp. (retired)
  • John Dognazzi, Sikora
  • Eric Fisk, Fisk Alloy
  • Nate Schilberg, Prime Materials Recovery

The 2025 WCMA Distinguished Career Award recipients were announced:

• Bob Allen, Engineering Manager, James Monroe Wire&Cable
• Lenny Argentine, VP Sales & Marketing, International Wire
• Mike Canterino, VP Engineering, Fluoropolymer Resources
• John Gross, Publisher, Copper Journal
• Trent Hayes, Engineering Manager, CommScope
• Hamid Haopshy, VP Manufacturing, Fisk Alloy Wire
• Joe Iamartino, VP Technology, Marmon Electrical
• David Kiddoo, CEO, IWCS/CCCA

Other Meeting Highlights:

• WCMA contributed over $21,000 to charity and scholarship programs on behalf of its membership, including UCONN Cancer Research, Toys for Tots, WAI, IWCS, and Copper Club.
• Carlie Crawford, Director of Laboratory Services at Marmon Innovation & Technology Group, received the 2024 Young Professionals of the Year Award.
• Chris Venice, Marmom IEI, was recognized for his service as outgoing Association President.
• Greg Smith, President & CEO of International Wire, was recognized for his service as a Board Director.

Photo Gallery

2024 Event Agenda

• 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. - Young Professionals Session
  • "The Next Generation's Perspective - How to Succeed in the Wire & Cable Industry"  Panelists Charles Glew, Cable Components Group/Marmon; Paul Gemelli, Gem Gravure; Grant Campbell, Multi/Cable Corp.; and the 2024 Young Professional Award Winner Carlie Crawford, Marmon Innovation & Technology Group will share their experiences and suggestions on how to make wire and cable a rewarding career choice and seek out mentorships. Young Professionals Steering Committee Chairwoman Trish Weisburg, Service Wire Co., will serve as moderator. 
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Networking 
• 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Lunch with Keynote Speaker John Traynor of Cambridge Trust
  
  • As President of Cambridge Trust Wealth Management of Connecticut, John directs the overall Wealth Management process and is responsible for the success of each client relationship. He has appeared regularly on CNBC, Nightly Business Report, and FOX Business Network, as well as being quoted in the NY Times and Wall Street Journal.  
• 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Annual Member Meeting & Networking
  • Young Professional of the Year Award Presentation
  • Distinguished Career Award Announcement
  • Board Member Contribution Recognition