WAI’s Ohio Valley Chapter once again proved that education and golf make a good mix. On Aug. 24, 70 attendees participated in a busy day that began with a round of golf, followed by a triple-decker educational program followed by much camaraderie and networking at the awards ceremony, including an official announcement that led to a standing ovation.

Chapter President Tom Maxwell told the record-size audience that a scholarship program will be launched in January 2024: the Ohio Valley Chapter will offer up to two awards in the inaugural year. The audience’s response made it clear that they were thrilled with the new program.

“It was one of those moments that every single person who was there will long remember and be proud of,” Maxwell said later. “It makes the chapter experience that much better when you can pitch in and make a direct difference.”
Maxwell credited the Chapter’s board of directors for the growing popularity of the event, which combines education and golf. This year’s educational program was well received. It began with Rick Bray, a WAFIOS Machinery Corp. application and service technician, whose presentation was “Butt welding and annealing correctly.” The second session, presented by Tamara Girard and Miranda Garritano, environmental specialists from Ohio EPA, was “Resources to help you reduce waste, save money, and achieve compliance.” The final one, by Greg Viland, business development engineer, and Jeff Terrell, head of training, both from Sikora International, was “Using X-Ray technology and eccentricity devices to measure the wall thickness on a jacketed wire and cables.”

This marks the fourth time the Chapter has produced the combined educational and golf outing, which has found a first-rate home at the Kennsington Golf Club in Canfield, Ohio. There was some question about the timing of the event, as it is usually held in late September or early October, rather than the last week of August, and the board will mull that over, factoring in the success of this year’s program.
And yes, there was a golf tournament, which was won by the team of Cliff Goss and Brock Braun of SDI LaFarga COPPERWORKS, and Chris Skidmore of OmniSource. They shot a very respectable 10 under par 72 to walk away with the bragging rights.

The Chapter also introduced its leaders. That includes Maxwell continuing as president, joined by directors Brad Andrews, Condat; Rick Bray, WAFIOS; Mark MacKimm, Rainbow Rubber; Steve Wright, Blachford; John Leffler, Enkotec; Dave Rascati, Premier Wire Die; and Past President Rob Fulop, Wire Lab Co.

Contest sponsors included Bechem Lubrication Technology, G&S Bar and Wire, Chemetall North America and Rainbow Rubber. Corporate sponsors were Blachford, Condat, Die Quip, Enkotec, The MGS Group, George Mitchell, Omnisource, Rainbow Rubber, Paramount Die, Premier Wire Die, WAFIOS Machinery and Windak.

The Ohio Valley scholarship program
The WAI Ohio Valley Chapter established its scholarship program—to be administered by The Wire Foundation—to improve educational opportunities for academically qualified high school seniors or college students who are children, grandchildren or dependents of members.
The Chapter made this commitment to reinforce the value of higher education in today’s society and to provide members with an opportunity to benefit from their membership in WAI and the Chapter.
Up to two scholarships will be awarded for use in defraying the cost of the award winners’ freshman or subsequent year of college. Scholarships will be awarded up to $1,500 per recipient with preference as (1) two-year accredited technical school or associates program enrollee and/or one (1) accredited four-year college or university enrollee. Requirements follow.
• The student must either be a graduating high school senior or currently enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year technical school, college or university.
• The student must be the child, grandchild or dependent of a WAI Ohio Valley Chapter member in good standing as of the date of application.
• Current WAI Ohio Valley Chapter Scholarship Committee Members whose children/grandchildren/dependents apply during the current year must recuse themselves from the voting process.
• Any planned field of study is acceptable.
• No financial information is required; however, special circumstances will be considered.
Contact: Corey Flynn, WAI manager of member services, tel. 203-453-2777 x 128,
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