WAI’s four chapters that offer scholarship programs have reported the winners for 2024. Below are the names of the recipients from the Midwest Chapter and the Ohio Valley Chapter. Of note, scholarship fund raising efforts have found strong support over the years, and not just from members that have a potential recipient.

Lake Cable’s Cooper Runzel said that he is a believer in the Midwest Chapter’s college scholarship program, and he would like to see it evolve more so there is even more support. That could involve sponsorships from outside chapter membership and may focus even more on candidates that intend to pursue careers in industry.

The Ohio Valley, which became the fourth WAI chapter to have a scholarship program, gave out its first-ever award. “The OVC was honored to join the other chapters and award a scholarship to a very deserving individual, Katherine Maxwell,” said Stephen Wright of Blachford Corp. “We look forward to more individuals joining the OVC in order to take part in this scholarship opportunity.”


Midwest Chapter Winners - $1,500:

Jaida Bender is the daughter of Robert Bender, operations manager, Worth Steel & Machinery, Inc. She is attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where she majors in nursing.

Jack Dickerson is the son of Peter Dickerson, president, MidWest Wire Works. He is attending Bradley University, where he majors in game design.

Logan Wilson is the son of Margaret Wilson, account executive, ShapedWire-Liberty Steel. He is attending Northern Illinois University, where he majors in mechatronics. 

Ohio Valley Chapter Winner - $1,500:

Katherine Maxwell is the daughter of Tom Maxwell Jr., president, Die Quip Corporation. She is attending the University of Kentucky, where she majors in architecture.

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.