The WAI Southeast Chapter hosted their 22nd annual golf tournament on Oct. 10 at the Rock Barn Country Club and Spa in Conover, North Carolina, on what everyone agreed was a near-perfect day. 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.

Many of the 96 golfers were returning players who enjoy the setting and the chance to compete against a strong field in this scramble format. They played on the Tom Jackson course, recognized by Golf Digest on its list of “Best Places to Play,” and despite recent less-than-ideal weather, the course was in perfect shape.

Both the second- and third-place teams shot a 13 under, which led to a 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.

It was also a very good day for Kim Earhart of TDC, who won both the putting contest, settling in a mere three inches away from a hole-in-one, and closest-to-the-pin contest.

WAI’s Steve Fetteroll and the Southeast Chapter Board are grateful for the outstanding support from the volunteers from Southwire Company: Denise Siathone, Lauren Bozeman and Jasmine Monet. Without their help, the tournament would be much more difficult to produce. They work great together as a team, troubleshooting and managing onsite execution so well that nobody realizes just how much they do.

For the record, the Process Control and CommScope team was competitive without their ace Tim McElhany but did not place. However, CommScope’s Jason Morrow did win a top driver in the raffle, which made the chapter’s scholarship fund a winner as well.

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

Quabbin Wire’s Cheryl Stewart said that the New England Chapter members have continued to be very generous, enabling may scholarships to be awarded over the years. The chapter gives back through its different events, and seeing scholarships go to deserving relatives of members is a very positive result.

Sikora’s John Dognazzi said that he has been pleased with how generous the members of the Southeast Chapter (SEC) have been in their support of the scholarship program. “It was great to see increased participation in this year’s SEC golf tournament, and that resulted in more funding for the scholarships, which is a win-win.”

New England Chapter Winners - $2,500:

Erin Tonyali, the daughter of Koksal Tonyali, director, product development - trade and installers products business unit, Prysmian Group, attending The University of Connecticut, where she majors in biomedical engineering.

Ava LaRoss is the daughter of Michael LaRoss, CFO, Whitney Blake Company, is attending Vermont State University Castleton, where she majors in nursing.

Halen Barry, the son of Joseph Barry, COO, Protertial Cable America Inc., is attending The University of New Hampshire, where he majors in computer science with a focus in cybersecurity.

Southeast Chapter Winner - $1,800:

Meredith Hammontree, the daughter of Joe Hammontree, president, Temple Terrace Industries/Reelco, is attending Florida College, where she majors in biology. 

New company listings for inclusion in the Wire Journal International Reference Guide will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2024, at WAI’s temporary website: wirenext.org. There, you can set your new login, click “Add Listing,” and follow the prompts.

If your company has an existing listing, your company contact will be notified via e-mail to create a new log-in and make updates on the new site. 

Interwire 2025 has sold out and the excitement continues to build, promising a dynamic platform for exhibitors and attendees alike. The floor plan will soon be expanded to fit additional exhibitors, reflecting the robust demand that exists for in-person networking and showcasing technology.

Once again, Interwire will welcome a diverse array of international exhibitors, highlighting the global nature of the industry. Notable participation includes dozens of exhibitors from Turkey, India and China but also from Argentina and Indonesia ... both first-timers! Combined with a healthy showing from Europe, total country representation on the show floor is now at 24 countries. Attendees will see cutting-edge machinery and innovative technologies from around the world.

Interwire will embrace cultural diversity, innovative ideas and in-person engagement in the largest North American business event for the wire and cable industry. It is a must-attend event that will drive forward the momentum of global trade and collaboration. To enhance the experience, the show floor will feature engaging “activation areas” designed to captivate attendees. For instance, a global lounge will allow guests to indulge in culinary delights and drinks of different cultures while networking with industry peers, while “the Taste of the South” will present the local flare of southern hospitality.