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.