Fall 2024 – Chapter News
Chapter News reports the local activities of the 22 chapters of ERA. The chapters sponsor educational and training workshops, local trade shows, legislative and industry projects to enhance the professionalism of individual members and to advance the goals and mission of the national association.
COLT 2024
There is still time to register for COLT 2024, ERA’s virtual chapter officer leadership training, which will be held Nov. 6-8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (ET) each day. The training will provide creative ideas and practical knowledge — such as member recruitment, hosting events, using the tools available on the ERA website and organizing educational sessions — all to help chapter leaders elevate chapter activities and networking opportunities. Chapter leaders who complete COLT this year will receive one complimentary attendee registration for the 2025 ERA Conference in Austin, Texas. (Non-transferable and one per chapter.) More information can be found at: https://era.org/event/colt-chapter- officers-leadership-training/.
ARIZONA
Arizona ERA would like to welcome Drew Vojslavek from TTI as the chapter’s new distribution chair. The chapter is also planning a “Why ERA?” luncheon to all
non-ERA members on October 18 to recruit more rep firms. Arizona ERA’s 4th annual golf tournament is scheduled for May 14, 2025.
INDIANA-KENTUCKY
Indiana-Kentucky ERA’s golf event at Golf Club of Indiana in August was a fantastic outing! The chapter sincerely thanks everyone for their participation — the Board, all the volunteers and especially the sponsors. The outing was represented by nearly 100 reps, manufacturer members, and most if not all distributor partners. The chapter was able to donate $1,000 to Hunger, Inc., a local garden and food pantry. Foursomes led by R.O. Whitesell and Rathsburg tied for first place but a hole playoff deemed R.O. Whitesell the 2024 winners.
EMPIRE STATE
Empire State ERA held its annual charity golf tournament on August 5 at Clifton Springs Country Club. This year’s tournament was dedicated to the memory of Chuck Tanzola, and his family was on hand to represent their charity, the Willow Glen Christian School. Special thanks to Kathie Cahill for facilitating selection and distribution of the charitable donation as well as acting liaison to the Tanzola family. It was a great day of golf to celebrate and remember Chuck and the way he impacted the electronics and ERA communities.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
In September, Pacific Northwest ERA held a get-together in conjunction with the Electronic Manufacturers Association for approximately 30 local manufacturers and electronics representatives. The party was at By-By Birdie, an indoor miniature golf facility.
The next major event for the chapter will be the NEDME SHOW (Northwest Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo) at the Wingspan Convention Center at the Washington County, Oregon Fair Grounds on Oct. 30, 2024. The chapter sponsors the lunch boxes and coffee service for this convention, and will have a booth at the show to promote ERA membership. Many local ERA members will also have booths and will be displaying their lines. Visit NEDME.com for more information. Join us as an exhibitor or visitor on October 30, 2024. PNW ERA is also hosting a party for NEDME exhibitors and technical session speakers at a nearby restaurant on the evening of Oct. 29 after booth exhibits have been completed.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The 19th Annual Sagebrush Summer Social was a resounding success, blending camaraderie with top-tier networking. As the third social of the year, it brought together leaders from the electronics industry across Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Steve Farley and the Burnt Toast Band energized the evening with live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for making connections. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors — particularly headliner Triad Magnetics — the event was open to all.
Next up is the Annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 19, benefiting Operation Homefront and military families. Set at the beautiful Black Gold Golf Course, the tournament promises friendly competition and networking among professionals. The day will conclude with a post-tournament banquet for further socializing. Astron Electronics is this year’s platinum sponsor, and there are still opportunities to join the fun or support the event through sponsorship.
The year’s highlight comes on Nov. 12 with the highly anticipated economic outlook event at the Marriott in Costa Mesa. Featuring a keynote speech by Ivo Tjan, chairman and CEO of CommerceWest Bank, the event will focus on the presidential election’s impact on California, the nation and global markets. The evening includes dinner, insightful analysis and a Q&A session with Tjan, offering a rare chance to engage with a top banking executive.
“Ivo’s economic outlook covers crucial topics impacting our industry. Hosting this event is critical. If you’re looking for a reason to attend, look no further—this event is a must for everyone in our community,” said Scott Steck, SoCal ERA chapter president.