Fall 2025 – 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.

CHICAGOLAND-WISCONSIN

In August, Chicagoland-Wisconsin ERA hosted its first-ever golf outing. The event drew strong participation from local reps, manufacturers and distributors, and provided a fun afternoon of networking and friendly competition. With perfect weather, 82 degrees and sunny, attendees enjoyed playing in a best ball format, complete with contests for longest drive and closest to the pin. Congratulations to the contest winners, and a special thanks to all who joined to make this inaugural outing such a success. Most importantly, the outing helped raise $1,300 in support of FIRST Robotics, furthering the chapter’s commitment to encouraging the next generation of STEM leaders.

INDIANA-KENTUCKY

The chapter participated in the Purdue University STEM Career Fair in September, promoting the rep business model and technical sales careers, connecting students with other chapters depending on their job location preference.

MID-LANTIC

In September, Mid-Lantic ERA hosted its third annual social gathering at the Northampton Tennis Club in Richboro, Pa. The event drew more than 50 attendees from a variety of distributor and rep organizations, all coming together for an evening of fun, connection and friendly competition.

Guests enjoyed a mix of activities including pickleball, corn hole and complimentary tennis lessons from the club’s pros. Whether rallying on the court or relaxing on the sidelines, everyone had a chance to reconnect with familiar faces and forge new friendships. This year saw a strong turnout of first-time attendees—proof that word is spreading about the great time we have together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, and a special shoutout to our generous sponsors. Your support is what makes these memorable events possible.

METRO-NY

Metro NY ERA hosted its fall dinner meeting on September 25, welcoming more than 50 industry professionals for an evening of networking, market insight and association updates.

The event featured Walter Tobin, outgoing ERA CEO, who introduced and welcomed Ed Smith as the organization’s new CEO. Smith shared his vision for ERA’s future and emphasized his commitment to strengthening the partnership between reps, distributors and manufacturers. Attendees also heard from Dennis Reed, senior analyst at Edgewater Research, who delivered a timely economic update on the electronic components market. His focus on semiconductor forecasts and industry trends sparked lively discussion and engagement among participants. Adding to the night’s success, Rick Vairo, chapter president, announced that the chapter’s recent annual golf outing raised $8,000 for Long Island Cares, the Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank.

The chapter extends its appreciation to all who attended and contributed to another successful gathering of the electronics industry community.

OHIO

In September, Ohio ERA held its first-ever golf outing at Punderson Golf Course to benefit The Salvation Army Greater Cleveland, and it was definitely a hole-in-one for community impact! All money raised will be used to buy toys for the next Top Golf/Salvation Army event. The chapter donated a total of 180 hygiene kits and 45 sets of hats/gloves. Special thanks to Walter Tobin for being in attendance! And to the folks who put this together: Bryan White, CPMR, Tom Williams, Kelli Gregory, Samantha Lutz, Magi Baker, David Gassman, CPMR, Kurt Schaefer and Steve Sanford.

Here is the breakdown of winners: longest drive hole #3, Alex Lambrinides, prize donated to Salvation Army; longest drive hole #18, Dennis Reed, prize donated to Salvation Army; closest to the pin #7, Steve Kemer, prize donated to Salvation Army; closest to the pin #14, Jason Donnellon, prize donated to Salvation Army, and matched his prize donation. The overall winner of the tournament, Qualtek Electronics, donated its prize to Salvation Army

PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Pacific Northwest ERA co-sponsored a hatchet-throwing party to get additional exhibitors and attendees for the NEDME Electronics Show on October 22 at the Wingspan Conference Center in Hillsboro, Oregon. More than 40 people attended and practiced their hatchet-throwing skills. The NEDME show was started in 2001 by the ERA/PNW Chapter. It has grown consistently until COVID-19 interrupted the show for a few years. The chapter is now rebuilding the attendee numbers and exhibitor enthusiasm.

SOUTHWEST

Southwest ERA will be hosting a happy hour and food drive event on Nov. 13 at the Katy Trail Outpost in Plano. It will be an evening of networking and mingling, as well as collecting food and funds for the North Texas Food Bank.