Get to know the next generation of district leaders
Michael Wine – Member-at-Large
Product Manager, Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Specialty Metals
Ulbrich Stainless Steels and Specialty Metals has been an active and vital PMA member since 1991. Michael has been with Ulbrich for five-and-a-half years and has participated in PMA national and Southern New England District activities early due to Ulbrich’s strong ties with the association and many other colleagues’ involvement.
His involvement as a volunteer member-at-large on the district board came about recently (beginning of 2020). A position became available, and Michael was encouraged by his boss. He was hesitant at first, but soon discovered it to be a good fit and a very welcoming group.
“…Takes the blinders off and gives you a ton of perspective…”
“When you are working day-to-day, you have blinders on, so you miss out on what’s going on around you. Involvement in the association, and especially volunteering with the district, takes the blinders off and gives you a ton of perspective,” Michael said. He also believes that leadership with the district helps you speak your mind.
“Think about your first job. You could be a little shy about speaking up, especially with the higher-ups. But being on the district board, where you’re working alongside a mix of people with different experiences, encourages thoughts and ideas. You get comfortable and confident, and you gain a group of mentors.”
As a Member-at-Large, there is “…Flexibility to jump from project to project…”
“I enjoy being a member-at-large because it gives me the flexibility to jump from project to project and work with different board members,” Michael explains. “I joined the board at the outset of the pandemic, so there weren’t many face-to-face activities. Instead, I helped promote the district’s scholarship program, and worked with other officers to drum up more incentives to apply.”
Does Southern New England have the best golf outing?
“Once in-person events resumed, I helped out with the golf outings and running the raffles. I’m willing to bet that the Southern New England District has the best golf event of all the districts. Everyone on the board is involved, and we typically get previous board members to volunteer. You work with the whole team.”
His most recent in-person experience was at last November’s Ulbrich Shaped Wire facility tour. Working with Lucas Karabin, district director, organizing the event, creating a task force and seeing it come to life was yet another example of a team-building activity. “It’s not complicated to arrange a plant tour; however, details like NDAs, onsite setup, safety…must be coordinated and delegated. We all worked very closely to pull it off. The end result was very rewarding.”
How can we attract the next generation to the industry and to the association?
While Michael is not a huge social media user himself, he believes it is helpful. However, in-person opportunities such as plant tours, golf outings and targeted dinner functions provide the best exposure for individuals.
“Tours are a great way for member companies and schools to introduce younger generations to the industry, and the association.” According to Michael, “Ulbrich has built a culture of involvement as a path to develop our people and plant tours are a part of it.”
The Southern New England District also is in the process of bringing on a new administrator. “We looked within our membership, encouraged employers to get a younger employee to apply,” says Michael. “So, having a young and vibrant team is another way.”