SERVING THE INDUSTRY OVER 40 YEARS
AWARDED THE PRESIDENTIAL CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE
IN PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE
HISTORY OF WESTCONN
The concept of a Westconn International Trade Association probably started in the late 1960' s, when there was a mass exodus of industrial companies from New York City. Corporate and international headquarters were relocated to Westchester County in New York, and to Fairfield County in Connecticut. In this transition, companies retained some of their key experienced international personnel, but in many instances, hiring and training were required.
Alvaro Rebolledo, President of Northeast Agencies, Inc. was aware of this relocation and recognized its inherent needs. He brought together a group of industrial export/import personnel and an informal meeting was held at Manero's Steak House in Greenwich in the fall of 1970. From this meeting, a steering committee was formed to shape an international trade association. The committee consisted of Alvaro Rebolledo, Robert Smith - Olin Corporation, Edwin Wintle - Lone Star Industries, Warren Clark - American Export Lines, and Walter Urda - Occidental Chemical Corporation. The steering committee met at various restaurants; a favorite of Mr. Rebolledo's was the Chimney Corners in Stamford. The group met throughout 1971, and considered membership guidelines, types of speakers, geographical area, dues, meeting places, governing body, and above all, a Constitution and By-Laws to present at the first meeting.
The association to be known as Westconn held its first official meeting in February, 1972, in the wine cellar of the Gaslight Restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut. Approximately 20 exporters and importers were in attendance. The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, followed by an election of officers. Alvaro Rebolledo, who conducted the meeting, turned the gavel over to Westconn's first president, Charles N. Ludlow of Occidental Chemical Corporation. The other elected officers were Vice President, Robert Smith; Secretary, Edwin Wintle; and Treasurer, Eugene Barone of Exquisite Forms, Inc.
The organization grew rapidly. The membership, principally from Westchester and Fairfield Counties, increased with every meeting. It is interesting to note that Westconn's first speaker was Robert Foster, Vice President of International - Union Trust Company- a Connecticut based company. Most new members were recruited from merchant companies who had relocated from New York City. But it was a boom era as well for the service-oriented companies, many of whom sent representatives into the area for the first time. Westconn soon represented a balanced meeting of minds and pooling of skills. In retrospect, this was the first foundation oil upon which Westconn was built, and the growth and success of the organization seem to have fulfilled its founders' dreams.
In 1979, President William Miller re-codified the Constitution and By-Laws, and petitioned the Connecticut Secretary of State for Incorporation. This was accomplished, and as far as it is known, Westconn is the only international trade association incorporated in Connecticut. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.
The Westconn history is replete with many proud moments. Under its leadership, a revival of international trade concepts and seminars flourished. During the administrations of William Miller, Thomas Farrelly, and Manuel Reirez, and with the guidance of Education Committee Chairman Walter Urda, an annual Westconn World Trade Conference was held in the Fall of each year, 1980 to 1984. Additionally, during the Reirez administration, a series of mini-seminars were held on International Hazardous Materials, Carrier and Shipper Responsibilities, and Export Licensing and Controls. Students from area colleges were invited to attend these conferences and seminars as guests of Westconn.
Westconn's crowning achievement was reached in 1984-85, when the Historian's office submitted an application with supporting documents,letters of recommendation, testimonials, and evidence to the United States Department of Commerce for review and consideration for the President's "E" Award. The application was approved, and President Regan awarded Westconn the "E" Award for excellence in the promotion in international trade. Westconn is the only international trade association in the state of Connecticut to ever achieve this national Presidential recognition.
Alvaro Rebolledo, President of Northeast Agencies, Inc. was aware of this relocation and recognized its inherent needs. He brought together a group of industrial export/import personnel and an informal meeting was held at Manero's Steak House in Greenwich in the fall of 1970. From this meeting, a steering committee was formed to shape an international trade association. The committee consisted of Alvaro Rebolledo, Robert Smith - Olin Corporation, Edwin Wintle - Lone Star Industries, Warren Clark - American Export Lines, and Walter Urda - Occidental Chemical Corporation. The steering committee met at various restaurants; a favorite of Mr. Rebolledo's was the Chimney Corners in Stamford. The group met throughout 1971, and considered membership guidelines, types of speakers, geographical area, dues, meeting places, governing body, and above all, a Constitution and By-Laws to present at the first meeting.
The association to be known as Westconn held its first official meeting in February, 1972, in the wine cellar of the Gaslight Restaurant in Greenwich, Connecticut. Approximately 20 exporters and importers were in attendance. The Constitution and By-Laws were adopted, followed by an election of officers. Alvaro Rebolledo, who conducted the meeting, turned the gavel over to Westconn's first president, Charles N. Ludlow of Occidental Chemical Corporation. The other elected officers were Vice President, Robert Smith; Secretary, Edwin Wintle; and Treasurer, Eugene Barone of Exquisite Forms, Inc.
The organization grew rapidly. The membership, principally from Westchester and Fairfield Counties, increased with every meeting. It is interesting to note that Westconn's first speaker was Robert Foster, Vice President of International - Union Trust Company- a Connecticut based company. Most new members were recruited from merchant companies who had relocated from New York City. But it was a boom era as well for the service-oriented companies, many of whom sent representatives into the area for the first time. Westconn soon represented a balanced meeting of minds and pooling of skills. In retrospect, this was the first foundation oil upon which Westconn was built, and the growth and success of the organization seem to have fulfilled its founders' dreams.
In 1979, President William Miller re-codified the Constitution and By-Laws, and petitioned the Connecticut Secretary of State for Incorporation. This was accomplished, and as far as it is known, Westconn is the only international trade association incorporated in Connecticut. We are a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation.
The Westconn history is replete with many proud moments. Under its leadership, a revival of international trade concepts and seminars flourished. During the administrations of William Miller, Thomas Farrelly, and Manuel Reirez, and with the guidance of Education Committee Chairman Walter Urda, an annual Westconn World Trade Conference was held in the Fall of each year, 1980 to 1984. Additionally, during the Reirez administration, a series of mini-seminars were held on International Hazardous Materials, Carrier and Shipper Responsibilities, and Export Licensing and Controls. Students from area colleges were invited to attend these conferences and seminars as guests of Westconn.
Westconn's crowning achievement was reached in 1984-85, when the Historian's office submitted an application with supporting documents,letters of recommendation, testimonials, and evidence to the United States Department of Commerce for review and consideration for the President's "E" Award. The application was approved, and President Regan awarded Westconn the "E" Award for excellence in the promotion in international trade. Westconn is the only international trade association in the state of Connecticut to ever achieve this national Presidential recognition.
