Westconn International Trade Association
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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.
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  • Home
  • Events
    • Port of NY&NJ: State of the Port
    • Calendar of Events
  • Membership
    • Membership Renewal
  • About
    • History
    • Directors
    • Past Presidents
  • Jobs
    • SUNY Maritime Career Services
  • Scholarships
  • Contact
  • Trade News
    • ​Macron Suspends Digital Tax
    • EU Tariffs Cost U.S. Consumers
    • Duty Drawback
    • Regulatory/Legislative Update
    • John Henshaw Named Connecticut Port Authority Executive Director
  • Members Only