Author: Robin Barnes

Congratulations to all GAWDA Members celebrating anniversaries in 2024 The past several years have represented a dramatic shift in the gases and welding industry. We’ve seen the industry get leaner, as M&A activity continues to shrink the industry, while the internet, and the rise of AI and other technology makes the entire world smaller and more connected. But, in a larger sense, the fundamentals of the business remain the same. This industry remains a relationship business. While the X’s and O’s may look different today than they did 100 years ago, the overall playbook remains very similar. And there’s a…

Following a short walk to the world-famous Espee, GAWDA’s SMC kicked off in style. With Texas BBQ, amazing music and dancing, karaoke, and drinks delivered right to people’s hands via donkey, the President’s Welcome Reception had something for everyone. And despite his shy and reserved nature, GAWDA President Gary Halter, clad in knickers and a school jacket like Angus Young, got up on stage with the band to lead the assembled crowd in a rousing rendition of Wanted Dead or Alive. It was pure GAWDA and the picture perfect kick off to this year’s SMC. Note: the President’s Welcome Reception…

Annual Convention 2023 Recap President’s Welcome Photo Gallery Sponsored by Gas Equipment Company By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 4, 2023 GAWDA Gives Back to Maui at the 2023 Annual Convention By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 3, 2023 Cruise with Women of Gases & Welding and Young Professionals at the Annual Convention 2023 By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 4, 2023 AC23: Opening Business Session By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC23: Industry Hospitalities By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 17, 2023 AC23: Contact Booth and Networking 360 By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC23: Closing Business Session By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC 23: President’s Farewell Gala By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023…

Utilizing the Program & Leveraging its Resources On Thursday, July 15, GAWDA and the CGA hosted a live webinar entitled “The GAWDA/CGA Safety & Training Playbook.” The webinar discussed how GAWDA members can participate in the CGA subscription program and get the highest safety return on investment from their GAWDA membership. GAWDA members have free access to the full CGA library of technical publications and the online training modules, just by virtue of participating in the CGA Subscription Program. “We realized at the Spring Management Conference that we have huge untapped potential in rolling out the CGA/GAWDA alliance program throughout…

by Randy MacLean, President of WayPoint Analytics If you ask your sales reps what customers want, you’ll get a lengthy inventory of needs, whims and wishes, as expressed by customers over the years. More than a decade working in LIPA (Line-Item Profit Analytics) with hundreds of the world’s best distributors has answered this question much more directly. In reality, there’s only five fundamental items that truly influence customer purchasing decisions. Distributors with mastery of these items always lead the market. Moreover, you’ll need either parity or superiority in all five to seize and hold a leadership position. If you fail…

By Deanna Pelligrino Now, more than ever, we rely on the digital world to keep our businesses moving. But with the ever-increasing use of email, social media and other forms of digital communication comes equally increasing concerns about keeping our information safe. Here are a few tips! 1. When in doubt, delete! Follow your gut. If you receive something and wonder, “Why am I getting this?” there’s probably a good reason to be suspicious. Don’t click on links or open attachments from emails or senders that you’re not expecting. The damage that could be done from opening a malicious link…

2020 is a milestone year for GAWDA. It is the year we celebrate our 75th Anniversary. The association has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1945. And while we celebrate our storied history, GAWDA continues to look forward to ensure that the next 75 years are as successful and prosperous as the first. Much of that success begins with the GAWDA Board of Directors. These association leaders are on the front lines of the industry and are able to take the issues facing our industry and help to craft an effective strategy for the association. Members of…