Author: Steve Guglielmo

Central Welding Supply Acquires the Gases and Welding Business of Morgan Steel As of November 1, 2024, Central Welding Supply has acquired the gases and welding supplies business of Morgan Steel in Kenai, Alaska. The Morgans will continue to focus on the steel side of their business, while Central Welding Supply will step in to manage the welding supplies and gas retail store. This collaboration brings together Morgan Steel’s expertise in steel products and Central Welding Supply’s broad range of welding equipment, safety gear, filler metals, and gases—all under one roof. Click here to learn more about the acquisition and…

In Memoriam: Namen Paul GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Namen Paul, who passed away unexpectedly. Namen oversaw the cryogenic department for General Distributing Company. Gendco CEO Glenn Bliss wrote on Facebook: “The Gendco family unexpectedly and tragically lost one of our own this weekend. Namen Paul passed away this weekend leaving all of us in shock, sadness and disbelief. Namen oversaw our cryogenic department for eleven years. He was an incredible employee, a fantastic teacher and far more importantly—-just an incredible human being. We are at a loss for words. Eternal rest grant upon you…

Lawsuits Challenge Authority of EPA to Impose Phase 3 GHG Rules for Heavy Duty Truck Engines.  An opening brief filed by petitioners with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has challenged the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to impose its Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas rules on manufacturers of heavy duty truck engines.  The brief was submitted on behalf of 24 States, a variety of biofuel, natural gas, hydrogen and other energy producers and distributors, and trucking interests, in eight separate cases that have been consolidated in the court of appeals. The petitioners challenge an…

In Memoriam: David McMurtry GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of David McMurtry who passed away in early October. David was the Vice President at Volunteer Welding Supply and worked tirelessly for the family business for more than 45 years. “David was a cornerstone in the growth and development of Volunteer for over 45 years. David loved and appreciated all of his wonderful friends and coworkers he worked with over the years. He will be greatly missed!” Holston Gases to Help Donate to those Impacted by Hurricane Helene Holston Gases has many beloved customers, employees, and vendors…

In Memoriam: Keith Hicks GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Keith Hicks, who passed away at the age of 72. CK Supply announced Keith’s tragic passing on its company LinkedIn page. For 50 years, Keith was a cherished member of the CK Supply family, dedicating his heart and soul to his work and touching the lives of countless employee-owners, customers and vendors. “Keith embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and commitment. His contributions to CK Supply were immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Beyond his professional achievements, Keith was known for…

In Memoriam: Dorothy “Dotty” Holsten Thompson GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Dorothy “Dotty” Holsten Thompson, who passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 90. Just a few hours before her passing, she and her music teacher were singing Edelweiss from the score of The Sound of Music. Now Dotty is singing in the Lord’s heavenly choir with her beautiful soprano voice. Dotty was married to GAWDA industry legend Ken Thompson and together they were fortunate to spend many years building friendships through times spent traveling on…

In Memoriam: Bill Baxter GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Bill Baxter, who passed away on August 18, 2024, at the age of 71, following a “relatively short battle with an aggressive form of cancer.” Bill was a giant, not only in the gases and welding industry but in Tennessee politics, known not only for his business works but also his philanthropy. In the August 15th issue of the GAWDA Connection, Holston announced that the company had transitioned to its third-generation of leadership, with Robert Anders moving to a CEO role and Bill’s son, Joe Baxter…

In Memoriam: Mary Ann Bennear GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Mary Ann Bennear who passed away on August 9, 2024. Mary Ann is survived by by her loving and devoted husband of 38 years, Harry; sons, Christopher married to Jen (Bennett) and Evan married to Lindsay (Carpenter) both of Johnstown and the granddaughters she so adored, Callie, Lyla, Aimee and Melanie. She is also survived by her sister Patty Spangler married to Forrie and brother Mike Reilly (Jami Zipf) both of Johnstown, brother Jim Reilly of Niantic, CT and sister Barbara Reilly (David Ray) of…

How AWG has grown and evolved for three-quarters of a century “On behalf of the more than 860 teammates of AWG across 23 states, our thanks to GAWDA for the opportunity to share some of our history, parts of our strategy and our outlook for the future. We have a very strong teammate-focused leadership team and culture. We thought it would provide better insight into our business by letting you hear directly from them. They and their teams are the ones that deliver the results we have come to expect.” – Jason Krieger, AWG President and CEO. American Welding &…

In Memoriam: Paul Slizik GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Paul Slizik who passed away on June 16th at the age of 86. Butler Gas announced the tragic news of Paul’s passing in its company newsletter: “Paul started with Butler Gas as a Truck Driver and retired decades later in 2002 as Vice President of Sales. His heart and passion for the customer built the service culture of our organization. By 1975 in Butler Gas History, founder Jack Butler’s son, John T. II (also, Jack), began taking responsibility for running the company. Founder Jack had developed…