Author: Steve Guglielmo

Federal Court Issues Preliminary Injunction Against FTC Non-Compete Rule A federal court judge in Texas has issued a preliminary injunction against the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on non-compete agreements for departing employees, which is scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024. By its terms, the preliminary injunction only applies to the specific Plaintiffs and Plaintiff-Intervenors in the case: Ryan LLC, a tax services firm located in Texas; the Chamber of Commerce of the United States; the Business Roundtable; Texas Association of Business; and the Longview Chamber of Commerce. Although the business associations generally file suit on behalf of…

In Memoriam: Dave Sullivan GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of David “Sully” Sullivan who tragically passed away recently. Sully retired from 3M and was a long-time dedicated member of GAWDA, as well as AWS and WEMCO. Everybody who knew Sully around GAWDA loved him and will remember him. He will be missed. According to a post on LinkedIn from Bob Ranc, “His family is going to have a celebration of life on Saturday August 31 in Westerville, Ohio. This is a suburb of Columbus. If you are interested some of us will be coming in on…

Thank you to GAWDA Members who continue to make the GAWDA Seven Springs Regional such an incredible event year after year. GAWDA continued its Regional Meeting season with the East/Midwest Regional Meeting, which took place at Seven Springs Resort, in Pennsylvania from June 25-26. The Seven Springs regional is traditionally the highest attended regional of the year. With a star-studded speaker lineup and top-notch networking opportunities this year was a grand slam.   Sales Workshop  The event kicked off with a half-day sales workshop from Jay Spielvogel from Venator Sales Group. It was an interactive workshop talking about how to…

City Carbonic LLC Expands Operations with Acquisition of Automatic Fire Control’s Cylinder Gas Distribution Division in OKC According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, City Carbonic, LLC expanded its operations by acquiring Automatic Fire Control’s Cylinder Gas Distribution Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. “City Carbonic LLC is excited to announce its recent acquisition of Automatic Fire Control’s cylinder gas distribution division in Oklahoma City. With over 40 years of experience, Automatic Fire Control has been a trusted provider of cylinder gases, including CO2 and helium, to customers in the region. This acquisition marks a significant expansion for City…

In Memoriam: Dirk Van Dongen GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Dirk Van Dongen, the esteemed former CEO of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW), who passed away. The NAW announced the passing of Dirk in a press release on its website. “I often told Dirk Van Dongen that he was a living legend. Throughout his four-decade tenure, he transformed NAW into a powerhouse in Washington. Dirk mentored generations of trade association leaders, including myself,” said Eric Hoplin, CEO of NAW. “He played a pivotal role in electing hundreds of members of Congress, all while advising…

Central McGowan Announces Acquisition of Bemidji Welders Supply, Rapids Welding Supply, and Red River Welding Supply According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn Page, Central McGowan acquired a group of strong family businesses that has been in business for 78 years:  Bemidji Welders Supply, Rapids Welding Supply, and Red River Welding Supply. “Established in 1947, Bemidji Welders Supply has provided the communities in Northern Minnesota and North Dakota with quality welding gases, supplies, rental equipment, and safety products for decades. Both Brian and Scott Hartje of Bemidji Welders commented, “When we decided to investigate selling our family business, we…

DEA Issues Proposed Rule to Reschedule Marijuana to Schedule III Controlled Substance.  The Drug Enforcement Administration has released a proposed rule to transfer marijuana from schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”) to schedule III of the CSA, consistent with the view of the Department of Health and Human Services that marijuana has a currently accepted medical use as well as DHHS’s views about marijuana’s abuse potential and level of physical or psychological dependence. The CSA requires that such actions be made through formal rulemaking on the record after opportunity for a hearing. DEA says that if marijuana is…

Airgas Acquires Buckeye Welder Sales and NLR Welding Supply, Inc. Airgas announces the acquisition of Buckeye Welder Sales in Newton Falls, OH effective February 1, 2024 and NLR Welding Supply, Inc. in North Little Rock, AR effective April 1, 2024. These transactions will enable a step-change improvement in capabilities and service reach to key markets in Eastern Ohio and Central Arkansas, respectively. Our new locations in Newton Falls, OH, North Little Rock, AR, and Conway, AR will continue to offer a full range of industrial gases and welding supplies, servicing current and new customers in their respective areas.  With these…

CK Supply Begins Search for Next President CK Supply is looking to hire a new President. This marks the first time in its 75-year-history that CK Supply has posted the position of President. “As part of a formal leadership succession plan developed by our Board of Directors and in preparation for an eventual retirement of Ned Lane, current President of 25 years, a nationwide search begins for who will be the 5th President since Paul Dunn purchased the company in 1955. Big Shoes to Fill!” To learn more about the job posting, click here. Red Ball Oxygen Opens 22nd Branch…

Department of Labor Issues Final Rule Increasing Threshold for Overtime Exemption – The U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has issued a final rule that will increase the threshold compensation amounts for employees to be exempt from requirements for overtime pay. The rule will go into effect July 1, 2024. Employees are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage and overtime protections if they are employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity, as those terms are defined in the Department’s regulations. To fall within the EAP exemption, an employee generally must meet three tests:…