Author: Steve Guglielmo

In Memoriam: Robert “Bob” Ames GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Robert “Bob” E. Ames, who passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the age of 76. He was the loving husband of Patricia “Patty” (Hunt) Ames, to whom he was married for 51 years. Bob was the son of the late George and Lillian (Kinsley) Ames. Bob graduated from York Central High School class of ‘64. After many years of working, he retired in 2012 as the co-owner of Commonwealth Supply Company alongside his partner Mary Shanaman. He was the president of GAWDA from…

FMCSA Releases ANPRM on Safety Fitness Determination Revisions.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has released an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking input on a possible proposal to revise the agency’s Safety Fitness Determination process for motor carriers. The notice indicates that FMCSA is interested in developing a new methodology to determine when a motor carrier is not fit to operate commercial motor vehicles in or affecting interstate commerce.  FMCSA requests public comment on: (1) the need for a rulemaking to revise the regulations prescribing the safety fitness determination process; (2) the available science or technical information to analyze…

Allison Earlbeck Named CEO of Earlbeck Gases & Technologies In a post on the company’s website, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies announced that GAWDA Board Member Allison Earlbeck has officially taken over the role of CEO. “Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, a leading provider of industrial gases and welding supplies in the Mid-Atlantic,  recently announced a significant leadership transition as Jim Earlbeck, the company’s 2nd generation leader, passes the torch to his daughter, Allison Earlbeck. The transition comes as part of a well-planned succession strategy that ensures continuity and a seamless shift in leadership.” “I am honored to take on this new role…

AWISCO Appoints Kelvin Then as Bronx Branch Leader AWISCO announced that Kelvin Then has been appointed as its Bronx branch leader. “I am tremendously excited about my new role here at AWISCO and look forward to working alongside the team and helping wherever I can!” Kelvin says. “I am eager and committed to learning and growing as much as possible within the space!” AWISCO is excited to have him join the team! Wilson Products Announces 2023 Open House and Welding Expo On its company Facebook page, Wilson Products announced that it will be holding its 2023 Welding Expo and Open…

General Distributing Company Announces Anniversary Roadshow General Distributing Company is celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023.  To commemorate the occasion, the company announced on its Facebook page that it will be hosting a 75th Anniversary Road Show from September 18th-22nd. “Our crew will be loading up our Gendco BBQ trailer and driving it around the state to give a free lunch to all of our customer AND we will be joined by multiple vendors to bring you the latest and greatest for you to demo” Vern Lewis Welding Supply Announces Two New Team Members Vern Lewis Welding Supply announced…

PHMSA ISSUES ADVANCE PROPOSED RULE TO REVISE HAZMAT REGULATIONS The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration of DOT has issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on 46 different topics to “modernize” the Hazardous Materials Regulations.  Public comments on the notice are due October 3, 2023.  The comments to the ANPRM might be used to develop a number of proposed rulemakings. Several of the items are of particular interest to GAWDA members, including the following. Should Emergency Response Information be required to accompany shipments of hazardous materials? If not, what alternatives should be considered that maintain existing levels of safety…

OE Meyer Company Breaks Ground on New Mixed-Use Retail and Distribution Facility for Industrial Gases, Propane, and Welding Supply  OE Meyer Company, a leading industrial and specialty gas solutions provider, announced construction has commenced for its new mixed-use retail and distribution facility in Avon, Ohio. The facility marks a milestone for the company, signaling its commitment to expanding operations and enhancing service capabilities in Northeast Ohio. Designed to meet the growing demands of the commercial gas and propane industry, the Avon facility will serve as a hub for OE Meyer’s distribution operations in Lorain and Cuyahoga counties while providing a full-service…

Mississippi Welders Supply Company Announces Troy Elmer to Succeed Scott Myran as President MWSCO (Mississippi Welders Supply Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Troy Elmer to succeed Scott Myran as President of the company.  A rigorous internal and external search revealed that Troy was the right individual to carry the company’s legacy forward. Troy has been in the industry for 33 years, the last 23 with MWSCO. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and deep appreciation of the company’s culture to the position.  A transition plan will be laid out to ensure a smooth handover, the backfilling…

Haun Welding Supply Partners With MACNY and Operation Next. According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn Page, Haun Welding Supply partnered with MACNY and Operation Next. Operation Next is a first-of-its-kind program in New York State that is providing soldiers transitioning out of the military (and their spouses) with a proven training program to prepare them with the knowledge and skills needed for various career pathways in advanced manufacturing. AOC Mexico Partners with Hebei Runfeng According to a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, AOC Mexico has partnered with Hebei Runfeng, a leading provider of cryogenic equipment. As a…