Author: Steve Guglielmo

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:…

In Memoriam: Elizabeth Morgan GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Elizabeth Irene Morgan, who passed away on February 13, 2024. A devoted wife and mother, Irene worked tirelessly alongside her late husband Louis A. Morgan in the family business, City Carbonic, LLC, where her contributions were invaluable. Irene’s dedication, hard work, and unwavering support were instrumental in the success of the business. Irene is survived by her two daughters, Tammy Eskew and husband John Ray, Amy Bruecks and husband Don Bruecks; and grandchildren, Hayley Goodger and husband Ryan Goodger, Jacob Bruecks, and Clara Bruecks. She will…

OSHA Issues Final Rule on Employee Representation During Inspection.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a final rule, effective May 31, 2024, allowing employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during an inspection of their workplace. According to OSHA, the final rule clarifies that workers may authorize another employee to serve as their representative or select a non-employee. For a non-employee representative to accompany the compliance officer in a workplace, the representative must be reasonably necessary to conduct an effective and thorough inspection. OSHA further states the rule clarifies that a non-employee representative may…

In the 2nd Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today, Hobart Filler Metals, an ITW Welding Company, wrote a Sponsored Article outlining strategies for GAWDA Distributors in selling the Hercules™ Automated MIG Welding System. Every aspect of welding is a package deal. For quality welds, you need the right gas and wire for the job, as well as the appropriate torch and complementary components. To protect the welder, you need safety gear like gloves, a helmet and a jacket. To do it right, you need a bundle of products. The same goes for your customers. They need the right bundle…

In the 2nd Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today, TrackAbout spoke with four GAWDA distributors who discussed ways that they were able to save themselves and their customers time and money by keeping visibility on their cylinder assets with TrackAbout. One common challenge among GAWDA distributors is keeping visibility on cylinder assets throughout their lifecycle. Not having software in place to track and maintain cylinders can lead to lost inventory, shortage of cylinders to fullfil customers on time, lost cylinder rental revenue, and an inflated cylinder inventory which is an unnecessary cost to burden. Bottom line, cylinders are expensive and…

WestAir Gases has grown by leaps and bounds since 1970 but still retains the tenets of a small family-owned business.  In 1970, WestAir founder Andy Castiglione was working for National Cylinder Gas as an outside sales representative in San Diego. He was very successful but found himself disillusioned with the level of service that the company was providing for its customers. Recognizing that customers craved improved customer care, Andy and his wife Sue decided to strike out on their own and opened San Diego Welders Supply.   “It was just the two of them,” says CEO Steve Castiglione. “Dad was on…

Central McGowan Gases and Supplies Names Jason Kirby President In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, Central McGown named Jason Kirby as its new President. Kirby, who is on the GAWDA Board of Directors, comes to Central McGown after having spent the last 8 years with Oxarc, Inc. Prior to joining Oxarc, where he served as Executive Vice President, Jason worked for Airgas and Red Ball Oxgen. Quinn Kennedy Becomes Partner at Red Ball Oxygen Red Ball Oxygen is pleased to announce that Quinn Kennedy has purchased his father, Larry Kennedy’s, stake in Red Ball Oxygen, joining his cousin…

GAWDA’s 2024 Regional Meeting Slate kicked off in spectacular fashion with the return of the Southeast Regional from March 18-19, 2024 at the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel and Conference Center in Marietta, Georgia. More than 100 GAWDA members gathered near Atlana and were treated to an incredible lineup of speakers to go along with great networking opportunities. The event saw the introduction of the brand-new Young Professionals and Industry Legends Mentoring Cocktail Hour and stoked the competitive flames with parking lot Pickleball and a golf tournament. Thank you to the Southeast Regional Meeting co-chairs Britt Lovin, Rafael Arvelo and Linda…

Haun Welding Supply Announces Kyle Pipes as COO Haun Welding Supply announced the appointment of Kyle Pipes as its new Chief Operating Officer. In a post on the company’s LinkedIn page, the company wrote, “With over three years of invaluable experience as a consultant for Haun Welding Supply, Kyle brings a wealth of expertise on leadership training and fostering company values. During his tenure as a consultant, Kyle played a pivotal role in developing effective leadership strategies and nurturing organizational culture. His dedication to excellence and commitment to fostering a positive work environment align perfectly with our company’s values and…

EVAS 20 lb. Propane Exchange Tanks Recalled by Worthington Enterprises Due to Fire Hazard Recall Summary  Name of Product: EVAS 20 lb. propane exchange cylinders Hazard: The recalled propane exchange cylinders could leak gas, posing a fire hazard. Remedy: Replace Consumers should stop using the recalled EVAS 20 lb. propane cylinders immediately, close the top valve completely and return them to any AmeriGas Propane Exchange retail location for a free replacement. Consumers can find exchange retail locations at https://www.amerigas.com/locations/find-propane. Worthington advises consumers to close the valve on top of the cylinder completely when returning them. Consumer Contact: Worthington toll-free at…