Author: Steve Guglielmo
By Gary Konarska, Executive Director and CEO of the American Welding Society (AWS) During times of crisis, good business leaders control the factors they can, adapt readily and plan for life post-crisis. Our industry successfully controlled its destiny by ensuring that welding, cutting and related companies were deemed “essential businesses.” As a result, comparatively more workers retained their jobs. One might think the pandemic temporarily alleviated the shortage of skilled welders, but it actually exacerbated it in many instances, such as when one person testing positive required an entire department to self-isolate. Lack of a stable workforce has hindered organizations…
FMCSA Extends CDL, CLP, Medical Card Waiver Through May 31 – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its waiver of requirements for renewal of Commercial Driver Licenses, Commercial Learner’s Permits and Medical Certificates through May 31 due to the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. The waiver permits, but does not require, States to extend the validity of CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020 beyond the 8-year maximum period of validity set forth in 49CFR 383.73(b)(9) and 383.73(d)(6). Under this waiver, States have the discretion to determine whether, due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, there…
The following are responses from GAWDA suppliers across North America about what they expect to see in 2021. To see video interviews for those suppliers who participated, visit the GAWDA Media channel on YouTube or check buyersguide.gawdamedia.com to see individual company responses with embedded videos. Thank you so much to all who participated! Weldcoa expects sales to be up in 2021. “The disruptions that occurred this year didn’t cancel any projects. It put them on hold,” says President and Co-Owner Hector Villarreal. “In fact, it sped some of them up. But ultimately, I think a lot of projects that were…
Vern Lewis Welding Supply was featured in The Standard Newspaper’s business spotlight recognizing the welding competition that it collaborated on with the River Valley High School. The article, which can be read in the Facebook posts below, highlights not only the event, but who Vern Lewis is as a company and the purpose of the competition, which was to encourage and support young people interested in welding. Congratulations to Vern Lewis!
Oxygen Service Company was recognized by ABB Robotics with its Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2020 ABB Robotics Americas Value Provider Awards. According to the ABB website: ABB Robotics Value Provider conferences are one of the most important events on our calendar every year and specifically designed to bring together the key players in your business to share knowledge, experience, and insights regarding current and emerging robotics technologies, best practices, and industry trends. One important VPC tradition is recognizing our partners who made an extraordinary contribution at a gala awards ceremony. This year we are virtually meeting and…
GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of David Jordan, nexAir’s Productivity and Gas Specialist Manager based in Birmingham, who passed away at the end of 2020. David had been a valued and beloved employee since joining nexAir in 2007 as a Territory Manager in the Birmingham area. David later transitioned to a role as a Gas Specialist, supporting Territory Managers by evaluating customers’ gas modes and offering solutions for increased efficiency and cost savings. He was promoted to Manager of the Productivity and Gas Specialist teams in 2019. David played a key role in so many initiatives…
GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of former NWSA President John C. Beringer, Sr., who passed away on February 5, 2021. His obituary was published in the Naples Daily News, and can be read in full below: John Clifford Beringer, 89, of Akron, Ohio and Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully in his home in Naples on February 5, 2021 surrounded by his 10 children and the love of his life, Nancy. One of seven children, John was born to Charles and Kathryn (Loftus) Beringer in Akron. He attended St. Sebastian Parish School followed by Campion High School…
nexAir Opened a new facility in Panama City, Florida. The location is located at 2336 Industrial Drive, Panama City, FL. 32405. The company made the announcement on its LinkedIn page. Click here for more information and to see pictures of the new facility.
American Welding & Gas announced the promotion of Ronald “Ron” Felton to VP Sales – Southeast Region. Ron joined AWG in June 2020 as a Territory Manager located in Columbia, SC, focusing his efforts on expanding AWG’s customer base. Ron brings 30+ years of industry and sales experience including bulk/cylinder gases to the role. In his new role, Ron will lead a team of Territory Managers within the Southeast Region to effectively generate profit growth in the region and assist in the development and implementation of training and professional development for the regional sales team. Previously, Ron served as Newington,…
After a difficult year in 2020, most distributors expect to see growth in the new year Every year in the 1st Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today, we reach out to all GAWDA members to try to get a sense of what the year ahead has in store. We talk to GAWDA distributors and suppliers (page 46), as well as the Chief GAWDA Economists at ITR Economics (page 68). This year, in an effort to paint an even more complete picture, we also spoke to the American Welding Society (page 56), CGA (page 58) and Consultants Buzz Campbell and…