Author: Steve Guglielmo

FMCSA Implements New Crash Preventability Determination Program.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has announced the start of the agency’s new Crash Preventability Determination Program.  85 Fed. Reg. 27017 (May 6, 2020).  Through this program, motor carriers and drivers may submit eligible crashes for preventability determinations through the FMCSA’s DataQs system. FMCSA will remove crashes that were not preventable by the motor carrier or driver from the Safety Measurement System (SMS) algorithm that prioritizes carriers and drivers for enforcement actions. FMCSA will also note the not preventable determinations in the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record and will note not…

Donna Conrad retired from Superior Products. To commemorate her retirement and celebrate her legacy, several people submitted comments about Donna to GAWDA Media. A sampling can be found below: “Donna Conrad’s retirement from the Packaged Gases industry leaves a great legacy.  She had no idea from early days promoting balloon inflators on the floor of a Florist & Party Supplies Trade Show that she would pioneer a path for ladies in an otherwise male dominated industry.  Her path, punctuated with genuine grace and friendship, set a very high bar – a challenge accepted by so many fine ladies who daily…

In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Red Ball Oxygen took to Instagram to recognize its employees for all of the great work they’ve done. See the full post below. View this post on Instagram A simple thank you goes out to all of our employees in the midst of this pandemic! #rbofamily #redballoxygen #sanitize #safetyfirst #washyourhands A post shared by Red Ball Oxygen Co. (@redballoxygen) on May 29, 2020 at 6:39am PDT Read other June 1 Connection Items: In Memoriam: Hanny “Honey” Ruddy Donna Conrad Retires from Superior Products Red Ball Oxygen Thanks Employees in the Midst…

Lenette Egan has retired from McDantim. Her last day was April 3rd. She will stay on as a consultant for McDantim to oversee a smooth transition. She is also staying involved with IBEDA helping out with social media.   “We’re happy for Lenette and wish her the best in retirement,” said McDantim Marketing Coordinator Kayla Mann. “She has done so much for our company and our industry!” Read Other May 15 Connection News: CGA Recognizes Safety Award Winners at 2020 Annual Meeting Walter Surface Technologies Acquires ArcOne AWISCO Introduces Special Edition Subway-Themed Auto-Darkening Helmets Butler Gases Launches “The Life of a…

Andy Cichocki Airgas, an Air Liquide company 2019 CGA Board Chair During the Annual Meeting of the Association, Andy Cichocki was presented with the CGA Chairman’s Award for his service as Chairman of the CGA Executive Committee and Board of Directors in 2019. Thank you for your service, Andy. For 2020, CGA welcomes John F. (Jack) Finn of FIBA Technologies to the role of CGA Chair, and Chris Ebeling of Messer North America to the role of CGA Vice Chair. Jack Finn FIBA Technologies 2020 CGA Board Chair Chris Ebeling Messer North America 2020 CGA Board Vice Chair CGA Also…

The Compressed Gas Association (CGA) announced the winners of its industry-leading safety awards during the 2020 Annual Meeting of the Association, held virtually on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. CGA is dedicated to the development and promotion of safety standards and safe practices in the industrial, medical, and food gases industry. We’re proud to recognize the dedication to safety exhibited by the companies and individuals honored this year. Environmental Awards The Environmental Awards are presented annually to deserving individuals, teams, or facilities that have conducted activities that meet defined criteria for environmental excellence. The following were recipients of the Environmental Awards:…

Butler Gas introduced a new video entitled Life of a Cylinder, shot by Butler Gas associates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Butler Gas is decontaminating cylinders and efficiently moving them through production to best serve its valued customers. Check out the video below!  Read Other May 15 Connection News: CGA Recognizes Safety Award Winners at 2020 Annual Meeting Walter Surface Technologies Acquires ArcOne AWISCO Introduces Special Edition Subway-Themed Auto-Darkening Helmets Butler Gases Launches “The Life of a Cylinder” Video CGA Board of Directors Ushers in New Leadership and Thanks Outgoing Committee Chairs Lenette Egan Retires from McDantim Ratermann Launches Comical ‘R’-Bar…

For the past 25 years, the month of May has been “Trade Show Month” for AWISCO. While AWISCO had to postpone the 2020 Trade Show to October, the company still wants to celebrate this momentous anniversary. Check out this special edition, subway-themed, Auto-Darkening AWISCO Helmet. Grab yours today at any AWISCO location for $99 or contact AWISCO for more information about how to order! Read Other May 15 Connection News: CGA Recognizes Safety Award Winners at 2020 Annual Meeting Walter Surface Technologies Acquires ArcOne AWISCO Introduces Special Edition Subway-Themed Auto-Darkening Helmets Butler Gases Launches “The Life of a Cylinder” Video…

GAWDA extends its condolences to the friends and family of Carola Vogel, owner of Crown Alloys, who passed away after a battler with cancer. In August of 2019, Carola was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She underwent four and a half months of chemotherapy and in December of 2019 the cancer was in remission. Unfortunately, her three- month check-up in early March revealed that the lymphoma had returned in an aggressive form. The treatment options were rigorous and not hopeful. On March 27th, while hospitalized and with a clear mind, Carola made the decision to enter hospice care. On April 1st,…

By Jay Spielvogel, Venator Sales Group Do your sales reps ever tell you the following story? They meet with a mid-level plant, operations or production manager who is extremely interested in engaging your company to fix a cylinder usage issue or implement a new industrial welding application  This person willingly shares information regarding their perception of the challenges the company is facing with downtime, waste and safety, and how personally committed they are to implementing a solution.  The meeting ends with an agreement that your sales rep will send a proposal for the contact to run past their boss with an expectation that it…