Back in 1945, Hubert Weiler of Weiler Welding Company, a distributor of gas equipment and supplies, sensed a need to start a conversation. He, along with a few others in the industry, like George H. Ohmer, Vaughn Stacey Rice and Ed Caluwaert, sparked something that would make an eight-decade impact on the gases and welding industry — the formation of the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA) in Dayton, OH.
What began as a small gathering of 13 distributors, all of whom came together because of shared challenges and common goals, has grown into today’s Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA), a community of over 530 companies. GAWDA is defined by relationships, resilience, and people who care about the success of colleagues. In my time with GAWDA, I’ve seen how those same shared challenges and common goals still bring members together.
As we celebrate our 80th year as an association, we also take a bit of time to honor and remember the legends who paved the way for GAWDA. This timeline, as well as the one on the next page, highlights just a few of the many milestones in our organization’s history that capture the leaps forward, adaptability, and culture of collaboration that continue to guide us today.
Volunteer Driven
GAWDA is driven by volunteers. From our Executive Committee and Board of Directors who steer the vision and direction, to our 10 committees leading efforts in Finance, Government Affairs, Industry Partnering, Insurance, Leadership, Membership, Safety, Technology, Women in Industry, and Young Emerging Professionals, to Regional Chairs across the U.S. who are engaging our members locally. Our strength comes from members willing to serve. These individuals give their time and expertise to support their peers and move the association forward. I have seen firsthand how much time and heart our volunteers pour into this community, often behind the scenes, and it’s their commitment that makes the difference.
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Supplier Partners
In October of 1945, the first associate member joined what would become GAWDA, establishing suppliers as essential partners in advancing the goals of the industry. Since then, that partnership has only grown stronger. In 2004, two Associate/Supplier Member seats were added to the GAWDA Board, and, in 2022, the Board further expanded supplier representation to include Major Hardgoods and Major Gas members.
GAWDA would not be the same without the support and engagement of our supplier partners. Their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and service continues to bring added value to the entire association.
Through their active partnership— suppliers help create opportunities for collaboration and connection— nationally, regionally and virtually, suppliers offer education and resources that strengthen the industry. Their contributions, both seen and unseen, are a vital part of what makes GAWDA strong.
Generational Continuity
As the industry adapts to new regulations, economic shifts, technological advances, industry consolidations, and global pressures, GAWDA has remained a steady partner, supporting leaders to pass leadership from one generation to the next. Many companies represented during the early years of NWSA, remain part of GAWDA today, led by new generations who carry forward the same values. In my 15 years with this association, one of the most rewarding experiences has been watching family businesses transition to third- and even fourth-generation leadership — proof that the values of this industry truly live on.
As we celebrate this milestone year, it’s clear that GAWDA’s story has always been shaped by you, our members. Beyond the programs and milestones, the friendships, mentorships and sense of community is a big part of who we are. With your continued engagement, I believe the next chapters will be every bit as impactful as the last 80 years.
