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By Natasha Alexis, GAWDA Vice President, Operations and Administration In 1945, a small group of industry leaders came together with one shared goal: to improve safety and support one another in the welding and gases industry. Eight decades later, that same spirit of collaboration continues to define GAWDA — an association dedicated to building relationships grounded in a shared purpose. Today, GAWDA proudly represents a significant portion of businesses in the industrial gas and welding industry, from family-owned distributors to global suppliers. By serving as a unifying voice for these companies, GAWDA has played a vital role in advancing industry…

Like 2024, GAWDA’s suppliers are expecting robust growth in 2025. But unlike 2024, they don’t have the same concerns about a potential election-year surprise looming at the end of it, tempering their expectations. While some suppliers noted that things like tariffs and inflation could dull growth this year, there was a universal expectation of a strong pro-business environment and growth across the board for GAWDA members in 2025! The following are responses from GAWDA suppliers across North America about their expectations for this year. We thank all of the suppliers who participated in this year’s forecast. Be sure to check…

As GAWDA celebrates its 80th Anniversary in 2025, it’s fitting that this year’s theme is “Sustaining a Resilient Culture.” While the technology continues to change, the backbone of our industry and association have remained remarkably consistent through these eight decades and it is due, in large part, to the culture that has been built by the membership of GAWDA (and NWSA before it). This year’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee take their duty as stewards of that culture extremely seriously, as we look to continue to sustain that culture for the next 80 years Our volunteer leaders are on…

Looking Ahead to 2025 In a New Regulatory Environment Following the 2024 Elections, what can GAWDA members expect from a regulatory standpoint in 2025? By Tom Badstubner, Marilyn Dempsey, Michael Dodd, Rick Schweitzer, and Steve Guglielmo Much of the First Quarter Issue of Welding & Gases Today will discuss the impact of the 2024 Elections on the GAWDA Membership. GAWDA members discussed the economic impacts at length in the distributor and supplier forecasts, which can be read on page 58-69. But from a regulatory perspective, the next four years will look very different than the last four, as the Trump…

By Dave Mahoney NWSA President, 1999-2000 | Noble Gas Solutions Becoming involved in GAWDA was one of the smartest decisions I ever made. It is surely one of the significant highlights of my career. In the Spring of 1980, I attended my first Spring Management Conference. I will never forget Bill Sturgeon running up the center aisle and jumping onto the stage in a Canadian hockey jersey. He was excited and immediately got my attention. I loved it! From that point on, all Presidents would sit in the front row and, when introduced, they would walk to the stage to…

Lead with Purpose, Serve with Heart Held Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024Grand Hyatt San AntonioGAWDA continues to raise the bar each and every year, as the 2024 Spring Management Conference in San Antonio, Texas, set yet another new attendance record. This year’s SMC saw a record 808 attendees who gathered for a whirlwind weekend from April 19-21st. With a theme of “Leading with Purpose, Serving with Heart,” gratitude, culture and service were the names of the game. Those “soft skills” which Main Stage Presenter Adrian Gostick rebranded as “Power Skills” combined with the weekend’s musical theme had…

GAWDA Members Commemorate Milestone Anniversaries in 2023 Congratulations to all GAWDA members celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2023. GAWDA members represent the best-of-the-best companies in the gases and welding industries. Each year in the Summer issue, we recognize those GAWDA Members celebrating milestone anniversaries. In the Q3 issue’s President’s Column, GAWDA President Robert Anders explored the three C’s of longevity. We want to add a fourth C for this column: Congratulations to all those GAWDA members celebrating anniversaries this year! And if you have a milestone anniversary coming up in 2024 and would like to be featured in this column next…

Annual Convention 2023 Recap President’s Welcome Photo Gallery Sponsored by Gas Equipment Company By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 4, 2023 GAWDA Gives Back to Maui at the 2023 Annual Convention By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 3, 2023 Cruise with Women of Gases & Welding and Young Professionals at the Annual Convention 2023 By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 4, 2023 AC23: Opening Business Session By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC23: Industry Hospitalities By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 17, 2023 AC23: Contact Booth and Networking 360 By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC23: Closing Business Session By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023 AC 23: President’s Farewell Gala By GAWDA MEDIAOctober 13, 2023…

Women of Gases & Welding and Young Professionals Event Photos This three-hour boat excursion on the Calypso, a 65′ powered catamaran, gave members  time to enjoy a delicious meal and some cold beverages, explore the incredible craft, listen to great island-style music, network with colleagues and friends and watch the beautiful island scenery.