The Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) held its Spring Management Conference on 30 March to 1 April in Chicago, Illinois, at the Sheraton Chicago hotel and Towers. The event included 596 attendees, including 199 distributors and 322 suppliers. Sunday’s President’s Welcome Reception was held at Chicago’s Field Museum.
GAWDA President Ned Pontious detailed in his state of the association address, the GAWDA activities for the year and the status of the association’s transition to independent management. He said, “The American Welding Society (AWS) has taught us to walk again — now we are going to run.”
Announced were the preparations for GAWDA to move its headquarters from AWS World Headquarters in Miami, Florida, to new offices located in nearby Hollywood. The association has hired one additional full-time and one part-time staff person in preparation of the transition.
Two addition regionals were added to this year’s schedule, one in Houston and one in Los Angeles. GAWDA Consultants Mike Dodd, Rich Schweitzer, and Tom Badstubner presented updates on DOT, OSHA, FDA, and other regulations.
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