BREAKING NEWS

It's a Happy New Year for GAWDA Distributors

Welding & Gases Today's Annual Business Forecast polled GAWDA members from across the nation about their success strategies for the coming year. Both distributors and suppliers anticipate a strong year ahead for the industry, with plenty of opportunities on the horizon for those who are willing to take advantage of them.

In Part I of GAWDA Connection's two-part series, optimism is on the rise for many GAWDA distributors, and it's easy to see why. Among distributors surveyed, 86% expect to realize an increase in 2007, with distributors across the nation seeing an average growth of 9%. Construction projects are flourishing in many areas of the country, with a number of distributors reporting that their customers are busier than ever. In other regions, growing medical and bioscience facilities are creating opportunities that distributors are quick to seize. New product lines, new hires, and new facilities or expansions at distributor companies over the last few years have proved their worth, and many GAWDA members plan to continue that trend this year.

However, it isn't entirely a matter of "letting the good times roll." Increasing costs—in the form of escalating insurance premiums and skyrocketing raw materials costs that drive up product prices—continue to present a challenge, and many distributors foresee a possible economic slowdown on the horizon. But GAWDA members are working hard and relying on a variety of strategies to position themselves well for whatever the future might hold.

In the January 23 GAWDA Connection, manufacturers and suppliers explain why "increased efficiencies" are the buzzwords for 2007. Don't forget to look for the full report in Welding & Gases Today, in print and online at www.gawda.org.

2007 Resolution: Live on the Edge

Have you joined the GAWDA Edge community yet? Visit www.gawdaedge.org to find a community of like-minded young executives in the gases and welding industry. Read the current issue of GAWDA's monthly e-magazine—now available in mobile and dial-up versions—and share your opinions on articles and other industry issues in the GAWDA Edge Forums. In the December issue, learn about GAWDA's new Young Executives group, and discover how you can enhance your technology and networking skills to get ahead in your career. GAWDA Edge: There's no place like it to sharpen your edge.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE NEWS

January Safety & Technology Organizer Online • The January 2007 Safety & Technology Organizer is now available at www.gawda.org. Topics include Lockout/Tagout, Load Securement, Cylinder Preparation and What Supplies Should Be in Your First Aid Kit.

INDUSTRY BEAT
(what people are talking about)

Capitol Welders Supply Company's new facility

Capitol Welders Supply Company Relocates (Baton Rouge, LA) • Capitol Welders Supply Company started operating out of its new 36,000 sq. ft. location at 5111 Choctaw Drive in Baton Rouge, LA, December 1. The new facility, which is triple the size of the company's previous location, houses a pallet filling system, an expanded showroom and six new employees. "Our new building allows us to take on more business and gives us more capacity for filling," says Vice President of Operations Terry Root.

Corp Brothers Names Sales Manager (Providence, RI) • Corp Brothers named John D. Amato as sales manager responsible for directing the company's sales and marketing programs and new ventures. Amato brings 16 years of sales and management experience to the position.

Praxair Acquires Two Distributorships (Danbury, CT) • Praxair Distribution, Inc. acquired the packaged gas business and facilities of Lake County Medical Gas (Mundelein, IL) and Withrow Oxygen Service (South Lake Tahoe, CA). The firms had combined total sales of approximately $2 million in their prior fiscal years. "These acquisitions will strengthen our ability to serve customers in their respective geographies," says Praxair Distribution President Wayne Yakich.

Central Welding Supply Relocation Expands Facility (Smokey Point, WA) • Central Welding Supply moved its corporate offices from Lynnwood to Smokey Point, Washington. The new location includes a new 7,500 square foot cylinder fill facility for high pressure and liquid oxygen, high pressure and liquid argon, high pressure and liquid nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, welding grade mixed gases, ultra high purity and certain specialty gases. The new plant can produce up to 55,000 fills per month, tripling the prior plant's output. According to Central Welding Supply Vice President Dale Wilton, "The new plant helps us better serve our existing customer and distributor base, as well as position us for additional expansion in Western Washington." Central Welding Supply's phone number has changed to 360-658-5617.

Ellen M. Jackson In Sympathy Ellen M. Jackson, 88, co-founder of Jackson Welding Supply in Rochester, NY, passed away on December 26. Mrs. Jackson and her husband Robert G. Jackson, who served as NWSA President in 1962, founded Jackson Welding Supply in 1947. Together, they instilled in their two children, the Reverend Lauri J. Craig and Robert H. Jackson, the importance of service. Robert H. Jackson, (dec. 2000), also served as NWSA President in 1985, and his son, Robert A. Jackson, now serves the members of the association as Chair of the GAWDA Human Resources Committee. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Mrs. Jackson devoted her life to the family business and will be remembered for her sharp mind and her relationships with vendors and employees. Mrs. Jackson's willingness to do anything for the company inspired others and her attitude that "no one is too good to do anything" continues to be a philosophy the company lives by. Donations in Mrs. Jackson's memory may be sent to Asbury 1st United Methodist Church in Rochester, NY, or to the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Campus. GAWDA extends its sympathy to the Jackson family.

GAWDA NEWS

HR Report Available • The January 2007 HR Manager's Legal Reporter and QuickStep Trainer is now available for download at www.gawda.org.

GAWDA SMC Spa Gift Cards • Treat that special person in your life to the gift of pure luxury while you are attending GAWDA's 2007 Spring Management Conference! The Spa at the Pointe South Mountain Resort, GAWDA's 2007 SMC hotel in Phoenix, AZ, specializes in luxury. Make plans now for your spouse to enjoy a spa service while at the 2007 SMC on May 20-21 by purchasing a gift card today. Treat yourself, too...you earned it!

To order a gift card, call 602-431-6576. Follow this link for the full menu of spa services offered at the Phantom Horse Spa. For more information about the 2007 Spring Management Conference, visit www.gawda.org.

Holiday Discount for GAWDA Members • Order your copy of the GAWDA 2006 Membership Directory for only $25. Complete the order form downloadable at this link and fax it to 215-963-9785, or contact Malvenia Avery at 215-564-3484 ext. 2233. Note that the new 2007 Membership Directory will be printing in May 2007.

WORKSHOPS, WEB CONFERENCES & SEMINARS

GAWDA Compliance Update Teleconference
Thursday January, 18, 11:00 a.m. ET
This teleconference is a free benefit of membership for all GAWDA members. Plan to join us and listen to the GAWDA Consultants, who are some of industry's leading compliance and regulatory experts, discuss what 2007 has in store for independent distributors. Follow this link to learn more.

University of Industrial Distribution
March 4-7, Indianapolis, IN
GAWDA is pleased to sponsor the University of Industrial Distribution at the Indiana University/Purdue University Conference Center. This program will offer 30 classes featuring some of the most accomplished experts in sales, finance, branch management, HR, distribution technology and the distribution channel: Tim Underhill, Al Bates, Joe Ellers, Peter Land, Bill McCleave, Michael Marks, Michael Workman, Bruce Merrifield, John Monoky, Don Rice and other well-known professionals. This program has sold out for the last three years. For GAWDA members, the Early Registration Fee is $995 if postmarked, faxed or submitted online before February 2, a savings of $100. You may register online at www.univid.org or download the Registration Form and Program Brochure here.

2007 GAWDA Compliance Update Seminar Dates Set
Please mark your calendars for the week of March 26, 2007, in Indianapolis. Registration for the seminar will begin the week of January 22, 2007, but if you would like to be on the waiting list, please send an e-mail to training@brcompliance.com. Make sure you include your name, company name, contact information (phone number and e-mail), and how many people from your company are interested in attending. More details are available at www.gawda.org.

The GAWDA Connection is distributed on the 8th and 23rd of each month to all GAWDA members as
a membership service of GAWDA, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association, 100 N. 20th Street, 4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. Neither GAWDA nor Data Key Communications, LLC, their officers, directors, members and staff are responsible for contents or opinions other than those concerning Association activities.

GAWDA HEADQUARTERS
100 North 20th Street, 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1443
phone 215.564.3484 - fax 213.963.9784
gawda@fernley.com