Current Issue – Winter 2012

C O V E R   S T O R Y
Welding & Gases Today Fourth Quarter 2011 Cover

2012 Business Forecast: The New Normal
GAWDA distributors and suppliers talk about opportunities in the year ahead.

2 + 2 = 5
Distributors prepare to do more with less.

Growing In The New Normal
Suppliers recall the lessons of the past as they forge forward.

Eyeing Potential Shortages In 2012
A few supply challenges to keep an eye on.

Recruiting Welding Personnel Remains Key Need
Skilled workers needed for a healthy economy.
By Ray Shook

MEMBER PROFILE
Norco, Inc. Executives Larry Kissler (center) with Jim Kissler and DanSteele, circa 1987Norco Inc.
Reinvestment drives growth at nation’s largest independent distributor.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet GAWDA President Bryan Keen
The association’s 66th President talks about issues, opportunities, and the most surprising thing about being a member of GAWDA.

2012 GAWDA Board Of Directors
Fourteen ways to go into the new year.

MONEY MATTERS

How Much More Can We Handle
A former government economist dissects the numbers for 2012.
By Joseph V. Kennedy

EMERGING MARKETS

The Shale Effect
New market for gases and welding supplies looks promising.
By Bob Garland

DEPARTMENTS

President’s Perspective – Three New Offerings For The New Year
By Bryan Keen

Director’s Desk – What 2012 Has In Store For GAWDA
By John Ospina

Editor’s Notes – “An Awesome Business To Be In”
By Carole Jesiolowski

News From GAWDA Headquarters

New Partnership Offers Safety Benefits

Live From New York! It’s Gases And Welding!

CONSULTANT CORNER
Recent FDA Enforcement Activities
By Thomas L. Badstubner

Four Cylinder Filling Tips
By Michael Dodd

Drivers Still Face A Host Of New Regulations
By Richard P. Schweitzer, Esq.

Latest Plaintiff Verdict Appealed To Sixth Circuit
By Michael Degan

BEST PRACTICES

Making The Case For E-Commerce
Does a traditional brick-and-mortar distributor need an e-commerce website?
By Patrick Galphin

EQUIPMENT

Post-Manufacturing Conformance Testing
What to do when the manufacturer’s testing does not meet the distributor’s customer specs.
By Andy Joseph

SALES & MARKETING

Are You Referral-Worthy?
Assess your company’s skill at getting those all-important referrals.
By Christine Corelli

READ MORE ONLINE

Go Back To School and read how distributors partner with school training programs.

Video! See Norco’s carousels in action.

www.WeldingAndGasesToday.org is the magazine’s website where you will find exclusive articles, interviews, photos, news features and more. On The Edge is a changing, “edgy” article sure to drum up discussion. Read the Twitter feeds, connect to e-Dialogue, and view comments from readers. All online!
Welding & Gases Today is published quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Non-member subscription rate is $195.00 per year. GAWDA members (key contacts and branch locations) receive the magazine as part of their dues. GAWDA members can order additional yearly subscriptions (4 issues) for $40.Executive Editor –

John Ospina • Managing Editor – Carole Jesiolowski
Associate Editor – Devin O’Toole
Contributing Editors – Natasha Alexis • Cecilia Barbier
Print Design – Sabach Design • Online Design – Jacob Rogers
Production Editor – Kara McKinnon

Editorial correspondence should be sent to Carole Jesiolowski, Managing Editor, Welding & Gases Today, carole@WeldingandGasesToday.org. Advertising correspondence and materials should be sent to Judy Flanagan, Data Key Communications, Inc., 5794 Widewaters Parkway, Dewitt, NY 13214; telephone 315-445-2347; fax 315-445-9336.