Frequently asked questions
Who is GAWDA?
GAWDA stands for the Gases and Welding Distributors Association. Formerly known as the National Welding Supply Association (NWSA), GAWDA represents over 500 small to very large welding equipment and industrial gas distributors as well several hundred manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to the welding and industrial gas industry. GAWDA's mission is to promote the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment and supplies.
I’ve forgotten my user name and password or I’m not sure if I have a user name and password, how can I get a new one?
Click here to request a password or email your full name, company, location and area of responsibility to gawda@gawda.org.
Who is eligible for a user name and password?
All employees of a GAWDA member company are eligible for their own personal login to the GAWDA web site.
How can I update my contact information?
Only the Key Contact of a member company has the ability to edit the company’s contact information on the web. If you have moved or if you have a new email address you can send an email to gawda@gawda.org with your new contact information.
How much does it cost to be a member?
GAWDA membership dues are based on a member company’s annual sales. Active Members (Distributors) dues are based on their gross sales of all operations. Associate Members (Mfg, Suppliers and Service Providers) dues are based on their gross sales to the welding and industrial gas industry.
Who are members of GAWDA?
GAWDA has three membership categories:
Active Member - Any individual, partnership, or corporation engaged in retail distribution of gases, equipment or supplies for use in welding, industrial applications, health care or research. For purposes of this provision, “retail distribution” means sales to end users.
Associate Member - Any individual, partnership or corporation engaged in (1) manufacturing or wholesale distribution of gases, equipment or supplies for use in welding, industrial applications, health care or research, or (2) providing products or services to Active members. For purposes of this provision, “wholesale distribution” means sales of products intended for resale.
If an applicant for membership is engaged in both retail and wholesale distribution, the appropriate membership classification shall be determined by the applicant’s primary function. An applicant’s primary function shall be determined by comparing the applicant’s gross dollar sales volume attributable to retail and wholesale distribution. An applicant primarily engaged in selling products that it manufactured, even to end users, shall be classified as an Associate member.
Senior Member - Any person who for at least ten (10) years was employed by or actively connected with a company which was an Active or Associate Member during at least ten (10) years of that employment or connection, shall be eligible for Senior Membership if the person is a retired individual, or no longer earns his living from the welding supply or industrial gas business.
How can I find a distributor?
There is a distributor search function on the home page of the GAWDA web site. Simply enter the zip code and size of the search area in the space provided and click on Search.
How do I find contact info for GAWDA Members online?
Under the DIRECTORIES heading on the home page there are 3 options:
1.) Online Member Search where you can look up individuals or companies by name, city, state, region, etc.
2.) Printable Directory in PDF format which you can print out.
3.) Distributors by Zone which lists all distributor members by city in the zone they are located (also in PDF).
Can I get a printed copy of the GAWDA Directory?
GAWDA prints a small number of directories in house. They are available to members only for a fee. Click here for order details. Coming in 2005…The new GAWDA Directory and Buyers Guide!
How can I subscribe to GAWDA mailings and publications?
Any employee of a member company can receive email communications from GAWDA including the GAWDA Connection, Safety & Technology Organizer, Clearinghouse Updates or event announcements. All we need it the employees name, branch location, and valid email. Requests can be submitted through the web site sign-up on the home page or sent to gawda@gawda.org.
How do I submit a news item to the GAWDA Connection or Welding & Gases Today?
The GAWDA Connection is distributed via email on the 8 th and 23 rd of every month. All items for submission should be sent to gawda@datakey.org no later the 1 st or 16 th of the month to be published in the next closest issue. Please include photos with press release where applicable.
Welding & Gases Today is published quarterly in the winter, spring, summer and fall. For submission deadlines or advertising opportunities please contact Carole Jesiolowski at Data Key Communications.