MIAMI, Fla., February 14, 2013 – The Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) and the American Welding Society (AWS) are pleased to jointly announce a plan by GAWDA to become self-managed by the end of 2014.

AWS has helped manage GAWDA business affairs since 2010, when GAWDA opted to part with its previous management firm. AWS will assist GAWDA this year and into 2014 until the self-management objective is achieved.

With their self-management, GAWDA will lease office space at the new AWS World Headquarters in Doral (Miami), Florida, which will provide GAWDA with its own home and distinct association identity. GAWDA plans to retain its current Executive Director and support staff.

“We are extremely pleased to see GAWDA move toward independent management,” said Ray Shook, AWS Executive Director. “We have enjoyed a close business relationship with GAWDA since 2010, which remains a natural fit with our common focus on the business and technology of welding, gases and cutting.”

“GAWDA is excited and pleased to be working through this transition of independence following 68 years of assisted management,” said 2013 GAWDA President Craig Wood, of O.E. Meyer Co. “AWS has been, and continues to be, a powerful ally to GAWDA,
and we are proud of the association we have built with them over the years. We also feel this decision best serves our GAWDA members.”

About AWS
The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves nearly 70,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and student chapters. For more information, visit the society’s website at http://www.aws.org and click on “Pressroom.”

About GAWDA
Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is dedicated to promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors of industrial gases and related welding equipment supplies. For more information, visit the association’s website at www.gawda.org .