Gases and Welding Magazine Goes Back to School

Dewitt, NY – August 23, 2010: School contracts for welding equipment and gases can sometimes be a bleak

proposition—slashing prices to compete with bids for state and federal dollars, making it challenging to sell on service over price. However, several gases and welding distributors have discovered that there are benefits to building a relationship with technical schools, community colleges and high school welding programs. As part of its continued commitment to helping young professionals further their careers in the gases and welding industry, the August issue of GAWDA Edge features an article entitled "Back to School," which highlights three distributors who have formed strong relationships with schools.

The first step to building a valuable relationship with a school is by connecting with instructors. John Small, president at Pooch Welding Supply (Benton Harbor, MI), recently joined the advisory committee for Lake Michigan College's welding program. In his capacity as advisor, Small guides instructors on what equipment they need to keep up with the industry. Keeping instructors informed of new products and processes not only aids the program's continuous improvement, but it may even lead to a sale in the future.

While students and instructors may provide business to a distributor immediately, the real payoff is down the road. Craig Wood, president of O.E. Meyer ‘s industrial division, stresses that a partnership with a welding school is a long-term investment. "Some of the students we have worked with at Terra Community College are now 40 years old and they still speak highly of our company. By getting involved during their younger, formative years, the students will remember who we are and what we offer when they get older."

To read more ways that gases and welding distributors are making the most of their welding school partnerships, head over to www.gawdaedge.org and check out the latest issue of GAWDA Edge, the online resource for young professionals in the gases and welding industry.

For more information, contact Devin O'Toole, editor of GAWDA Edge, at editor@gawdaedge.org or 315-445-2347.

About GAWDA

Founded in 1945, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.weldingandgasestoday.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.gawdawiki.org), GAWDA connects suppliers of gases and manufacturers of related equipment as well as manufacturers of welding equipment and distribution leaders, for the purpose of safely delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. GAWDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning welding equipment and products and services related to industrial, medical, specialty and cryogenic gases. A 501(c)3 organization, GAWDA members are located throughout North America.