Your GAWDA Connection | November 15, 2018
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Since 1988, we’ve been manufacturing Trumix® on-site gas Blenders for draft beer dispense, welding shield gases & food packaging. McDantim offers custom Made-to-Order Blenders with two or three gases blends (Argon, CO 2 , Helium, Hydrogen, Nitrogen & Oxygen) up to 4,000 scfh.
FEATURED NEWS
It’s Time for the 2019 Forecast and We Need You!
As you know, the First Quarter issue features member input on expectations for the upcoming year. It’s a great opportunity to share news about your company with the GAWDA membership. Here are the questions we have for you this year:
  1. What do you expect in the coming year at your company? Are you celebrating an anniversary, opening a new branch, opening a new line of business or transitioning to new ownership?
  2. Where do you see the industry going in 2019?
  3. Do you see any new markets on the horizon for GAWDA members?
2019 Spring
Management Conference
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Saturday, May 4 – Monday, May 6, 2019
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
1300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403

For a tentative schedule of events, click  here.

For 2019 SMC hotel details, click  here.
2019 Annual Convention
Washington DC
Saturday, Sept. 28 – Tuesday, Oct.1, 2019
Marriott Marquis Washington DC
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

For 2019 AC hotel details, click  here.
2020 SPRING MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
J.W. Marriott Austin
110 E 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78701
 
Sunday, Apr. 5 – Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2020
2020 ANNUAL CONVENTION
J.W. Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
5350 E Marriott Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85054
 
Friday, Sept. 25 – Monday, Sept. 28, 2020
 
SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE
FMCSA Seeks Approval to Research Driver Schedules and Fatigue
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has requested approval from the Office of Management and Budget to investigate how commercial motor vehicle drivers’ schedules impact overall driver performance and safety. See 83 Fed. Reg. 53945 (October 25, 3018). The agency also seeks public comments on its proposal.

FMCSA Adds Propane to Rest Break Exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has added propane fuels to the list of products subject to an exemption from the 30-minute rest break provision of the hours of service rules (49 CFR Part 395) on behalf of motor carriers and drivers operating tank trucks to transport certain petroleum-based products in interstate commerce. See 83 Fed. Reg. 56138 (November 9, 2018).

PHMSA Issues Final Rules on Industry Petitions
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a final rule in response to a number of petitions for rulemaking submitted by the regulated community to update, clarify, streamline or provide relief from miscellaneous requirements in the Hazardous Material Regulations. HM-219A; see 83 Fed. Reg. 55792 (November 7, 2018). The rule is effective December 7, 2018.
LINKS YOU’LL LIKE 
In our communications with members and research for the GAWDA publications, we often come upon links that are worth sharing. Check them out, and if you come across any links you like, please send them to [email protected].

New GAWDA Online Buyer’s Guide: The members-only GAWDA Buyer’s Guide is a one-stop shop for all distributor needs. Search for suppliers by company name, location or product/service category and contact them immediately using the phone number listed or the e-mail link provided. 

Gases & Their Applications: A link to extensive technical resources on specific gases, including delivery methods and common applications.
MEMBER NEWS
  • Weiler Abrasives Group Expands Brand Globally
  • Hypertherm Introduces New Corporate Venture Capital Arm to Support Emerging Advanced Manufacturing Technology 
  • Cyl-Tec Hires New Sales Specialist

IN MEMORIAM: 
  • Ron Giesen
  • Charles Kevin LaDue
MEMBER NEWS
  • Hypertherm Releases New Version of Rotary Tube Pro Software
  • Saint-Gobain Abrasives Introduces New Norton QUANTUM3 RightCut Wheels
  • Fluoramics Introduces Premium Full-Density PTFE Tape