Dewitt, NY – June 28, 2010: As part of its continued effort to provide young gases and welding professionals with best practices that will help them grow professionally and further their careers, the June issue of GAWDA Edge features young IT professionals working in the gases and welding industry.

For gases and welding distributors, keeping their network systems running is critical to the success of their operations. IT professionals often arrive in the gases and welding business with little knowledge of the industry. Bridging their knowledge of networking and computer systems with daily operations can improve the level of efficiency at your organization. Michael Chelgren, of American Welding & Gas (Billings, MT), says the best way to learn the industry is by getting hands-on experience.

IT professionals who understand the welding and gases business are an asset to the company. Chris Bennear, of Dale Oxygen (Johnstown, PA), is always keeping his eye out for new technology that he can bring back to the company. He subscribes to computing magazines and attends industry trade shows and expos. "Many vendors at trade shows specialize in technology for our industry, whether it is applications for automation, inventory or accounting," he says. Right now, he is looking at new technology in cylinder tracking, to locate lost cylinders. These efforts can save companies time and allow them to provide better customer service.

Another important role that many IT professionals play is that of Web developer. Allison Earlbeck of Earlbeck Gases & Technologies (Baltimore, MD) and Rodney Huber of Huber Supply (Mason City, IA) look out for their companies’ Web presence. As they explain, a website is not simply a matter of convenience—it is an extension of the company’s image. "If I go to a website and there are broken links or if it hasn’t been maintained in a while, it makes me question whether I want to do business with the company," says Earlbeck.

These four young IT professionals bring a unique perspective to the gases and welding industry. Want to learn how they are implementing new technology in their companies? Head over to www.gawdaedge.org and check out the online resource for young professionals in the gases and welding industries.

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