Dewitt, NY – January 10, 2011: After two years of hunkering down in survival mode, the gases and welding industry is poised for recovery in 2011, according to Welding & Gases Today. The magazine spoke with almost 200 industry distributors and suppliers as part of its Annual Business Forecast. Six business forecast articles headline the Winter 2011 issue of Welding & Gases Today, which is now available online.

The aptly titled cover story, "Make Your Own Recovery," features the outlooks of GAWDA distributors and suppliers regarding their challenges and strategies for 2011. "What became apparent as we spoke with GAWDA members this year is that no one is putting their head in the sand and waiting for this downturn to be over," says Welding & Gases Today Managing Editor Carole Jesiolowski. "Distributors and suppliers are facing the new year with a commitment to recover and survive, and they have plans and strategies."

Rounding out Welding & Gases Today’s industry forecast are articles from economist Barry Asmus, Ph.D., the American Welding Society (AWS), the Welding Equipment Manufacturers’ Committee (WEMCO) and the Edison Welding Institute.

Also in this issue, Welding & Gases Today links up with GAWDA’s new Board of Directors online and breaks down TWSCO’s (Houston, TX) formula for measuring employee performance. Articles from GAWDA consultants highlight the association’s new cylinder exchange policy and medical gas initiatives.

To find the most relevant and up-to-date articles for gases and welding industry professionals, head over to www.weldingandgasestoday.org and navigate to "Current Issue" under the Magazine menu.

For more information, contact Devin O’Toole, contributing editor at Welding & Gases Today at devin@datakey.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.