Indianapolis,
IN – June 27, 2024 – IWDC marked its 30th anniversary by gathering
112 Member Companies and 105 Vendor Partners, totaling over 500 participants,
in Phoenix, AZ, for its annual convention, held from June 11-13.
Show
attendees were introduced to "The Wild West" by trick ropers and
bull-riding, where the toughest of them saddled up on the mechanical bull for a
chance to win $1,250 for The Longest Ride. "From industry speakers to
Vendor Sponsor presentations, and speed dating to our main event tradeshow,
there was no shortage of networking between our Members and Vendor
Partners," expressed Jessica Keck, Manager, Vendor Engagement &
Marketing Operations.
"We
thank our Vendor Partners for their support and our Members for their fantastic
participation," commented Keith Werkley, IWDC Vice President of Sales and
Vendor Management. Our generous attendees helped us raise another $30,000,
which will go towards our yearlong campaign supporting ReIGNITE Hope, bringing
our total to $56,000 so far," stated Frank Kasnick, CEO of IWDC.
The
IWDC is a cooperative, formed in 1994, which leverages the strengths of its
independent welding distributor Members across North America. IWDC Member
companies collectively represent over $4.2B in sales, serving a wide range of
industries. The common denominator is that these industries look to them for
industrial, specialty, and medical gases as well as related equipment, welding
hardgoods, and consumables. End-use customers served by IWDC Members benefit
from having the unparalleled expertise of a local Member distributor who has
access to national-scale purchasing and marketing programs.
ReIGNITE Hope trains
students for a career in welding, gets them certified in the welding
trade, and assists them with job placement. Our students have the power to
change their lives for the better, gained from the support and skills
they attain in our free, hands-on classroom and welding center. You can learn
more about ReIGNITE Hope at www.reignitehope.com.
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