Butler Gas is very proud to share some exciting news from the GAWDA Annual Convention in Boston, announced to 1000+ industry peers: Ben Black was revealed as this year’s “Mr. X,” officially joining the GAWDA officer lineup and putting him on the path to serve as GAWDA President in 2030!
For anyone less familiar with GAWDA, the Gases and Welding Distributors Association is the major national trade association representing our industrial gases and welding supply industry. Its mission centers on promoting the safe operation and economic vitality of distributors like Butler Gas through education, safety and compliance resources, industry collaboration, advocacy and relationships. Butler Gas has been a proud GAWDA member since 1960.
But for us, this announcement means much more than another industry title. Near the end of his life, Butler Gas founder Jack A. Butler gave his son, Jack, a piece of advice that helped shape the generations that followed: “Get involved in these associations. They will help you and teach you the business.”
Jack listened. He became deeply involved in our industry associations, ultimately serving as GAWDA President himself in 1993. Our leadership grew up watching the value those relationships brought to him and to Butler Gas, and that tradition of getting involved and giving back to the organizations that have given so much to us has continued ever since, including serving as GAWDA President in 2020 and 2021.
And now, here comes Ben.
One of our Core Beliefs is PEOPLE, and part of investing in great people is giving them opportunities to stretch beyond the walls of Butler Gas — to learn from others, build relationships, contribute their talents and help lead our industry forward. We believe strongly that when our people invest themselves in organizations like GAWDA, they bring that knowledge, perspective and network home to make Butler Gas stronger.
Leadership in an association like GAWDA is also about giving back. Our industry has been extraordinarily good to our family and our company for nearly eight decades, and we believe we have a responsibility to contribute to its future.
Ben has already represented Butler Gas exceptionally well throughout our industry, and being selected for the GAWDA officer track is a significant recognition of the respect he has earned from his peers.
There is something especially meaningful about watching this tradition continue. Jack followed his dad’s advice. Our leadership followed Jack’s advice. And now Ben is carrying it forward into another generation of Butler Gas leadership. Please join us in congratulating Ben on this tremendous honor. We are incredibly proud to have him representing Butler Gas, and very excited to watch the road to GAWDA President 2030 unfold!