Earlbeck earns top IWDC award
In recognition for his contributions to IWDC, the Industrial Gas & Welding Industry and surrounding greater Baltimore, Maryland community, Jim Earlbeck, Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, was presented the Bob Jackson Memorial Award at IWDC’s Owners’ Meeting in Park City, Utah.
Bob Jackson played an integral part in the formation of the Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC). The honor is bestowed annually upon a Member who has “gone above and beyond” in their support of the organization. The Bob Jackson is considered the preeminent award of the IWDC. Criteria for the award includes strong volunteer spirit, supportive of independents, viewed internal and externally as a respected leader, engaged in our industry, community, and family centric.
Earlbeck Gases & Technologies has roots back to 1919 and has been under the Earlbeck name and family ownership since 1952. In 1981 Jim Earlbeck became president and, during his four decades of leadership, cemented a philosophy of knowledge-based, solutions-oriented selling. He strengthened Earlbeck’s gas production and distribution capabilities and significantly expanded its Training & Education Centers and network of training partnerships, establishing Earlbeck as a leader in welding training and certification.
In addition to building a strong business, contributing to IWDC’s strategic planning process, and serving on committee, Earlbeck has generously given back to the welding & gases industry and his surrounding community. He served as the state of Maryland section president of the American Welding Society and as vice president for the Gases & Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) and has served on the Government Affairs GAWDA board for nearly a decade. For over two decades he has been very involved with Society of Automotive Engineers’ BAJA program that challenges engineering students to design and build off-road vehicles that can survive punishing rough terrain races. Jim has provided classroom training and donations of equipment/supplies for their BAJA program.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The March/April issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about Joyce Lansdale and Vallen. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dirk Beveridge, Frank Hurtte, and David Kahle, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
