In recognition of its 25 years, the corporation held an auction earlier this month which generated over $30,000 dollars for Workshop for Warriors, a non-profit school which trains, certifies and places veterans, wounded warriors and transitioning service men and women into advanced manufacturing careers, including welding and fabrication.
“We wanted to do something special and, though generous Vendor partner support, we were able to commission an artist who crafted a one of a kind oil painting on steel, titled ‘Warrior to Welder,’” said Frank Kasnick, President and CEO of the IWDC.
“In addition to fund raising, we updated members of IWDC’s strategic initiatives and received valuable feedback on our programmes during our 22nd-24th October Owners’ Meeting held at Eau Palm Beach Resort, Manalapan, Florida,” said Keith Werkley, IWDC Director of Sales & Vendor Management.
“We would like to thank our members, vendors and employees for their generous donations to this worthy cause. We take great pride in our affiliation and look forward to supporting future campaigns.”
The IWDC was formed in April 1994 by the Independent Welding Distributors Association, a western geography buying group. Less than a year later, the Key Distribution Group, an eastern geography buying group, merged with IWDC to almost double its size.