DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 31, 2020) – Richelle Smith-Brecht, president and CEO of S.J. Smith Company, Inc., was recently elected to the Messer Distributor Group (MDG) Board.

Smith-Brecht was one of two elected to the board during a recent virtual MDG board meeting. John Mark McMurtry, president of Volunteer Welding Supply, Nashville, Tenn., was also elected.

MDG, a buying group comprised of independent welding and gas distributors, was established in 1993, when several regional purchasing groups linked to Airco to create the Airco Distributor Association. The groups then combined, with the support of Messer, to help independent gas and equipment distributors. While Messer Industries is the U.S. industrial gas supplier, MDG is a distributor-run organization, representing members from large multi-facility and multi-state distributors to newer start-up companies, offering marketing programs and educational resources.

S.J. Smith Company Inc. has a long-standing relationship with Messer and the MDG, as company founders Sylvester and Helen Smith previously worked with Airco before starting S.J. Smith in 1950, and later purchased the remaining welding supply business from Airco in 1969. Today, third-generation owners Smith-Brecht along with brothers Eric Smith and Christopher Smith, follow that same tradition of maintaining good relationships and serving customers with the most innovative solutions and quality products.

For more information, please contact S.J. Smith at 563-324-5237, or visit our website at sjsmith.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About S.J. Smith

Since 1950, S.J. Smith has evolved into a dynamic company, using the latest technology to find cutting-edge solutions for customers and provide quality products in a prompt and professional manner. In addition to being a primary provider of cylinder and specialty gas options, including industrial, medical, micro-bulk and laser-assist systems, and cryogenic and technical services, S.J. Smith also provides welding equipment, protective gear and accessories for specific needs such as TIG or MIG welding, arc gouging, plasma cutting and more.

Founded by Sylvester “S.J.” and Helen Smith, and expanded by their son Richard Smith, who joined the company in 1969, the company is now led by the third generation: Richelle Smith-Brecht, president and CEO; Eric Smith, director of operations and Christopher Smith, assistant pricing manager/expediter. S.J. Smith has 11 locations in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri which provide individualized service to customers large and small, based on the company values of honesty and integrity, customer-driven excellence, flexibility and safety.

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