Airgas Presents Sandra Fowler-Hurt with Annual Scott Melman Award
August 18, 2009, RADNOR, Pa.-- Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), today presented its ninth annual Scott Melman Award to Sandra Fowler-Hurt, Gas Operations Division vice president, for her outstanding leadership in the pursuit of excellence.
The annual award is named for Scott M. Melman, former chief financial officer of Airgas, Inc., who died in 2001. According to the award's inscription, it honors "Airgas employees who exhibit the qualities we remember in Scott M. Melman: Professionalism, perseverance, enthusiasm, energy, a sense of honor, and the courage to speak up and make a difference."
"Over the years, Sandy has demonstrated innovation, agility, and perseverance in the pursuit of our growth strategies," said Bob McLaughlin, Airgas senior vice president and chief financial officer. "In her 12-plus years with Airgas, Sandy has led the structuring of financial reporting processes for our liquid carbon dioxide, dry ice, nitrous oxide, specialty gases, medical, ammonia, and refrigerants operations. Most recently, she has been contributing her expertise, leadership, and energy to our SAP software implementation in the critical role of finance process leader."
"Sandy exhibits many of the professional characteristics we all valued in our friend, Scott Melman," added Airgas Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Peter McCausland. "She consistently helps her fellow associates, enthusiastically participates in solving problems and is willing to make the tough decisions that support our values and culture. Through her tireless work ethic, Sandy continues to make a positive difference at Airgas, and we are all better for her efforts."
Fowler-Hurt joined Airgas in 1997 with the Airgas acquisition of Carbonic Industries Corporation where she was chief financial officer. Throughout her 14-year career with Carbonic Industries Corporation she also served as vice president - finance and as controller. Fowler-Hurt is a graduate of North Georgia College and State University with bachelor's degrees in accounting and in finance. She also holds a graduate degree in accounting from Georgia State University.
About Airgas, Inc.
Airgas, Inc. (NYSE:ARG), through its subsidiaries, is the largest U.S. distributor of industrial, medical and specialty gases, and hardgoods, such as welding equipment and supplies. Airgas is also one of the largest U.S. distributors of safety products, the largest U.S. producer of nitrous oxide and dry ice, the largest liquid carbon dioxide producer in the Southeast, and a leading distributor of process chemicals, refrigerants, and ammonia products. More than 14,000 employees work in over 1,100 locations, including branches, retail stores, gas fill plants, specialty gas labs, production facilities and distribution centers. Airgas also distributes its products and services through eBusiness, catalog and telesales channels. Its national scale and strong local presence offer a competitive edge to its diversified customer base. For more information, please visit www.airgas.com.
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