On June 10, Japan Industrial and Medical Gases Association (JIMGA) held the 2014 General Meeting (industrial gases and medical gases councils), in which a new chairman and directors were elected to follow the expiration of office term of current officers.

At the press interview before the general meeting, Masahiro Toyoda the retiring chairman and vice-chairman of Air Water said, “Since 2001 when I took office as executive director of former JIGA for six years and three years as vice-chairman of JIMGA, adding four subsequent years as chairman, I have been working for this association as officer for a total of 13 years. Looking back the four years starting with various difficulties as chairman, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the cooperation of all member companies across the country for solution of many issues and developments of various new activities, with which I am about to finish my assignments happily without problems.”

In the administrative board after the general meeting, newly elected chairman Kunishi Hazama (vice-president of TNSC) commented “Although the economic situation is at an upward trend, there is no change in the unpredictable state. I do express my respect for chairman Toyoda’s resolute leadership to deal with the continued issues condensed during his four years’ assignment.” He also showed his ambition, saying, “I will focus on two major subjects, further upgrading of the social position of the industry and the implementation of compliance.”

Photo: Mr. Toyoda, the retiring chairman (right) and Mr. Hazama, new chairman (left)