The idea for an Air Products band began with an unusual article in Fortune magazine on corporate bands. Intrigued by the thought of forming a band at Air Products, now retired executive Joe Kaminski pursued the idea. "I felt that we had a tremendous wealth of talent at Air Products that we do not truly benefit from and an effort such as the band would be a small way to capture some of that talent." And so, in October 2000, Air Products' corporate band, "The Difference," was formed. The band's name was derived from the company's brand research, which showed that it is Air Products' people that differentiate the company in the marketplace. It is through their integrity, passion and understanding that Air Products employees are delivering the difference.

"The Difference" represents a unique business-marketing tool that distinguishes Air Products from its competitors and other companies. The band creates a memorable and positive image of Air Products and its employees in the eyes of some of the company's key stakeholders. The band also symbolizes Air Products' longstanding philanthropic spirit of giving to those who are less fortunate through their performances at community and charitable events.

Since the band's inception, members of "The Difference" have volunteered their time and talent to provide top-notch entertainment at more than 200 company and charitable events. Their performances have helped to raise funds for the American Diabetes Foundation, Special Olympics, Lukemia Society, American Heart Association and many local charities and nonprofit organizations.  In April 2001 "The Difference" released its first album titled, "Rockin' for Charities," which contains a collection of the band's best cover songs, with proceeds going to charity.   Since then the band released two additional albums, titled, "Anything At All … for Charity," and most recently "Grow", each containing a collection of cover songs, as well as  original songs—"Anything At All" and "Vacation Mode"—written and performed by band member Ed McKendry;  "This Day"---written by band drummer Sal Nicrone;  "While She Smiles"---written by band member Steve Eck;  "Grow"---written by band member Jim Meyer.    All of the proceeds from all three albums are donated to charities.   To date, the amount of money raised through the fund raising events the band played for and from the proceeds of their cd's, have totaled more than $400,000. 

Band members include Sal Nicrone, band leader, drums and vocals; Joe Hilgar, bass guitar ,vocals and keyboards; Ed McKendry, lead guitar and vocals; Jim Meyer, lead guitar and vocals; and Terry Wetzel, sound technician.
March 6, 2007 the band's acoustic guitar and vocalist Steve Eck, passed away after a battle with cancer. 

"The Difference" made its mark in October 2001 when it traveled to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to compete in the first ever Battle of the Corporate Bands.  The competition was hosted by Fortune magazine and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and featured bands from nine other companies, including Harley Davidson and Briggs & Stratton.  Performing their rendition of "Hotel California" by The Eagles in the final round of competition, "The Difference" came out on top and was named the best corporate band in America. Due to competition rules, the Air Products band could not compete in future Annual Battle of the Corporate Bands, but was invited back to the Rock Hall in October 2002, 2003, and 2005, to provide entertainment at the competition's VIP receptions.   During the 2005 5th Annual Battle of the Corporate Bands weekend, the Rock Hall also invited the band to join Billy Joels drummer Liberty DiVeto and 38 Special guitarist/writer Jeff Carlissi, in presenting a special music seminar to Cleveland children in the 3rd floor auditorium.   

A shining example of the creative diversity that exists within Air Products, "The Difference" continues to be a morale builder and great source of pride for the company's employees.

October 2005