networking

2011 featured variety in both organizations and presentation topics, demonstrating that every size and type of organization has best practices worthy of sharing. People who attended found that everyone can gain insight from what another organization is doing – even if that organization is very different from your own. 

For example BAE Systems shared how they strive to engage an employee’s hands, head, and heart to support revolutionary innovation and improvements. New Hampshire Ball Bearings demonstrated how putting people first supports both quality and cost efficiency. Dancing Lion Chocolate and the Grappone Collision Center showed how the principles of performance excellence apply to every organization – even a micro business and a body shop. And, Boynton Middle School showed us that creating a culture of student excellence can go hand-in-hand with, and even contribute to fiscal responsibility.

Registration for the 24th annual Quest for Excellence is now open!  Attend Quest and learn how the Baldrige Program creates great value for your organization and the whole US economy.

The conference, which will showcase the best practices and lessons learned of the four 2011 Baldrige Award Recipients, along with those from past awardees, is being held April 16-18 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.  Quest will feature two in-depth plenary sessions featuring senior executives of the 2011 recipients, and numerous concurrent sessions from which to choose, including extended how-to sessions.  Visit the Baldrige website for updates on the conference schedule which will feature 22 former Award recipients sharing their proven strategies and real-world insights.

In addition, on the evening of April 15th, an Award Ceremony and Reception will recognize both the 2011 and 2010 Baldrige Award recipients.

For more information about the Quest for Excellence Conference visit the conference webpage.  For questions contact the GSQC at (603) 223-1312 or the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program at (301) 975-2036.

October 17, 2011: Our thanks to Master Chocolatier and micro-businessman, Richard Tango-Lowy for an innovative and engaging presentation that enlightented us on both chocolate and Baldrige.

 Richard highlighted how he has used the Baldrige Criteria and Concepts to

• focus his eforts utilizing an Organizational Profile rather than a business plan
• keep the big picture in the forefront by viewing the business in terms of the Baldrige categories
• help build relationships and extend critical resources to become "bigger than just me"
• learn, identify critical improvements, and verify that improvements in the areas of packaging, event revenues, and customer retention are effective
• understand what measures are critical to success and focus on those measures

 
Visit Richard starting in November at the new Dancing Lion Chocolate retail location (917 Elm Street, Manchester) to learn more and taste the results!  Contact the GSQC to learn more about how Baldrige can add value in a small or micro-business setting.

The 2011 Baldrige Regional Conferences offer attendees the opportunity to learn from and engage with Presidential Award winning organizations. The conferences will be held in Kansas City, MO, on September 13, and in Birmingham, AL, on September 27.

The two conferences each feature more than 14 current and former Baldrige Award Recipients presenting on their best practices in areas such as leadership, patient safety, and engaging the Gen Y workforce.

Click here for more information