Seven Arkansas organizations were honored Thursday (Sept. 22) at the 27th Annual Governor’s Quality Awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock.
The seven organizations honored were:
Mainstream Technologies, Inc. of Little Rock received the third of four award levels—Achievement Level—which requires applicants to write a 50-page application responding to more than 200 questions and demonstrate mature processes and a commitment to continuous improvement. Achievement applicants also participate in a one and one-half day site visit.
Cromwell Architects Engineers of Little Rock received the second level—the Commitment Award. Applicants are required respond to a condensed set of questions and receive a feedback report to better understand their process and results strengths and opportunities.
Four organizations received the first award level, the Challenge Award which included Delta Dental of Arkansas, Sherwood; L’Oreal USA, North Little Rock; PotlatchDeltic Corporation, Waldo; and PotlatchDeltic Corporation, Warren. The Challenge Level is the starting point for any organization and requires organizations to define key characteristics such as mission, vision, values, customer groups, and strategic challenges and advantages.
Black River Technical College of Pocahontas took the highest level awarded — the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence — making the two-year college the second in the state to be recognized at this level. Black River Technical College earned the recognition by demonstrating effective processes and associated favorable results. Only 27 Arkansas organizations have ever received the highest-level the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.
The Governor’s Quality Award program is coordinated by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.
The goal of the program is to encourage Arkansas organizations to engage in continuous quality improvement, which leads to performance excellence. Created as a not-for-profit organization, the program is dedicated to assist in building a strong infrastructure for Arkansas businesses. The award process aligns with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award and used the Baldrige Excellence Framework.
