Welcome from the Chair...

I want to take time to do a little reflection on the year just ending June 30th and give an update on the things that have taken place.

I think you would agree that receiving the Section Excellence Award from ASQ for the 2006/2007 year was our most significant accomplishment. Since I had little to do with this since it was the year before I was Chairman we should congratulate Diane Runge and the Board for the performance we accomplished by meeting the ASQ criteria for Section Excellence in 2006/2007. You may not know how Section Excellence is achieve so let me explain that it is based on the performance of the Section to the goals set in the Section Management Planning process. The Section is also required to meet other criteria such as submitting the SMP information and the Section Budget in a timely manner. Thanks to everyone who participated in the process of Section Planning and conducting our meetings and activity throughout the year.

There have been a host of other notable activities during the year. Tours at the Brownville Nuclear Station and Becton Dickinson in Columbus; and programs on topics such as SPC, Gage R&R, and the Wells Dairy are some examples of the program activities last year. In addition to these activities we updated our website and awarded six scholarships to deserving students.

Looking ahead we are challenged by plans to hold a Quality Conference in the next year and continue to work with Health Care organizations and supporting the Edgerton Quality Award with the Department of Economic Development. This will be in addition to our regular meetings and activities.

I hope this will encourage you to find an interesting activity that the Section is doing and get involved. Plan to attend some meetings and tours to find out more about the things that your Section is doing. We are always looking for new help on the Board and it benefits the Section to bring in new ideas.

Finally, Thanks for your support. Section 1302 is a good Section but with your continued support and encouragement it can be even better.

Dave McCracken, ASQ-CQM
Section-1302 Chair
402 643-7021
Dave McCracken