SECTION 1506
Jacksonville - Northeast Florida

Following are a few articles from the January-February 2002 edition of the ASQ Section 1506 Newsletter, edited by Bart Johnson.

If you are a Section 1506 member and did not receive this newsletter please let Bart know by phone, fax, or email. If you are not a Section member, but would like to join, just call ASQ at (800) 248-1946 and tell them that you want to join Section 1506.

When Terror Strikes

A Message from ASQ President Tom Mosgaller

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, our numbness and shock give way to thoughts of "What can we do?" First and foremost, of course, is to offer the hand of help to the victims and their families. We urge everyone to join in this national effort-by donating blood and by channeling all manner of appropriate support through the relief organizations and the religious and social service organizations of your choice. Americans are the most generous people on the face of the earth, and now is a time to come to the aid of our own.

Beyond that, there is the matter of rebuilding.
There will be inconveniences, which we must bear with equanimity. Even as we go about repairing the emotional damage that inevitably will affect many of our families, friends, and co-workers, there are also damaged commercial systems to be rebuilt. This is what quality professionals do-build the systems and processes that make our economy strong.

Yet, I have often said, "What good does it do to build world-class products if we can't feel safe in our own communities?" We as quality professionals have a new challenge that has been brought clearly into focus by the tragic events of September 11. That challenge is to use our unique skills and special knowledge to strengthen the communities where we live and work. To make them vibrant, quality communities, open to a variety of ideas and peoples and well equipped to deal with the complexity of problems facing them in this modern world. This is what makes our nation strong . . . and resilient in the face of adversity. Building quality communities is perhaps the most valuable contribution that we as quality professionals can make and, in the long run, our most meaningful response to the current tragedy.

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From the Section Chair

Jeff Lackey

None of us will forget the horrible, shocking events of September 11, 2001.  The week as it unfolded suggested that we might want to cancel the Section's meeting on September 14.  However, after discussions with many of the members, we decided to go forward with the meeting.  A moment of silence was held, and the message from ASQ President Tom Mosgaller was read.  He has encouraged all of us as quality professionals to carry out what we do:  "Build the systems and processes that make our economy strong. ... We as quality professionals have a new challenge that has been brought clearly into focus by [these] tragic events...."  I encourage each of you to read the full text of his letter contained elsewhere in this issue and carry his message into your daily professional lives.

Our September meeting was well attended.  With 45 reservations and 31 who actually attended from 13 different organizations, we were ecstatic for our first Jacksonville area meeting in a long time!  The presentations by DeeAnn Barton and Woody Nelson resulted in some good discussion and clarification of the certification and re-certification processes.  Good job by both!!

Our October 23rd meeting is at Anheuser-Busch.  We will learn about some of the quality systems important for maintaining the quality of beer as well as celebrating National Quality Month.  This should be an excellent opportunity to meet and network with other quality professionals in the area.  Let's try to keep the momentum going with more people in attendance and more organizations represented.  I challenge those who attended in September to return, and bring a friend.  By the way, A-B has donated a very nice present that will be awarded to one of the attendees at the meeting.

We want to acknowledge two more volunteers for a couple of key Board positions:  Arnie Bray as Auditing Chair, and Laura Sabo as Koality Kid Liaison.  Thanks to both of you for volunteering.  We still seek to fill a number of other key positions.  If you're interested, please give me a call at 904-443-3981, or via e-mail at jlackey@visus.jnj.com.

See you at the meeting.
Jeff Lackey

Help Wanted: Malcolm Baldrige Examiners

Experts are needed to review Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Applications for 2002.  It's a tough job, without pay.  Yet every year, thousands of people apply to be one of the approximately 400 examiners who review applications for the prestigious award.

Examiners evaluate applications for the award and prepare feedback reports to applicants citing strengths and opportunities for improvement.  In the process, examiners learn how leading organizations achieve performance excellence, network with some of the nation's foremost quality professionals, and help to improve America's competitive position.

Qualifications include expertise in business, education, or health care management processes and results, as well as knowledge of practices and improvement strategies that lead to organizational excellence.  The board consists of about 400 members, including nine judges and about  60 senior examiners.

Applications for the board will be available in November 2001.  Additional information is available by calling (301) 975-2036 or on the Baldrige Award website at: http://www.quality.nist.gov/exampage.htm

Ask somebody on the Section 1506 Board to nominate or recommend you!

Meeting Calendar

October 23 meeting, at Anheuser-Busch Brewery

We have an exciting meeting planned for October-to celebrate Quality Month with a touch of Oktoberfest.  We are meeting in the beautiful Hospitality Room of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Jacksonville.

There will be an opportunity for a small group to tour the facility, if you are one of the first 15 to reserve a spot, and arrive promptly at 5:00pm.  The tour will end by 5:40pm. 

Even if you don't go on the tour, you will still get a great view of the facility from the Glass Mezzanine next to the hospitality room.

Everyone else will meet at 5:30 in the Hospitality Room, where we will have a barbeque dinner starting at approximately 5:40pm.  At around 6:45

Marshall Miller, the A-B Quality Manager, will be presenting on the Quality of Beer.  We will also be showing a short video on the late Phil Crosby.  The meeting will wrap up by 7:45pm to 8:00pm

If you arrive a little bit early there will be an opportunity to shop in the brewery gift shop.
Marshall has also donated a beautiful limited edition box set bottle of beer and glasses to be raffled off at the meeting.

This would be a great meeting to bring your spouse, or friends, or use to recruit new members-because it is going to be a blast.   The cost is $15 for one, and $25 for two if you bring a guest.

RSVP to Jeff Lackey by 10/18/01 at Ph: (904) 443-3981, Fax: (904) 443-1607, or E-mail: Jlackey@visus.JNJ.com.

October Meeting Location

October 23, 5:30 to 8:00 pm
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Hospitality Room
Directions-Take I-95 to the Busch Drive exit, located between the Jacksonville airport and downtown.
Address:
111 Busch Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32218
904-696-8373

Want to learn more about the brewing process in advance, or visit the facility another time?  Visit: http://www.budweisertours.com/docs/florida.htm