Department of Workforce Development

About 100 executive and managers from over 40 organizations are expected at the Wisconsin Forward Award’s 1999 Conference for Performance Excellence Thursday and Friday (March 25-26) in Oconomowoc.

Attendees will represent business and other organizations interested in implementing high-performance and qualify management systems, and in learning more about the Forward Award program itself.

Applications now are being accepted for 1999 Wisconsin Forward Awards, which recognize outstanding quality management by for-profit and non-profit businesses and organizations from Wisconsin’s major economic sectors, including manufacturing, service, education, government and healthcare.

The deadline for submitting notice of intent to apply is April 9, with completed applications due by June 14.

Applicants may be recognized in any of four categories, the highest of which is the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

Serigraph, Inc., of West Bend, received the first Governor’s Award last year, while 10 other companies were recognized in the other categories.

The March 25 session, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase Serigraph, as well as corporate leadership systems, corporate values, company citizenship, workforce development, and strategic planning.

Serigraph is recognized as a role model organization with outstanding examples of systematic, fully-deployed quality and performance management systems with superior results, according to conference organizers.

"Applying for quality awards is one way of setting a new standard for your company," says John Torinus, Serigraph chief executive officer. "It is one very good way to keep your organization sharp and humble."

Sponsoring the conference are the State Department of Workforce Development and the Wisconsin Forward Award Steering Committee.

The March 26 session will offer a self-assessment workshop for organizations beginning formal performance-excellence programs. Attendees will leave the conference with an "action plan" for assessing their own organization’s quality management systems.

All sessions will be held at the Olympia Resort and Spa. Registrations closed March 12.

Those interested in applying for a Forward Award may do so without attending the conference. The "1999 Criteria for Performance Excellent and Application Booklet" is available at the Forward Award Web site at <http://www.forwardaward.org> or from Marie A. Lange, Forward Award Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, P.O. Box 7972, Madison, WI 53707 or 608/261-4422 or toll-free 888/933-9475.