CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NFC CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS!  SUPER BOWL BOUND!

As a lifelong football fan and a lifelong Packer fan that has lived most of his life in Michigan, this NFL season ended with a bang, did it not? That is unless you’re a Lions, Bears or Vikings fan living behind enemy lines. Me personally, I can’t consider the Steelers an enemy as they are my close 2nd favorite team, so this Super Bowl, for me, is truly going to be super, and I expect a fantastic game out the deal. I also think that our ASQ Section # 1206 may have been their (the Green Bay Packers) good luck charm following our tour and presentation at Lambeau Field! (Did they not end the season with a record of 12-06?)

Additionally, I trust those of you who attended the SCA plant tour and presentation in January were as impressed with their operation as I was, and continue to be. The tour guides / hosts, the presentation (which I would love to schedule a future visit to that lab and see the alternative energy uses that they have implemented) and the people in general have shown us all again that Central Wisconsin is loaded with extraordinarily talented and hard working people. Speaking of this green initiative that Mike Dillon of SCA shared with us at that presentation, they are mentioned in the January edition of Marketplace Magazine. You may have seen me quote news items from them in the past as they are all about the Fox Valley.

The story on page 10 titled “A Win-Wind” talks about the company Renewegy and their development of this very desirable smaller wind turbine. In addition to SCA, they have also installed turbines on top of Orion Energy Systems in Manitowoc (the sight of President Obama’s post State of the Union tour) and Bergstrom Mini in Grand Chute, as well as Kaukauna High School. These were the preproduction turbines, and as of October, full production kicked off at the Oshkosh manufacturing company and they are poised to have an exceptional year in 2011. According to one of their founders, Jeff Ehlers, “Our philosophy is we’re helping to save the world one turbine at a time.” These nifty and somewhat affordable units are not the same behemoths that dot the landscape of Fond du Lac County, but one fourth the size, easily maintained and much more affordable for a company that wants to show its community that it cares about the planet. They stand about 100 feet tall (as opposed to the 400 foot tall WE Energy System turbines) and cost between $80,000 - $90,000 with an approximate seven to twelve year payback and twenty five year life expectancy.  Additionally, the federal tax credit, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, covers 30% of the cost of an eligible renewable energy project, either as a tax credit or as a grant. The Wisconsin organization, Focus on Energy also funds up to 25% of a project, potentially making the investment affordable.

Especially interesting to me is that this company was founded by former Brunswick employees when MotoTron Corporation was sold to Woodward Governor Company, which manufactures and sells the “embedded electronics” as MotoHawk Control Solutions. As Mr. Ehlers puts it, “Renewegy is really founded on electric systems”, which are the motors that control these amazing power sources. He also states that Renewegy’s customers are “very progressive,” seeking the next step beyond what they can do to conserve energy. This is great stuff, and again, it’s happening right here in our back yards.
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The first decade of the 21st century has come to a close. Can you believe it? I remember it seemed like just last night that we were all worried about Y2K and the big computer crash that was going to take down worldwide systems and communications networks. It turned out to be a big nothing. The end of the year also brings out another favorite subject on most everyone’s mind; employee evaluations. One of the deadly diseases to progress according to W. Edwards Deming.

Whether you’re a supervisor with many subordinates to review and evaluate, or you’re an independent that has to rate your accomplishments against your department, company or other goals, I’m fairly confident that you all have some involvement in this activity. Oddly enough, I began re-reading the book “Out of the Crisis” by W. Edwards Deming just this past week. This great work, which I’m sure you all have read (if not, it is highly recommended), comes right out of the gate in chapter 3 talking about the value of employee evaluations. I believe the book was published in 1982, and way back then the guru of quality and business excellence talked about how this system does more damage than good. That system being the process of employee evaluations against goals that, in most cases, you as an employee or individual have little effect or influence upon. Seriously, can you really prove that you were responsible for the overall reduction of PPM rankings among the suppliers within your commodity? How can you truly reduce customer complaints by 30%? (One way to achieve that goal is to just not answer your phone). Deming talked about the ramifications of creating an atmosphere of competition rather than cooperation among people who are supposed to be on the same “team”.

Competition among people in the same company is non-value added. Now granted, there is, in most cases, something at stake. Employee bonuses are predicated on their accomplishments, as compared to an arbitrary or perceived goal. In a time when the economy is so fragile, and the giant monster mega banks are still paying out ridiculous bonuses to their executives after government bailouts (paid for by tax paying citizens like you & I) then, naturally we all want to get back as much as we can, when we can. After all, we in the middle class are the engine that runs this economy, at least in the U.S.A.  One comment made on p.103 chapter 3 states, “Traditional appraisal systems increase the variability of performance of people. The trouble lies in the implied preciseness of rating schemes. What happens is this. Somebody is rated below average, takes a look at people that are rated above average; naturally wonders why the difference exists. He tries to emulate people above average. The result is impairment of performance. “(Contributed by William W. Scherkenbach of the Ford Motor Company)

Yes, there are some really great companies out there operating to please all stakeholders, the shareholders, the communities in which they operate, their customers, as well as the employees. Yet 29 years later, most organizations have still not grasped these basic concepts that have improved and been proven by many successful companies utilizing his, and the other quality guru’s, strategic operating processes to improve the total customer experience. Business is in existence to make money.  I have heard this more times than you can imagine, especially after recently completing a Master’s Degree program in business. I realize that if they are not profitable, they will not survive (with the possible exception of government funded businesses such as the US Post Office, oh and the afore mentioned big banks). However, if the company trusts its leaders to make the right decisions, then they should also trust the people they have hired to perform the necessary functions of day-to-day operations? I agree with Deming on this idea, and some day, if I am ever at the top spot and responsible, common sense will rule my leadership. Common sense will be the foundation of the operating process. Trust will be a part of our every day operation, and reliance on team effort from individual input contributing to the total output of the process. If the company is profitable, all the people should be as well, and rewarded equally.

Speaking of great companies, you should be proud of the excellent team of volunteers that are responsible for the Winnebago Section of your Society. The same measurement I rant about above still is a part of our own organization, however I do believe the measurements are important in this case, and the rewards are not financial, but more like bragging rights. We are measured against our on time delivery of required aspects of the business plan and satisfaction of the members. (So please complete the feedback surveys!) The many hard working women and men of the 1206 accomplished last years goals to the full satisfaction of the ASQ Quality Management Process to achieve the Gold Award with all of its glory and use of the Mark of Excellence as approved by Headquarters. Our section will be recognized for an award during the next World Conference on Quality Improvement in May 2011 in Pittsburg, PA.

CONGRATULATIONS!  Oh, and Happy New Year! 

Dave Wildner
Section Chair / Winnebago / # 1206

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The fall Conference put on by Industrial Quality Consultants, our own Bob Einwalter and Woody Santy, was an interesting and fun refresher of Six Sigma principles. Those of you who were in attendance I’m sure agree with me. The focus of the conference was intended for small business, but the principles and tools can be utilized in any size business. Truly, are not very large corporations actually hundreds of small businesses anyway? When you look at them from a systemic point of few, they are typically broken down into business units, or commodity based manufacturing processes, or industries that they serve. When you consider a project, or any business decision for that matter, it must be based on sound information. Decisions should be based on data, not specifically dollars as most six sigma projects are based. I realize that every company is in business for one reason, to be profitable. However, IQC did point out that six sigma projects for improvement should not be focused totally on dollars. They may improve a process in way that can not be measured, customer or stakeholder satisfaction for example.  Thank you Bob & Woody for a great day! 

In reading the November issue of Quality Progress magazine, I don’t know what your reaction was, but I found it an interesting statistic blown up on the bottom of page 10 showing that the average salary in U.S. dollars earned by a regular, full-time quality professional in 2010 according to their annual survey was $92,657. That is impressive, and I don’t know where you sit, but I think I would like to be at that xbar level. I am saving that page for my annual review! 

In addition to that fun fact, I hope you are aware that November was World Quality Month, and that ASQ has launched a new effort to improve its brand image, through you the members! In addition to “Making Good Great” they have initiated feedback polls and conducted research to determine where it really stands in the world with respect to its reputation. In gathering the data and listening to their customers (members like you & me) they have determined that members want their voices to be heard. According to Paul Borawski, ASQ executive director and chief strategic officer, (as quoted from the article in QP) “Nobody understands the impact quality can have on the world better than them. (ASQ members) Not tapping into that knowledge and passion would be a missed opportunity, so the organization set in motion a strategy that will spread that message worldwide – one person at a time.” Frankly, I find this not only very interesting, but invigorating! Because it seems to me, those of us in the trenches that have been preaching quality sciences most of their career (well, I have been trying anyway) we sometimes feel as though we are speaking to deaf audiences. The new initiative has electronic media and blogs rolling out where members can share best practices, ask questions, quiz experts, and even vent on a blog roll where experts from all around the globe can communicate with one another and you! 

In other interesting news, it was noted that manufacturing technology consumption in the U.S. is up nearly 60% over the same period last year. The data was provided by a study completed by the American Machine Tool Distributors Association showing that even during the normal slow period of the summer months, 2010 showed a steady increase in orders. This signals good things to come for those of us in manufacturing as we continue to shake off the hangover of the “Great Recession”. 

Even better than the quotes above, I found that the “Guru Guide” was very informative and educational, and if you’re an expert on these pioneering contributors to quality, it’s a great handy reference and refresher for future educational opportunities.

How about them Packers! The Green Bay professional football team is on a roll and now tied with the Chicago Bears for first place in the North Division. You have a unique opportunity to tour the historic Lambeau field for an extraordinarily low price which includes your section monthly educational opportunity and a delicious meal. Please check the meetings and events page and sign up today, its going to be a great night of learning and networking. It’s also your last chance in 2010 to catch up with your local quality professionals who are fighting the good fight in all the areas discussed above.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Dave Wildner
Section Chair / Winnebago / # 1206
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The fall of 2010 is flying by; to me it seems even faster than the summer bolted past us! The October plant tour and Quality Triage presentation by Mark Renfro of Eggers Industries was outstanding and if you missed that one, I am afraid you missed a unique opportunity to see this unique 126 year old family owned operation that creates art in design of beautiful wood products, specifically large doors, door way trim and beautiful conference room tables. Every one of the 26 people who attended this tour was impressed, there is no doubt in my mind. Following that tour, Mr. Renfro, with his team in attendance, provided an overview of their focus on continuous improvement and the results of that activity. Truly impressive! 

Speaking of family, I know most of you experience this every year, and some (myself included) have either brushed up against it or been knocked down all together, by the seasonal flu and / or cold bug. I know this one bugs me (no pun intended) because it can be so easily controlled. Ah, I hear some of you quality professionals already saying “so, what does this have to do with quality, Dave?” Well, once again, I am glad you asked because it relates to both quality (of life at work or school) and process control. (Seth & Amy of Saturday Night Live could jump on this one with their skit…. “REALLY? With Seth & Amy” 

According to a recent article I read on health topics on Yahoo News, there are 5 times you should not go to work, and frankly they all seem pretty logical to me. None the less, in an effort to keep us all healthy at ASQ meetings, in the germ cubes (better known as the office cubicles) and with the little ones running back and forth from school to home to church to the store to friends, on buses, etc. I think we all need to practice some “process control” techniques when it comes to managing our efforts to prevent from being taken down by a flu bug or cold, or something even worse.  Common sense should be the average (Xbar) line whereby you try your best to avoid passing germs – the most common through hands that touch everything. Carry your hand sanitizer! Below are some of the “control limits” to stay within the process parameters.

1.     Stay home if you have a fever over 100 degrees. (Do I need to elaborate on this one, really?) 

2.     If you’re sneezing & your nose is running and its not allergies, the first few days after cold symptoms start is when you’re most likely to spread the germs. REALLY! (just quietly listen at work)  

3.     You’re vomiting and experiencing diarrhea. REALLY? You’re going in to work or school, really? Usually statistics have shown that this is a 12 hour bug, so stay home for a day and do everyone a favor. Really!

4.     You just got a prescription for antibiotics. REALLY? With any bacterial infection it takes the antibiotics 24 hours before you’re no longer contagious. REALLY!

5.     You can’t sit, stand, walk or twist. REALLY? She talked about sprains and injury here, but haven’t we all experienced complete body aches when coming down with something or when we have already been taken down by a bug?

Commercials are always telling you to “talk to your doctor”, and that is good advice. I say also “talk to your supervisor” and explain that you are looking out for the health of everyone in the office including him or her, and that controlling the process for the overall quality of life in the work environment, is just as important as a quality product, is not rot? I mean, really! 

Dave Wildner
Section Chair / Winnebago / # 1206
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Section 1206 is off and running this program year, as we kicked off the official season on September 13 with an outstanding set of tours. If you missed this one you missed a lot, but don’t worry, sign up today for the next exciting tour and presentation which will take place at Eggers Industries in Two Rivers, and this one also promises to be a thing of beauty.

The September program was set up by your Program Chairperson, Michelle Kilgas, who returned to volunteering her time and efforts to the Winnebago Section board this program year after a few years to catch up on life. The entire board and volunteer team are extremely thankful for her return as she hit a home run on the first pitch thrown to her with the organization of the tours at the Lake Michigan Car Ferry, SS Badger. In addition, the outstanding facilities of Manitowoc Crane and the incredible equipment that they design and build, impressive! Also, getting a quick peak at the Manitowoc Ice Company and the incredible machines that they make gave all of us in attendance the chance to see the inner workings of this impressive business. For all of that, please give Michelle a big thank you when you see her at the next meeting.

I also want to mention that we had a special guest in attendance at the tour & meeting as well. Mr. Warren Hojnacki, the ASQ Region 12 Deputy Director, participated in the tours and even provided us with a nice appreciation speech at dinner. It’s the first time in my 19 years as an ASQ member that someone from the National Headquarters participated in a section meeting, and I guarantee this is not the last you will see of our leadership. I for one am grateful for their interest in our section and just as important, I am proud to share with H.Q. the fantastic work that our section leadership team has done and continues to do for our members. I think we have the best section in the society!

On a quality development related note, I don’t know if you have seen this brief news article on the ASQ website or not, however I feel it’s of great importance to all of us in the quality profession. ASQ President Roberto Saco was quoted in the article on the subject of the new addition to the Whitehouse Staff, which President Obama has appointed as “Chief Performance Officer”. This new position, CPO as it was dubbed, has responsibility within the Office of Management and Budget and is responsible for matters of expenditures, however if it also includes how work actually does or does not get done in government, Mr. Saco claims “the potential is transformational.” Yea, so what does that have to do with me, you might ask? Well, I am glad you asked, because I agree with Mr. Saco in his assessment of the situation claiming that “a new emphasis on quality would mean abundant opportunity for ASQ members to help the country bring about real change. One of ASQ’s strengths is that we encompass a wide range of sectors and industries, so in essence ASQ members can play a part in just about any aspect of the president’s call to action.” Mr. Saco goes on to say that “great crises pose great opportunities for the right leader. I’m optimistic President Obama will seize the moment and help us reformulate America’s place in the world. The possibilities are endless for those willing to reinvent themselves.”

The possibilities are endless for those of us who have weathered the storm of the recession, which many “experts” now claim ended in June of 2009. If that is true, then the residual effects should be catching up to all of us very soon, since it took 14 months for them to actually measure the results of the recession and determine that the process is now back in control. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know I am doing my part to help boost the economy lately, and as much of that as I possibly can is done by spending locally, regionally or at least on U.S. made products, to the best of my ability.

Speaking of U.S. made products; I look forward to seeing you all at the Eggers Industries tour and subsequent meeting / presentation at the Lighthouse Inn on the shore of Lake Michigan in beautiful Two Rivers, Wisconsin.   America at its finest! 

Dave Wildner
Section Chair
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Welcome back to another program year of exciting events and activities that your section board has planned for our membership. I encourage each of you to continue the great attendance you have provided in the past program year. I believe it was one of our best, and the next two are even more interesting. Also – please do not hesitate to contact any of the board members or myself to suggest a program or even better, offer a tour and presentation of your workplace! It provides us all, and you and your work team, to share with us your own lessons learned both good and bad. It may just be a presentation on how the economy has changed the landscape of your industry or specific to your business. It may relate to how your management is doing things differently as the new world economy continues to evolve. I know in the case of my own organization, Mercury Marine, we have gone through drastic changes and are continuing to evolve as we redefine our manufacturing footprint. I am also working on a future tour and presentation here as the change has been something to be seen to grasp the full concept. Unfortunately we will not be fully “settled in” until well into 2012, but I will continue to work on the potential opportunity for us to share. 

As we move into the fall season, children are headed back to school, young adults back to their respective college lives and those of us in business and industry continue to fight the good fight to retain market share and improve our competitive advantage. Please be aware of what your professional organization has to offer in support of those endeavors. The ASQ website has multiple resources available to you, its membership, that will not only help you transpire professionally, they can help your business with the continuous improvement process as well as numerous networking opportunities. We, in the Winnebago section leadership team, have shared resources and schedules with the other regional sections, Milwaukee and Central Wisconsin for example, and have had some of their members attend our events and visa versa. I encourage you to check their program schedules, and links to their websites can be found on our website, an easy ride down the information super highway. 

I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming meetings. Please also know, you are welcome to attend any board meeting to either offer your opinion, or just listen and observe, no obligation needed (we do not do a hard sell for volunteers, we have plenty of great / talented people on the team and more interested in future positions) however you are also welcome to be considered for a spot on our board. Remember, the board meets every 4th Monday of the month from 5:00-7:00 PM and presently we are staying at our previous location in Appleton. Give me a call if you’re interested. 

Dave Wildner
Section Chair / Winnebago / # 1206
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From the ASQ Website News Link:

Concerned as a citizen about how businesses act?

Involved in social responsibility endeavors at your corporation?

The SRO* is for you. We’re a new international movement that is helping define and shape the evolving practice of social responsibility in corporations and other businesses and organizations.

We discuss standards for social responsibility, how social responsibility can be part of an organization’s focus on quality, and examples of best practices in social responsibility.

Join the movement »

The SRO* is a partnership of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, The Greater Milwaukee Committee and Visit Milwaukee, but is not confined to the Milwaukee area.  Other corporations and organizations that share an interest in defining social responsibility and in shaping how that definition affects business and society are invited to support the effort by becoming sponsors of The SRO* — no matter where they are physically headquartered or operating.

ASQ was awarded the administration of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on Social Responsibility by the American National Standards Institute. The U.S. TAG is the U.S. member of an international working group chartered with developing an international standard on social responsibility. ASQ’s involvement is a direct extension of its existing leadership role in standards development.

The social responsibility guidelines will be released in mid- to late 2010 as ISO 26000.

The ISO 26000 guidelines will cover seven core areas:

  • organizational governance
  • human rights
  • labor practices
  • fair operating practices
  • environment
  • consumer issues
  • Contribution to the community and society.
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What a beautiful summer we have had here in Wisconsin, albeit a touch wet. Our friends & neighbors in Milwaukee have really suffered from the flooding. This too had an impact on the Experimental Aircraft Association Airventure. (EAA) I know from personal observation that the Fond du Lac County Airport has been over capacity for parking the birds, but what a great economic boost this will be for the Fox Valley. I have to say that now having lived here for four years, Wisconsin has exceeded my expectations and made me an extremely satisfied customer.

In an effort to reciprocate, my colleagues and your friends and co-workers who are the members of the board and volunteer chair holders are making me look good as they continue to develop & implement the programs for the 2010 -2011 ASQ Winnebago Section 1206 events year. I urge everyone to pay attention to this website and read your newsletter (you have the option to print it right off of the website if you like the ink on the finger method) and stay tuned. We have the entire program year booked and are working on programs for next year! In addition, our chair positions for working the business of the section are full and we have back-up help in most cases. You guy’s ROCK! However, everyone is invited as we turn nobody away from our meetings or offers to help us with the business of enhancing your career advancement through education and networking.

One of the exciting additions to our section to come this year is mostly due to one of our new volunteers who has taken the lead role in developing and hopefully successfully implementing a new student section at local universities. Darci Keplin is doing a great job of organizing this activity and even if the program does not achieve success, it is in no way a reflection on her efforts. Frankly, I think it is going to be really big, and she is starting small at the schools in Fond du Lac. (Marian University / UW FDL / Moraine Park Technical College) If this proves to be successful, there are plenty more great universities in the valley where we can continue to share the knowledge and wealth of our society.

A new activity under development at H.Q. in Milwaukee is the Social Responsibility development activity and associated International Standards that are in process of being developed by ASQ for the international business community. Thanks in part (my opinion) to the debacles of modern business failure and consumer rip-offs of our generation, the Social Responsibility and associated oversight committee and certification process should put some reaction plans to out of control business practices, including containment and corrective action development. I am hopeful that BP. may be the first to be “red tagged” once they actually clean up the spill and associated aftermath from the Gulf oil crisis. Anyway, below are some clips from the ASQ website providing information on that subject. I think its great, and wonder why we didn’t do this a long time ago.

For those of us working in manufacturing & quality, does it seem to you as it does to me, that the focus of quality processes and improvement is no longer on us, but more on the service industry, medical and business practices in general? Who knows, maybe we will actually be able to hold government accountable to the same standards which we in business are held to.

A guy can dream can’t he?
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As we conclude our 2009-2010 Program Year and enter into the summer season, I again want to express my heart felt gratitude to the members of the board of your ASQ section. They not only have helped us create one of the most exciting and best attended event seasons, we have already booked most of our next program year. This is a tribute to both those hardworking volunteers on the board and you, the members who continue to show up and support the efforts that they put forth. It’s easy to become distracted with everyday life, business and family to put the section business lower on the priority list. I understand that as much as anyone else, however, our enthusiasm and support for the programs continues to gain momentum and praise. Again, I thank you all! 

I wanted to mention the following piece from Davis Balestracci Jr. who had led us through the Data Sanity program at our Spring Conference, because as I continue to read through his outstanding work, I am inspired by the collection of information he has assembled in his book, Data Sanity, A Quantum Leap to Unprecedented Results. (If you have not read his book, then by all means, you should, as it is what every Quality Professional must have in their required reading). 

Right out of the gate, in chapter 1, exhibit 1.1 on page 3 he has identified what he calls the “universal” process flowchart. If you haven’t seen it and want to, let me know and I will scan and email the page. My point is however, I think most all of us can relate to this true process map. He (like me) continues to emphasize that every quality issue is related to a process problem. The book defines it in detail, but in the beginning he outlines the chaos that is true of most processes. He then discusses the naked truth, that traditional statistics courses actually deny this existence, making application of the usual techniques (called enumerative statistics) incorrect. He goes on to point out that what quality improvement really needs are statistical techniques that allow for this variation by exposing it, then measuring  the effects of interventions to reduce this inappropriate and unintended variation, with the ultimate goal becoming consistent prediction. 

Although that statement, consistent prediction, is not as “sexy” as variation reduction, it speaks to the black & white truth of the reality of most processes. A process map is necessary and sometimes interesting, but are we truly documenting the actual process when we create a process map, or are we drawing a picture of what we believe someone else has designed as the process, so that those in higher places are not offended by the actual chaos that is the reality of the process? 

The quote, by Donald Berwick, MD, president and chief executive officer of IHI and stated throughout his work claims “Each system (process) is perfectly designed to get the results it is already getting”. There is several great quotes from other quality champions identified in his work, for example Jim Clemmer from “Firing on all Cylinders” who speaks of the 85/15 rule which claims that 85% of all work problems are controlled by the processes and only approximately 15% are caused by direct involvement of people working in the process, yet we tend to lay “blame” on the person responsible. There are many more great works that he references as well, but the bottom line is identified in the summary of that first chapter. All work is a process. 

This leads me back to where I started, which was to lay “blame” on our successful program year (I’m kidding of course). The position descriptions we have identified continue to evolve within our section management process documentation. Our long term goal as the Leadership Team of the section is to make the jobs we are doing today, not only easier for the future chair holders, but to make the job interesting and fun. We are working on our own processes within our team, nobody gets blamed for issues, but everyone is, and should be, praised for their efforts. 

I look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming planned events for your section.  Have a great summer, be safe, have fun and keep fighting the good fight. Keep the Q in all you do!

Sincerely, 
Dave Wildner
ASQ Section 1206 Chair
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Recently I attended the ASQ Section 1206 Spring Conference along with many of you. I don’t know what your opinion of the learning experience was, however I hope it was positive.  (Yes, I collected the feedback forms, but I sent them to the survey chair for analysis and distribution.) For me personally, Davis Balestracci was … dynamic at a minimum.  You have to admit his presentation technique is engaging.  I am interested in further discovering all the great techniques he has developed and documented in his book, Data Sanity.  If you, as a professional in the field of quality science, need to become more efficient at what you do to present information to top management, you need to read his book. (And who in quality doesn’t?)  My only regret with this conference is that we didn’t have enough time to learn more of what he teaches, and one or two day seminars do not do his work any justice.  Because of this, Woody (Treasurer) and I decided that we are going to present to the section as a mini session later this next program year, a portion of the great tricks we learned from Davis (with his permission of course).  We would also love to have him back at some future conference.

Speaking of the section, I want to take this moment to thank all of the fabulous people on YOUR section board. I have to admit, volunteering for anything is always difficult, especially in our super busy world. Balancing life, job, family, and the stuff that happens on a daily basis that you don’t plan for, which can take up the first 28 hours of the day, and then it all hits you that you forgot about this or that.  I first joined the board when I moved to Wisconsin in 2006, and I have to say – and I mean this with sincere gratitude; the members of the board and volunteers who help put together the Winnebago section activities, newsletter and website, and manage the business of the section are some of the finest, brightest and professional people I have had the pleasure to know and work with. (Did I also mention fun?) It is because of them that you have, in my opinion, the best of all the best – in networking, meeting / plant tour / training opportunities and more from your ASQ section. So I encourage you all, at a minimum, to come to the meetings and programs that they arrange for you. Let us know what you like and dislike about the programs (feedback forms) and continue to support YOU through professional development and recognition from ASQ. 

They truly are Making Good – Great! 

Sincerely,
Dave Wildner
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