Recognize

Apply for a Governor’s Quality Award!  Join other high-performing businesses in the state of Arkansas who have participated in the awards process. Past Governors Award Recipients to see past recipients of the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence.

Using the industry-specific Baldrige Excellence Framework, applicants write at different requirements for each of the four levels of award.

The top award, the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence, and the Achievement and Commitment applications are due March 27.  Challenge Award applications are due the first of July.

Applicant Training begins in October.  While not mandatory, the training helps applicants understand how to answer the questions from the Framework and write an application.  Applications are assessed examiners, trained professionals from across the state.  They provide applicants a Feedback Report which can be used by applicants for continuing improvement.  Go to the Upcoming Events tab for more information and registration forms for Applicant Training.

All applicants receive their awards at the Governor’s Quality Award Celebration in September.

Award Levels

Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence

The highest level of recognition, this award is presented to organizations that have demonstrated through their practices and achievements the highest level of performance excellence. Application in this level requires completion of a Key Business Factors Worksheet, a three- to five-page Organizational Profile written from the KBF Worksheet and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application should also include a self-assessment (maximum of 50 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 17 items of the award criteria.

Participants in this level are required to have a site visit by the examination team. A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement is provided. Applicants in this level are required to provide an examiner trainee for 2019 and provide support to the program through voluntary assistance to other organizations.

Recognition is provided in this level to organizations that are outstanding examples of organizations demonstrating high levels of performance excellence in Arkansas, exhibiting best-in-class processes that serve as role models for others.  For an application, go to 2019 Governor’s Quality Award Application.

Achievement Award

Organizations applying for this level, through their commitment and practice of quality principles, have demonstrated systematic processes. Application in this level requires a completion of a 2018 Key Business Factors Worksheet which provides an overview of the organization’s operation, an Organizational Profile written from the information provided on the KBF Worksheet, and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application should also include a self-assessment (maximum of 50 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories and 18 items of the award criteria.

Participants in this level may request a site visit by the examination team. A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement toward the next level of achievement is provided. Applicants in this level are required to provide an examiner trainee for 2019 and provide support to the program through voluntary assistance to other organizations.

Recognition is provided to organizations that have demonstrated significant progress in building sound and notable processes through their commitment and practice of quality principles to attain performance excellence.  For an application, go to 2019 Governor’s Quality Award Application.

Commitment Award

This level is designed for organizations that have progressed to a point of demonstrating serious commitment to the use of quality principles to attain performance excellence. Application in this level requires completion of a 2018 Key Business Factors Worksheet which provides an overview of the organization’s operation, an organizational profile written from the information provided in the KBF worksheet and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment. The application must include a report (5-20 pages) of how the organization is applying the seven categories of the award criteria by answering designated questions provided by the Governor’s Quality Award office.

A written feedback report outlining strengths and areas for improvement toward the next category of achievement is provided.

Recognition is provided to organizations that have advanced from the knowledge and skills gained from initial steps and have a plan to move the organization toward quality improvement to achieve performance excellence and have progressed to a point of potential serious commitment.  For an application, go to 2019 Governor’s Quality Award Application.

Challenge Award

The Challenge Award is the starting point for any organization expressing interest in adopting and applying quality principles.  Application at this level requires completion of a 2018 Key Business Factors Worksheet and a three- to five-page overview of the organization’s operation and the signature of the executive leader of the organization indicating his/her commitment.  Feedback is provided on the Organizational Profile.

Recognition is given to organizations completing the basic elements associated with quality awareness and understanding. Applicants will learn how to use the criteria as an assessment tool for continuous improvement to achieve performance excellence.  For an application, go to 2019 Governor’s Quality Award Application.

Benefits from participating
  • Increase customer loyalty by showing your commitment to quality products and services.
  • Accelerate your ability to improve your products, services, internal processes and your organization’s capabilities.
  • Receive the necessary education and training in quality to bring your organization’s awareness of quality principles and practices to a competitive level.
  • Improve your ability to self-assess your processes, identifying strengths as well as areas for improvement
  • Receive public recognition for your efforts and achievements at an awards ceremony.
  • Use of the Governor’s Quality Award logo in your advertising, correspondence, etc.
  • Receive preparation for certification and ISO-9001 registration
  • Receive assessment from quality improvement professionals.
  • Receive tuition-free examiner training.