MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
By W. Frazier Pruitt
GETTING BACK ON MISSION
As we celebrate the birth of a nation this 4th of July in the USA, it's a fitting time to reflect on our progress and potential. It's also a day off work, giving me a few precious moments to sit down and write before the kids wake up. They stayed up way too late to watch fireworks, but it was great. When I think of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of a nation, I also think about the founding of ASQ. There were 13 colonies and just 58 signatures on the Declaration of Independence. It's amazing to see what has become of those 58 signatures.
ASQ also comes from humble beginnings. Founded on February 16, 1946, with just 253 members, ASQ was formed by the merger of 17 regional quality societies. One of these was in Rochester, and it's amazing to see what has become of those 17 societies.
But progress is in the past, and potential is in the future. Yet, we need both, in fact. We need to reflect and analyze so we can plan and execute for the future. In short, we need to get back on mission! The mission of the past has served us well, and we need to focus back on it. This doesn't mean we keep doing what we've always done. Time has marched on, and what got us here won't get us there, but that's a discussion about the method, not the mission. The mission still stands.
ASQ's Mission: ASQ empowers individuals and communities of the world to achieve excellence through quality.
I don’t see anything in the above statement about creating member value, new revenue streams, policies & procedures, strategic plans, or transformation. These may be good and may help us achieve the mission, but the Mission they are not.
I think, only my thoughts, if we focus on the mission through our actions and show that we are committed to excellence for the whole world, others will be drawn to the mission, and we will in turn grow. For example, today's NextGens are driven by mission and principles, and they will not be convinced by inauthentic gestures. They will want to be a part of something that is a driving force of good and progress in our world. I think we can do that.
Much like the nation, our journey at ASQ Rochester so far has been filled with learning and growth but also challenges. We've made significant strides, and our experiences can serve as a template for others. But more importantly, it's time to refocus on our mission statement and ensure we're living it every day.
The Rochester Mission Statement is a little more specific than the Greater ASQ: "Our mission is to advance individual and organizational excellence in the Greater Rochester Community through education and training in quality principles and technologies, and to promote quality professionalism by members."
We too need to get back on mission. It has been years since we have offered training. And today, we fixed that.
The cost of ISO9001 Auditor training is outrageous, and many options are only online. I am all for convenience and flexibility, but some things are better learned in person. When an organization with this specific issue reached out from our region, the leadership team mobilized, calling on all our resources to address the problem. Now, only a few weeks later, we and our partners are offering in-person training in Rochester at a price point that really provides value to the community. ISO Internal Auditor Training
Progress, through continuous improvement, is not just about doing and trying new things; it's also about sustaining what is working. That's why I am very excited to announce our 2023 Conference, RocExcellence.
This year, we will be a partnership between ASQ Rochester, GRQC, and ASQ NextGen. We are partnering to better align with our mission. I love my ASQ members, but our mission is to advance excellence in our Region and beyond. This year, we will be focusing not only on quality skills for quality practitioners but also on what our quality and excellence toolbox has for everyone in our community. This is exciting. Also exciting is our Keynote this year, which will be announced soon. (Subscribe to be the first to know)
But one thing is even more important than bringing a national keynote. It is the wide variety of sessions and presentations we offer. We see this as an opportunity for both speakers and attendees.
Our call for papers/presentations is now open, and I hope you submit your ideas. This is the perfect place for first-time presenters, with free coaching as needed, and also for experienced presenters. We have many folks who have presented in past WCQIs also present in Rochester and many who cut their teeth here. Please reach out if you have any questions. Call for paper info here!
If you want to get more involved with ASQ or are involved with an organization with values that fits with ours, please let me know so we can explore the opportunities. As always, our Mission and Vision statements are at the bottom of this newsletter.
Cheers,
Frazier
UPDATES
It is an incredible year of rebuilding and ASQ Rochester has started some amazing new offerings. Below are some of the highlights and upcoming events..
COMING UP SOON!
ISO Internal Auditor Training:
In line with our mission, we're excited to announce that we're offering local in-person ISO9001 training. A local organization reached out with a need and a willingness to collaborate, and we're making it happen. We have one coming up shortly, but remember, this is a template. So, reach out and let us know what you need because we're partners for your needs.
ANNUAL ROCEXCELLENCE CONFERENCE:
Mark your calendars for our Annual Conference on November 15th. To stay on mission and support more people, we're partnering with the Greater Rochester Quality Council (GRQC) and the ASQ Next Gen. We're currently accepting papers, so to our NextGens, we encourage you to share your voice. If you're thinking about it, you're ready. Stay tuned for an exciting keynote announcement in a special update. Call for paper info here!
NETWORKING EVENTS:
We also have networking events planned with GRQC, including the GRQC/ASQ-Rochester Summer Networking Event on August 9th. Connect with friends old and new to share stories, catch up, and raise a glass to quality! Click here to learn more, tickets through GRQC.
For all the updates please join our mailing list here. You can also find us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/asq-rochester or our LinkedIn group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2701060/
ASQ ROCHESTER
ASQRochester.org
Our vision is to be a recognized authority and champion for quality in the Greater Rochester area.
Our mission is to advance individual and organizational excellence in the Greater Rochester Community through education and training in quality principles and technologies, and to promote quality professionalism by members.