Message from the Chair – November 2021

“Transitions in life can offer opportunities for discovery.” - Robbie Shell

Happy Quality Month!

At the October monthly meeting, we heard Mark Rusco discuss “Updates to the AIAG/VDA FMEA Manual.” This was our first hybrid meeting experience, offering a live Zoom presentation from the meeting, while guests could enjoy dinner at The Bluff. There were several learnings from this event that will be incorporated into future hybrid meetings. For instance, registration information, the agenda, and media capability need to be revised for future meetings. The meeting survey results were positive and provided additional feedback for improvement. Members appreciated having the virtual option, while it provided the added benefit of flexibility for our presenters. Our November speaker, Jd Marhevko, had originally planned to present in person at The Bluff but she will be traveling, so she will give a virtual presentation. The format of the meeting will be dinner at The Bluff followed by a Zoom Meeting projected onto the big screens. Jd is a speaker you won’t want to miss! She was inducted into the inaugural USA’s Women In Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame. Jd is an ASQ Fellow, Shainin Medalist, CMQ/OE, CQE, CSSBB and MBB. She is also an ASQ Certified Trainer and STEP Ahead Awardee.

Unfortunately, this will be the last section meeting held at The Bluff. Jan Blysma, the owner and president of The Bluff, is retiring and the facility will be closing at the end of the year. We wish Jan and her team the best as they pursue new endeavors, it has been a pleasure to have been associated with The Bluff for a decade.

There isn’t a scheduled meeting in December, and the January meeting will be a virtual only meeting. We will return to the hybrid meeting format in February 2022, learning about “Hop Creep Potential in Packaged Beer” presented by Lauren Torres from Bell’s Brewery. The Section Leadership Committee (SLC) is in the process of identifying a new dinner meeting location. If you have ideas or suggestions for our monthly meetings please send them to our section email, asqsection1001@gmail.com or post to our Facebook page, ASQ Grand Rapids Section 1001. Don’t hesitate to volunteer your input because it is All About You! The section wants to give you the highest possible value for your membership dollar as we pursue Knowledge – Networking – Opportunities for the quality professionals in West Michigan.

Thank you for supporting the Grand Rapids Section!

Ken Phillips,

Chair Grand Rapids Section 1001