News From the Chair
Chair’s Corner
For the first time ever, there are four distinctly different generations in the workplace. Differences in values, attitudes, work ethic, and vocabulary can create, at best, misunderstanding, at worst, cultural mayhem. To speak on the timely topic of generational gaps in the workplace, we are happy to welcome Ben Berry - Bridging the Generation Gap - May 19, 2009 Mr. Ben Berry serves as ODOT’s Chief Information Officer providing overall leadership, planning, development, and delivery of information technology services for ODOT and several other non-transportation organizations. As CIO for one of the largest state agencies, Mr. Berry supports Intelligent Transportation Systems, e-Government and major systems change and is responsible for systems supporting highways, bridges, rail service, right-of-way determinations, DMV and Motor Carrier Commercial Trucking inspections and licensing throughout the state. He is currently the Board Chair for Lifeworks NW, a $30m nonprofit organization serving risky behavior prevention, addiction services and mental health. He is the former Board Chair for St. Andrews Nativity School educating students to surpass their social-economic conditions. He is the former Chief Technology Officer of Providence Health System Oregon supporting a Service Area of 7 hospitals and 33 clinics. Please check out the following opportunities for you as an ASQ member.
No Boundaries ASQ’s Future of Quality Study - Futuring, a new word coined by a new profession of futurists, is the art and sometimes science of anticipating the future. As the adage goes, those who
anticipate have advantage over those who don’t. Every culture captures this wisdom in the lessons children are taught. That wisdom is more valuable in a world where the future presents itself at ever-faster speeds. And so, we invent and hone new tools. One tool we call upon is a futures study. This particular study concerns the future of quality with the following three major components:
· Identifying the key forces that are most likely to shape the future of quality.
· Developing alternative scenarios describing how these forces might unfold.
· Determining implications for organizations and the quality field, for quality professionals, and ultimately for ASQ.
What certifications would help me?
ASQ offers 14 certifications Take a look at the certification descriptions, list areas that are of interest and where your experience or education could lend toward that certification. Contact Jean Fryer at (503) 627-7175 for certification information. Contact Kathi Harris at (503) 712-6390 for recertification information. We have testing locations in Portland and Springfield.
· Seek multiple certifications.
· ASQPDX has purchased several study guides for members to borrow. Find others and create study groups.
· Keep your certifications to date.
Quality courses offered by Ed Landauer - These classes run when there are students. If any of these classes could remotely help you in your plan, call so these classes can run. Contact Ed at 503-869-0731 for more information.
· Spring/Summer 2009
Design of Experiments
Sampling Principles
· Summer/Fall 2009 for October Certification Exam
Cert Quality Technician/Cert Quality Inspector Refresher
Gauge Capability
· Winter/Spring 2010 for June Certification Exam
Cert Quality Engineer Refresher
Where can I volunteer?
The ASQPDX leadership team is very committed to assisting our membership. I have enjoyed my time working with this first class group of professionals as I have learned so much from them, enjoyed long conversations, and shared ideas. Volunteering in my mind is one of the greatest reward of life. Find the time to volunteer.
Join our Leadership Team
We are beginning our planning process for next year's programs and our leadership team service positions. We have a very strong leadership team coming on board with Steven Ohm as section chair, Jim Mattocks as chair-elect, Kathi Harris as secretary, and Ardis Belknap as treasurer.
Higher Education
Another goal this year is to reach out to Community Colleges and Universities to gain a partner in Education. Higher education programs in Quality can give students comprehensive knowledge of Quality Management Systems, Problem-solving Tools, and Standards that provide a means to development processes, business applications, and international trade. ASQ-PDX recognizes this value and believes as a service to our membership, reaching out to local Community Colleges and Universities to begin a dialogue to determine learning opportunities in Quality is a win-win solution. We need a volunteer associated with Community Colleges or Universities to help direct this objective.
Podcasting Dinner Meetings
ASQ-PDX membership is located across this beautiful State of Oregon. Our challenge to provide training, networking, and certification opportunities to them, but distance often becomes a barrier. In this smaller world to many, we can also leap into the future if we were to create other options for our distance membership – like Podcasting our dinner meeting speaker! The Leadership Team is very busy creating the dinner meeting events; we need a volunteer that understands Podcasting to help us with this exciting opportunity.
Take care,
Shauna Wilson
ASQ-PDX Section Chair
