Membership Has Its Benefits Information Through publications and electronic information resources, ASQ offers access to the world’s leading sources of knowledge about quality tools, techniques, and performance and organizational excellence. Information is available via newsletters, journals, books, the Internet, videotapes, audiotapes, software and standards. · As a member you receive monthly, the Quality Progress magazine featuring practical advice, case studies and news about the latest in quality practices and techniques. · In addition, you will receive On Q, the Society’s newsletter and official journal of record, which contains Section and Division conference information. · Members receive discounted rates on all materials published through Quality Press, the world’s largest publisher of quality related products, and on any of seven technical journals published quarterly by ASQ. · ASQNet is an on-line network of quality related information available only to members. Features include topic forums, special Section and Division information and a member registry. · Too busy to do research on your own? The QIC (Quality Information Center) staff will work with you to identify information requests, search databases for materials and deliver the information to you via phone, fax, mail or express delivery. Education Quality principles, tools and techniques can enhance your personal, social and business relationships. Practical education in the use of quality principles and applications is available for students of all ages. · ASQ offers over 30 different training opportunities ranging from “Quality Audits for Improved Performance” to “Increasing Customer Retention Through Improved Customer Service.” In addition, in-house training programs can be arranged which are specifically designed to meet your organization’s needs. · ASQ’s Annual Quality Congress (AQC) brings together nearly 5,000 quality and business professionals worldwide to discuss the latest trends and breakthroughs in the quality arena. Members enjoy special rates on this and all ASQ-sponsored conferences. · Additional conferences, training seminars and certification refresher courses are sponsored at the local and divisional level of ASQ to meet your specific needs. · The ASQ sponsored Freund Scholarship, is awarded to an individual pursuing a graduate degree in the quality field.. · Koality Kid is an ASQ-affiliated program that stresses quality in schools and is a partnership between individual schools, area business sponsors and local ASQ Sections. Networking Members have numerous opportunities to network with peers at the local, regional and national level to enhance personal growth. · Member meetings provide a communication forum on topical subjects ranging from “QFD for Performance Improvement” to “Managing Your Career.” Interactive participation is encouraged through Q&A, hands-on application or on-site tours. · Membership is comprised of manufacturing, service, education and health care professionals willing to share their personal successes and failures with the development, implementation and management of quality programs and practices. · Partnership and outreach opportunities are cultivated between JEC, IIE, the Kansas and Missouri Quality award programs, KCHPRN, Koality Kid and others. Career Resources Education, Certification and Leadership opportunities abound within the ASQ to promote personal and professional growth. · From Quality Inspectors to Quality Managers, ASQ Certification provides recognition that you have acquired the specialized knowledge to ensure the quality of goods and services necessary for world-class companies. Refresher courses to prepare you for certification are available through ASQ and the local Kansas City Section. · Whether you’re looking for a new job for yourself or the right Quality professional to lead your company’s quality initiatives, ASQ can help. The Society provides a Personnel Listing Service, On-Line Job Searching capabilities and a Resume Matching Service for opportunities throughout the United sates. The Kansas City Section provides a 24-hour job hotline for local and regional opportunities as well. · Is leadership experience one of your professional goals? ASQ offers leadership opportunities at both the Section and Division levels. All members are encouraged to advance to the Senior membership grade within ASQ to become eligible for leadership opportunities at the National level. Many other benefits are available to you upon receipt of your membership card. ASQ is constantly striving to enhance the value of your membership and appreciates your comments and suggestions. For a membership application form or additional information, please contact Lois Cowden, Kansas City Section Membership Chair at (816) 274-3935 or Lcowde1@hallmark.com.