Misconceptions about ISO 9000
May 24, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- You've seen "ISO 9000" sprawled on banners outside of factories, and heard the term bandied about at business meetings. But do you know how this international quality standard can help your business boost its bottom line?
A Thursday, June 6, Western Michigan University seminar will address "ISO 9000:2000: Concepts and Misconceptions." Aimed at representatives from small and medium-sized businesses, the workshop will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce building, 346 W. Michigan Ave. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the event, which is free and open to the public.
Reservations are required, and can be made by contacting Janice Campbell at (616) 387-2005 or <janice.campbell@wmich.edu>. The seminar is co-sponsored by WMU's Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Defense Logistics Agency.
"ISO 9000:2000 isn't just for manufacturers," says Michael Black, director of Southwest Michigan TAC. "It's an internationally accepted standard that can help businesses improve their internal and external levels of quality. It offers a host of benefits businesses can achieve at minimal cost."
The seminar will be presented by Frederick Sitkins, WMU professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering, and John Hurry, training specialist with the Great Lakes Educational Resource Group. Topics include an overview of ISO 9000:2000; an exploration of the standard's obvious and hidden benefits; discussion of how businesses can finance their registration efforts; and details about the Great Lakes Educational Resource Group, or GLERG, which has successfully guided more than 40 local businesses through the registration process.
Under the umbrella of WMU's Haworth College of Business and its Office of Business Development Services, the Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center offers free assistance to area companies interested in doing business with the government. Annually, center director Michael Black and his staff help businesses secure more than $28 million in government contracts.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu