The American Society for Quality (ASQ) and The Association for Quality and Participation (AQP) have agreed to an affiliation that could provide a broader range of products and services to both organizations' members.

The affiliation is a "win-win for the quality movement in the United States that will enhance the future of quality with a host of significant benefit exchanges for members," said Gregory H. Watson, president of ASQ. "We share a common vision--the advancement of excellence through quality at all levels, in all areas, whether individual, organizational or community. Working together toward our common goal ensures a healthy future for the quality movement in the United States and worldwide."

Completion is subject to approval of both organizations' Board of Directors. If approved, AQP would be identified as "an affiliate organization of ASQ."

The organizations have worked together in the past, including cosponsoring the Quest for Excellence conference, the official conference of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality in Education Conference.