WASHINGTON, D.C.-More than 400 people crowded a ballroom in Washington, D.C., on March 9. In contrast to the mood one might expect when the President of the United States, the Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Education appear to present awards to the best in quality manufacturing, services, education and healthcare, the audience had the energy of a high school pep rally. Loud applause and even an impromptu cheering routine set the stage for the 2003 Malcolm Baldrige Quality Awards ceremony.
Seven companies, in five categories, were recognized for performance excellence in the award's 16th year of existence. Medrad Inc. (Indianola, PA) won for manufacturing, Boeing Aerospace Support (St. Louis) and Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. (Nashville, TN) won for service, Stoner Inc. (Lancaster County, PA) won for small business, Community Consolidated School District 15 (Palatine, IL) won for education, and Baptist Hospital Inc. (Pensacola, FL) and Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City (Kansas City, MO) won for healthcare. This is the first time an award has been given for all five categories in the same year.