It is amazing what options new automobiles now feature-or will soon feature. For example, Ford Motor Co. will roll out a new feature on 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 mph by using a computer chip in the key.

The International Manufacturing Show 2008 (IMTS) is a distant memory for some, but for many manufacturers and equipment suppliers it’s just the beginning.

Sports history is being rewritten at the time I write this column. U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps has become the winningest Olympic athlete of all time with 14 gold medals, the latest coming at the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.

In these current economic conditions, many of you have been charged with helping grow the business. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal took a look at mid-level managers who have achieved above-average organic growth in established organizations and markets.

While current business conditions may be tough for some, future economic conditions are forecasted to improve, according to experts. A survey released in June by the Business Roundtable showed that most executives expect sales and capital investment to either remain at current levels or improve during the next six months.

Despite the tales of economic woes and the disagreements as to whether or not the United States is in a recession, 94% of quality professionals find satisfaction in their jobs, according to Quality Magazine’s 8th Annual State of the Profession Survey.

The Quality Measurement Conference and Quality NDT Conference, both held April 28-May 1, in Clearwater Beach, FL, featured an interesting panel discussion on developing the next generation of quality and nondestructive testing technicians and experts. The panel, made up of academia, association and industry personnel, addressed the recruitment and retainment crisis of qualified personnel the industry is facing.

The Quality Magazine Professional of the Year Award was started several years ago to recognize an individual who, during the course of his or her career, has made outstanding contributions to the quality profession.

When is the last time you heard someone win an award, walk up to the microphone and say, “There’s no one to thank; I did it all myself. So, I’ll going to put this award on my mantle where I can easily share it with me, myself and I.”

Quality Magazine is no stranger when it comes to awards. For the past several years we’ve been giving out three annual awards-the Quality Leadership 100, Quality Plant of the Year and Quality Professional of the Year.