Seminar to prep executives on ISO 9000
March 2, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Business managers are invited to learn about the new ISO 9000:2000 quality standard and a statewide training grant program at a March 15 seminar sponsored by Western Michigan University's Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center.
"ISO 9000:2000" will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 15, at the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce Building, 346 W. Michigan Ave.
ISO 9000, the international quality system standard series, has been a major influence in business and industry since its introduction in 1987. The system was recently overhauled, resulting in the new ISO 9000:2000 standards that took effect last December.
Led by Fred Z. Sitkins, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at WMU, the workshop will explore the fundamental requirements of ISO 9000:2000, aimed at those companies interested in either registering for the first time under the system or upgrading to the new requirements. Sitkins consults regularly with companies regarding quality standard systems, and he is a partner in the Great Lakes Educational Resource Group, a group of educators and industry experts who provide training and other assistance for business interested in implementing ISO or QS 9000.
During the seminar, Paul Aivars of the Michigan Technical Education Center at Kalamazoo Valley Community College also will brief participants on training grants distributed annually by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The highly competitive Economic Development Job Training program administers grants to businesses to train workers in process improvement and technical or applied academic skills.
The program is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending the workshop should reserve a seat by calling Janice Campell at (616) 387-2005.
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 $30 million in government contracts.
Media contact: Jessica English, 616 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu