Mark Gordon: “Beginning in 1987, the Baldrige Award process has defined what it means to be a world-class manufacturing or service…”

“Beginning in 1987, the Baldrige Award process has defined what it means to be a world-class manufacturing or service company, has honored companies that attained that status, and has helped other companies understand the most important steps they must take if they are to improve their quality. The financial results, customer and supplier relations, and the labor relations of winning companies have been quite impressive. In the late 1990s, Congress extended the Baldrige Award categories to include education and health care fields. I am very proud that Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation located in Nashville, Tennessee, won in the service category. I also want to congratulate Stoner Inc., located in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, for winning the small business category. This is a small manufacturer of more than 300 specialized cleaners, lubricants, and coatings. It has 45 full-time and five part-time employees. Stoner proves that small manufacturers can successfully compete in the face of world competition. This year's Baldrige Award also shows the importance of the Department of Commerce MEP program.”