Dri-Eaz receives award at Washington State Capitol
Company recognized for business excellence

OLYMPIA, Washington - September 9, 2002 - It was all smiles when company officials from Dri-Eaz Products, Inc., a Skagit Valley manufacturing company, met with Governor Gary Locke in the state Capitol on Monday, September 9. The governor presented Dri-Eaz with a Washington State Quality Award (WSQA) at the Achievement Level.

Dri-Eaz was one of only two organizations in Washington State to earn WSQA recognition in 2002. The other was NAVSEA Keyport.

"It's very important that we acknowledge companies that are working hard to improve their performance," said Governor Locke. "These businesses are serving as great examples in the private sector."

This was the first year Dri-Eaz submitted a WSQA application and they were honored to receive an award. The company sent a total of five executives to Olympia to accept the award, including their president and owner, Claude Blackburn.

"It's very encouraging to know we are on the right track," said Darlene Mindrum, Organizational Development Manager for Dri-Eaz. "We'll continue to work toward the Excellence level of the WSQA. However, our primary objective is to operate more efficiently and become an even better company."

Based on the criteria for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the WSQA sets standards of excellence that help companies develop systems and practices to improve overall performance. There are four possible WSQA Recognition Levels: Commitment, Achievement, Leadership, and Excellence.

In order to apply for the WSQA, Dri-Eaz submitted a 50-page application that documented processes in seven categories: Leadership, Strategic Planning, Customer and Market Focus, Information and Analysis, Human Resources, Process Management, and Business Results.

Based on the quality demonstrated in the written application, Dri-Eaz qualified for a site visit by WSQA examiners. The WSQA panel of judges deemed Dri-Eaz's WSQA application and site visit results worthy of the Achievement Level. This milestone indicates that Dri-Eaz "demonstrated a serious commitment to excellence and a process for continuous improvement" according to WSQA guidelines.

Dri-Eaz will continue to submit applications until they achieve the highest level of the award, the WSQA for Excellence. At that point, the company plans on pursuing the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.

About Dri-Eaz
Dri-Eaz Products, Inc. provides solutions for the drying and restoration of water-damaged buildings. The company manufactures dehumidifiers, airmovers, structural drying systems, moisture detection instruments and antimicrobials. Dri-Eaz also founded the Center for Advanced Restorative Drying, a facility dedicated to advanced research and professional training in the water damage restoration field. For more information, call Dri-Eaz at 1-800-932-3030 or visit www.dri-eaz.com.

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