FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 23, 1996

Lowry to present Washington State Quality Award

OLYMPIA -- Gov. Mike Lowry will present the 1995 Washington State Quality Award for exceptional quality performance during ceremonies Thursday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the SeaTac Marriott Washington Ballroom.

"This progressive company is among those that will help Washington remain a world-class competitor in international business circles," Lowry said.

The company, which will be named Thursday, will receive the award designed to recognize organizations that have improved their quality performance during the previous year. The winner was selected from five applicants representing the public and private sectors within Washington.

The ceremony will include a keynote address by John W. Creighton Jr., president of Weyerhaeuser Company.

Public and private sector organizations in Washington are eligible for the award, which measures companies against world-class standards of quality. Certificates of merit are given for significant progress in quality management.

The state legislature established the award in 1994 to raise public awareness about quality management. The program is designed to help Washington compete in the global marketplace and invigorate the economy while preserving Washington's unique environment and quality of life.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.