June 10, 2004
If a child was asked to bring home Sault Ste. Marie’s economic report card in the ‘nineties’, he might have hidden it in the bottom of his backpack. Since then, an incredible amount of community effort has gone into improving the report card. One innovative component is a progressive undertaking known as the “Communities Quality Initiative” (CQI), which brings together businesses, private and public sector organizations, and individuals to create common improvement processes. These processes in turn allow organizations to directly impact on the achievement of strategic goals.
Launched in 2003, following an extensive grassroots strategic planning exercise, the Communities Quality Initiative is based on the concept that it takes a whole community to make lasting changes happen. At the outset, a two-pronged approach was developed to make Sault Ste. Marie a “Community of Excellence” within 5 years. First, a process was set in place to foster continuous quality improvement principles in organizations throughout the community. Secondly, a measurement system was created to ensure the community was moving ahead on quality of life issues. This system is now referred to as the Community Performance Framework. It includes common goals and indicators for organizations to measure their success and is the basis of the annual Community Performance Framework Report.
Nancy Rosset, the Coordinator for CQI explains that, “The Communities Quality Initiative focuses on quality improvement practices, which result in more effective operations. Organizations that have an ongoing concern with improvement across the entire spectrum of their activities are better equipped to succeed. These organizations demonstrate leadership and are a powerful, positive reflection of their community.”
The Quality Circle consists of a cross section of businesses and community service organizations. There are currently 28 member organizations. The goal is to have 50 Quality Circle members by 2005. Ian Mackenzie, Vice President and General Manager of the Great Lakes Power Generation Division - a Quality Circle organization - recently signed on to the Initiative’s advisory group. Mackenzie says, “Through the CQI, our staff has been able to take advantage of seminars and workshops that provide us with excellent ideas on how to make our company grow and excel. Holding these events and networking sessions right in our back yard means greater cost-savings and accessibility to gathering new and innovative business ideas.”
Funding for the CQI has come from its private and public sector members: the CFDC of Sault Ste. Marie and Area; FedNor/Industry Canada; the Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie; and the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities. Brian Irwin, Executive Director for the CFDC believes, “The Quality Initiative is a unique, new approach to community development, building on an organization’s goal of improving its operational effectiveness, while simultaneously strengthening the community.”