New ISO Consortium Forming

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- March 21, 2003 -- The Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) will host a Southern Maryland program for the ISO 9000 Consortium. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a set of standards used worldwide involving quality assurance, quality management and best practices within an organization. The informational session will be held on Wednesday, April 16th from 1:00-4:00p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), La Plata campus, room B1 103/104.

The Maryland ISO 9000 Consortium is a sponsored effort by DBED to assist Maryland organizations in implementing the ISO 9000 standards for quality management systems. Nearly 350 Maryland companies have been associated with the program, and between 25 and 30 percent of all registered companies in Maryland are ISO Consortium members. The DM Group headquartered in Calvert County completed the program two years ago. "The ISO 9000 Consortium is an incredible program and was worth every penny, the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, I recommend the ISO Consortium for any company seeking a formal quality management system," stated Jena Eschenbrenner, DM Group.

For those interested in learning more about, and perhaps participating in, the Maryland ISO 9000 Consortium, the program begins with an open introductory meeting where companies learn about ISO 9000 and are introduced to the idea of working as a part of a group of organizations to achieve ISO Quality System implementation. The meeting may be attended by anyone representing a Maryland company.

For more information or to register contact Steven Wall, DBED, 301.934.7578 or Sue Lyons, CSM, 301.934.7550.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com