The Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) honored 12 Arkansas organizations at the 31st Annual Governor’s Quality Award Celebration, held at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock on Thursday (Oct. 16). The awards, presented by Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge, celebrated organizations across industries that are raising the bar for quality and performance excellence in our state.
“These organizations represent the heart of what the Governor’s Quality Award program is all about — growth through continuous improvement,” said Trish Villines, Executive Director of the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence. “This is not a one-time achievement but a journey that challenges leaders to look inward, strengthen their systems, and use data to make a real difference for their employees, customers, and communities. Each organization recognized tonight has taken meaningful steps toward building a stronger, more resilient Arkansas.”
This year’s Arkansas Governor’s Quality Award Recipients included:
- Quadrivium, Inc. of Springdale received the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence
- L’Oréal USA of North Little Rock received the Achievement Award
- Baptist Health Medical Center of North Little Rock received the Commitment Award
- Metropolitan EMS (MEMS) of Little Rock received the Commitment Award
The following companies received Challenge Awards:
- Bio-Tech Pharmacal, Inc. of Fayetteville
- Brookridge Cove Rehabilitation and Care Center of Morrilton
- Delta Memorial Hospital of Dumas
- Goodwill Industries of Arkansas of Little Rock
- The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. of Paragould and Marmaduke
- ICM of Little Rock
- Twin Rivers Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center of Arkadelphia
- University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College of Forrest City
The Governor’s Quality Award Program, administered by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, helps Arkansas organizations of all sizes strengthen their performance and achieve sustainable success.
Using the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the program guides organizations through a multi-level process — from establishing foundational systems at the Challenge level to demonstrating world-class results at the Governor’s Award level. Each stage provides valuable feedback and a roadmap for improvement, supporting a statewide culture of excellence.