Global Quality Exchange Signs Agreement with South Carolina MEP
Columbia, SC (June 9, 2008) – Global Quality Exchange (GQEX™), the world’s first real-time Web-based exchange for management system certificates, announced today that it has signed an agreement with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) program.
Based in Columbia, SCMEP will distribute GQEX services and incorporate the GQEX certification ticker on its web site (www.scmep.org) consistent with the organization’s core mission of assisting South Carolina manufacturers in becoming more competitive.
“GQEX represents a unique marketing opportunity for companies that have already invested in becoming certified to international management system standards like ISO 9001 and ISO 14001,” says John Irion, SCMEP president. “There is no question that GQEX will position South Carolina manufacturing companies to better compete for contracts in the United States and overseas.”
Located at www.GQEX.net on the World Wide Web, the GQEX ticker incorporates the familiar green “up” arrows and red “down” arrows employed by traditional stock tickers. But rather than reporting on stock activity, GQEX provides a worldwide marketing presence to certified organizations for as little as $10 per month. The service was built upon the recently upgraded worldwide database of WhosRegistered.com Global, the largest global listing of certified suppliers anywhere in the world.
In recent weeks, GQEX has announced similar agreements with the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) for management systems certification bodies (CBs) and the Latin American organization for quality known as INLAC. ANAB is the recognized US body that accredits CBs that in turn audit and certify the management systems of client organizations.
“SCMEP is a strategic partner that launches us into the MEP system,” observes Ronald D. Mathis, president of Apogee Global Resources Inc., the parent of GQEX. “We look forward to working with the entire network of MEPs throughout the United States.”
Apogee Global Resources, Inc.
Headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, Apogee Global Resources, Inc. helps companies pursuing A Global Quality Initiative™ deliver their products or services to international standards, while maintaining optimal profitability and efficiency. Founded in 2002, the firm primarily serves Fortune 500 companies as well as large privately held enterprises. For more information about Apogee Global Resources, Inc., please visit www.apogeeglobalresources.com.
SC MEP
The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), headquartered in Columbia, SC, is a not-for-profit organization that helps manufacturers throughout the state solve business and supply chain process problems. Supported by the state legislature and an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), SCMEP offers business and technology assessments, engineering expertise, Lean manufacturing solutions, and innovation and business development services to South Carolina manufacturers through its TRANSFORM™ suite of services. SCMEP provides this business and technology support to manufacturers through onsite consultations, partnerships with state technical colleges, research universities, and the SC Department of Commerce to provide educational programs, online assessment and other business tools. Using SCMEP’s services enables manufacturers to see business benefits at a faster rate and enhances economic development in South Carolina. To learn more about SCMEP, call 803.252.6976 or visit the web at www.scmep.org.