When I told friends and colleagues that I was going to Alaska last week, several remarked on my apparent insanity. I mean, who goes -- willingly -- to Alaska in the middle of January??? Well, I was joined in my trek by a colleague from Iowa and two from Texas. Why on earth? To help with the first official year of the Baldrige-based state program, APEX (Alaska Performance Excellence).
Launched in a pilot program last year, it is moving ahead under the leadership of Ben Park, Executive Director, and supported by a Board of Trustees and a Board of Overseers. However, the dedication doesn't stop there. More than two dozen examiners assigned to three applicants braved a brutal storm that blanketed streets and sidewalks with a thick coating of ice to return for Day 2 of training. Their enthusiasm and dedication helped make this a wonderful trip -- despite the weather.
So, does this mean we're crazy for quality? It certainly shows that we're committed. At any rate, we're going back in March! 
