COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio State Parks has been honored with the Pledge To Excellence Award for being an "outstanding example of excellence in the State of Ohio, exhibiting 'world class' processes that serve as role models for others," according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"We are pleased at this recognition by the Ohio Award for Excellence Program. This tribute is due to the hard work of our Division of Parks & Recreation staff, whose dedication to quality and customer service is second to none," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. Before receiving the award, Ohio State Parks underwent a rigorous investigation and examination into its quality processes, leadership, strategic planning, customer focus, information and analysis, workforce development, and overall achievement of results.
The assessments for all Ohio Award For Excellence nominees are conducted by a board of 200 examiners who evaluate the award applications and prepare critical applicant feedback reports. These examiners are experienced professionals and quality educators in the key sectors of government, education, healthcare, business and non-profit organizations. Patterned after the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award, OAE is endorsed by Governor Bob Taft and has recognized high-performing organizations in the state since 1998.
Ohio State Parks will be formally recognized for their achievements at the "Quest for Success" 2004 educational and recognition conference, September 16-17 in Columbus.
The Ohio Award for Excellence Program is open to all organizations in business, education, health care, government and not-for-profit sectors. The Ohio Award for Excellence is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. For additional information visit www.oae.org or call Casey Mackert, OAE Executive Director, at (330) 672-2102.
There are 74 Ohio State Parks, encompassing eight resort lodges, six championship golf courses, more than 500 family cottages and 56 family campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites. A ninth resort lodge is scheduled to open next week at Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County.