Wisconsin Forward Award congratulatee ten Wisconsin organizations at its Award Ceremony & Gala Reception on August 11, 2009. Sacred Heart Hospital received the Governor's Forward Award of Excellence, WFA's highest level of recognition.

Central Wisconsin Center, Pewaukee Public Schools, the School District of Elmbrook, St. Clare Hospital & Health Services, St. Clare Meadows Care Center, and St. Mary's Hospital were all recognized at the Mastery level of achievement.

Also recognized were Evergreen Retirement Community, Kohl's Department Stores–Credit Division, and Upland Hills Health, Inc. We salute all of our 2009 recipients for their achievements and best practices.

Click here to read WFA's official media release.

Summary applications of the three recipients of the 2008 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award are available for free viewing or download from the Baldrige National Quality Award website.

2008 recipients include:

• Cargill Corn Milling North America (CCM), Wayzata, Minnesota (manufacturing)
• Iredell-Statesville Schools, Statesville, North Carolina (education)
• Poudre Valley Health System, Fort Collins, Colorado (health care)

You can access application summaries by clicking here.

WFA Board of Directors member and Wisconsin State Public Defender Nick Chiarkas discusses how his office has become a standard-bearer for executing its constitutional responsibilities despite daunting challenges over his 20-year tenure in an article in the September 2008 issue of Wisconsin Lawyer. Read the article online by clicking here.