ASQ St. Louis News & Announcements



Senior Quality Technician Position at Weir Minerals Lewis Pumps

Weir Minerals Lewis Pumps is a medium sized manufacturing company of approximately 100 employees located in Crestwood, MO, that has been in the business of supplying pumps and valves to the worldwide fertilizer market for more than 100 years.

We are currently seeking a SENIOR QUALITY TECHNICIAN to report to the Quality Assurance Manager.

Essential Job Functions

  • Utilize continuous improvement principles and techniques to assure product quality.
  • Prepare customer reports, data analysis and customer required documentation.
  • Support and maintain Quality Planning.
  • Perform Quality Management systems and Special Process audits including reporting follow-up and closure of audit reports and non-conformances.
  • Utilize FMEA, PPAP, poke-yoke, six sigma, SPC and other related tools to drive quality improvements.
  • Maintain all procedures and work instructions as it relates to manufacturing operations and plant quality. Maintain quality standards and protocol for assembling and/or finished product.
  • Work with customers and/or supplier partners on non-conformance reports and customer/supplier corrective action plans.
  • Conduct customer and/or supplier visits as required.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and corrective action plans (CAPA).
  • Act as a member of the MRB team - responsible for disposition of non-conforming material.
  • Conduct & review First Articles, Product ID & Traceability, Visual Aides and Quality Plans for all products for both internal & external suppliers.
  • Manage all aspects of Metrology to include document control, calibration records, procedures & audits, gage calibrations and certifications, as well as layout measurements prior to gage acquisition. Document all gage calibration, inspection and repair services.
  • Develop procedures and work instructions for gauging and inspection operations including GR&R studies.
  • Assist/support inspection and measurement for 1st piece set-up for manufacturing operations.
  • Perform polish /acid etch, UT (metal), dye penetration and microstructure analysis testing.
  • Provide training on topics such as Blueprint reading, Metrology, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing.
  • Monitor and Maintain Vendor Management Inventory (VMI).
  • Support Engineering Change Order, Manufacturing and Production.
  • Interpret Drawings, Non-conformances, Design changes for production & customer impacts.

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Requires a minimum of a 2 year college degree in a technical discipline.

Experience: Requires a minimum of five years or relevant Quality Assurance experience to gain sufficient knowledge to perform the requirements of the position.

Skills and Abilities which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:

  • Ability to effectively communicate and present information to team members, management, suppliers, and customers.
  • Knowledge in the use of continuous improvement principles and techniques as applied to manufacturing functions.
  • Good Leadership & Facilitation Skills
  • Ability to communicate key product characteristics, then apply quality assurance methodology to control key process parameters (PPAP, Six Sigma, SPC, gage R&R, FMEA, and Poke -Yoke…)
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001/14001

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids: Computer, MSWord, MSExcel, MSPower Point, MSProject, Acess, Visio, Mintab, SPC-XL

Please submit resume to apply@lewispumps.com

Global Quality Management System Lead Position at Monsanto

 Global Quality Management System Lead

The Global Quality Management System Lead is responsible for providing global Seed Supply quality management (ISO 9001:2008), serving as the Seed Manufacturing liaison for North American Regulatory/Compliance activities, along with global Seed manufacturing leadership for Stewardship and Biotechnology Initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to develop quality standards on a global basis by developing quality management biological systems.

Monsanto is an agricultural company. We apply innovation and technology to help farmers around the world produce more while conserving more. We help farmers grow yield sustainably so they can be successful, produce healthier foods, better animal feeds and more fiber, while also reducing agriculture’s impact on our environment.

Responsibilities include:

Overseeing implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) at all global seed production operations, quality labs, and production research programs

Responsible for ensuring that the QMS is compliant to the standard and for capturing maximum business value through system maintenance, monitoring, and improvement.

Work closely with the various Seed Supply Management groups in ensuring processes, procedures, and systems are in place to ensure quality management effectiveness, operational consistency, and identification of process improvement opportunities.

ISO certification for Seed Supply through system auditing, maintaining relationships with external registrars and quality networks, analyzing system effectiveness regionally, and ensuring clear management support and direction for the sites.

Manages the corporate QMS by participation in row crop and vegetable seed management reviews, and support as needed for documentation management, managing corrective and preventative actions, and implementation of continuous improvement opportunities.

Audit sites globally to ensure ongoing compliance and implementation of best practices across all facilities. 

Required Skills/Experience:

MBA or similar degree

Minimum 3 years experience in managing ISO9001 standards or other quality management systems

Minimum of 7 years operational or process experience (i.e. manufacturing process, QMS, supply chain, logistics)

Organizational leadership experience spanning across multiple sites

Excellent communication (written and oral), interpersonal, organizational and negotiation skills

Demonstrable experience leveraging external and internal relationships and networks

Strong results orientation or self motivation.

Desired:

  • Six Sigma Black Belt certification
  • Undergraduate in agronomy, sciences, engineering, similar
  • Previous work experience in a global environment
  • Significant Project Mgt experience
  • Experience with cross-functional and diverse workgroups
  • Ag industry experience
  • Active in National and Local ASQ

If interested, please click here and apply to requisition #0012B

LC Meeting Minute 10-13-09

Section 1304

Minutes of 10-13-09 ASQ Leadership Committee Meeting

At Gion Tony’s in St. Louis, MO

Prepared 10-13-09 by Kim Rochetti

Participants:      Steve Mundwiller, John O’Reilly Steve Hyland, Kunita Gear, Tony Indihar, Will Meyer, Mary Ellen Rowland, Randy Thompson, and Kim Rochetti.

1)  Meeting called to order at 6:05 PM by Steve Mundwiller. 

2)  September 09 Minutes Approved as Prepared - It was moved, seconded, and approved to accept the minutes as prepared.

3)  Financial and Treasurer’s Report by Resa. -   Our ASQ checking account as of October is $14641.10; we closed the account at US Bank and transferred to Bank of America.  Our no-risk, CD is valued at $65,110.46.  Steve M. asked: Can we transfer some of our money from checking to the CD?   Emailed Bob Senegog at ASQ, but haven’t seen any audit deposits lately and haven’t received a response.  Contact Kim Thompson, our liaison, in community affairs.  Resa is ensuring that ASQ deposits are collected and correct.

4)  Ed Lanser Payment by Steve M. and Resa - Ed was our re-certification chair, a member for 40+ years, held many roles in St. Louis section and served on the board.  He has submitted four years of expensed without receipts.  Postage, paper, ink, gas, etc. for $120 was requested but was unbudgeted.  We have some different thoughts on how to handle this within our leadership team.  Brenda Bishop, Rob Herhold, and Chris Anderson were inquired for feedback on this reimbursement request.   They, overall, felt that this is minimal for four years of service and should pay it.  The LC must approve any unbudgeted expenses. Will believes that anyone should have receipts that are timely but submits a motion to pay.  Resa agrees and suggests we present it as a gift.  Tony recommends, going forward, we must have receipts within the audit year or no more expenses should be paid after the fact.   The LC voted on the motion and approved on paying Ed and the treasurer’s report.   Steve M. would like a limit on the amount and time that passes for submitting expenses.  Will expressed that the expectation is that you must have receipts submitted in a timely manner with no limits on amount.  Tony would like something in our by-laws that expenses are submitted by our annual audit, within fiscal year.  Will noted there are allowable exceptions with advance notice.  Mary Ellen wants to prevent future occurrences by having a cap amount on individual expenses.  Team agrees we should get approval for any non-budgeted expenses ahead of expenditure.  Will presented motion on bolded notes, it was seconded, and accepted this policy change and be documented on bottom of expense form

5)  October Program Volunteers - SEM -  A.)  Resa, Mary Ellen and Tony will cover registration B.) Receipts - Tony or Resa can bring receipts C.)  John will introduce speakers and give speaker gifts D.)  Surveys will be done by Randy.  

6)  General Items - SEM  - A.)  Monthly LC meeting report outs need to be ready for presentation whether area is on the agenda or not B.) September Newsletter will be ready for submittal soon. Shailesh and Linh are trying to improve the delivery rate of the newsletter.  C.) Please make sure all items are in the minutes.  An example, a list of all Steve M.’s ASQ possession was sent to leaders and asked that they be recorded.  John has many ASQ books from the Spring Conference.  Will suggests we need to maintain a list of assets as a group.  Steve M. suggested reviewing and summarizing at the end of the fiscal year in the June or July timeframe as an annual practice.

7)  Future Programs by John - 

October:  Two IR speakers: Kim Rochetti and Cindy Brendel

December: Trivia night facilitated by Jim Ebone;

January:  Dr. Ed Weisbart on PowerPoint presentation optimization, announce the election process;

February:  open

March:  elections and awards night at Dave and Busters; 

April: open;

May: open, possibly Chris Anderson, we will be grilling at Engineer’s club,

June: APICs joint meeting - one speaker from ASQ, one idea is getting a Missouri political figure, or an ethics topic speaker.  Resa suggested and ethics professor and Kim mentioned a contact from Boeing, Tom Davis, who has taught at college ethics for years.  Tony mentioned trying different venues like the Art and History Museum with a brief tour and/or a previous recommendation was a hockey game for potential meetings.

8)  Review Membership Retention Activity by Kunita  - Continues with the mailings, 17 new members, understands what ASQ has indicated about difficulty in retention,  said she realized both retention and attrition should be measured, as well as who didn’t attend, month-to-month.  Watching this Kunita found that many members were not up-to-date on membership dues.  She would like to find a way to reach out to the folks not regularly attending and request information on factors contributing to lack of attendance.  Randy said of the unpaid, there were about 20 per month that their membership is about to expire.  Kunita wants to understand why people terminate their memberships.  Kunita will be attending an ASQ event, ‘Ideas to Action, Growing the ASQ community of the future’ in Colorado.  It is focused on finding ways to retain members within the first five years.

9)  2009-2010 SMP Update by Randy - The 2009-2010 goals were presented in SMP plan: certified members: 60, meeting attendance: 60, satisfaction score: 4.0, total membership 875, membership retention: 70%, half-day workshops: 4, world conference volunteers: 80, senior memberships: 20 and the rest of the metrics we will monitor without goals: guest, LC, student/unemployed attendance; and meeting performance for a meeting data.  It was suggested bringing the Senior Member forms to the meetings and review the process with attendees.  Also suggest reviewing members whose certifications have expired and notifying them.   

10)  VOC (Voice of the Customer) by John - John learned about using this technique at last year’s conference to find out how members are feeling about the meetings and ASQ via a survey tool.  As a LC team, we would design the questions to better serve our members. Volunteers for this task should contact John.   Should we send it out from our section vs. national?  Yes. 

11) Education:

A.)  Fall SLCC Class Update by Steve Hyland - We did not get CQA or CSSGB classes going due to low attendance.  An option for the future, we can call Chris Anderson and ask for use of Bizmanuals’ location for low volume scenarios for a minimal fee.  A study group may work for some as well. 

B.) Workshops by Steve -For October, ‘How to add value from your internal audit’, by Chris Anderson and in Nov., ‘How to get a job in a tough economy’, both at Bizmanuals.  The price is $99 for members and $199 for nonmembers.  Rod Toro’s ‘ISO workshop: the keys to transition’ has two offerings in Jan., if attendance allows, and will be held at St. Charles Community College to try a new venue.  The deadline is Jan. 4 for this workshop. 

Exams are this Sat. at the engineers club.  Mary Ellen will proctor, Steve M., and John will be there for a short time. 

12.) Around the Table

John - none

Resa - none

Randy -none

Will - Chris A., Sally, and Will had a conference call to discuss the conference volunteer needs which are approx. 100 now, 10 of which will be leadership positions.  Boeing will have a number of volunteers and will sponsor a booth.  We have 180 volunteer slots (each 4 hr sessions).  For a free conference attendance, Boeing has required that they must serve two-4 hr sessions.  Make sure we mention the conference at our membership meetings.  Chris will finalize volunteer list in Jan.  The ten leadership positions will be critical to lead this.   Certification activity has had recent peaks.  The turn-around time is less than a week.  We have 25-30 with expired certifications.  Let’s set up to certify them at next week’s meeting and let them know in an email blast.  We have four members that are fellows, Will is currently applying for this and needs some help with the peer review.  This is a great honor. 

Tony - none

Steve H. - For Kunita: What’s the database on why people leave?  We should be collecting data to find out what really is driving it.  

Mary Ellen Rowland - none

Kunita - none

Kim - none

Steve - none

13) Meeting adjourned at 8:37.

Save May 24-26, 2010 for ASQ’s World Conference on Quality and Improvement!

The world is ever-changing, but quality’s ability to have a positive impact on the world is constant. ASQ’s World Conference on Quality and Improvement will focus on the importance of applying quality tools, techniques, and philosophies in all aspects of your work and life. Plan to join your peers in St. Louis, MO, May 24-26, 2010, to meet today’s challenges and build tomorrow’s confidence. 

  • Learn new and classic quality tools, methodologies, and techniques.
  • Network with more than 1,500 attendees and exhibitors.
  • Benchmark best practices in the International Team Excellence Award Process. 

Details on the 2010 program and activities will be posted on the conference Web site as they become available. Register today to receive early bird rates.

World Conference Focus Areas:

  1. Social Responsibility
  2. New Applications of Proven Quality Tools
  3. Quality in a Global Economy
  4. Making the Case for Quality
  5. Quality Basics

Customer Services: 

ASQ’s Customer Care Center:

E-MAIL: help@asq.org

PHONE: 800-248-1946 (United States and Canada only) or 414-272-8575

001-800-514-1564 (Mexico) 

FAX: 414-272-1734

MAIL: ASQ

600 N. Plankinton Ave.

Milwaukee, WI, 53203, USA

ASQ Awards Information

Waldo A. Vezeau Award

The Waldo A. Vezeau Award for Technical Achievement in the Field of Quality was created in 1972 to honor the St. Louis University Professor who was a pioneer in the St. Louis Quality Discipline for demonstrating and expanding the pursuit of technical achievement in Quality fields.

Lester S. Kauffman Meritorious Service Award

Lester S. Kauffman was the innovative founder, organizer, and first President of the ASQ St. Louis Section. To commemorate his memory, the St. Louis Section designated a plaque in 1952 to be awarded each year to the person who had performed outstanding and meritorious service to the Section.

The Robert Deufel Extra Measure Award

The Extra Measure Award was created in April 2001 to recognize the results of a Member’s special, unusual, or singular efforts on accomplishments. It is in the form of a small plaque and will be presented to the recipient at the annual Section Awards Meeting.  It was modified in 2008 to honor Dr. Robert Duefel, a long-time member of the St. Louis Section Board of Directors/Leadership Committee.  Dr. Bob also supported the section as an instructor for Refresher Classes and as a habitual conference volunteer.

The Volunteer Excellence Award

 A. VEZEAU AWARD - for TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENT in the field of QUALITY

1. Articles published, papers presented, workshops and training programs conducted

2. Creative Activity in ASQ - not just the St. Louis Section

3. Achievements do not have to be in any one year

 2009 recipient - Rob Herhold

 B. KAUFFMAN AWARD - for MERITORIOUS SERVICE to the SECTION

1. Section Member for at least FIVE years

2. PRIMARY ASSET - Service to the St. Louis Section, i.e. Administration, Meeting, Conference, and Committee  Activity

3. Service contributions do not have to be in the same year

 2009 recipient - Stephen Mundwiller

 C. DEUFEL AWARD - for ABOVE and BEYONG CONTRIBUTION to the SECTION

1. Full membership in good standing

2. Either an above and beyond the normal volunteer effort for a special event or

3. above and beyond contribution based on long-term service to the section.

 2009 recipient - Edward Lanser

 D.  VOLUNTEER EXCELLENCE AWARD - for a SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION of  VOLUNTEERISM to the SECTION

1. Full membership in good standing

2. A high or special level of volunteerism for a special event or

3. A high or special level of volunteerism based on long-term service to the section.

 2009 recipient - Shailesh Panth

Help Members Through a Career Transition…

ASQ has created a series of career-focused podcasts to explore the challenges facing quality professionals who are transitioning their quality skills to a new industry. Now available, the third and final podcast in the series features ASQ member Allen Wong, who discusses the value of ASQ certifications, how it benefits potential employees and employers, and what certifications can be applied to specific industries. The podcasts can be located in the resources section of the ASQ Career Center Web site.

ASQ St. Louis Fall and Winter Workshops

Your St. Louis section of ASQ is continuing to offer informational workshop opportunities to our members and the community.  We have a variety of topics presented by subject matter experts.  Please take advantage of these offerings to enhance your career in quality and to support the St. Louis section.

 

The workshops have the following attributes:

  • Low cost!  Only $99 for ASQ members and $199 for non-ASQ members.
  • Convenient to attend!  The workshops are held Saturday mornings.  Attendees do not have to request time off of work and can attend on their own, without employer involvement.  We all work hard and we know how difficult it is to attend evening classes.
  • Half day!  Attendees still have the majority of the weekend for personal time.
  • Subject matter experts!  We are fortunate to have instructors that have expertise in the subject area of the workshop.
  • RU (Recertification Units) credits!  Each workshop is worth 0.5 RU credit in the education category.  It is easy to reach the maximum in the meeting category, so these RU’s will be counted towards your recertification activity.

 

For details of these workshops and all of the St. Louis section’s activities please check our website at www.asqstlouis.org.  Please register and pay via our website.

 

“How to Add Value to Your Internal Audits!”

Presented by Chris Anderson. 

Time and Date: October 24th, 8:00 am to Noon. 

Location:  Bizmanualz, Inc., 7777 Bonhomme Ave., Suite 2222, Clayton, MO  63105

This is the Sevens Building, which is one of the taller buildings in Clayton.  Parking is free in the Sevens Building garage on weekends.

Registration Deadline:  October 20th.

Comments:  Class limit is 10, minimum is 4.

 

“Getting a New Job in a Tough Economy!”

Presented by Stephen Mundwiller

Time and Date:  November 7th, 8:00 am to Noon.

Location: Bizmanualz, Inc., 7777 Bonhomme Ave., Suite 2222, Clayton, MO  63105

This is the Sevens Building, which is one of the taller buildings in Clayton.  Parking is free in the Sevens Building garage on weekends.

Registration Deadline:  November 3rd.

Comments:  Class limit is 10, minimum is 4.  Bring your resumes and questions.

 

“ISO 9001:2008, Keys to Transition!”

Presented by Rod Toro

Time and Date:  2 sessions, you may attend either.  If there is not enough attendance we may combine to one session.  January 9th and 23rd, 8:00 am to Noon.

Location:  St. Charles Community College, 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive,

Cottleville,  MO,  63376

Registration Deadline:  January 4th.

Comments:  Class minimum is 5 per session, maximum is 20 per session.

Note:  For RAB and IRCA Certified Auditors, and Lead Auditors…this class will be acceptable for

your transition training to the new ISO 9001 standard.

APICS St. Louis Upcoming Events

Certified Supply Chain Management Classes

The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program is a new industry educational and certification program created to meet the rapidly changing needs of the supply chain management field.

From the manufacturing to the service industry, regardless of whether a company is serving business or consumer markets or is for profit or not-for-profit, the increasingly important role of supply chain management is affecting all organizations. Customers already expect good quality at low prices, and speed of delivery is becoming more important. As a result, effective supply chain management has become essential to successfully compete in today’s global marketplace.

The CSCP program takes a broad view of the field, extending beyond internal operations to encompass all the steps throughout the supply chain-from the supplier, through the company, to the end consumer-and provides you with the knowledge to effectively manage the integration of these activities to maximize a company’s value chain.

Thursdays, October 8-December 10, 6:00 - 9:00pm

Location:  Sunnen Products Company

Module 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management
Explore the basic concepts in managing the flow of materials in a supply chain. In the Basics, you get a complete overview of material flow, from internal and external suppliers to and from your organization.

10 Wednesdays -  beginning October 7   
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm    
Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus

Fall Seminar - How to Package and Market Your Most Valuable Product…You!

This half- day seminar will focus on non-verbal communication, appearance, body language, and attitude/knowledge. The seminar will show attendees how they are a product and that they need to package in order to make the statements they want about themselves non-verbally

October 13, 11:30 - 4:00pm

Location:  ISC Surfaces Training Room

For more information on any of these events or to register please visit www.apics-stlouis.com or call 636-343-8877.

October 2009 Membership Meeting

Join us at Orlando Gardens Banquet in Maryland Heights for the October, 2009 Membership Meeting

When: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Where: Orlando Gardens Banquet

2050 Dorsett Vlg, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Tel: (314) 453-9000

 

  • 5:30    Registration and Networking
  • 6:15    Kim Rochetti, Ingersoll Rand “The Gap to Excellence”
  • 7:15    Dinner
  • 8:00    Announcements and Section News
  • 8:15    Cindy Brendel, Ingersoll Rand “World Class Leader”

Please register by Friday, October 16, by visiting the online registration page. ASQ St. Louis members who register and prepay online for membership meetings are entitled to a $5 discount, which brings the meeting fee down to $25.

You can also send an email to registration@asqstlouis.org

Come enjoy a wonderful dinner, listen to excellent speakers, and a great social event!

Directions to Orlando Gardens Banquet in Maryland Heights

ASQ Refresher Courses Available

To register for refresher courses, please contact SLCC focal Pat Jett at 314-513-4079 or at pjett@stlcc.edu.

For more details, or to sign up as a Refresher Course instructor, email Section Education Chair Steve Hyland at shyland@charter.net, or visit www.asqstlouis.org.

Certification Refresher Course Schedule

Download Refresher Course Schedule.

Course Registration

Registration and payment completed through SLCC. Registration fees include course materials.

6-week course: $350.00

8-week course: $400.00

Course Schedule

6 or 8 week classes. Classes tentatively scheduled from 6 - 9pm at St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley.

Instructors

Local quality professionals, certified in course area.

Course Format

Reviews the body of knowledge (BOK) in preparation for the exam. The BOK is listed on ASQ National web site, www.asq.org. Instructors provide insight on types of test questions and possible scenarios. Earn CEU credits while you prepare.

Are you interested in being an instructor?

The requirements are that you must be certified for the material you’re teaching and must not have participated in development of the certification tests. Great opportunity to earn money and RU credits.

If your company is interested in sponsoring a class, contact Steve Hyland at shyland@charter.net. There is a 5 person participant minimum requirement.

For more information on refresher course details, exam locations & proctoring, email Steve Hyland at shyland@charter.net . You earn 0.5 RU points for each day you proctor. All tests have tentatively been scheduled for the St. Louis Engineer’s Club.