		<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>GQEX News Items</title><link>http://www.gqex.net</link><description>GQEX Global Quality Exchange</description><language>eng</language><image><title>GQEX Global Quality Exchange</title><url></url><link></link><width></width><height></height></image><item>
				<title><![CDATA[ISO standard brings greater transparency to worldwide exhibition industry]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/iso-standard-brings-greater-transparency-to-worldwide-exhibition-industry.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[A new ISO standard is expected to bring greater transparency and consistency to the exhibition industry worldwide by providing internationally agreed terminology and statistical methods, thus reducing the potential for misunderstanding and disappointments between organizers and exhibitors.ISO 256392008 is the first International Standard for exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions. It consists of two parts, respectively addressing exhibition terminology and statistical methods.ISO 256391, Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions C Vocabulary, includes terms and definitions often used in the exhibition industry. It is intended to facilitate a common and universal interpretation of this terminology, facilitating understanding between, industry players. It is also intended to help improve professionalism and raise standards for the exhibition industry and to serve as a guideline for industry players to be more discerning with regard to the various statistical data released on exhibitions.ISO 256391 groups terms into four categoriesindividual and entity, which lists and classifies the various types of people involved in the exhibition industry type of event physical item, which describes the various components such as size of the exhibition, type of facility, associated print material etc. and miscellaneous.ISO 2563922008, Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions  Measurement procedures for statistical purposes, provides standard measurement procedures to increase confidence in statistics related to exhibitions. Stephen Tan, leader of the ISO project committee ISOPC 237, Exhibition terminology, commentsInternational consensus on the set of terminologies of ISO 256392008 will provide the common reference that enables a high level of transparency and professionalism in an increasingly global exhibition arena. Industry players, which include exhibition organizers, contractors, venue operators, freight forwarders and auditing firms, will be able to communicate consistently to all companies and corporations. This will facilitate the evaluation of statistical information and thereafter, the decisionmaking process.ISO 2563912008, Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions C Vocabulary and ISO 2563922008, Exhibitions, shows, fairs and conventions C Measurement procedures for statistical purposes, are available from ISO national member institutes see the complete list with contact details. They may also be obtained directly from the ISO Central Secretariat, price 78 Swiss francs part 1 and 48 Swiss francs part 2, through the ISO Store or by contacting the Marketing  Communication department see righthand column.READ THE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE AT httpwww.iso.orgisopressrelease.htmrefidRef1189]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Radian Compliance launches updated Web-Site]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/radian-compliance-launches-updated-web-site.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Naperville, IL December 20, 2008  Radian Compliance has updated and relaunched its World Wide WebSite. Radian Compliance offers Information Security and Business Continuity Compliance services to both private and public sectors through its Compliance Assessment Readiness and Enablement offerings.  Changes to the website were designed to communicate Radians commitment to provide expert support to organizations faced with increased information security and business continuity expectations from government agencies customers and stakeholders of every kind.Radian Compliance focuses on solutions offered by combining Industry Best Practices Internationally recognized Standards and its own staff of informed and concerned professionals to met specific client needs. Mr. Ben Carnevale, Managing Partner of Radian Compliance recently stated, We are a group of highly expert professionals whose passion is to support organizations meet their very real and very serious risk challenges.Recently, Radian Compliance experts assisted a large midwest city government prepare for a National Convention with Disaster Preparedness Recovery and Business Continuity planning services.  Radian Compliance routinely provides continuity and risk planning implementation and post implementation services to ensure that public and private enterprises understand their real risk implement risk avoidance programs and maintain their resilience.For further information, contactPat AraceRadian ComplianceOne Energy Center40 Shuman Blvd.Suite 201Naperville, IL 60563www.radiancompliance.com630.305.7100paraceradiancompliance.com]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Adds Institute for Supply Management as Affiliate]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-institute-for-supply-management-as-affiliate.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX has added the Institute for Supply Management ISM as an Affiliate, and is now promoting a discounted GQEX Purchasing  Supply Tool to ISM members through their Just in E Time email newsletter and on their website at www.ISM.ws.  ISM is the largest supply management association in the world, with 47,000 members, and certifies personnel to the Certified Puchasing Manager CPM and Certified Professional in Supply Management CPSM standards.   GQEX joined ISM as a Direct Member in November 2008.  GQEX intends to fulfill the ANSIASQ National Accreditation Boards ANAB vision that GQEX may prove to be the best marketing value available to any certified organization, by attracting ISM members to regularly use the GQEX database of ISO certified organizations. Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers Audit, Purchasing, Quality, Research and Sales professionals an effective way to verify ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other certifications while improving their individual job productivity with functional software tools.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email infoGQEX.net, or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Verizon Business First U.S. Telecommunications Company to Receive ISO/IEC 20000 Certification]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/verizon-business-first-us-telecommunications-company-to-receive-isoiec-20000-certification.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Companys Center for Federal Customers Earns Prestigious DistinctionDecember 15, 2008BASKING RIDGE, N.J.  Verizon Business has earned certification as ISOIEC 20000compliant for its Government Network Operations and Security Center GNOSC, located in Ashburn, Va. The company is the first telecommunications company in the U.S. to receive this prestigious certification. ISOIEC 20000, the first international standard specifically aimed at IT Service Management, describes best practices and management processes for effectively delivering managed services to meet business and customer requirements.The certification provides a framework for defining the features and processes to deliver highquality systems. It also leads to improved quality of service through requirements such as system consistency and interoperability as well as internationally recognized thirdparty assessments and audits.This distinction is further proof of the Verizon Business Government Network Operations and Security Centers commitment to offering the highest quality of service, said Kevin Gahan, the companys vice president of global network management. Our ISOIEC 20000 certification gives government customers the confidence that Verizon Business will continue to provide outstanding service and performance. The companys federal government operations and security center opened in 2006 as a stateoftheart facility to support the unique security and operational requirements of its federal government customers. The GNOSC performs realtime monitoring of network traffic for these customers and serves as a single point of contact for both network and security operations. Besides monitoring network traffic and operating as a security center 24hoursaday, sevendaysaweek, the facility serves as an emergency command and briefing center, and provides offices for programmanagement and support staff. Diverse cable routing and complete network redundancy are built into the operation of the center to help maintain uninterrupted communications for the federal government. As the leading telecommunications service provider for the federal government, weve always supported the highest standards of our customers, and ISOIEC 20000 certification substantiates our ability to deliver the caliber of managed services the federal government requires, said Susan Zeleniak, group president, Verizon Federal, the organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. ISOIEC 20000 certification is valid for three years with audits performed every six months by a third party. UL DQS, one of the worlds leading certification organizations, will perform these audits for Verizon Business. Through their achievement of ISOIEC 20000 certification, the Verizon Business GNOSC management team has shown great dedication and commitment to excellence, said Ganesh Rao, president and CEO of UL DQS Inc. This shows the global market that Verizon Business is in the forefront of IT service providers. In 2007, Verizon Business announced ISOIEC 270012005 certification for the information security management systems for two of its managed hosting centers in the U.S. and one in the U.K. The company also incorporates the ISOIEC 27002 standard into its Security Management Program as the basis for evaluating customer security programs as well as complies with ISO 9000 guidelines for its IT Service Desk offerings. SEE ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE AT httpwww.verizonbusiness.comusaboutnewsdisplaynews.xmlnewsid25226modevzlonglangenwidth530About Verizon BusinessVerizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications NYSE VZ, is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with the worlds most connected IP network to deliver awardwinning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect todays extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees  enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment.  Many of the worlds largest businesses and governments  including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions  rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.comVERIZONS ONLINE NEWS CENTER Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, highquality video and images, and other information are available at Verizons News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.comnews. To receive news releases by email, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.THIS PRESS WAS DISTRIBUTED WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION OFMedia Contacts    Stefanie Scott 15124956730 stefanie.scottverizon.com  ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Alan Gavin to retire, succeeded by CMA-CGM's Tom Boardley ]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/alan-gavin-to-retire-succeeded-by-cma-cgms-tom-boardley-.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Alan Gavin to retire, succeeded by CMACGMs Tom Boardley Alan Gavin to retireAlan Gavin, Lloyds Registers Marine Director, will be retiring on June 30, 2009 following a 34year career in marine classification. He will be succeeded by CMACGMs Tom Boardley.Alan is a highly respected advocate of safety and quality in the maritime industry. He has helped lead classification through many of the significant challenges of recent years, including the bulk carrier safety initiatives, the introduction of Common Structural Rules and the evolution of IACS into the de facto technical arm of the International Maritime Organization IMO. He was IACS Chairman 2002  2003 and is the current Lloyds Registers Council Member. He joined Lloyds Register in 1974, working in the United Kingdom and Japan but he spent most of his career in London where his senior managerial positions included Head of the Construction Services Department and Head of Research and Development RDD before his appointment as the Marine Director in 2000. He was Chairman of Lloyds Register  Fairplay Ltd from 20062008 and represents Lloyds Register on a number of committees including the Chamber of Shipping and Maritime London. Alan, who will continue in an advisory role to Lloyds Register and the shipping industry, said Marine classification has been my life and I hope to continue to make a contribution, focusing on regulatory issues, to help support safety at sea. Richard Sadler, CEO, Lloyds Register said I would personally like to thank Alan for his tireless and committed dedication to Lloyds Register over the past 34 years. He leaves us with a record orderbook and fleet, and we all wish him every success and happiness for the future. Tom is an ideal replacement, having extensive directorlevel management experience and track record in the shipping sector and we feel fortunate that he has decided to join us.New Director for the Marine businessTom Boardley, the incoming Director for Marine joins Lloyds Register following a long career in the shipping industry. Currently CEO of CMACGM UK, Tom is the senior representative of the CMA CGM shipping group in the UK, responsible for ship management, Shortsea Shipping Line management, and the liner agency of the four CMA CGM brands in the UK. Tom started his career as a graduate trainee with OCL in 1978 after gaining an MA Hons in Engineering Science from Oxford University. He has extensive experience of working in the container, transport and ports sector in Europe, Canada, the Far East and Australasia in a career spanning 24 years with PO, and was Deputy MD for NYK Line Europe before taking up his current post in CMACGM. Tom starts with Lloyds Register in the second quarter of 2009, allowing time for a good handover from Alan Gavin.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[New ISO standard tackles recyclability of earth-moving machinery]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/new-iso-standard-tackles-recyclability-of-earth-moving-machinery.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[ISO PRESS RELEASE  COMMUNIQUE DE PRESSE DE LISO VERSION FRANCAISE CIAPRES New ISO standard tackles recyclability of earthmoving machinery Over the years, earthmoving machinery reaching the end of its useful life has significantly contributed to the total volume of waste needing to be treated or disposed of. For this reason, endoflife recycling has today become a market requirement and an integral phase of a machines life cycle. To ensure environmentally sound treatment of a machine and all its components when the time comes, it is essential that eventual recovery issues are already taken into account during the design phase, along with safety, emissions, fuel consumption and other design considerations.ISO 167142008, Earthmoving machinery  Recyclability and recoverability  Terminology and calculation method, will provide manufacturers with a much needed and internationally agreed tool to evaluate the ability and potential of new machines to be recovered andor recycled.MORE httpwww.iso.orgisopressrelease.htmrefidRef1186]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Offers HISP Certification Courses]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-offers-hisp-certification-courses.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX now offers Holistic Information Security Practitioner HISP Certification Courses for registration through our online Store, in conjunction with our delivery partner eFortresses.  Course delivery methods offered include onsite training and eLearning.   The HISP Training  Certification program was created to address the current shortage of Information Security and Compliance professionals, with practical skills needed to help organizations address Information Security and Compliance requirements, by being able to Implement Compliance frameworks that are repeatable, sustainable and effective.HISP certification is not intended to replace existing certifications such as CISSP, CISA, CISM, CFA, but rather meant to complement such certifications and also offer CPEs for professionals who already hold such designations.   VISIT GQEX.NETSTOREINDEX.PHP TO LEARN MORE. Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers Audit, Purchasing, Quality, Research and Sales professionals an effective way to verify ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other certifications while improving their individual job productivity with functional software tools.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email INFOGQEX.NET or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[SMITHERS QUALITY ASSESSMENTS NAMES DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/smithers-quality-assessments-names-director-of-operations.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[AKRON, Ohio December 10, 2008  Jeffrey A. Carr has been appointed director of operations of Smithers Quality Assessments SQA.  He is responsible for all assessmentrelated activities, including execution and maintenance of policies, procedures and practices associated with accredited third party assessment programs, such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AS9100, and ISOTS 16949.  He succeeds Jeanette Preston who was promoted to vice president of the certification body. Mr. Carr brings more than 25 years of experience, with an emphasis on quality systems and auditing, and has held management positions with several third party assessment organizations.  He also has management experience with Boeing, The Ohio State University Hospitals and First Investment Company.  From a technical standpoint, Mr. Carr has served as an AS9100 auditor and an ISO 9001 lead auditor. Jeff offers a unique set of skills that will complement our organization and help assure our continued success, said Jeanette Preston, vice president of SQA.   Insights he gained from having worked in industries served by SQA and through interfacing with regulatory bodies will enable us to better anticipate and address potential areas of client concern, Ms. Preston added. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Carr holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from West Virginia University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University.  Industry groups with which he has been active include the International Association of Accredited Registrars, the Americas Aerospace Quality Group and the Registrar Management Committee.  Smithers Quality Assessments is a Smithers Group company, with headquarters in Akron, Ohio.  Auditors are located throughout the U.S. to cost effectively serve the companys clients.                              About Smithers Quality AssessmentsSmithers Quality Assessments was established in 1993 as an accredited thirdparty registrar, providing quality and environmental management system certification services to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other industryspecific standards to manufacturers and service providers.SQA is consistently ranked as a leader in customer satisfaction by independent surveys of registered companies.www.smithersregistrar.com.  About The Smithers GroupHeadquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Scientific Services, Smithers Quality Assessments, Springborn Smithers Laboratories, Synomics Pharma Services, Smithers Rapra, and SP Formulations.  These companies provide technologybased services to a diverse mix of market sectors, with expertise in welldefined niche areas. Their reputations for quality and high levels of service enable them to leverage their technical and brand equity to compete effectively on a global basis. For more information, visit www.smithersgroup.com.   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[SMITHERS QUALITY ASSESSMENTS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGE]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/smithers-quality-assessments-announces-leadership-change.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[SMITHERS QUALITY ASSESSMENTS ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGEAKRON, Ohio December 9, 2008  Jeanette R. Preston has been promoted to the position of vice president of Smithers Quality Assessments.  She succeeds John R. Sedlak who is retiring from the organization. Ms. Preston will be responsible for managing all aspects of SQA operations.  She joined Smithers in 2007, bringing more than 20 years of quality systems management and auditing experience.  She has held management positions with third party quality systems certification bodies QMI and AGA Quality, both located in Independence, Ohio.  Before that, she served as manager of the center for quality at Bearings, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio.   Jeanettes breadth of experience in the quality and management systems certification arenas positions her well for guiding SQA in a highly competitive environment, said Michael Hochschwender, president and CEO of The Smithers Group.  She is known and respected throughout the industry and has demonstrated an ability to balance the technical demands of our business while also championing initiatives that will help ensure SQAs future stability and wellbeing, Mr. Hochschwender added. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ms. Preston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University.  She is active in the American Society for Quality and serves in leadership capacities with the International Association of Accredited Registrars and the International Automotive Certification Bodies Association.  John Sedlak steps down after serving as SQAs guiding force since its inception in 1993. During his tenure the company established itself not only as a leading North American registrar, but one that has been consistently cited for its outstanding customer satisfaction.  John exemplifies the qualities that have made Smithers a success  honesty, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the quality discipline, noted Mr. Hochschwender.   We will miss his sound counsel and keen insight, he added. Smithers Quality Assessments is a Smithers Group company, with headquarters in Akron, Ohio.  Auditors are located throughout the U.S. to cost effectively serve the companys clients.                                                                                           About Smithers Quality AssessmentsSmithers Quality Assessments was established in 1993 as an accredited thirdparty registrar, providing quality and environmental management system certification services to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other industryspecific standards to manufacturers and service providers.SQA is consistently ranked as a leader in customer satisfaction by independent surveys of registered companies.www.smithersregistrar.com.  About The Smithers GroupHeadquartered in Akron, Ohio, The Smithers Group includes Smithers Scientific Services, Smithers Quality Assessments, Springborn Smithers Laboratories, Synomics Pharma Services, Smithers Rapra, and SP Formulations.  These companies provide technologybased services to a diverse mix of market sectors, with expertise in welldefined niche areas. Their reputations for quality and high levels of service enable them to leverage their technical and brand equity to compete effectively on a global basis. For more information, visit www.smithersgroup.com.   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Adds New Affiliate Profiles International]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-new-affiliate-profiles-international.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today announced that it has added as an Affiliate the Texas based Profiles International, Inc., the recognized world leader in employment evaluation and human resource management assessment tools.  Profiles International assessments, services, and solutions are solidly backed by research and tested through many years of working with large and small clients worldwide. Profiles International will be assisting GQEX with the development of its Careers section within the GQEX software tools offered to Sales, Purchasing, Auditor, Quality and Research user base.  GQEX is currently offering a Free Trial of these tools through its website online at www.GQEX.net.   Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers Audit, Purchasing, Quality, Research and Sales professionals an effective way to verify ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and other certifications while improving their individual job productivity with functional software tools.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email us or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[ISO/IEC standard provides common international framework for RFID frequencies]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/isoiec-standard-provides-common-international-framework-for-rfid-frequencies.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[ISOIEC standard provides common international framework for RFID frequencies      In the context of growing adoption of radio frequency identification RFID, particularly in open supply chain applications and the concurrent development of innovative products and services, the International Standard ISOIEC 180001 has been revised.ISOIEC 1800012008, Information technology  Radio frequency identification for item management  Reference architecture and definition of parameters to be standardized, defines the generic architecture concepts in which item identification may be commonly required within the logistics and supply chain and defines the parameters that need to be determined in any standardized air interface definition in the subsequent parts of ISOIEC 18000. LEARN MORE httpwww.iso.orgisopressrelease.htmrefidRef1184]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Adds New Affiliate RABQSA]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-new-affiliate-rabqsa.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[GQEX Adds New Affiliate RABQSA  Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today announced that it has added personnel certification body RABQSA of Sydney, Australia, as an Affiliate.  RABQSA will work with GQEX to market a Free Trial of the GQEX Auditor Tool to its 10,000 plus certified personnel worldwide. RABQSA Quality Management System Auditor Larry Parah, also President of his own consulting firm BlueSkye Track, Inc., says GQEX provides a wealth of information that is essential to auditors.  Whether you are seeking new leads or looking for the registration status of a company, GQEX is the only place on the web that has  accurate, uptodate ISO  information.   RABQSA auditors, as client managers, have been empowered to review and update all relevant client information resident on GQEX.  This will help ensure that GQEX records are uptodate and represent the customer accurately as a marketing tool. Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers institutional research, corporate purchasing and service providers an effective, easy to use tool to find, compare and manage their internationally certified suppliers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email us or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[ANSI Issues First Set of Accreditations under New Program for Greenhouse Gas Validation and Verification]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/ansi-issues-first-set-of-accreditations-under-new-program-for-greenhouse-gas-validation-and-verification.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[New York, NY, December 3, 2008   The American National Standards Institute ANSI, coordinator of the U.S. standards and conformity assessment system, announced today that seven organizations have been accredited under a new program that facilitates the inventory and reduction of greenhouse gases GHG from the environment.These validation andor verification bodies VVBs are the first to be recognized under the ANSI pilot accreditation program that was launched in February 2008  XAdvanced Waste ManagementXBureau Veritas Certification North America XFirst Environment XNSF International Strategic Registrations XRainforest AllianceXRyerson, Master and Associates, Inc. XSGS Environmental Services, Inc. With a growing global awareness of the need for environmental protection and sustainability, organizations are eager to demonstrate their efforts to inventory, report, and reduce GHG emissions. In order to assure the credibility of their claims, many of these organizations are turning to thirdparty bodies to validate and verify emission assertions. Often used interchangeably, the terms validate and verify represent two separate and distinct processes.  Validation comes at the beginning of a project and lays out the framework by which emission reductions will occur. Verification assesses how an organization or project has performed its GHG inventory and reported its results against an established protocol, demonstrating the relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy of the emission claim. ANSI accreditation enhances the credibility and value of the process by attesting to the competence and qualification of VVBs to perform these duties, offering them a significant distinction from their competitors in the marketplace. This program marks a significant step forward in assuring integrity and consistency in emission reporting and reduction projects across industry sectors and geographical borders, said Lane Hallenbeck, ANSI vice president of accreditation services. The Institute is pleased to join in strengthening consumer confidence and promoting best practices for the validation and verification of GHG emissions.Applicable to a broad spectrum of industries, the ANSI GHG accreditation program operates according to requirements defined in the international standards ISO 140652007, Greenhouse gases  Requirements for greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies for use in accreditation or other forms of recognition, and ISO 1406432006, Greenhouse gases V Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions.    In support of the program, The Climate Registry, the Chicago Climate Exchange, and the California Climate Action Registry each signed partnership agreements with ANSI earlier this year. And as the U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum IAF, ANSI accreditation is also recognized by the Voluntary Carbon Standard Association. Under the terms of these agreements, ANSIs program applicants can choose to be assessed not only under ISO 140652007 requirements, but also the specific protocols and requirements defined by these partner organizations.  Todays announcement marks the formal launch of the ANSI GHG program. Additional VVBs enrolled during the pilot program will continue in the accreditation process, and new applicants will be accepted beginning in January 2009. ANSI congratulates the bodies that achieved accreditation under the first round of this new initiative, continued Hallenbeck. Greenhouse gas validation and verification is an emerging market, and we anticipate continued growth in the program as more organizations become involved in providing this valuable service.For more information on the ANSI Accreditation Program for Greenhouse Gas ValidationVerification Bodies, visit www.ansi.orgghg.About ANSI www.ansi.orgThe American National Standards Institute ANSI is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations. The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.  The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization ISO and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC, and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum IAF.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Offers Free Software Trial]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-offers-free-software-trial.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today announced that it has launched five new softwareasaservice SaaS tools, geared toward enhancing the productivity of users in each of the below functional segmentsAuditorQuality ManagerPurchasing ManagerSales ProfessionalResearcher   In order to provide the industry a complimentary preview of the value added by these tools, GQEX is offering a 15Day Free Trial of this software, running now through the end of 2008.  Please visit www.gqex.net for more information. Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers institutional research, corporate purchasing and service providers an effective, easy to use tool to find, compare and manage their internationally certified suppliers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email us or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Sequoia Voting Systems: Maintaining the Quality of the Vote ]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/sequoia-voting-systems-maintaining-the-quality-of-the-vote-.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[By Laura SmithSequoia Voting Systems Maintaining the Quality of the VoteSequoia Voting Systems Inc. is one of the largest developers and manufacturers of voting technologies and infrastructures in the United States. It operates offices in California, Colorado, and New York, and in 1890 produced the first leverbased mechanical voting equipment used in the United States. In 2004, Sequoia was the first organization in its market to incorporate Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail technology into its voting equipment for live elections. In this months presidential election, Sequoia deployed more than 100,000 of its voting machines to 17 states and the District of Columbia. In an effort to maximize the security of its information and products, all four of Sequoias facilities are registered to ISO 27001. Its Denver headquarters and Oakland, California, areadevelopment office were registered in November 2007, and its Porterville, California, ballot printing facility and Chicago office were registered soon after. Here, Ed Smith, Sequoias vice president for quality, compliance, certification, and manufacturing discusses the road to certification and how it has improved U.S. voter security. Why did Sequoia decide to pursue registration to ISO 27001 Elections are critical, both in terms of time and importance to society. Unlike in other technology departments, such as during a server upgrade, Election Day cannot be pushed out a day or two simply because a component did not arrive or because a database was not ready. More important, Election Day cannot be delayed or called into question due to an intrusion into the jurisdictions voting system. The voting technology currently deployed in the United States includes the familiar electronic voting machines most of which are touchscreen units and the electioncentral infrastructures used by different jurisdictions, which is less familiar to the public. Electioncentral infrastructure is an isolated network that contains the jurisdictions geographic information relative to elections, the various software applications that enable election workflow to proceed from election definition to election night reporting, postelection canvass, and verification of the results.The ISO 27001 registration that Sequoia holds is a framework for secure elections. The standard includes such salient aspects as secure networking within the confines of the jurisdiction and business continuity to guard elections in case of a disastrous event that could delay elections. How has the registration affected the businessOur ISO 27001 registration has raised the awareness of our staff to likely means of attacks on our systems, how to maintain legal compliance with copyrights, and how to be more secure when working from home offices and while traveling. Our information security training also contains elements of homecomputing security, such as how to avoid phishing and other scams. We communicate this information to our customers in an effort to help educate them on security. In 2009, we plan to do more work to communicate the importance of preventive security measures and to elevate the level of external communication on our ISO 27001 registration in an effort to differentiate our company from others in our market. Were there challenges to earn the registrationSequoia had many of the requirements of ISO 27001 in place due to requirements imposed on voting systems by the federal government and various state governments. This was of tremendous assistance in progressing to registration. Challenges did emerge in dispelling the mindset that ISO is a paperwork mill, i.e., much work generating records for little value added to the organization. At Sequoia, this myth was initiated by prior experiences with ISO 9000 consultants who did provide a paperintensive, less practical quality system implementation. By contrast, when Sequoias management was shown that attaining registration to ISO 27001 could be done by extending what was already being done toward information security, management support and employee buyin followed.Another challenge was the diversity of operations that Sequoia Voting Systems performs in support of elections. The four facilities registered contain such diverse functional areas as product development, corporate management, and ballot printing. Additionally, our facility in Chicago is in place to serve Sequoias largest customer. Two of the facilities are specialized to ballot printing and field service. The very different missions of each facility cause differences in staff training, procedures, and slight differences in information security systems implementation. Do you think your registration to ISO 27001 prevented or minimized any problems you might have hadYes, it has both prevented and minimized issues. The staff training that came along with the registration effort has prevented network intrusions and malware infections. Attempts to infect our information technology system have been reported to the compliance department before they manifested as infestations. Internal auditing uncovered some file shares that could have allowed unauthorized access to Sequoia financial records. An interdepartmental effort of quality assurance, development, and compliance resulted in the development of an operating system method and procedure for jurisdictions to employ to harden their electioncentral infrastructures. This hardening was deployed in multiple states for this months election.Concepts from ISO 27001 have affected product development and aided developers in defining new security measures and methods. Sequoias voting products currently in federal certification testing contain many new security features. The subsequent generation of our product line has further refinementa testament to continuous improvement and attention to market requirements.C 2008 Quality Systems Update, an Apogee Global Resources, Inc. Company]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[ABS Quality Evaluations Awarded Contract ]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/abs-quality-evaluations-awarded-contract-.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[ABS Quality Evaluations Awarded Contract for Performing Third Party Quality Audits to Panama Canal Authority ACP DependenciesNovember 20, 2008  Houston, TXABS Quality Evaluations ABS QE has been selected by the Panama Canal Authority ACP to conduct audits of the quality management systems of various dependencies. ABS QE will perform audits that cover the canal operations for the transit of vessels generation, transmission and distribution of electricity production and distribution of potable and chilled water assembly and maintenance of floating and industrial equipment purchasing, security and protection of facilities and areas and other operations.We look forward to working together with ABS QE in the pursuit of continuous improvement of our processes, said Manuel E. Bentez, ACP Executive Vice President of Operations.We are pleased to be selected by the ACP Autoridad del Canal de Panama as the third party auditor ISO 9001 in their core business processes, said Alex Weisselberg, ABS QE Acting President. We are certain that ABS QE will add value to the ACP, the main interoceanic canal which is undergoing the redesign of their main processes due to the current expansion program. About ABS Quality EvaluationsABS QE expertise spans quality, health, safety, environmental, social accountability and security management system audits, vendor supply chain compliance assessments, and certification and training services. Through offices worldwide, ABS QE provides global certification, auditing and training services to leading organizations.  Some of the markets served are oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, machinery and equipment, aerospace and defense, pharmaceutical, food processing, electronics, automotive and consumer goods, among others. ABS QE is distinguished by having highly qualified auditors, many of whom have more than 15 years of specific industry and audit experience.ABS QE, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is accredited by the largest and most respected accreditation organizations worldwide.  For more information, contactRebecca Rieansnider Marketing Communications SpecialistABS Quality Evaluations12816732948  rrieansniderabsgroup.com]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Adds New Affiliates SGS & AMTEC]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-new-affiliates-sgs--amtec.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today announced that it has added two more ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB accredited certification bodies CB to its list of Affiliates.  These CBs are SGS Systems and Services Certification and American Management Technology, Inc. AMTEC.  As new GQEX Affiliates, these CBs will promote their clients certification data on www.GQEX.net.    Global Quality Exchange, Inc. The Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers institutional research, corporate purchasing and service providers an effective, easy to use tool to find, compare and manage their internationally certified suppliers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email us or visit www.GQEX.net   ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[ISO Helps Make Design Work for More People    ]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/iso-helps-make-design-work-for-more-people--.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[ISO Helps Make Design Work for More People      ISO has released a report that will help make products, services and environments more accessible to older persons and those with disabilities. The new ISO technical report, Ergonomics data and guidelines for the application of ISOIEC Guide 71 to products and services to address the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities ISOTR224112008, offers technical information, data and ergonomic knowhow for design that addresses the needs of these often overlooked members of the population. MORE httpwww.iso.orgisopressrelease.htmrefidRef1179]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[ANSI Seeks Leaders for Launch of Certificate Accreditation Program]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/ansi-seeks-leaders-for-launch-of-certificate-accreditation-program.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[ANSI Seeks Leaders for Launch of Certificate Accreditation Program Call for Nominations for Assessors and Accreditation Committee MembersNew York, November 11, 2008 The American National Standards Institute ANSI, a private nonprofit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system, has issued a call for assessors and committee members to lead a new accreditation program for organizations that issue demandbased education and training certificates to U.S. workers.   Currently, there is no nationwide regulation, oversight or monitoring consistently applied to all bodies that offer certificates V nor is there a nationally recognized set of criteriarequirements to evaluate the quality of these programs.    In May 2007, ANSI formed an advisory panel of key industry and government leaders to examine the quality and content of training programs that lead to a certificate, and the need or demand for accrediting these programs. Based on the input received, we believe this new accreditation program will help to educate the public on the meaning of certificates, the difference between certificates and certifications, and how to differentiate among certificate programs with varying levels of rigor, explained Dr. Roy Swift, ANSI program director.  This activity is also expected to provide quality benchmarks for the design of future certificate programs. Accreditation provides a neutral, thirdparty attestation that a given certificate program leads to better educated and qualified workers.  Accreditation programs are based on standards that outline specific requirements for both the agencies that issue personnel certificates and the specific certificates being offered.  ANSI is committed to an active partnership with educators, trainers, industry, ANSI Accredited Standards Developers, and government experts to facilitate the development of a certificate accreditation program that is based on continual quality improvement, added Dr. Roy Swift, ANSI program director. The new ANSI program will also follow the evaluation process outlined in the international standard ISOIEC 17011, General Requirements for Accreditation Bodies Accrediting Conformity Assessment Bodies.  This process includes using specially trained assessors to review documents submitted by applicants against defined requirements, conduct on site assessments of all applicants, and make recommendations to the Institutes newly established Certificate Program Accreditation Committee that is responsible for making the accreditation decisions. To this end, ANSI is currently soliciting nominations from dynamic national experts in the fields of training, education, personnel certificates, federal, state and local government and policy development for consideration as assessors and members of the Certificate Program Accreditation Committee.  Positions descriptions and requested qualifications are identified below.  Questions and requests for application materials should be directed to Dr. Roy Swift rswiftansi.org 202.331.3617.  Deadline for submission of the application packet is December 1, 2008.   Assessors V ANSI Certificate Accreditation Program Specific responsibilities for assessors includeX  evaluating written applications X  making decisions regarding those areas in which applicants comply or do not comply to the standard, and those areas that need further information X  working with applicants to secure additional information X  conducting site visits to applicants place of operations, andX  analyzing findings, writing reports, and providing recommendations to the ANSI Certificate Program Accreditation Committee. Required QualificationsX  five 5 or more years of experience with certificate programs gained from providing program oversight or developing certificate programs or being an instructor or other related experience ANDX  experience with evaluation of student learning outcomes, orX  experience with instructional design or educational technology.  Preferred QualificationsX  experience with managingconducting accreditation site visits and reviewing accreditation applications against defined standards X  experience with one or more specific entities that issue or use certificates e.g. community colleges, corporate universities, associations, government agencies X  understanding of the differences between certificates and certificationsX  extensive knowledge of personnel credentialing systems such as licensure, certification and registrationX  understanding of the concept of confidentiality and handling confidential information. Personal Attributes X  excellent interpersonal skills, written and oral communication skills, attention to detail and followthrough skillsX  ability to travel for approximately 15 days per year.  Member  Certificate Program Accreditation Committee Specific responsibilities for Certificate Program Accreditation Committee members includeX  creating policies and procedures for the accreditation program, X  determining the accreditation status of certificate issuers that have applied for initial accreditation andor are undergoing annual surveillance, and X  providing suggestions to ANSI staff regarding programspecific marketing strategies. Required Qualifications X  five 5 or more years of experience with responsibility for a certificate program or programsX  experience with policy development AND X  experience on a board or committee as a consumer or public member orX  current or recent position in a governmental agency federal, state, local orX  experience with a government agency or professionaltrade association or educational agency or industry that creates certificate programs or relies on certificates to make employment decisions. Preferred Qualifications X  understands the differences between certificates and certificationsX  understands the concept of confidentiality and experience with handling confidential informationX  experience with other ANSI programs as member of anAdvisory PanelCommitteeBoard is a plus    X  experience as an assessor conducting on site accreditation visits.    Personal Attributes X  ability to travel to Washington, DC, four times per year for committee meetings one day duration  About ANSI ANSI is a private nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and the American quality of life by promoting, facilitating, and safeguarding the integrity of the voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system.   Its membership is comprised of businesses, professional societies and trade associations, standards developers, government agencies, and consumer and labor organizations.  The Institute represents the diverse interests of more than 125,000 companies and organizations and 3.5 million professionals worldwide.   The ANSI portfolio of accreditation services includes Product Certification Programs, Personnel Certification Programs, Greenhouse Gas Validation and Verification Bodies, and Standards Developers. The ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB accredits management systems certification bodies, and the ACLASS brand offers accreditation services for testing and calibration laboratories, reference material producers, and inspection bodies. The Institute is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization ISO and, via the U.S. National Committee, the International Electrotechnical Commission IEC, and is a U.S. representative to the International Accreditation Forum IAF. ANSI currently has offices in New York City and Washington, DC. Contact   Stacy Leistner, American National Standards Institute ANSI, 212.642.4931]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[The ISO Survey 2007]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/the-iso-survey-2007.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[The ISO Survey  2007 shows ISO management systems standards implemented in 175 countries The ISO Survey of Certifications C 2007 reveals certification activity around one or more of ISOs management system standards in 175 countries, up from 170 in 2006 C a clear demonstration, according to the survey,  that they have become essential tools of the world economy.ISO SecretaryGeneral Alan Bryden comments The survey illustrates in a very concrete manner the extent to which ISO management system standards are meeting the organizations strategic objective of global relevance C in other words, adding value for the organizations that use them all over the world.The principal findings of the survey are as followsISO 90012000 quality management Up to the end of December 2007, at least 951 486 ISO 90012000 certificates had been issued in 175 countries and economies. The 2007 total represents an increase of 54 557  6  over 2006, when the total was 896 929 in 170 countries and economies. Services again accounted for 32  of all certificates issued. The increase appears much smaller than in 2006 16  and according to the survey several factors may have combined to produce this resultThe 2007 survey data collection methodology was strongly refocused on obtaining figures from primary sources, the certification bodies that actually issue certificates, to reduce the increased possibility of error inherent in obtaining data from secondary sources accreditation bodies and databases. This has resulted in the totals for several countries being revised downwards. Certification activity slowed down in anticipation of the forthcoming new edition of ISO 9001, with organizations adopting a wait and see attitude, as many did in the runup to the 2000 edition. The market for certification is maturing in certain countries where this activity began early on. The continuing growth of sector or activityspecific editions of ISO 9001 reduces the number of certifications to the generic standard. The trend for organizations to replace multiplesite certificates by one certificate covering all sites continues, although its extent is difficult to quantify, and also reduces the number of certificates.ISO 140012004 environmental management Up to the end of December 2007, at least 154 572 certificates had been issued in 148 countries and economies. The 2006 total represents an increase of 26 361  21  over 2006, when the total was 128 211 in 140 countries and economies. The service sectors accounted for 29  of certificates issued, up from 27  in 2006.ISOTS 169492002 quality management for automotive suppliers Up to the end of December 2007, at least 35 198 ISOTS 169492002 certificates had been issued in 81 countries and economies. The 2007 total represents an increase of 7 199  26  over 2006 when the total was 27 999 certificates in 78 countries and economies. ISO 134852003 quality management for medical devices Up to the end of December 2007, at least 12 985 ISO 134852003 certificates had been issued in 84 countries and economies. The 2007 total represents an increase of 4 959  62  over 2006 when the total was 8 026 in 81 countries and economies.ISOIEC 270012005 information security management At the end of December 2007, at least 7 732 ISOIEC 270012005 certificates had been issued in 70 countries and economies. The 2007 total represents an increase of 1 935  33  over 2006 when the total was 5 797 in 64 countries and economies. Service sector organizations accounted for 90  of the certificates issued. The survey results continue to shed light on the evolution of the global economy, with newly emerging economies such as China, India, Brazil and the Russian Federation appearing among the leading countries for totals of certificates issued, or growth during 2007. Countries other than the established industrialized economies showing intensive certification actitivity include Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Poland, Romania, Thailand and Turkey.More information ISO makes available the principal findings of the survey free of charge on the ISO Web site. More information, including industry sector breakdowns, can be found in The ISO Survey of Certifications C 2007, which is a combined brochure and CD costing 48 Swiss francs. It is available from ISO national member institutes see the complete list with contact details and from the ISO Central Secretariat through the ISO Store or by contacting the Marketing  Communication department see Sales enquiries, righthand column.This press release was reprinted with permission from ISO.org, and can be seen in its original format at httpwww.iso.orgisopressrelease.htmrefidRef1178]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Adds ISA as Affiliate]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-isa-as-affiliate.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[10 Nov 2008Jacksonville , Florida    Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX has added the certification client data of International Standards Authority, Inc. ISA to its database of internationally certified suppliers.  ISA is one of seventy 70 plus certification bodies accredited by the ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB, which endorsed GQEX, saying GQEX may prove to be the best marketing value available to any certified organization.  As an Affiliate of GQEX, ISA Registrar will directly update their clients certification data in GQEX on a regular basis, providing them with free marketing visibility to buyers worldwide.   Global Quality ExchangeThe Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX offers buyers an easy way to find, compare and manage their internationally certified suppliers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, Email us or visit www.gqex.net ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[QSU Signs Publisher Agreement with Paton Press]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/qsu-signs-publisher-agreement-with-paton-press.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, Florida  Apogee Global Resources, Inc. AGR, the parent company of the Quality Systems Update Publishing Company QSU and the Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX, has signed a publisher agreement with Paton Press, LLC.  Paton Press will assume the publishing and editorial operations of QSUs monthly periodical, the Quality Systems Update.  AGR purchased QSU in 2007, and makes this publishing agreement with Paton Press as a move to streamline costs and improve efficiencies of its operations.  Paton Press currently produces The Auditor periodical, also well known in the quality management industry, and is owned by Scott Paton of Chico, California.  Ron Mathis, president of AGR, said We are pleased to formalize this publishing agreement with Paton Press, and look forward to increasing our QSU customers experience with this respected, decadeold brand.  The existing subscription management, printing and experienced editorial resources of Paton Press will enhance the time to market and professionalism of the QSU, while offering the market a reintroduction to its excellent reporting and affordable subscription price.Apogee Global ResourcesApogee Global Resources, Inc. AGR is a privately held stock corporation making investments in the quality industry.  AGR owns both the Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX, which offers procurement officials an easy way to find and compare internationally certified suppliers, and the Quality Systems Update Publishing Company QSU, which is one of the leading quality industry periodicals.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122 or visit www.gqex.netapogeeglobalresources.php ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX adds McGraw-Hill]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-adds-mcgraw-hill.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, Florida  Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX adds McGrawHill to a list of other well recognized Publisher partners, to include the American Society for Quality ASQ and Paton Press, LLC.  The GQEX store now offers over three hundred 300 titles for sale in one convenient location.  During September 2008, Apogee Global Resources, Inc., the parent company of GQEX, achieved Payment Card Industry PCI compliance as a Level 4 Merchant subject to the Data Security Standard DSS Version 1.1.  For more information on the PCI DSS information security standard, please visit the PCI Security Standards Council website at www.pcisecuritystandards.org. Global Quality ExchangeThe Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX is a business search engine that drives new revenue for qualitycertified corporations by connecting them to industry buyers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., which makes investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122 or visit www.gqex.net ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Launches New Ticker]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-launches-new-ticker.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[New Ticker Faster, Provides More DataThe Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today launched its new version of the Certification Ticker on their Website online at www.gqex.net. This new ticker loads faster on the users screen, consumes less processing power from your computer, and provides more information about quality industry news, ISO certifications and now Product Certifications as well.  Certified companies desiring to promote their quality certifications in order to stand out from their competition can do so by upgrading their free GQEX Listing to an Advertising Package, which includes ticker placement.About GQEXThe Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX is a business search engine that drives new revenue for qualitycertified corporations by connecting them to industry buyers.  GQEX, a Delaware corporation, is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., a Florida corporation making investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please call 866 2253122, or visit www.gqex.net ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Reincorporates in Delaware]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-reincorporates-in-delaware.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, Florida  Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX today announced that it has completed a reincorporation in Delaware.  GQEX was previously incorporated in South Carolina, and moved its company headquarters from Columbia, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida in July 2008.  Ronald D. Mathis, President and CEO of GQEX, stated Changing our state of incorporation to Delaware will enhance our dividend paying flexibility for the benefit of our shareholders and permit the Company to benefit from other numerous advantages of being a Delaware corporation.  GQEX and its parent company, Apogee Global Resources, Inc., completed its first round of financing in October 2008, through various private accredited investors.  Global Quality ExchangeThe Global Quality Exchange, Inc. GQEX provides procurement managers, universities and consumers a unique marketplace to find and compare certified corporate suppliers.  GQEX is a division of privatelyheld Apogee Global Resources, Inc., a Florida based corporation making investments in the quality industry.  To learn more, please visit www.gqex.net ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Signs Agreements with Three New Certification Bodies]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-signs-agreements-with-three-new-certification-bodies.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL  During the month of September 2008, the Global Quality Exchange GQEX signed agreements with three 3 new Certification Bodies which will enable them to promote their customers quality management certifications at the free Basic Level on GQEX. These Certification Bodies are all accredited by the ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB, and they are ISOQAR, National Quality Assurance NQA and TUV SUD America. ANAB has an agreement with Apogee Global Resources to be an affiliate of GQEX. ANAB states that This Website GQEX has the promise to provide a participating certified organization broad marketing and promotion of its accredited certification at a very reasonable rate, which may prove to be the best marketing value available to any certified organization. ANAB supports this initiative to create an opportunity for ANABaccredited CBs to provide this marketing opportunity to their clients. Source www.anab.org. For more information on these Certification Bodies, please go to httpwww.gqex.netaffiliates.php. For more information about Research Subscriptions with GQEX, please go to www.gqex.netresearch.php, or call 866 2253122.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[NSF International & Trucost Form Global Strategic Partnership]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/nsf-international--trucost-form-global-strategic-partnership.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Partnership to Provide New Environmental Services Worldwide LONDON, UK and ANN ARBOR, MI USA  NSF International today announced a global partnership with Trucost Plc. The strategic partnership will provide new environmental measurement, management and reporting products and services by combining Trucosts unique, patented methodology with NSFs environmental certification, verification and auditing services.  NSF, a public health organization based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has also today made a financial commitment to the global partnership by participating in Trucosts latest round of financing.  Simon Thomas, CEO of Trucost said, This is an exciting time for us.NSFs partnership and investment validates Trucosts rigorous and evidencebased approach. We are able to help companies address the business costs of their environmental impacts in a timely, costeffective and comparable manner. The partnership with NSF will leverage the Trucost model as the key to how some of the worlds leading companies address their environmental performance. The agreement expands the global reach of both our companies, said Kevan P. Lawlor, President and CEO of NSF. It will enable NSF to offer carbon traceability, environmental footprinting, supply chain analysis and global benchmarking to NSFs customer base in over 100 countries. In addition to these services, NSFs other green service offeringsinclude The Sustainable Supplier Program, which assists companies in thedevelopment and launch of supplier oversight programs and supply chain sustainability audits. The Sustainable Product Certification Program, which certifiesproducts to U.S. national sustainability standards and verifies a companys green product claim through audits, testing, reviews and protocol development. NSF International Strategic Registrations, which offersenvironmental management systems registrations, including Sustainable Forestry Initiative SFI verification, ISO 14001 registration and Greenhouse Gas GHG verification. WaterSense SM, a voluntary program sponsored by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency EPA that protects the future of our nations water supply by expanding the market for waterefficient products and services. NSF is an EPA Licensed Certification Body for the program. For more information about the partnership or new service offerings, please contact Koen Bontinck, NSF Vice President of International Operations, at t  32 2771 3654, bontincknsf.org mailtobontincknsf.org  or f  32 2 763 0013. For more information on Trucost, please contact Patrick Racz, Head of Partnerships, Trucost Plc at 44 7917 404 473 or patrick.racztrucost.com mailtopatrick.racztrucost.com . About Trucost Plc Trucost Plc is a worldleading environmental research organisation, which helps companies and investors understand the environmental impacts of business activities www.trucost.com httpwww.trucost.com . Trucost provides data and analysis on company emissions and natural resource usage in financial, as well as quantity terms to help investors, fund managers and analysts understand how environmental issues could affect companies future earnings.Institutional investors use the information to assess the carbon or environmental footprints of their portfolios, to identify differences in performance, to address environmental risks and create structured products with lower carbon or environmental impacts. Trucost has offered expert advice and research to major corporations, institutional investors and to government departments and associated agencies since its launch in 2000.  About NSF International NSF International, an independent, notforprofit organisation, helps protect you by certifying products and writing standards for food, water and consumer goods www.nsf.org httpwww.nsf.org . Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.Additional services include safety audits for the food and water industries, management systems registrations delivered through NSF International Strategic Registrations, organic certification provided by Quality Assurance International and education through the NSF Center for Public Health Education. ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Signs Agreements with Four New Certification Bodies]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-signs-agreements-with-four-new-certification-bodies.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL  During the month of August 2008, the Global Quality Exchange GQEX signed agreements with four 4 new Certification Bodies which will allow them to promote their customers quality management certifications at the free Basic Level on GQEX.   These Certification Bodies are all accredited by the ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB, and they are Great Western Registrar, Perry Johnson Registrars, Inc., PRI Registrar and Smithers Quality Assessments.  ANAB has an agreement with Apogee Global Resources to be an affiliate of GQEX. ANAB states that This Website GQEX has the promise to provide a participating certified organization broad marketing and promotion of its accredited certification at a very reasonable rate, which may prove to be the best marketing value available to any certified organization. ANAB supports this initiative to create an opportunity for ANABaccredited CBs to provide this marketing opportunity to their clients. Source www.anab.org.  For more information on these Certification Bodies, please go to httpwww.anab.orgDirectoryDirectorySearch.asp.   For more information about Research Subscriptions with GQEX, please go to www.gqex.netresearch.php, or call 866 2253122.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[GQEX Launches Research Subscription]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/gqex-launches-research-subscription.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL  The Global Quality Exchange GQEX today launched its Research Subscription service for the corporate and academic participants of the quality management industry.  Available as both an individual and corporate group access, this Subscription allows the user to perform advanced searches on ISO certifications by geography, standard and industry codes.  Standards included for review under this Subscription, but not limited to, are ISO 90012004, ISOIEC 270012005, ISO 14001, TS 16949, AS9100, ISO 13485 and ISO 20000.  Other features provided as part of this Research Subscription include the monthly GQEX Global Industry Report, available for download as a PDF file, and a monthly subscription to the Quality Systems Update and Environmental Systems Update electronic periodicals.  For more information about this offering, please visit www.gqex.netresearch.php, or call 866 2253122.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Certification Bodies Announced for LEED Green Building Rating System]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/certification-bodies-announced-for-leed-green-building-rating-system.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Washington, DC July 29, 2008  As a part of the broader vision for LEED V3, thecertification bodies for the LEED Green Building Rating System were announcedtoday. Wellknown and respected for their role in certifying organizations, processesand products to ISO and other standards, they are ABS Quality Evaluations, Inc. httpwww.absqe.com BSI Management Systems America, Inc. httpwww.bsiglobal.com Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. httpwww.us.bureauveritas.com DNV Certification httpwww.dnvcert.com Intertek httpwww.intertek.com KEMARegistered Quality, Inc. httpwww.kema.com Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Inc. httpwww.lrqa.co.uk NSFInternational Strategic Registrations httpwww.nsf.org SRI Quality System Registrar, Inc. httpwww.srii.com Underwriters LaboratoriesDQS Inc. httpwww.ul.commssIn the spirit of the most successful LEED projects, this evolution in the certificationprocess is being undertaken as an integrated part of a major update to the technicalrating system which will debut in January as LEED 2009. The update will also includea comprehensive technology upgrade to LEED Online aimed at improving the userexperience and expanding its portfolio management capabilities.Currently, all LEED project submissions are reviewed by USGBC with the support ofindependently contracted reviewers. In alignment with its vision of markettransformation, beginning in January 2009, the U.S. Green Building Council USGBC,developers of LEED, will move administration of the LEED certification process to theGreen Building Certification Institute GBCI, a nonprofit organization established in2007 with the support of USGBC. Working together with the selected certificationbodies, GBCI will deliver a substantially improved, ISO compliant certification processthat will be able to grow with the green building movement.During the past year, the dramatic growth in the number of LEED project certificationschallenged us to apply our mission of market transformation to ourselves, commentedUSGBC President, CEO, and Founding Chairman Rick Fedrizzi. By learning fromISO, engaging with worldclass certification bodies, and focusing on our mission, wevebeen able to create a solution that will expand our capacity to serve the community while letting USGBC continue to focus on improving the LEED rating system anddelivering exceptional green building education.Thirdparty certification is the hallmark of the LEED program, added Alice Soulek, VPof LEED Development. Moving the administration of LEED certification under GBCIwill continue to support market transformation by delivering auditable thirdpartycertification. Importantly, it also allows UGSBC to stick to the knitting of advancing thetechnical and scientific basis of LEED.GBCI currently administers the LEED Accredited Professional program, in alignmentwith ANSI requirements for professional certifications.About USGBCThe U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose visionis a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includescorporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofitorganizations. Since USGBCs founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than16,500 member organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED green building ratingsystems, an expansive educational offering, the industrys popular GreenbuildInternational Conference and Expo www.greenbuildexpo.org, and a network of 78local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups. For more information, visitwww.usgbc.org.About GBCIEstablished as a 501c6 nonprofit organization in 2007 with the support of the U.S.Green Building Council, the Green Building Certification Institute GBCI administerscredentialing programs related to green building practice. Programs administered byGBCI support the application of proven consensus strategies for measuring andimproving the performance of the built environment, including the LEED AccreditedProfessional program and the LEED Green Building Rating System. For moreinformation, please visit www.gbci.org.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Peak 10 Furnishes FullyManaged Virtual Environment for Apogee Global Resources Jacksonville Headquarters]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/peak-10-furnishes-fullymanaged-virtual-environment-for-apogee-global-resources-jacksonville-headquarters.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[JACKSONVILLE, Fla. 8 July 2008  Peak 10 Inc., the leading independent data center operator and managed services provider, announced today it has added Apogee Global Resources, Inc. to its diverse customer portfolio. Apogee helps enterpriseclass companies deliver products and services to meet international quality standards. The company will receive a fullymanaged virtual environment out of Peak 10s stateoftheart Jacksonville facility. Apogee is relocating its headquarters from Columbia, South Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, which involves a merging of all company data and the consolidation of its division Web sites to the Peak 10 data center. Peak 10 will facilitate the companys data management and consolidation by providing Apogee with virtualization services as well as regular backups and network security to ensure data protection. We are delighted to have Peak 10 as a strategic partner and service provider, stated Ron Mathis, chief executive officer of Apogee Global Resources. Their managed services and support will help accommodate our restructuring and scalability for future growth as Jacksonville, Florida becomes our new corporate home. We are happy to be able to provide Apogee Global Resources with the services and support it needs, especially during a company move, said Allen Skipper, vice president and general manager of Peak 10 Jacksonville. Because of the breadth of our managed services, Apogee has a wide variety of reliable options available for the support and management of its business applications and technology infrastructure. Peak 10 Jacksonvilles managed IT and data center services improve reliability, increase revenue growth, lower costs and maximize internal resources for customers while keeping their valuable information technology assets close to the business. The company combines its secure network, hightech data centers and portfolio of managed services with localized engineering and support to serve marketleading companies nationwide. Peak 10 owns and operates multiple data centers in nine key markets that include Cincinnati, Ohio Atlanta, Ga. Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C. Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla. Nashville, Tenn. Louisville, Ky. and Richmond, Va. Apogee Global Resources, Inc. 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  Peak 10, Inc. Peak 10 is the leading independent data center operator and managed services provider delivering scalable, economical and reliable solutions for hosting and managing complex information technology infrastructure. The company combines its worldclass data centers and portfolio of managed services with localized engineering and support to serve marketleading companies including LendingTree, Rivals.com, Global Knowledge, Pergo, Churchill Downs and The Fresh Market. Peak 10 is SAS 70 Type II compliant and helps companies meet the requirements of various regulatory compliance acts such as SarbanesOxley SOX, HIPAA, PCI and GrammLeachBliley GLBA. For more information on data center solutions from Peak 10, visit www.peak10.com]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[UL DQS Signs Agreement for GQEX and QSU Services]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/ul-dqs-signs-agreement-for-gqex-and-qsu-services.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Jacksonville, FL 07 July 2008  Apogee Global Resources, Inc. AGR, your worldwide business partner, has signed an agreement to market and promote ISO 9001 and other management system certificates awarded by UL DQS, Inc. and to provide UL DQS Inc. clients with a cobranded electronic subscription to leading industry publication Quality Systems Update QSU. The agreement provides an opportunity for UL DQSclients to be listed on Apogees Global Quality Exchange GQEX for management system certificates, product certification and auditors. The GQEX certification ticker appears, or will soon be posted, on popular web sites operated by QSU Publishing, a division of Apogee, as well as the web sites of partner organizations, including the ANSIASQ National Accreditation Board ANAB in the United States and the Latin American organization for quality, Instituto Latinoamericano de la Calidad A.C. INLAC.Many certification bodies talk about adding value to their management system certification program, but UL DQS is the first Big Ten Registrar to play an active role in promoting the certification investments of its clients, says Ganesh Rao, who heads UL DQS. At the same time were also providing our clients with one of industrys best resources to stay abreast of important developments with respect to management systems.Located at www.GQEX.net on the World Wide Web, the GQEX ticker incorporates a traditional stock ticker format. But rather than reporting on stock activity, GQEX provides a worldwide marketing presence to certified organizations. The service was built upon the recently upgraded worldwide database of QSU Publishing, the largest global listing of certified suppliers anywhere in the world.In recent weeks, GQEX has announced agreements with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership SCMEP program, INLAC and ANAB  the recognized US body that accredits certification bodies to audit and certify the management systems of client organizations. Most certification bodies market their own services, but UL DQS has taken a leadership position in promoting its clients, explains Ronald D. Mathis, president and chief executive officer of Apogee Global Resources Inc. In a difficult economy, UL DQS has demonstrated the kind of outofthe box thinking that clients need to stay competitive.Quality Systems Update QSU, which was recently acquired by Apogee, is widely regarded as the definitive journal for management systems information, having broken every major development involving the ISO 9000 standards on quality management systems over the past 15 years. Apogee Global Resources, Inc. Headquartered in the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area, 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.  UL DQSUL DQS was recently formed by a merger of the management systems certification business of Underwriters Laboratories and DQS GmbH. This merger will meet the growing market demand to offer a full suite of services to customers who are expanding globally. It will also enable UL to provide a broader scope of management system registration services to better serve its valued customers.  ULs worldwide family of companies and network of service providers includes 62 laboratory, testing and certification facilities serving customers with business operations on six continents. DQS, a German Registrar for Management Systems, was founded in 1985 by the German Institute for Standardization DIN and the German Society for Quality DGQ as the first German registrar for management systems. With offices in more than 30 countries, DQS performs assessments to more than 70 recognized standards and technical or industryspecific specifications, as well as intracompany requirements. ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Global Quality Exchange Signs Agreement with South Carolina MEP ]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/global-quality-exchange-signs-agreement-with-south-carolina-mep-.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Columbia, SC 9 June 2008  Global Quality Exchange GQEX, the worlds first realtime Webbased 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 organizations 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 ANSIASQ 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.  SCMEPThe South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership SCMEP, headquartered in Columbia, SC, is a notforprofit 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 SCMEPs 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.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Global Quality Exchange Launches User Group on LinkedIn]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/global-quality-exchange-launches-user-group-on-linkedin.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Columbia, SC 12 May 2008  Global Quality Exchange, the worlds first realtime Webbased exchange for management system certificates, announced today that it has launched a free GQEX Listed user group on LinkedIn.Located at www.LinkedIn.com on the World Wide Web, LinkedIn is an online network of more than 20 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.  LinkedIn is free to join, and its LinkedIn Groups offers extra features to groupbased organizations to help their members stay in touch with one another and discover powerful new business contacts within their groups and beyond.Ronald D. Mathis, president of Apogee Global Resources Inc., the parent of GQEX, noted that the creation of a LinkedIn Group for GQEX Listed companies is an important tool to ensure the continual improvement of GQEX services for its audience, the customers of the quality management systems industry.The GQEX Listed LinkedIn Group provides a way for our customers to give feedback to the organization and build an inclusive community of users around the world, Mathis said.  We are excited to roll out this valueadded service to our GQEX Listed corporations and auditors.Apogee Global Resources officially unveiled its GQEX product at the 2008 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Houston earlier this month.  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.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Global Quality Exchange Signs Agreement with ANAB]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/global-quality-exchange-signs-agreement-with-anab.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Columbia, SC 12 May 2008  Global Quality Exchange, the worlds first realtime Webbased exchange for management system certificates, announced today that it has signed a services agreement with the ASQANSI National Accreditation Board ANAB.Based in Milwaukee, ANAB is the U.S. accreditation body for management systems certification bodies CBs. ANAB accredits CBs that in turn audit and certify the quality management systems of client organizations that conform to ISO 90012000, other management systems standards, and numerous industryspecific requirements.  Located at www.GQEX.net on the World Wide Web, GQEX incorporates and builds upon the acquired worldwide database of WhosRegistered.com Global, the largest global listing of certified suppliers anywhere in the world.As part of the agreement, ANAB will include the GQEX scrolling ticker on the ANAB Web site www.anab.org.The Global Quality Exchange is a marketing tool that ANAB is supporting for our certified bodies to use and to offer to their clients with an ANAB accredited certification, said John J. Knappenberger, ANAB President. The realtime information available from GQEX is intended to make searching for suppliers with certified quality management certificates easy and fast.   Ronald D. Mathis, president of Apogee Global Resources Inc., the parent of GQEX, noted that the agreement with ANAB is an important milestone in the development of this new service.ANAB is one of the leading accreditation bodies in the world, Mathis said.We are honored and encouraged that ANAB has agreed to partner with us.Apogee Global Resources officially unveiled its GQEX product at the 2008 ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement in Houston earlier this month.   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.]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Former US Ambassador Joins Board of Apogee Global Resources]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/former-us-ambassador-joins-board-of-apogee-global-resources.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Columbia, SC 24 Apr 2008  Apogee Global Resources, Inc. has named Edward W. Skip Gnehm Jr. to its board of directors.Ambassador Gnehm is a well respected diplomat and will greatly assist us with international business development, says Ronald D. Mathis, President of Apogee Global Resources. We are excited to have Skip on the team.Ambassador Gnehm has had a distinguished career in government, as Ambassador to Kuwait 199194, Australia 200001, and Jordan 200104. He also served as Director General of the Foreign Service from 19972000 and was Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations with the rank of Ambassador from 19941997. Ambassador Gnehm was born in Carrolton, Georgia. He graduated from The George Washington University with a B.A. in 1966 and an M.A. in 1968. While at GW he served as president of the student body. From 19661967, he attended the American University in Cairo, Egypt, under a postgraduate Rotary International Fellowship and completed a year of graduate study at the American University in Cairo, Egypt in 1968. Ambassador Gnehm joined the U.S. Department of State in 1969 and has forged a long and distinguished diplomatic career. His positions included Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Personnel for the Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Near East and South Asian Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Near East and South Asia Deputy Chief of Mission, American Embassy, Amman, Jordan, and Embassy Sanaa, Yemen head of the U.S. Liaison Office, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Deputy Principal Officer, U.S. Interests Section, Damascus, Syria. Ambassador Gnehm received two Presidential Meritorious Service Awards in 1990 for his public service as Assistant Secretary of Defense, and in 1991 for his service as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State. He is also the recipient of several State Department awards, including Superior Honor Awards for his service in Kuwait and Riyadh, in Washington as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and in Taif, Saudi Arabia as Special Envoy to the Kuwaiti Government and Meritorious Honor Awards for his work in Damascus and Beirut. He was awarded two Secretary of Defense Medals for Meritorious Civilian Service one by Secretary of Defense Carlucci for his service in the office of the Secretary of Defense and a second by Secretary of Defense Perry for his support to U.S. forces during and after Desert Storm. In 1992 Ambassador Gnehm received The George Washington Universitys Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. He served seven years as a member of The George Washington University Board of Trustees and was a member of the boards Executive Committee and chairman of the Student Affairs Committee. He also served as Vice President of the General Alumni Association. Ambassador Gnehm is currently on the faculty of the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University.  He also serves on the Executive Committee of the National U.S.Arab Chamber of Commerce and as an executive board member of the KuwaitiAmerican Alliance.  Ambassador Gnehm was also elected to the Academy of American Diplomacy, an organization of 300 of the most senior former American diplomats. With Skips arrival, the Apogee Board collectively has 300 years of business experience and more than 100 years of quality management experience, Mathis adds. 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. ]]></description>
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				<title><![CDATA[Sound Transit becomes sixth U.S. transit agency certified for embracing international environmental standards]]></title>
				<link>http://www.gqex.net/rss/sound-transit-becomes-sixth-us-transit-agency-certified-for-embracing-international-environmental-standards.php</link>
				<description><![CDATA[Sound Transit today became the sixth transit agency in the United States, and the first on the West Coast, to hold itself accountable for achieving rigorous international standards for promoting environmental sustainability.A news conference today highlighted 2008 sustainability goals that span more than 50 areas of agency operations, ranging from reducing the amount of fuel consumed by commuter trains to purchasing green office supplies. Each year an independent firm will audit Sound Transits efforts.We all know that expanding mass transit and giving commuters an option other than their cars is the single biggest thing we can do to reduce greenhouse gases and combat global warming, but simply providing transit isnt enough, said Sound Transit Board Chair and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. Government needs to lead by example when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions We will also set an example for embracing the kinds of everyday practices that all organizations and households can follow to help reduce greenhouse gasses.What we have are measurable targets, tangible goals, and actions that we will continue to take at every level of the agency, Nickels said.Lloyds Register Quality Assurance, an independent and globally accredited registrar, today announced its certificate of approval for Sound Transits environmental management system against the internationally recognized ISO 14001 standard. The ISO 14001 standard is managed and monitored by the International Organization for Standardization, known as the ISO. The Switzerlandbased organization is a network of the national standards institutes representing 157 countries.Last summer, the Sound Transit Board adopted a Sustainability Initiative integrating sustainable business practices throughout the agency. Since then, agency staff has been hard at work implementing that direction. Sound Transits plan for addressing climate change includes measurable targets related to fuels, vehicles, and emissions ecosystem protection green procurement recycling and waste prevention energy and water conservation sustainable design and building and education and awareness. The agencys Environmental and Sustainability Management System ESMS was developed and implemented to manage this effort.At the news conference today, a representative of Londonbased Lloyds Register Quality Assurance presented Sound Transit with a certificate of compliance for its environmental management system against the ISO 14001 environmental standard. To meet the requirements, an organization must put in place management tools enabling it to identify and control the environmental impact of its activities, products or services and to improve its environmental performance continually. It must implement a systematic approach to setting environmental objectives and targets and to demonstrating that they have been achieved.Sound Transit is more than just an environmentally conscious organization. Its an organization that takes proactive measures to mitigate, manage and improve its environmental impacts, said Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President of Lloyds Register Quality Assurance, Inc., the independent and globally accredited auditing firm that approved the ISO 14001 certification of Sound Transits Environmental and Sustainability Management System. Sound Transit has implemented an environmental management system which takes all aspects of its business into account. This is not easy to do. Taking the time to place as much of an investment in the welfare of its community and the environment as it does in its everyday business is more than commendable, its impressive.The Federal Transit Administration interests are to ensure that the projects we fund are high quality transit projects that meet all local, state and federal environmental laws and standards. Thats why we provided extensive training over a yearlong period on Environmental Management Systems to 10 transit agencies, including Sound Transit, said Richard Krochalis, Regional Administrator for the Federal Transit Administrations Region 10 office in Seattle. We applaud Sound Transit as one of the graduates of our environmental management training, to have taken the initiative to more fully develop their policies and procedures and to seek approval, and now gain certification from the International Organization for Standardization.Climate change is the greatest challenge we face in the fight for vibrant, healthy communities. In Washington State, singleoccupancy vehicles are responsible for roughly half of our climate change emissions, said Jessyn Farrell, Executive Director of Transportation Choices Coalition. We all know that Sound Transit is a leader in providing mass transit options for our region, giving commuters the option of reducing their own carbon footprint by using mass transit. Today we see Sound Transit emerging as a national and international leader in incorporating and integrating environmental protection and sustainability into the heart of their business operations.Sound Transit is committed to minimizing our own carbon footprint by integrating sustainable business practices throughout the agency, said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl. Environmental protection and sustainability is at the heart of who we are as a transit agency, providing multimodal options other than cars for our region. Now with our Boards leadership through the Sustainability Initiative and our internationally recognized management system, environmental protection is also at the heart of what every employee does each day.Transit is key to responding to climate change because it connects communities, reduces vehicle miles traveled and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Climate experts nationwide agree that drastically reducing overall vehicle miles traveled is required to slash emissions and improve air quality. Public transit offers residents the chance to make a positive contribution to the environment.Sound Transit provides transportation choices to the states most populous region, with nearly three million people and approximately 40 percent of the states population. Sound Transits ST Express buses and Link light rail and Sounder commuter rail trains carry more than 50,000 riders each weekday. Ridership will increase when the Link light rail line connecting downtown Seattle and the airport opens in 2009 and with the extension northward to the University of Washington that Sound Transit is working to start building in 2008. Sound Transit is currently working with the residents and leaders of the more than 50 cities in the Sound Transit District to identify regional transit service expansions for submission to voters as part of a future ballot measure.Sound Transit and the Environment    ]]></description>
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