FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Twelve Arkansas Organizations Recognized with 2025 Governor’s Quality Awards

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (October 16, 2025) — The Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) honored twelve outstanding Arkansas organizations at the 31st Annual Governor’s Quality Award Celebration, held at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. The awards, presented by Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge, celebrate organizations across industries that are raising the bar for quality and performance excellence in our state.

“These organizations represent the heart of what the Governor’s Quality Award program is all about — growth through continuous improvement,” said Trish Villines, Executive Director of the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence. “This is not a one-time achievement but a journey that challenges leaders to look inward, strengthen their systems, and use data to make a real difference for their employees, customers, and communities. Each organization recognized tonight has taken meaningful steps toward building a stronger, more resilient Arkansas.”

Governor’s Quality Award Recipients

• Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence
• Quadrivium, Inc. – Springdale

A cybersecurity and information technology firm serving businesses across Arkansas, Quadrivium earned the program’s highest honor by demonstrating excellence in leadership, strategic planning, customer engagement, workforce development, and measurable results.

Achievement Award

• L’Oréal USA – North Little Rock

L’Oréal’s North Little Rock manufacturing facility was recognized for its systematic processes, data-driven improvements, and strong culture of innovation and employee engagement.

Commitment Awards

• Baptist Health Medical Center – North Little Rock
• Metropolitan EMS (MEMS) – Little Rock

These healthcare organizations were honored for establishing strong foundational systems that drive consistency, continuous learning, and measurable improvements in service delivery.

Challenge Awards

• Bio-Tech Pharmacal, Inc. – Fayetteville
• Brookridge Cove Rehabilitation and Care Center – Morrilton
• Delta Memorial Hospital – Dumas
• Goodwill Industries of Arkansas – Little Rock
• The Greenbrier Companies, Inc. – Paragould | Marmaduke
• ICM – Little Rock
• Twin Rivers Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center – Arkadelphia
• University of Arkansas – East Arkansas Community College – Forrest City

These organizations completed the foundational level of the Governor’s Quality Award journey by defining their missions, customers, and strategic challenges — and taking their first formal step toward long-term performance excellence.

About the Program:

The Governor’s Quality Award Program, administered by the Arkansas Institute for Performance Excellence (AIPE) in partnership with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, helps Arkansas organizations of all sizes strengthen their performance and achieve sustainable success.

Using the Baldrige Excellence Framework, the program guides organizations through a multi-level process — from establishing foundational systems at the Challenge level to demonstrating world-class results at the Governor’s Award level. Each stage provides valuable feedback and a roadmap for improvement, supporting a statewide culture of excellence.

Since its inception, only 26 Arkansas organizations have reached the program’s highest distinction — the Governor’s Award for Performance Excellence — placing them among an elite group of role models in organizational performance and leadership.

Media Contact:
Trish Villines
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
501-804-7409

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