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
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501-804-7409

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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MEMS Hosts Ribbon Cutting of New Station in North Little Rock

Approved photos of the facility can be downloaded from this link.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (June 17, 2025) - MEMS hosted a ribbon cutting today for its new station in North Little Rock to be called “MEMS North.” Located at 711 W. 29th St., North Little Rock, AR 72114, the facility was recently remodeled after MEMS purchased the budling from the City of North Little Rock in 2023.

North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick joined Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS, Derrell Hartwick, president & CEO of North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, and Bob Butler, vice president of Alessi Keyes to mark the occasion.

“We are excited for MEMS to have a physical presence in North Little Rock. MEMS continues to provide life-saving services for our residents. This longtime partnership is such a positive force in our city,” said Mayor Hartwick.

The 4,800-square foot building will host an auxiliary communications center, crew rest area including restrooms and showers, as well as a training area for MEMS and other first responders. Renovations on the facility were led by Alessi Keyes Construction.

“MEMS is honored to serve the North Little Rock and surrounding areas” said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. “This facility is a testament to our commitment to provide the highest quality of care for these communities.”

About MEMS MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2001, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers.

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Media Contact: Aaron Gilkey

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEMS Recognizes Team That Saved Life of Child in Cabot

Photo available at this link

CABOT, Ark. (Aug. 7, 2024) - Today, MEMS recognized 18 Cabot Aquatic Center lifeguards and staff for rescuing a 3-year-old from a near-drowning incident.

On Memorial Day, May 27, 2024, Cabot 911 received a call from the Cabot Aquatic Park in reference to a 3-year-old who had been pulled from the pool by lifeguard staff who were performing CPR. Cabot Fire and Police arrived on the scene and reported to MEMS that the child was unconscious but breathing.

MEMS medics transported the child to Arkansas Children's Hospital emergently. Upon arrival to the ER, the child was crying and saying, "Mommy" before they cleared from the hospital.

Due to the training and quick response by Aquatic Center staff, the child was discharged the next day, healthy, with full neurological function.

Recognized today were:

Kelly Lewis, Hannah Salser, Regan Adcock, Bryce Strasner, Chris Geater, Jessica Tenorio, Jay Means, Sara Davis, Eli Young, James Bolton, Paisley Hicks, Sam Rogers, Emory Koch, Hayes Cox, Isabella Grihalva, Madison Holmes-Jared, Yajaira Galicia, Laura Davis

Each of these individuals played a crucial role in the chain of survival, whether rescuing, performing CPR, assisting in ventilation, retrieving and operating the AED, calling 911, consoling parents, controlling observers, directing first responders, and more.

"The staff and leadership of the Cabot Aquatics Center should be commended for their training that prepared them to act in a time of crisis," said Greg Thompson, executive director of MEMS. "Their prompt efforts to rescue and provide proper CPR undoubtedly saved the life of this child. It is an honor to recognize these community heroes and thank them for their service."

MEMS encourages everyone to learn CPR and offers free Family and Friends CPR classes and can teach American Heart Association CPR. If you are interested, please get in touch with MEMS at 501-301-1400.

About MEMS

MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties and the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood, and Cabot, MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and more than 400,000 people. Since 2001, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. 

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Little Rock, Arkansas Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) has become a trailblazer in the State of Arkansas by becoming the first Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider to integrate their Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system with the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange (SHARE) Health Information Exchange (HIE). This pioneering move involves the integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR system with SHARE HIE, marking a significant advancement in healthcare interoperability and setting a benchmark for other EMS providers in the state.

Pioneering Integration

MEMS’s decision to integrate their ESO EHR with SHARE HIE demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to improving patient care and streamlining communication across various healthcare providers. This integration ensures that critical patient information collected by MEMS during emergency responses is seamlessly and securely shared with hospitals, clinics, primary care providers (PCPs), behavioral health (BH) providers, and other members of the patient care team in real-time.

Enhancing Continuity of Care

The integration of MEMS’s ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR) with SHARE HIE brings numerous benefits, including:

1. Improved Patient Outcomes: By providing healthcare providers with immediate access to up-to-date emergency medical data, clinicians can make more informed decisions, leading to better patient outcomes. For instance, having access to vital information such as medications administered, vital signs, and patient history during an EMS transport can be crucial during the initial treatment phases in the emergency department (ED).
2. Streamlined Workflows: The seamless exchange of data reduces the need for redundant data entry and minimizes the risk of errors. This integration allows for a more efficient workflow as healthcare providers can quickly access and review the EMS reports within their own EHR systems.
3. Enhanced Communication: The real-time sharing of information ensures that all members of the patient care team are on the same page, facilitating better coordination and communication among EMS, ED, and other healthcare providers. This is particularly beneficial in critical and time-sensitive situations.

A Model for Others

The successful integration of MEMS’s ESO EHR with SHARE HIE sets a precedent for other EMS providers in Arkansas and beyond. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of interoperability, MEMS serves as a model for other EMS organizations aiming to enhance their service delivery and patient care using advanced health information technology.

“Integrating our ESO EHR with SHARE HIE represents a significant milestone for MEMS and the broader healthcare community in Arkansas. This integration ensures that our emergency medical services are seamlessly connected with hospitals and other healthcare providers, enabling us to deliver the highest quality of care to our patients. We are proud to lead the way in this important initiative and are confident that it will serve as a model for others to enhance interoperability and patient outcomes across the state.”– Greg Thompson, Executive Director of Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS)

A Unified Vision for Better Healthcare

The collaboration between MEMS and SHARE HIE underscores the commitment to a unified vision for better healthcare in Arkansas. By breaking down data silos and fostering a more connected healthcare ecosystem, this integration paves the way for a future where comprehensive patient information is readily accessible, leading to more coordinated and effective care.

Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services’ integration with SHARE HIE is a landmark achievement in the quest for improved healthcare interoperability in Arkansas. This forward-thinking initiative not only enhances the quality and efficiency of emergency medical care but also serves as an inspiration for other EMS providers to follow suit. As MEMS continues to lead the way, the benefits of this integration will undoubtedly ripple across the entire healthcare continuum, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes for patients statewide.

About Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS):  MEMS is a public, non-profit entity, and is governed by the Little Rock Ambulance Authority (LRAA). Serving Pulaski and Grant Counties, the cities of Maumelle, Sherwood & Cabot. MEMS covers approximately 1,800 square miles and over 400,000 people.
Since 2001, MEMS has been accredited with the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) which signifies a “Gold Standard” in emergency medical service providers. Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services is committed to providing high-quality on-scene, pre-hospital, and transport care to the residents and visitors in the MEMS service area, all while improving the quality of life in our communities.