Quality Improvement Council

In September 2000 the Employee Quality Improvement Council was formed. This group consists of three department heads and one bargaining unit employee from each department. Its purpose is to identify and resolve selected organizational issues using consensus-oriented problem solving and decision-making tools and processes. Some objectives are:

• Foster and improve employee relations
  
• Streamline work processes
  
• Provide exceptional customer service
  
• Support the completion of CEC's business plan

The bargaining agreement component is the driving force behind this Council. The group meets quarterly. It supports CEC's strategic plan and provides good timing for cultural change and employee training.

This Council serves as an advisory to the General Manager and forwards recommendations to him for review and consideration. It supports agreed upon actions and helps implement change. Some of the areas addressed by the Council include employee relations, organizational effectiveness, customer service, and departmental and cross-organizational work processes.

Over the past years, the following issues have been addressed by the Council and implemented:

• Steamlined material handling and storage practices
• Improved the reliability of field communications
• Addressed vehicle maintenance and replacement schedule
  
• Improved employee understanding of regulatory impacts
  
• Monitored implementation of electric service inspections

The QIC is an effective tool that supports CEC's mission and vision. Improvements resulting from Council meetings are easily measured, arrived at through teamwork and cooperation, result in cost savings or expense reduction, but most importantly they improve productivity and boost employee morale.