American Productivity & Quality Center, Inc.
The not-for-profit APQC focuses on providing professional development, conducting and publishing research, and advising companies about maximizing productivity and improving quality. Members of the organization, including A.T. Kearney and Raytheon, have access to original research, journals and trade publications, discounted professional development conferences, and a directory of other members. Founded in 1977, the APQC was a force in the creation of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award given by the President of the United States to businesses for special achievement.