Branch-Smith Printing -- Branching Out

The award is presented annually (although not necessarily in every category) to companies with exemplary achievements in seven areas: leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, information and analysis, human resource focus, process management and results.

All applicants for the Baldrige Award undergo a rigorous examination process that involves a minimum of 300 hours of review by an independent board of examiners, primarily from the private sector. Final-stage applicants receive about 1,000 hours of review and are visited by teams of examiners to clarify questions and to verify information. Each applicant receives a report citing strengths and opportunities for improvement.