Bowen’s SQP (Safe-Quality-Production) training sessions include exercises to emphasize how SQP can be incorporated in all types of activities, both business and personal. Bowen Senior Vice President and Division Manager Jeff Purdue recently attended a Construction Industry Institute course in which the group participated in a bicycle building competition. The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate how proper planning positively affects the process of building a project. The exercise was so successful, that upon learning about it, the Bowen SQP Steering Committee decided to incorporate a similar competition into the spring 2009 SQP training program that was held at Bowen’s corporate headquarters.
Participants were divided into 2 teams. The 1st team was directed to build a bicycle with no instructions and very little guidance. The 2nd team was provided complete instructions, guidance, sketches of the complete bicycle, and all the tools required to get the job done. Needless to say, the team with no guidance had a very difficult time assembling a bicycle within the required time frame, while the team that had guidance was able to complete the bicycle well within in the time frame. After the exercise, both bicycles were checked for proper assembly, quality and safety to ensure that they were safe for use.
On June 5th, Doug Bowen presented the bicycles to two children that are scheduled to receive a Big Brother or Big Sister through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters selected these children so that they would not give up hope. Pictured with Doug are Little Sister Knijha, who is 11 years old and attends IPS School 14, and Nathan, who is 10 years old and attends Greenbriar School.
Both children were excited. Knijha says “I will be riding all over the place on my new bike!” and Nathan says “Now I can ride to the candy store!”
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Indianapolis will soon be presenting a Lunch & Learn session to inform our staff about their organization and opportunities for employees to participate. Springmill Elementary School, which is ½ mile from Bowen’s new office, is a active partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters and would be a nice fit for Bowen employees looking for an opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life.
Doug Bowen states, “We all should strive to provide hope for kids in need. Having a genuine concern for others can make all the difference in the world!”
Click here for more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana and here for information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
