MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Department of Commerce has earned ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system, becoming the first statewide economic development agency in the nation to achieve the internationally recognized standard.
ISO 9001 is one of the world’s most recognized quality management standards, evaluating an organization’s process consistency, customer focus, risk management and commitment to continuous improvement. Commerce earned certification with unconditional approval, the highest possible audit result.
“This certification reinforces what we in Alabama already know — the Alabama Department of Commerce’s management systems, professionalism and reliability are second to none,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
“Receiving unconditional approval demonstrates that Commerce is not only meeting the highest international standards, but is committed to continually improving the way we serve the people of Alabama and our business community. Alongside AIDT’s longstanding ISO certification, this achievement demonstrates that Alabama is delivering results with excellence, consistency and accountability.”
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the certification will be particularly meaningful to the companies Commerce works with every day, many of which operate under ISO standards themselves.
“ISO certification is especially prominent in manufacturing, where companies around the world recognize it as a benchmark for quality and operational excellence,” McNair said. “Our clients will immediately understand that Commerce is committed to disciplined processes, continuous improvement and the highest level of customer service.
“Last year alone, Commerce announced 234 new and expanding industry projects representing $14.6 billion in capital investment. Results of that magnitude require an outstanding team and strong organizational systems. This certification validates the work our team does every day to deliver for Alabama.”
Commerce’s certification builds on the longstanding ISO credentials of AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency. AIDT has maintained ISO certification for more than 20 years and successfully renewed its certification in April. It is the only statewide workforce training agency in the nation to hold the certification.
“There is a direct connection between AIDT’s commitment to ISO quality standards and its consistent recognition as a national best practice in workforce development,” McNair said. “We wanted to bring that same disciplined approach to quality management and continuous improvement to Commerce.”
Ed Castile, who retired earlier this year after 33 years as director of AIDT, led the effort to secure AIDT’s original ISO certification more than two decades ago. Castile also helped guide Commerce through its ISO preparation and will continue to serve as Commerce’s quality manager.
“This is about much more than a certificate on the wall,” Castile said. “It’s about having processes that are consistent, measurable and focused on the customer — and having the people and leadership in place to continually make those processes better. Having both Commerce and AIDT operate to internationally recognized quality-management standards strengthens the results we can deliver for Alabama businesses and communities.”
The significance of Commerce’s achievement was also recognized by McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.
“We’re excited to see the Alabama Department of Commerce reach this milestone and appreciate the hard work that went into the process,” said Elizabeth Murthy, partner at McKinsey & Company. “This achievement speaks to the professionalism and dedication of the Commerce team.”
Media Release/Ellen McNair (CEcD)
Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce
