The Business Directions Initiatives (B.I.D) world congress, with meetings over the past ten months in Paris, London, Madrid, Geneva, Frankfurt and New York has gathered companies from 118 countries.  During that time, participating leaders were requested to submit their proposals for the 36^th International Arch of Europe Award for Quality (IAE)  in Frankfurt, on June 28, 2010.

 On the basis of IAE regulations and criteria of the QC100 Total Quality Management Model EXECUTIVE BOARD OF HEALTH MINISTERS’ COUNCIL FOR GCC STATES  has been designated to receive the International Arch of Europe Award in the Gold category in Frankfurt.

 The award presentation took place in Frankfurt on Monday 16 Rajab, 1431/ June 28^th, 2010 in the spectacular annual meeting.  This prize is given from leaders to leaders, where as mentioned corporations and organizations from 118 countries recommended the Executive Board, HMC/GCC to this international prize in recognition to its outstanding contribution in application of quality criteria, and work towards dissemination of the quality  culture and strengthening relations with various parties, in addition to the effective leadership of the Director General.

This came based on a letter from Jose E. Prieto, president and CEO of Business Initiative Directions that the Executive Board had been awarded the Gold Category, Frankfurt 2010 International Arch of Europe Award.   

The international Arch of Europe Award (IAE) of Business initiative Directions (B.I.D) is presented in recognition of those companies or organizations in different countries throughout the world that further their reputation and position by implementing and promoting quality culture.

The award recognizes and encourages the contribution of companies and organization to quality, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction as well as improving relations with employees, suppliers and all those associated with the company.

The jury which designates the companies awarded are formed by the leaders of those companies having received the award in previous years for their merits and contribution to quality and excellence in those companies which they direct.

Selection to the award is done  through a system of votes, polls and recommendations. Companies awarded in previous years have the privilege of voting for companies that they know or with which they have business relations. It is a secret vote. Companies who wish to apply for a B.I.D. award have the opportunity of voting through the polls that the organization sends by mail. Business Initiative Directions also carries out telephone polls among regular clients and companies and organizations with which it works. They respond to the questions and give their vote. Another form of voting is through the form available on the B.I.D. web page, through which a company from any country can propose a candidate from any part of the world.

All of the information collected through the aforementioned methods is delivered to the International Arch of Europe Selection Committee, formed by business leaders in different sectors who vote for other business leaders. This is matched with information from the press and advertising agencies, consulting firms, embassies, national chambers of commerce, specialized trade fairs, publications in written and digital format, both public and acquired through purchase.

Voting  is made by presidents, managers and management personnel of companies and organizations oriented towards quality and who admire your company and believe you to merit this award.

The International Arch of Europe jury is made up of experienced professionals of the business world, specialized in quality, excellence and attention to the client. It is presided by Jose E. Prieto, CEO of B.I.D. and President of the International Arch of Europe. Alfonso Casal,  PhD in physics and mathematics and Professor of the University of Madrid is the Vice President of the International Arch of Europe and the doctors Antonio Martínez and Enrique Llorente are co-authors of the QC100 model. Presidents of companies awarded in previous years collaborate voluntarily with the jury, presenting other candidates for the International Arch of Europe.

The members of the jury analyze information submitted by the B.I.D. Evaluation Committee, formed by business leaders of different sectors. After the candidates are evaluated, the nominees are presented for voting.

The decision about which of the nominees are finally awarded is taken by the members of the International Arch of Europe Council and Evaluation Committee, presided by Jose E. Prieto, CEO of B.I.D. and President of the International Arch of Europe and Alfonso Casal, International Arch of Europe Vice President, as well as the International Arch of Europe Secretary and four members of the Council.

The prize comprises a plaque and a certificate signed by the president of B.I.D. which acknowledges the  awardation of the Executive Board and the Director General of the prize for the immeasurable contribution to the business world, for high studying and professionalism demonstrated by the prestigious performance, so presenting the Arch of Europe for Quality and Technology in Gold Category.

 --------------------------