Precast Inc. - September/October 2008 - (Page 57) STEPHEN SHINGLETON-SMITH, RIGHT, GENERAL MANAGER FOR C.O. WILLIAMS PRECAST LTD., DISCUSSES PRODUCTION PRACTICES AT HIS FACILITY IN THE CARIBBEAN NATION OF SAINT LUCIA. About USAID The United States has a long history of extending a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a free and democratic country. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the United States around the world – and shows the world our true character as a nation. USAID's history goes back to the Marshall Plan reconstruction of Europe after World War II and the Truman administration's Point Four Program. In 1961, the Foreign Assistance Act was signed into law and USAID was created by executive order. Since that time, USAID has been the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty and engaging in democratic reforms. USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. USAID’s work supports long-term and equitable economic growth and advances U.S. foreign policy objectives by supporting economic growth, global health and democracy. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID's strength is its field offices around the world. It works in close partnership with private voluntary organizations, indigenous organizations, universities, American businesses, international agencies, other governments and other U.S. government agencies. USAID has working relationships with more than 3,500 American companies and more than 300 U.S.-based private voluntary organizations. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2008 | BOOTH 801 THE PRECAST SHOW management with access to NPCA’s online Production and Quality School (PQS). NPCA’s online PQS course is based on NPCA’s Quality Control Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Plants and can be used to complement the on-site training conducted for the plant. PQS Online includes nine chapters and related quizzes that address everything from the raw materials used to produce precast concrete, to proper production techniques, to testing, and quality control. All attendees of the on-site course received a copy of the Quality Control Manual for Precast and Prestressed Concrete Plants, which is the foundation of NPCA’s Plant Certification Program. The precaster will begin the certification process in the near future. “C.O. Williams’ dedication to committing the significant resources required to conduct such an extensive training course for their employees is to be commended,” said Harrell. “The company has an impressive production facility, and an extremely knowledgeable workforce. Coupled with its commitment to quality and training, the plant is positioned to capitalize on the business opportunities within the community.” WWW.PRECAST.ORG 57 http://www.muka.net http://www.precast.org
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