The Virginia Business Excellence Consortium (VBEC)  is a group of companies in Virginia that share best practices and network with one another to increase their competitiveness. The goal of VBEC is to provide a vehicle to help companies identify and obtain support in implementing advanced business practices to improve processes, operations and worker skill levels.

The ultimate benefit for the Commonwealth is the economic prosperity these networks build through creating stronger supply chains, growing businesses, and increasing jobs.

How Does VBEC Operate?

VBEC’s mission is achieved through site visits at member companies, bench-marking meetings, workshops, and speaker events on topics of interest to members. Site visits provide  members with the opportunity to go behind the scenes of other businesses and see how they operate, what their challenges are and how they are addressing them. It also provides an opportunity to exchange ideas on problems and solutions as well. Much of the focus is on Lean, Six Sigma and other methods of processes improvement, but we have also addressed other topics such as workforce development, Lean Green, and leading & sustaining change.

There are numerous learning opportunities per quarter, and consortium members can send anyone in their company to any event.

Members also have opportunities to participate in training programs provided at other member sites and to utilize the member network to solicit ideas and suggestions on company specific problems.

The ‘members only’ section of the VBEC website also contains an interactive feature for online problem-solving and support, along with copies of articles, site visit presentations, and other resources for members.

What is the makeup of the Membership?

VBEC is open to all sizes and types of businesses in Virginia. Sizes currently range from 35 employees to 21,000, making VBEC a diverse group that provides learning and sharing opportunities no matter how large or small the member company is or what kind of business they are in. VBEC members learn many things from each other regarding business improvement. Being a VBEC member requires only a dues payment and a commitment to share initiatives and results with others.

What are the benefits of Membership?

VBEC membership provides member companies with the opportunity to:

• Develop a network of individuals in a variety of companies and industries that you can call for advice and assistance in implementing business improvements 
• Go behind the scenes of other businesses and see how they operate, how they are implementing improvements, what their challenges are and how they are addressing them
• Take advantage of expertise in other companies and leverage resources for training, learning and problem-solving
• Access to various external educational and training resources and speakers
• Discounts on training/educational programs offered by affiliate members

How do companies join VBEC?

Prospective VBEC Members may download an application form by going to the VBEC website at www.vbec.org. Once the form is completed it should be emailed to VBEC@associationbuilders.com or mailed with check to 1340 N Great Neck Road, #1272-137, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Member companies pay dues from $500 to $1,875 per year, depending on the number of employees at their company/site. Members agree to host other member companies at their site once every two years.

VBEC’s goal as a consortium is to facilitate an exchange amongst member companies for continuous improvement of processes and operations, helping members to become stronger, more successful companies. Continuing to grow and develop the VBEC membership base leads to more members which leads to more opportunities for learning and sharing. If your company is committed to improving its business and if you see the value in learning and sharing with other organizations, you should consider joining VBEC today!