2005 Missouri Revised Statutes - § 620.475. — Industry quality and productivity improvement program, centers, activities.

620.475. 1. The department shall establish an industry quality and productivity improvement program to help industries and businesses evaluate and enhance quality and productivity, and to encourage the private sector to develop long-range goals to improve quality and productivity and improve the competitive position of private businesses. The quality and productivity improvement program shall include seminars, workshops and short courses on subjects such as long-range planning, new management techniques, automated manufacturing, innovative uses of new materials and the latest philosophies of management and quality improvement. The program shall be available to existing Missouri manufacturing, distribution and service businesses.

2. The department may develop quality and productivity improvement centers at university and community college campuses throughout the state as the demand and need is determined. The department shall have the authority to contract with individuals who possess particular knowledge, ability and expertise in the various subjects which may be essential to the program's goals. Seminars, workshops, short courses and specific not for credit classes shall be developed on and off campus for personnel engaged in manufacturing, distribution and service businesses. At the discretion of the department, the University of Missouri and Lincoln University extension services, the continuing education offices of the regional universities and community colleges may be used for the promotion and coordination of the off-campus courses that are offered.

3. Activities eligible for reimbursement in the industry quality and productivity program shall include:

(1) The cost of seminars, workshops, short courses and specific not for credit classes;

(2) The wages of instructors;

(3) Productivity materials and supplies, including the purchase of packaged productivity programs when appropriate;

(4) Travel directly related to the program;

(5) Tuition payments to third-party productivity providers and to businesses; and

(6) Teaching and assistance provided by educational institutions in the state.

4. No industry receiving assistance under the industry quality and productivity improvement program shall be reimbursed for more than fifty percent of the total costs of its participation in the program.

(L. 1995 H.B. 414)