QCA Overview

Quality Certification Alliance: Quality And Safety. Delivered.

 

Chicago, Illinois-based Quality Certification Alliance is an independent, accreditation organization whose mission is to elevate the standards by which industry firms that import and/or manufacture promotional products provide consistently safe, high-quality, socially compliant and environmentally conscientious merchandise. QCA Accreditation is granted to companies who complete multiple independent third-party audit and comply with stringent standards, which are based upon a combination of state and national laws, international standards and industry-accepted best practices that are recognized for their strength and effectiveness by QCA Accredited companies, the promotional products industry and end-user clients.

QCA was formed in July 2008, and today 17 companies have meet the rigorous qualifications to achieve QCA Accreditation—Barton Nelson, Inc.; BDA Inc.; Broder Bros.; Bullet Line LLC; Cutter & Buck; Dard Products, Inc.; Garyline, Gemline; Gordon Sinclair; Jetline; JournalBooks/TimePlanner Calendars; Leed’s; Logomark, Inc.; MMI; Prime Resources Corp.; SnugZ USA; and Sweda Company LLC—with others soon to complete the process.

In July 2010, the QCA Distributor Advocacy Council was created to formalize the relationship the organization has with distributors who understand the value compliance programs have in building stronger relationships with suppliers, creating competitive advantage in the marketplace and building loyalty with their end-buyer clients. In is currently comprised of 10 companies, which represent more than $700 million in annual promotional products sales.

D E (Denise) Fenton serves as executive director – compliance, and Brent Stone serves as executive director – operations. To read more about their responsibilities and qualifications, click here.

What industry practitioners are saying:

“With its exclusive focus on the promotional products industry, QCA has created the only comprehensive framework for compliance-related activities. While Leed’s has increased its own compliance efforts within the last several years, QCA now provides clear and established standards for our industry—something that was greatly needed. Ultimately, going through this process will make our own program more effective and will ensure the industry takes a proactive stance toward what is an increasingly important issue. The audit process highlights the importance of well-documented procedures across every activity within our business. As a result, we are now able to benchmark our internal compliance program and better gauge our progress.”

David Nicholson
President
Leed’s

“Our industry cannot continue to address this topic in a reactive nature. End users must know that their products are safe and comply with all laws. True client advocacy means we must take the steps to implement processes that ensure their brands are protected rather than accept things at face value. The QCA Accreditation program is the first major step in creating a sea of change in the industry because it holds companies accountable for the products that end-up in consumers’ lives.”

Jay Deutsch
CEO
Bensussen Deutsch & Associates, Inc. (BDA).