Governor Blunt's Call for Efficiency and Improvements Result in International Acclaim

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

June 26, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Matt Blunts commitment to improving efficiency and streamlining state government in conjunction with his call to executive departments to identify every savings opportunity possible has led to international acclaim. A team created to improve the states dealer license plate program was recently selected as the International Award Winner in the Customer Services Excellence Team Category by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA).

"The real improvements to state government we have introduced over the last three and a half years have dramatically elevated efficiency in state government and our achievements have not gone unnoticed," Gov. Blunt said. "The top to bottom review of state government we conducted nearly four years ago and the many improvements that followed have led to unprecedented collaboration and cooperation that not only improves service but also saves taxpayer money. I applaud our winning team; they represent just one example of the many successful efforts to improve programs across state agencies."

AAMVA selected the Missouri Dealer Renewal Process Improvement Team in the Department of Revenue as the International Award Winner in the Customer Services Excellence. The team identified 16 process improvements after examining the dealer renewal process in its entirety. The recommendations resulted in clearer communications, reduced steps, and quicker turnaround time for licenses to be mailed to the dealer and for dealer plates to be delivered to dealers. In addition staff is now cross-trained to handle multiple job functions and fewer transactions are rejected for incomplete information.

The congested flow of customers and long wait times that had in the past been associated with the dealer plate program were no where to be found this past November and December. As a result of the teams review and recommendations dealers did not have to drive on expired plates.

"I am very proud of our team and the innovative processes they have developed at the governors direction," said Director of Revenue Omar Davis. "This further illustrates the commitment we have to customer service and I appreciate that AAMVA has recognized them for their outstanding work."

Winning team members are David Bechtold, Lynn Bexten, Jean Blackburn, Mary Bowen, Peg Cassmeyer, Diana Craighead, Nicki Hollis, Amanda Karr, Miriam Pace, Kandi Singleton, Tricia Watts and Connie Falter. The team will be recognized during an awards ceremony at AAMVAs International Conference in August.

AAMVA selected the Missouri team because they exceeded customer expectations, excelled in customer service, out performed counterparts, delivered a creative and effective approach in solving a problem, and shined while working together. The award is intended to recognize exceptional and/or unanticipated results.

Since taking office Governor Blunt has introduced improvements that have saved the state hundreds of millions of dollars. The common sense changes he introduced eliminated more than 235,000 square feet of wasted office space, reduced the number of state employees below 60,000 and reduced state utility costs through an energy efficiency program. Unlike others who merely talk about efficiency and savings without a record to back it up, Gov. Blunt has consistently delivered on his promise and demonstrated his ability to improve state government operations while attacking waste and fraud.