Quality Associates, Inc. recently hosted a memorable open house and grand opening celebration at its new state-of-the-art headquarters. More than 200 guests attended the day-long event held November 7 in the Maple Lawn Business Park in Fulton, Maryland.

The day began with the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the main floor lobby of 8161 Maple Lawn Boulevard. Quality Associates’ CEO and Founder Paul Swidersky welcomed and thanked all in attendance – including Howard County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Pam Klahr and executives from the noted architectural firm Greenebaum and Rose – before cutting the ribbon and officially kicking-off the day's festivities.

The celebration then continued in Quality Associates' lobby, where visitors were greeted with live entertainment provided by a professional jazz band. As guests toured the facility, they could sample a variety of appetizers offered by uniformed wait staff, or enjoy a glass of champagne to help celebrate the newest milestone in the company's history.

While it was truly a day of celebration, it was a day of education as well. Throughout the day, guests had the opportunity to learn more about Quality Associates' work with major companies and government agencies. Quality Associates' staff presented seven case studies about large-scale products and solutions, and experts were available to talk with guests about document management solutions.

Six of Quality Associates' partners participated in the event. Each vendor had the opportunity to demonstrate to visitors how the latest products, software and solutions in document management are continuing to change the way everyone – including federal, state and local governments and private industries – works today.

Platinum sponsor Fujitsu displayed workgroup and departmental-level scanners from its Imaging Products Group. Other sponsors included gold sponsor Kofax; silver sponsor Bowë Bell + Howell; and bronze sponsors Kodak, Visioneer and Crowley Micrographics.

All guests who visited with every sponsor became eligible for a grand-prize drawing – a ScanSnap S510 Color Image Scanner. The day's lucky winner was Zina Swanson of Millennium Chemicals, and the scanner was presented by Bob Dickerson of Fujitsu.

A gourmet catered lunch sponsored by Kofax offered guests a variety of enticing options, from steak to seafood to fresh salads. The lunch also provided a prime networking opportunity and the chance to take a break from the day's activities.

Networking continued into the evening reception at the nearby Ranazul, the newest and hottest restaurant in Maple Lawn. Comfortable leather seats and couches, delicious food and drink, and superb ambience created a relaxing atmosphere to talk with colleagues and peers. This reception was sponsored by Fujitsu.

"Our goal was to welcome and thank many of our longstanding clients, new customers, business prospects and partners to Quality Associates' new headquarters," said Lora Martin, Marketing Manager, Quality Associates. We also strove to provide a relaxed, fun atmosphere in which area business professionals could discuss their specific technology and document management needs on a one-to-one basis with major leading companies in the industry, such as Fujitsu and Kofax."

Quality Associates thanks all the guests, sponsors, and staff who made the day an event to remember!