RALEIGH -- The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has been honored as a 2016 Army Community of Excellence Winner. North Carolina placed third out of 34 competing installations for this national award.

"The North Carolina National Guard is a national model for effectiveness, preparation and response," said Governor McCrory. "As commander of the Guard, I applaud their initiatives and service that protect North Carolina citizens and our neighbors in our national defense and during natural disasters and emergencies."

The Army National Guard recognizes states and installations that best apply self-assessment and demonstrated process improvement in their organization during the annual awards ceremony. The Army-wide Army Communities of Excellence program uses the Baldrige Excellence Framework to improve efficiency and effectiveness in supporting soldiers and customers. The framework, used widely by businesses, hospitals, schools and nonprofits, is intended to foster performance excellence.

In an effort to foster performance excellence, the NCNG assesses the performance and effectiveness of the organization’s goals and objectives using the Baldrige Framework. In recent years, the NCNG has implemented reforms to help them continue to grow, learn and be a relevant force. This award recognizes the NCNG and exemplifies the importance of sharing best practices.

To further build on the progress made by the NCNG, the Connect NC bond initiative championed by Governor McCrory and approved by North Carolina voters provides $70 million to improve regional readiness centers.