SAN ANTONIO--Dec. 10, 2001--The U.S. Department of Commerce has selected Clarke American Checks as a recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for 2001 in the category of manufacturing. Clarke American is one of the largest printers of financial institution checks in the United States, producing more than 11 billion checks per year. The company's printing accuracy rate and service levels are without equal in the industry. Each year, the U.S. Department of Commerce selects up to three companies in the categories of manufacturing, service, small business, and, since 1999, education and health care for the quality excellence award, which is presented by the president of the United States. The top honor a U.S. company can receive for quality management and quality achievement, the Baldrige Award promotes quality awareness and publicizes successful quality strategies. Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans notified Charles Korbell, president and chief executive officer of the San Antonio-based company, that it was chosen to receive the award. Award recipients will be showcased at Quest for Excellence XIV, the official conference of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, April 7-10, 2002, in Washington, D.C. "President Bush and I congratulate the men and women who have won the 2001 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award,'' said Commerce Secretary Evans. "Through their passion for excellence and their commitment to employees, customers, students, stakeholders and their communities, they have achieved extraordinary results. They represent the proud spirit of America and our strong resolve to excel.''