To A2LA members, accredited bodies, participants and stakeholders:

It is our pleasure to introduce our 2003 annual report on the activities of the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

The year 2003 was a very successful one for A2LA. Our net growth increased for the first time in three years, perhaps reflecting an improvement in the economy but undoubtedly allowing us to succeed in establishing ourselves as the prestigious accreditation to obtain.

A2LA has, by the end of 2003:

• 1272 testing laboratories accredited;
• 379 calibration laboratories accredited
• 127 laboratories in the process of achieving laboratory accreditation.

A2LA upholds its high standard of service amidst a growing, competitive marketplace. We are committed to maintaining our system in accordance with national and international standards so that it will continue to stand the tests of time and scrutiny. As a result, our accredited organizations enjoy an accreditation that receives the widest recognition, both domestic and international, of any U.S. accreditation body. This continues to be one of the key factors that sets A2LA ahead of the pack.

A2LA has also made significant progress in furthering the recognition that its programs already receive. Strides have been made in gaining acceptance within NELAC for our Proficiency Testing Provider accreditation program, and the Aerospace industry has taken initial steps to recognize the A2LA laboratory accreditation program. Although we remain the largest multi-discipline accreditation body in the United States, we continue to push past the status quo in furthering the recognition and acceptance of our programs. Efforts that will ultimately benefit the organizations that choose to seek accreditation from the country's premiere accreditation body.

We wish to extend our appreciation to our Association members, accredited and applicant organizations, stakeholders, assessors and countless volunteers for the invaluable contributions made to our organization in 2003. We are confident that we can count on the support and participation of these and other people who enter the A2LA family.

For the Board of Directors

William Kavanagh, ChairmanPeter S. Unger, President