Lawrence D. Miles Value Foundation Updates

By Bruce Lenzer, CVS-Life, FSAVE, CQM/OE, CLA – President, Lawrence D. Miles Value Foundation

The Lawrence D. Miles Value Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization that was formed in the early 80’s shortly before the passing of Larry Miles in 1984. The Foundation was formed to perpetuate the Value Methodology which Larry Miles innovated during World War II while working at General Electric. The primary mission objectives of the Foundation are as follows:

  • To advance the state-of-the-art and application of value methodology through planning, research, and education.
  • To plan, develop, and implement strategies for the introduction of value methodology into new areas of business, commerce, and government.
  • To promote the scientific education of college or university students in the fields of value methodology, cost control, and life cycle costing.
  • To establish a constituency of individuals concerned with improving the value of goods and services for consumers through research, development, and demonstration of value improvements.
  • To promote the general public awareness of the application of the value methodology through Foundation supported activities such as: publications, library centers, technology exchange, conferences, and studies.

To these ends, the Foundation board members DO NOT receive compensation for service to the Foundation. Projects such as the Value Methodology Pocket Guide and the Function Analysis Guide were authored by Foundation board members to support the educational objectives of the Foundation and for SAVE International members. These publications provide sources of revenue to continue operating the Foundation and to further advance Foundation objectives.

However, revenues from these sources alone are not enough to sustain the Foundation’s long term goal to establish the Miles Value Institute (VMI). Therefore, the Foundation also significantly depends on individual and corporate donations to fund and support the University Education Plan and plan to someday establish the VMI. Thus, we call on all SAVE members, non-members, and corporations who’ve benefitted from the Value Methodology to seriously consider pledging ongoing donations or substantial one time gifts. Financial contributions are tax deductible for United States citizens and corporations. Regardless, we welcome donations from colleagues, SAVE members, and affiliates from around the world. Any contribution, no matter how large or small, is sincerely and greatly appreciated.

There are several ways to make a financial contribution to the Foundation:

  1. Through your SAVE membership renewal – There is a designated place for a donation on the membership renewal form.
  2. Send a check to the Foundation Treasurer, Jim Vickers, at 2009 South San Vincent Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614. For a credit card donation, call Jim at +1 502-260-8828.
  3. SAVE 2019 Value Summit – Visit us at the Foundation exhibit table.

Those who make a donation are considered members of the MVF and entitled to vote at the MVF Annual Business Meeting being held Sunday, June 9 during the 2019 Value Summit in Portland, Oregon.

On behalf of the late Larry Miles, his wife Eleanor, and all of us on the Foundation board, we appreciate your consideration to support the Foundation and our objectives.