November 10, 2004

TECHHELP Program Hires New Marketing, Public Relations Manager

The TechHelp organization recently named Bill Mullane its new marketing and public relations manager. A partnership of Idaho's three state universities, TechHelp provides technical and professional assistance to Idaho manufacturers and food processors to strengthen their global competitiveness through product and process improvements. "We are excited about the skills Bill brings to TechHelp," said executive director Gary Thompson. "We believe he will help us better serve Idaho s manufacturing sector through support of our manufacturing specialists, and by increasing TechHelp s visibility among companies in our state. " Mullane comes to TechHelp from Qwest Communications in Boise where as an account executive he managed the telecommunications needs of 100 Idaho-based businesses. Prior to joining Qwest, Mullane was director of the eBITS Program that used a mobile computer lab to teach Idaho businesses how to use internet and Web-based technologies to become more competitive. Mullane also held several positions, including communications manager, at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in Sandpoint during the resort s 10-year, $100 million development. "I am very excited about supporting the TechHelp specialists in their efforts to make Idaho manufactures and food processors more efficient, competitive, and profitable," said Mullane. "I am proud to be a part of an organization that is playing such a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturers in our state." -30- Contact: Gary Thompson, TechHelp, (208) 426-3689, gthomps@boisestate.edu Media Contact: Sherry Squires, communications and marketing, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu