News Release

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July 12, 2005

New TechHelp Specialist Brings 40 Years of Manufacturing Expertise to Idaho
 

Jim Peterson

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Manufacturing specialist Jim Peterson has joined the Idaho Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), according to TechHelp director Gary Thompson.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to add such an experienced, capable, and respected person to our organization," said Thompson. Based at Boise State University, Peterson will help Idaho manufacturers and processors become more efficient and competitive through product, process and quality improvements. Peterson will work with TechHelp business development manager Richard Jayo to identify and develop a base of Treasure Valley accounts.

Peterson has 40 years of manufacturing experience in four major industries: electronics, food, forest products and fenestration (fenestration deals with any opening in a building's envelope including windows, doors and skylights). He has taught and lectured at universities including Washington, Idaho, Idaho State, Boise State, Minnesota and Loyola. He has been involved in numerous government and civic endeavors including the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, ISO 9001-2000, the Idaho Quality Award and the Albertson Foundation.

Peterson is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt with expertise in quality systems, ISO certification, lean manufacturing, strategic management, growth planning, human resource and organizational development, benchmarking, and cost of quality. His career has progressed from factory manager to general manager at the world headquarters of a Fortune 500 food products company. His focus has always emphasized strategies based on customer understanding and satisfaction, quality implementation and the development of ongoing education of employees.

A native of Boise, Peterson received his bachelor's degree in human resource management from Creighton University in Nebraska. He later specialized in quality management while earning an MBA from Loyola University in New Orleans.

"Coming back to Boise to join TechHelp is the capstone of my career and will help me fulfill my lifelong dream of mentoring others in the field of manufacturing," he said. "I started out to become a teacher 40 years ago and now I have the opportunity to fulfill my dream by sharing my experience with Idaho manufacturing professionals."

Peterson recently returned to Boise from Fargo, N.D., where he was plant manager and director of organizational development for Integrity (Marvin) Windows and Doors. Peterson's work history includes successful engagements at firms such as Boise Cascade, H.J. Heinz (Ore-Ida) and AT&T. He likens his return to Boise to a fish returning to its home and looks forward to spending quality time with his extended family in the Boise area.

TechHelp provides professional and technical assistance, training and information to Idaho manufacturers and food processors to make them more competitive. The center is a partnership of Idaho's three state universities and an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, through the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). It is also Idaho's EDA University Center, targeting economically distressed areas of Idaho.

The Office of Communications and Marketing - Boise State University
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Last reviewed on Thursday, December 22, 2005