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Premier Technology Spearheads 'Rural Idaho Outreach Partners'

Officially known as the "Rural Idaho Outreach Partners," the effort took shape after several recent organizational meetings inSalmon, Idaho, a small town inCentral Idaho at the foot of the Beaverhead mountain range.

In addition to Premier, which is spearheading the program, localSalmon businesses Commander Chassis, Steel and Ranch, and Swanson Machine have joined the effort. Others on board include School District 291, the Idaho Department of Labor, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Salmon Valley Business and Innovation Center,Lemhi County,Lemhi County 4-H and several individual concerned citizens.

Although the program is in its early stages, momentum has already begun. Several small business leaders have toured Premier'sBlackfoot facility, while Premier executives visitedSalmon to determine the feasibility of subcontracting work in that region.

As a result of those efforts, oneSalmon-based firm, Commander Chassis, has already performed nuclear quality level machining work for Premier. Douglas Sayer, owner and president of Premier, said new skills are rapidly improving the quality of work in that region.

"We have been impressed with the initial work," said Sayer, who grew up in ruralIdaho. "As training intensifies and more businesses commit to the program, Premier will be in a position to funnel more than $1 million in work per year to that region."

Sayer added that work expected to be sent to theSalmon region will be in the category of "clean technology" that is non-polluting and high technology oriented. "Enhancing existing businesses and creating new jobs also increases the tax base forLemhi County, thus reducing the tax burden for all County residents," said Sayer.

September 13 Career Expo Scheduled

The new outreach program will continue its ramp-up with an inaugural Career Exploration Fair on Saturday, September 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Salmon High School, 401 South Warpath,Salmon, Idaho.

The Fair will expose area high school students to new career opportunities in various technical fields, as well as provide a forum for organizers to further refine the organization's goals. Several regional businesses have already confirmed their attendance.

The Salmon Valley Business and Innovation Center currently offers continuing education classes and offers commercial computer related capabilities. Center officials have revealed Phase 2 plans for an additional 12,000 square-foot structure that will help provide a transition from classroom instruction to actual production jobs. New funding sources are now being sought.

"This event is a good starting point to stimulate education and the growth of local businesses in the region," said Sayer. "We remain concerned about the lack of good paying jobs for residents of these rural areas. We want to ensure that young people stay inIdaho and raise families in a sound economic environment," he added.

About Premier Technology

Founded in 1996, Premier is one of the fastest growing companies in Southeastern Idaho. Just over a year ago, the Company opened its new corporate headquarters which it now occupies inBlackfoot. That facility employs approximately 300 people. Premier operates an office inTwin Falls to serve its food industry customers, while thePocatello operation is used for processing materials and large fabrication projects. The Company is currently working with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) on a number of high priority projects. For the DOD, Premier is providing state-of-the art equipment to support global demilitarization and non-proliferation efforts of key U.S. government agencies. The Company is also supporting key NASA prime contractors in mission-critical programs such as the new Crew Launched Vehicle, the space platform that will replace the Space Shuttle.

Premier is working with the DOE to support the cleanup of radioactive waste locations throughout the nation, as well as supporting essential non- proliferation projects that focus on creating next generation commercial nuclear fuels that cannot be used for military purposes. The Company is also working closely with industry leaders to support development and construction of facilities that produce alternative fuels aimed at reducing the nation's dependency on fossil fuels. Other products manufactured by Premier include tanks and silos, HVAC equipment, instruments and controls, structural decks, food/pharmaceutical grade piping, skid-mounted equipment, conveyors, dry handling systems, sanitary piping, ammonia cooling systems, nuclear waste handling systems, and radiation and shielding equipment.

For more information on Premier Technology, Inc., visit http://www.ptius.net.

    Contact:   Douglas Sayer              Joe M. Grillo
               Premier Technology, Inc.   Nicolazzo & Associates
               (208) 785-2274             (617) 951-0000
                                          jgrillo@nicolazzo.com

SOURCE Premier Technology, Inc.