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Board of Trustees Announces Bill Squires as New CEO of Blackfoot Telecommunications Group

The Blackfoot Board of Trustees announced today that William A. "Bill" Squires has been named Chief Executive Officer for Blackfoot Telecommunications Group (Blackfoot) and its subsidiaries, effective immediately. Bill has been serving as interim CEO since December 2, 2011, and replaces Joan Mandeville who served as Blackfoot's Chief Executive Officer since 2003. Previously, Bill served as the company's Senior Vice President & General Counsel since 2001.

Ms. Mandeville is retiring as Blackfoot's CEO for medical reasons. She will continue to serve as a special advisor to the Board and management.

"We're extremely pleased that Bill accepted our invitation to lead the company," said Tom Eggensperger, President of the Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative's Board of Trustees. "We have every confidence in his ability to direct the affairs of the company with professionalism, vision, personality and while providing a safe and productive work environment for Blackfoot's talented, dedicated and hard working employees," added Eggensperger. "Blackfoot has a long history of excellent leadership at the top level and Bill will continue to uphold that tradition."

"I am honored with this appointment and the opportunity to help lead Blackfoot well into the future," said Mr. Squires. "This is a great company steeped with accomplishment and history, innovative products, dedicated employees, and a loyal customer base. I'm looking forward to continuing Joan's vision and initiatives."

Prior to joining Blackfoot, Mr. Squires was a private attorney representing primarily rural telephone companies. Bill is the past President of the Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA), and remains active in national telecommunications groups on behalf of Blackfoot.

About Blackfoot Telecommunications Group
Named after the Blackfoot River running through much of the territory it serves, the Blackfoot Telecommunications Group(Blackfoot) was originally established in 1954 as Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative. Blackfoot offers state-of-the-art telecommunications, Internet and data solutions to customers in Missoula and throughout Montana and Idaho. Headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Blackfoot employs more than 165 Montanans. Blackfoot can be reached at 406-541-5000 or through its web site at http://www.blackfoot.com.