BLACKFOOT, Idaho - Premier Technology Inc., a leading manufacturer and industrial contractor in Idaho, has been named winner of the “Employer of Veterans Award” by the Idaho American Legion. Products manufactured by Premier include HVAC equipment and ammonia cooling systems.

The statewide honor, presented to Premier in the large business category (companies with more than 200 employees and having been in business for more than five years) singles out the company for consistently hiring veterans from all service branches.

According to Premier, 12 percent of employees hired during the past year are veterans. The company, one of the largest employers in southeastern Idaho, is scheduled to receive the award in Lewiston, Idaho, on Friday, July 11 at the Legion’s 90th Annual Convention.

In its formal notification to Premier, Dale G. Langford, U.S. Department of Labor/VETS, and Kent Phelps, Employment Committee chairman, said, “ ... On behalf of the Veterans Employment and Training Service, I would like to express my personal appreciation for the valuable service you provide to the veterans in your community.”

Douglas Sayer, Premier Technology president, said, “We are truly honored to receive this distinction. Whenever possible, the company has made a concerted effort to provide employment to veterans. As a group, they are highly skilled, committed, and loyal workers.”

Sayer added that the award was particularly poignant since nearly 200 Boise-based Air National Guard members were recently sent to Afghanistan, the third deployment for the unit since 2003. This latest deployment brings to 350 the number of Idaho Air and Army Guard members sent overseas in recent weeks.

During the past year, Premier’s workforce has been steadily growing at its three facilities, said the company. In early June, Premier announced plans to upgrade and expand its Pocatello operation. The company plans to add 24,000 square feet of space and hire approximately 100 new workers once that facility is fully operational.

Publication date:06/30/2008