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Montana State IT Employees Save Montana $144,000 Per Year

A framed medal was presented to state employees

On Wednesday, Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer announced the latest recipients of the Governor's Efficiency Award for State Employees. A framed palladium medal was presented to Thomas Clement, Cheryl Heiner, Bill Ramsey, Craig Smith, and Chuck Hunt, employees with the Information Technology Services Division of the Department of Administration.

"Working together, this team of IT professionals was able to save Montana taxpayers $144,000 per year with a recommendation that significantly reduces the State of Montana's software licensing fees," said Governor Schweitzer.

Reflecting on the importance of technology in state government, Governor Schweitzer noted, "Technology has changed government forever. Twenty years ago, who would have thought you would be able to buy your hunting and fishing license from your home computer? As we grow our technology infrastructure, we need to work diligently to keep the costs in line."

Governor Schweitzer also presented Gary Martinsen, a network administrator for the Department of Labor and Industry, with a Governor's Citation for an idea he submitted to reduce the cost of maintaining surge protectors. Martinsen's idea will save the State of Montana $3,000 to $6,000 a year.

Stillwater Mining Company of Billings donated twelve palladium medals to the State of Montana last March. They operate the only palladium mine in the United States in Nye, Montana. Palladium is a beautifully bright, white metal that does not tarnish.