The Minnesota High Tech Association Announces 2001 Board Members and Officers

		MINNESOTA HIGH TECH LOGO Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) logo. The MHTA is the largest technology trade association in the state of Minnesota, representing small, medium, and large companies across a variety of industries. The MHTA has nearly 20 years of experience with the high tech community and is the leading resource for technology-based companies in public policy advocacy, economic development, community outreach, and education and training. The MHTA works in partnership with the American Electronics Association (AEA), representing organizations that contribute to technology in the state of Minnesota. For additional information, visit http://www.mhta.org. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN USA

		MINNESOTA HIGH TECH JANE BROWN R. Jane Brown, President of the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA). The MHTA is the largest technology trade association in the state of Minnesota, representing small, medium, and large companies across a variety of industries. The MHTA has nearly 20 years of experience with the high tech community and is the leading resource for technology-based companies in public policy advocacy, economic development, community outreach, and education and training. The MHTA works in partnership with the American Electronics Association (AEA), representing organizations that contribute to technology in the state of Minnesota. For additional information, visithttp://www.mhta.org. (PRNewsFoto)[AG] MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, MN USA

EAGAN, Minn., Jan. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) is pleased to announce the election of officers and new members to the MHTA Board of Directors for 2001. The group was elected during the final Board meeting of the year in December 2000, and met as a group for the first time on January 12. "We are privileged to have the diversity of backgrounds and wealth of experience that comprise the MHTA Board for 2001," said R. Jane Brown, MHTA President. "The newly-elected officers have demonstrated their leadership through past MHTA Board involvement. The new Board members will bring added perspective and insight, which will greatly complement that of our returning 2000 Board members. This is a dedicated and dynamic group of professionals who are committed to furthering Minnesota's high tech environment." (PHOTO: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000620/MHTALOGO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000620/MHTAPIC ) Elected to serve as Chair of the Board is Leon Kline, founder, current President and CEO of Shared Resource Management, Inc. Mr. Kline has over 20 years experience in business technology consulting and e-Commerce Systems. SRM currently employs over 150 high tech personnel in the Twin Cities. Kline serves on the President's Council of Totino Grace High School, the Board of Directors for the Upper Midwest Junior achievement, and is on the Advisory Board for the Carlson School of Management. Kline and his wife of 35 years, Kathleen, reside in New Brighton, Minn. They have two grown children, Jeff and Debbie, and two grandchildren. Joining Mr. Kline as MHTA Board officers are Wayne Pletcher, 3M Company, as Vice Chair of the Board; Tom Garton, KPMG, LLP as Treasurer; and Doug Carnival, McGrann Shea Fanzen Carnival Straughn & Lamb as Secretary. Newly-elected MHTA Board members are Robert Romeo, West Group; Ken Stabler, Xcel Energy; Jan Stanoch, Qwest; Dee Thibodeau, Charter Solutions; Dan Thomas, Twin Cities Public Television; Kris Tufto, Jasc Software; and Ralph Weinberger, Pricewaterhouse Coopers. New Board Member Information Robert Romeo: Robert is Senior Vice President, Finance, for West Group, the foremost provider of e-information and solutions to the U.S. legal market. Robert has been with the corporation for 11 years and is a certified public accountant. Ken Stabler: Ken is an Economic Development Manager with Xcel Energy. Ken provides overall direction in the development and implementation of economic development initiatives and programs within Xcel Energy's Minnesota jurisdiction, including business retention, expansion and attraction programs. John Stanoch: John is the new Qwest Vice President for Minnesota, the top Minnesota official of Qwest Communications. A former lawyer, lobbyist, and 1990 gubernatorial campaign chief for Rudy Perpich, Stanoch was appointed a Hennepin County district judge in one of the late governor's last official acts. Stanoch served on the bench for eight years before joining Hatch's office in early 1999. His new post is described as one primarily involving lobbying the Legislature and state regulators. Dee Thibodeau: Dee is one of the co-founders and the co-CEO of Charter Solutions, a company that specializes in information services consulting with a focus on projects and e-business. Dee is a past President of EDI Solutions and served on the Board of the Minnesota Software Association. Dan Thomas: Dan is Executive Vice President of Business and Technical Services for Twin Cities Public Television. Dan oversees all resource and service areas, including finance, legal, human resources, and information services, as well as production operations, broadcast, and engineering. Kris Tufto: Kris is President and CEO of Jasc Software. In his role as CEO, Kris is committed to Jasc Software's core ideal, that of making great web graphic and photographic software solutions. His focus is on using proven management principles to build on the company's strengths in product development and customer service. John Wade: John is President of SAND Development, a real estate company located in the Rochester area. John has also been a part of the management teams of Charter and Bresnen Communications. Ralph Weinberger: Ralph is a Partner in Technology, Info/Comm and Entertainment Practice Unit of Pricewaterhouse Coopers. During his 16 years of service to technology and communications clients, Ralph has worked with many entrepreneurs and management teams to address the challenges of building and sustaining a successful business. About the Minnesota High Tech Association The Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) is the largest technology trade association in the state of Minnesota, representing small, medium, and large companies across a variety of industries. The MHTA has nearly 20 years of experience with the high tech community and is the leading resource for technology-based companies in public policy advocacy, economic development, community outreach, education and training. The MHTA works in partnership with the AeA, representing organizations that contribute to technology in the state of Minnesota. For additional information, visit http://www.mhta.org