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TechHelp seeking modest state support for Studio Blue director and reports strong manufacturer impact metrics
Summary
Boise State’s TechHelp described statewide assistance to manufacturers through design, prototyping and workforce development. The program asked the committee for modest recurring support for its Studio Blue center director and highlighted national impact metrics used to evaluate work with small and medium manufacturers.
Kevin Campbell, Legislative Services Office analyst, presented TechHelp’s budget, noting the program is housed at Boise State University, has 3.44 authorized FTP and performs engineering, design and manufacturing assistance for Idaho companies.
Brad McDonald, TechHelp executive director, said Studio Blue is TechHelp’s new-product development arm and now comprises three pillars—design, create and launch—that provide hands-on student experience and assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers across the state. McDonald described TechHelp’s impact metrics—new and retained jobs, client sales, cost savings and client investment—collected through an independent third party and reported to the national network. He said TechHelp’s net promoter score has been among the top results for the last 13 quarters.
TechHelp told the committee the Studio Blue director position has been partially grant funded and recent federal grant funding expired in September. The program requested a modest $5,000 state allocation this session to supplement existing support for that position and said the long-term goal is a fully funded, permanent position to stabilize operations and expand student-work opportunities.
Legislators asked about how TechHelp measures outcomes and what the $5,000 would cover. McDonald said the $5,000 would go toward the Studio Blue center director salary; he pledged to provide the committee the program’s impact metrics and quarterly reports, and said TechHelp partners with Idaho State University, University of Idaho and the Idaho Manufacturing Alliance to serve the whole state.
Why it matters: TechHelp provides applied services that aim to strengthen manufacturing businesses and workforce development; committee members asked for the program’s impact metrics and noted the request is relatively small but could help sustain a director position that coordinates statewide design and workforce activities.
