The Pipeline – Your APG News Source Since 1990

For over 26 years, the Pipeline has been your definitive source for APG news and information. In honor of the exciting new design that starts with this issue, we wanted to provide an overview of the Pipeline’s history and give you a glimpse into the creative and administrative processes required to bring it to life each month.
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The Pipeline was introduced in February of 1990 as a way to regularly update employees with important information – a pipeline for transmitting news from the office to the field. Pat and John Kavula coordinated to write, compile, and edit the original issues, all while juggling the heavy responsibilities of running the company. Back before high-tech computers and the internet, many tasks had to be done manually. Some features in those early issues were even cut and pasted before copying – using actual scissors and tape!

Over the years, many changes have been made. The original header featured a great design, but the GRS conduit used looked a little too much like plumbers’ pipe, so it was replaced by Terry Ryan’s EMT design in August 1991. We are electricians after all! Further changes to the header occurred in 1994, 2004, 2009, 2014, and now this issue in 2017. Originally, the Pipeline was exclusively for employees, but when a friend of APG mentioned how well it highlights our unique culture we decided to send it out to customers and vendors as well. From that point on, our partners in the industry could get to know us beyond the jobsite and could see what makes the APG family so special. In January of 1997, the Employee of the Month feature was added and we have selected a new individual each and every month since then. Maybe you are even one of the 240 people honored on the plaques in our Clearwater office.
 
While it could be easy to take the Pipeline for granted, each and every issue requires extensive planning, preparation, and hard work to bring to life. To start the process, Mike Henley outlines an issue’s main features and content for Rachel Kotsch, who then coordinates with over 20 different contributing employees to write the articles. After weeks of teamwork, a rough draft including graphics, photos, and layout is created by Rachel and sent to Brittany Henley, Trina Rodriguez, John Kavula, and others for input, editing, and review. After proofreading is done and revisions are made, the final approved edition is printed and distributed by our reception team. That in itself is a major challenge as over 900 copies are mailed out each month, along with employee awards, anniversary certificates, and prizes! As you can imagine, accomplishing all of this requires a huge amount of time and intense coordination. 
 
We are proud of the Pipeline’s quality content and we want to thank all those who have made it possible over the years. Your hard work, creativity, and dedication have made this newsletter the success it is and continues to be. Here’s to another great year with the Pipeline – your source for all things APG!

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