APG Newsletter November 2022

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

Submit a photo to be featured in the monthly newsletter. Each month, the person whose photo is selected for the front cover will win a $25 gift card!

Brittany Gonzales

EAST

HUMAN RESOURCES

Many have built up their PTO and we will be selectively approving PTO over the holiday season to ensure we have a full staff to operate our newspapers at all sites.

Consider a long weekend with a Friday/ Monday combination. You are allowed to carry over 80 hours into the new year so please schedule your PTO soon so you can receive the time off you ask for now as later it may be restricted depending on how many Associates ask for the same days off.

We know how hard you work and recognize the importance of providing you with time for rest and relaxation.

View PTO Policies online at: hr.adamspg.com/handbook

VIRTUAL BENEFITS FAIR

APG’s Benefit Open Enrollment Period

APG is conducting Open Enrollment beginning November 1 through November 23, 2022, with benefits effective January 1, 2023.

During the Open Enrollment period you have the opportunity to review benefits offerings and make election changes. Keep in mind, this is an annual event and the only time you may make changes unless you experience a qualifying life event.

To learn more about carrier offerings and benefits, visit the APG Virtual Benefit Fair at benefitsfair. online/apg, which features important resources and allows Associates to ask questions directly to our benefit providers about the 2023 benefit options.

You may also view the 2023 Benefits Guide on the ADP website under Resources>Tools.

NEW THIS YEAR

If you want to keep your current benefits for 2023, you do not need to do anything and your benefits will be carried forward. But, if you are re-enrolling in Flexible Spending Accounts(FSAs) or the Health Savings Account (HSA) you will need to actively enroll for either benefit online at WorkforceNow.ADP.com

Remember the deadline to enroll is Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

SAFETY TIPS SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS

Every year, adults of all ages are injured by slips, trips, and falls. Winter’s cold, rain, sleet, and snow make it easier to fall. Follow these tips to lower your risk:

• PLAN AHEAD. When possible, wait for bad weather conditions to clear before going out. Allow for enough time to get around without rushing. If your usual route is snowy or icy, look for other ways to get where you’re going.

• USE HANDRAILS. Always use a handrail when walking up or down stairs, or along a sloping walkway.

• WALK SLOWLY AND TAKE SMALLER STEPS. This way, you can be sure you have your footing. Bend forward slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity over your feet. This will help keep you stable on slippery surfaces.

• STAY IN WELL-LIT AREAS. Keep your lights on, inside and outside. Look for travel routes with good lighting. When possible, use walkways that are well maintained. Consider using a headlamp for better illumination before sunrise, or after sunset.

• KEEP YOUR HANDS FREE. Bracing yourself with your hands helps avoid serious injuries. Avoid carrying items in slippery conditions. If you fall while you are holding something, drop it so that you can protect yourself.

• PAY ATTENTION. Be aware of your surroundings, especially patches of ice. Test for black ice by tapping the area with your toe before stepping down. Step straight down instead of out when exiting a vehicle or walking off a curb.

• WEAR APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR. Wear boots or shoes with rough, slip resistant soles. Rubber soles are safest. Don’t wear loose shoes or shoes with high heels. Use slip-on cleats, or other traction aids when possible.

• DRESS FOR THE WEATHER. Wearing extra layers of clothing and gloves gives you padding in case you fall.

• CLEAN YOUR SHOES OR SWITCH TO INDOOR SHOES ONCE YOU ARE INSIDE. Snow and ice can freeze on shoes, making them slippery. Always sit down before cleaning or removing shoes. Wipe your feet and watch for slippery floors.

THERE IS NO WAY TO PREVENT FALLS ENTIRELY. IF YOU DO FALL, YOU SHOULD:

• PROTECT YOUR HEAD AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. If you hit your head during a fall, follow up with your primary care provider as soon as possible.

• CHECK YOURSELF FOR INJURIES. If you feel injured, look for someone to help you get up. You could get hurt again if you try to get up by yourself.

• IF YOU ARE NOT HURT, TRY TO GET UP SAFELY. It is safest to move slowly, get to your hands and knees, and look for a sturdy object to help pull yourself up.

and more…

is a great place to start when you are searching for HR information. Of course, if you can’t find what you are looking for or need additional help, our HR team is always available to assist you. You can find their contact info at hr.adamspg.com/contact or you can send them a quick message to AskHR@adamspg.com.

The STARS Program continues in full swing for 2022. We had 80 sales associates/ sales leaders exceed their total revenue goal for the second quarter, down slightly from Q1. In the first quarter of the year, we reached 102 individuals over their goal. External headwinds played a tough part in the revenue performance climb for Q2, but a heavy emphasis on new revenue generation has helped diversify the account base. As a special benefit for sales, the BOGO/Accelerate Program was extended for the remainder of the year creating a continuing pipeline of new and different businesses. Through mid-September, the sales associates have closed over $1.9MM

OFFICE

in new account sales through this program.

The East continues to rampage through the divisional performance world, amassing another 37 quarterly sales wizards over goal in Q2, bringing their year-to-date total to 79 quarters of over-budget performance.

I don’t know what kind of protein shakes Austin Fowler and John Goheen are consuming, but they should definitely share so we can all reach their performance levels!

The Central division sales teams amassed 32 performers in Q2, bringing their yearto-date quarters of sales success to 73. Tim Mart and Gina Hipke led the teams in Q2, carrying the best over-goal performance. They were the top two in Q1 2022 as well,

showing great consistency for the past 6 months!

The West had 22 sales leaders/sales associates over goal for Q2, up from their Q1 performance of 17. Leading the pack this quarter were Kaitlyn Shippley and Terry Simms with some terrific performances. The West is working its way into the turn for the roses, so we know the best is yet to come!

A new look included this quarter is recognizing the sales associates with the top dollars in revenue. They may not be over goal, but they bring a lot of “cheese” to the party. These individuals are generating lots of help to get us to the finish line so let’s give them a shout out!

IAN A REMINDER THAT PRINT IS KING

APG FLORIDA

As Hurricane Ian slammed into Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, The Daily Sun and Venice Gondolier staff hunkered down under 145-mile-per-hour winds.

No one knew exactly what they would see come daybreak, but potential outcomes had been planned for nearly 20 years.

APG Florida has a 150-page emergency guide, a document that Publisher Glen Nickerson created after Category 4 Hurricane Charley made landfall in Punta Gorda in 2004. This document became invaluable in the days leading up to and after Ian.

“From production outages and staff needs and more, our guidebook helped to plan for the worse and be prepared for the best,” Nickerson said.

Hurricane Ian’s path “wobbled," so it was impossible to know where it would make landfall.

“Our presses in Venice and Port Charlotte were prepared to print depending on where landfall would occur, but we also had secured additional facilities if needed,” Nickerson said.

In the days leading up to the storm, visitor traffic to YourSun.com went from 14,000 visitors a day to topping 80,900 the day prior to landfall. As the team looks back on the one-month anniversary web traffic once again topped 35,000 visitors daily.

The editorial team worked to tell the story of the storm and its impact.

“Hurricane Ian showed how necessary local coverage - and newsroom teamworkremains to our communities,” Managing Editor Scott Lawson said. "It was amazing to see everyone energized to do our part to assist the area.”

Circulation worked diligently to deliver the paper to the market every day. The evening before landfall, carriers delivered the newspaper to its readers.

The Daily Sun never missed publishing a newspaper the entire storm, and while some homes were damaged, the roads without power look very different than they did a few days prior, Port Charlotte Production Manager Chris Germann said.

"The local power company sent a team of 22,000 linemen to the region after the storm to reconnect residents' power, and while some employees were without electricity for a few days the Venice office was up and running the day after the storm," Germann said.

The office in Port Charlotte ran on a generator for days after the storm.

"Everyone around us had power but for some reason, we did not,” Germann said.

Residents in some areas spent more than 20 days without internet and spotty cellphone service.

Chad Zander, director of Audience Development, noted that's how The Daily Sun and Venice Gondolier assisted.

“While our community craved news, we delivered,” Zander said.

More single copies were delivered to stores that were open, and local hotels and chambers were given copies to hand out for free. As more stores opened more single copies were sold, and shelves were empty of the printed product.

Omar Zucco, regional advertising director, made sure to take advantage of the increased attention.

“We created a Hurricane Ian Go To Market sales sheet, showing the website and email

numbers leading up to the storm.” Zucco said. “High Road Agency helped us put together a marketing plan to reach local businesses who needed to get the word out that they were open for business.”

Zucco and the advertising managers worked to create a Stimulus Plan, similar to what the company did during COVID, to offer a dollar-for-dollar match to help local business owners.

“While radio and television were active after the storm, we were the local go-to media for the area after the storm,” Nickerson said. "It proved what we all knew, the newspaper is still valuable to the local area no matter the situation.”

Thank you to the team members who came down and spent 2 weeks with the Florida teams just after the storm.

Jeff Rowton, Traci Bauer, Mike Judge, David Alltop, Greg Mueller, Matthew Wolfe

Jim Cantore reported 2 miles from the Port Charlotte office, and just outside Amberly Leverich's, our Classified Sales Manager, apartment in downtown Punta Gorda.

Our North Port office, a hurricane-harded building where some employees and their families had sheltered from the storm. While the building did receive some damage from the storm the majority of the damage it received was from the flood waters.

The flooded night photo is from the Key West office.

In the daytime we found flooded parking lots outside the Port Charlotte office and loading dock.

Bubbling under the water you can see an alligator in the fron parking lot of the Port Charlotte office.

The empty sign frame was all that was left from the brand-new sign that was installed earlier this year.

RETIRING AFTER 48 YEARS WITH GREENEVILLE SUN

GREENEVILLE SUN

Shirley Jones has retired from the Circulation Department of The Greeneville Sun after 48 years of service.

She was recognized Sept. 1 with a retirement luncheon and reception at The Sun office.

When Shirley was hired as circulation assistant, shortly after graduating high school, the newspaper had just increased is subscription rate from 55 cents a week to $2.40 a month, and they needed someone to handle the billing.

She fondly recalls a number of previous co-workers. “I’ve worked with some great people,” she said with a smile on her face.

But it’s hard to find a time when Shirley doesn’t have a smile on her face. Whether she’s dealing with customers in person or on the phone, she said helping people has been one of the favorite things about her job.

“I’ve always tried to treat them like I like to be treated,” she said. In fact, that’s the advice she gives to anyone who is working

toward retirement, along with saying a lot of prayers.

Shirley plans to spend more time with her family.

Gregg Jones, retired co-publisher of The Sun, said “Since the first day she joined the staff of The Greeneville Sun, Shirley Jones, then Harrison, has made significant contributions. Over multiple headacheinducing technology changes, Shirley stoically learned what she needed to learn, then uncomplainingly helped her colleagues do the same. This quiet, hugely competent person has epitomized the best in customer service for nearly a half century, winning over and making friends for herself and The Sun along the way. Shirley is admired and respected by all who know her, and that certainly includes me and my family. She’s simply the best!”

Circulation Director Dale Long said, “I’ve been working with Shirley for 28 years in the Circulation Department. Shirley has been a great asset to the Circulation Department

and to her coworkers. She’s dependable, hard-working and will be greatly missed. I personally have witnessed Shirley providing the best customer service that one could give. She is a true friend and coworker. I wish she would stay longer. You might still see her around the Circulation Department providing much-needed assistance. Congratulations, and I hope you enjoy your retirement. And thank you for all you have done for me.”

SAILORS VOLUNTEER

Greeneville Sun staff and USS Greeneville submariners volunteered at Gifts for Kids (GFK) in Greeneville during ‘Week of Caring,’ a newspaper-co-sponsored event in which local businesses and organizations worked at about a dozen community work sites, including GFK and the local YMCA. The week was also co-sponsored by the Tusculum University Center for Civic Advancement and hosted by United Way of Greene County. Past and present USS Greeneville sailors were visiting their Tennessee namesake town. Pictured from left are Dale Long, Sun director of printing & distribution and president of USS Greeneville Inc., the local organization that lobbied the U.S. Navy to name a submarine after the town; Jacob Fotjik, sailor; Scott Jenkins, Sun editor; Jeff Tanner, sailor; Jancie Painter, vice president of Gifts for Kids; Mat Tanner, sailor; and Paul Mauney, Sun publisher and APG TN-NC-VA president. Not pictured, additional Sun staff volunteered too, including Richard Clark, ad director; Brian Cutshall, digital director; and Jayme Pressley and Hala Watson, MMAEs. Paul, Scott and Brian (the photographer) installed several shelving units, ‘looking a little like the Three Stooges in the beginning, but we got it done and had a blast,’ Cutshall laughed.Reporters Committee, visit RCFP.org.

PRIZER NAMED ADVANCE, HERALD, PW PUBLISHER CHICAGO NATIVE COMING TO EC

FROM SPOKANE, WASH.

THE DAILY ADVANCE, CHOWAN HERALD, THE PERQUIMANS WEEKLY

The new publisher and advertising director for The Daily Advance, Chowan Herald and The Perquimans Weekly expressed excitement last week about the opportunity to work for newspapers in three communities with a strong sense of community.

David Prizer, who took over the reins at the three papers last week, comes to the Albemarle from Spokane, Washington, but is no stranger to eastern North Carolina. He lived in New Bern while serving as digital sales director for Gannett publications in Jacksonville, New Bern and Wilmington.

Prizer grew up in Chicago and has lived in New York City, but appreciates the way people know and relate to each other in communities like Elizabeth City, Edenton and Hertford.

Prizer said he went into a corner store in Elizabeth City for a cup of coffee last week and the women behind the counter struck up a conversation with him.

“And I love that,” he said. “When I was in New Bern people would say ‘good morning.’ They say the same thing in New York and Chicago but they don’t mean it. But they really meant it in New Bern, and I get that same feeling here.”

Prizer said people in the community look to their local newspaper for information that they need. “That makes me want to work here,” he said.

“I want to be in the community and hear from people what the newspaper means to

them and make sure that we’re doing that,” Prizer said. “I want to provide an even more thorough and even more effective way to make sure that the community has what it needs to get by every day.”

With experience in digital advertising and digital engagement, Prizer is interested in new ways to engage the community, whether through print or other means.

“I don’t think that our business revolves around paper,” he said.

Growing up in Chicago, Prizer had a neighbor who was a cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune. He thinks that might have been the start of his love for newspapers and the newspaper business, but his career has mostly tended toward community newspapers rather than the large metro dailies.

“At the end of the day our job is to keep the community engaged and to inform the community,” Prizer said.

He said he is looking for a home in the area and looks forward to being part of the community here.

Prizer’s career has included work with Hagadone, GateHouse Media and Gannett.

He replaces Sean O’Brien, who recently left the publisher’s role at The Daily Advance, Chowan Herald and The Perquimans Weekly to pursue another opportunity.

MURAL UNDERWAY IN ELKIN, NC

CONGRATS TO OUR NOVEMBER WINNER

MICHELE WATERS, APG CHESAPEAKE

The Question Was: How many of Snow White’s seven dwarfs have names ending in the letter Y?

The Answer Was: 5

Photo by Kitsey Burns Harrison, Editor of Yadkin Ripple, Elkin Tribune and On The Vine magazine in Elkin, NC.

Mural artist Joey Dill working on the newest mural in downtown Elkin.

GABY PETITO COVERAGE WINS DAILY SUN AWARDS

DAILY SUN

The Daily Sun’s in-depth coverage of the Gabby Petito case was recognized by the Florida Society of News Editors, which gave the newspaper the Gold Medal for Public Service for 2022.

The Daily Sun is the APG-operated media company based in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. It has bureaus in Venice and North Port, Florida as well.

FSNE awarded a first place for Breaking News to The Daily Sun staff for its coverage of the disappearance and death of Gabrielle “Gabby” Petito that began in September 2021.

“All of us at The Daily Sun and Venice Gondolier are so proud of the outstanding journalism that our news team published this past year,” Daily Sun Publisher Glen Nickerson said.

Her story became worldwide news. Petito was a resident of North Port when she went missing.

“We cover our community — and this was a story we would have covered even if it hadn’t become an international spectacle of sorts,” Daily Sun Managing Editor Scott Lawson stated.

Among the journalists involved were Chris Porter, Elaine Allen-Emrich, Craig Garrett along with Garry Overbey, Frank DiFiore, Steve Reilly, Daniel Sutphin, Nancy Semon,

Betsy

Sports Editor Patrick Obley received two first place awards for stories - including a series he wrote on a local wrestling coach who among the victims of an Ohio State University doctor while a wrestler for the team.

TENNESSEE REPORTERS TALK LEGAL

Pictured at top right, Paul McAdoo, of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, addresses Greeneville Sun and Newport Plain Talk journalists. The local legal initiative attorney for Tennessee discussed reportersí legal rights and responsibilities, including photo and editorial copyrights, in October in Greeneville. Also pictured from left are Dave Ruthenberg, Newport managing editor; Paul Mauney, president of APG TN-NC-VA; Spencer Morrell and Lisa Warren, Greeneville reporters; and Scott Jenkins, Greeneville editor. McAdoo also gave a similar presentation at The Daily Times, an APG sister newspaper in Maryville, Tennessee. More information on the Reporters Committee, visit RCFP.org.

Calvert, Sue Erwin, Bob Mudge and Morgan Simpson, Gabby Mendoza, Heather Hernandez and Kyle Gallimore.

DAILY TIMES GENERATES MORE THAN 8 GRAND WITH SENIOR EXPO

DAILY TIMES

The Daily Times hosted a “Grand Times” Senior Expo 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church of Maryville, Tenn.

Those seeking information on opportunities offered for the senior population in Blount County were encouraged to attend. This was a free event open to the area’s seniors, and it included the participation of more than 25 local vendors.

According to Darrell Richardson, director of advertising and marketing solutions for The Daily Times, the event generated close to $8,300 in revenue for the East Tennessee daily newspaper in the month of October.

And this fall’s Senior Expo was so popular with the participating vendors and 200plus attendees that several asked the local newspaper when the next event would be held.

The following businesses and/or organizations were represented: Office on Aging, Knoxville TVA Credit Union, Humana, Pampered Chef, Avenir, author Reba Rhyne, Blount Senior Care Partners, Avon, Drew Miles Insurance, Blount Memorial Hospital (three different booths), Smith’s Funeral Home, Clearview Healthcare, Second Harvest Food Bank, AAA, Maryville Acupuncture, ParkMed, Medicare Insurance Advisors, Blount County Library/Friends of

the Library, Dotson Memorial Funeral Home, Alzheimer’s Tennessee, Senior Financial Group, Beltone and Blount Discount Pharmacy.

Lee Zimmerman, a longtime columnist and blogger who writes a “Senior Survival” column for The Daily Times, was a guest speaker and hearing screenings, bloodpressure checks, and vaccines and blood glucose testing were offered by the various vendors.

Door prizes were given away throughout the four-hour Senior Expo. And all members of The Daily Times ad team, as well as publisher Bryan Sandmeier, helped with the event.

GONDOLIER NAMED FLORIDA’S BEST COMMUNITY PAPER

THE VENICE GONDOLIER

The Venice Gondolier has once again been named the best community newspaper in the state by the Florida Press Association, following a dominant showing in the state journalism contest.

The Venice Gondolier, which has held the top ranking for most of the past 20 years, won this year after being selected as having some of the best stories, photos, editorials and multimedia presentations among community newspapers in Florida.

“Florida is considered to have one of the best concentrations of daily and community newspapers in the country,” Venice Gondolier Editor Ronald Dupont Jr. said. “To be named the best among our peers in Florida is an honor of honors.”

To determine which newspaper gets the No. 1 ranking, points are awarded based on where a newspaper places in each of roughly 50 categories. The paper with the most points wins.

This year, the Venice Gondolier received 150

points. The Navarre Press took second with 101 points, and the Palm Coast Observer took third with 67 points.

Multiple writers and photographers, including freelancers, placed in numerous categories. Perhaps the most astounding fact is that Senior Writer Bob Mudge has placed in the contest 20 straight years.

The judges praised the Gondolier and gave it the high honor of first place in “General Excellence.”

“The Gondolier’s strength in hard news reporting, well crafted local editorials, and the only entry with a digital editor’s top 5 stories of the week led to its first place award in General Excellence,” one of the judges wrote.

“It also matched the other entries in community interest, promotion, mechanical excellence, advertising, enterprise, etc. Having 17 letters to the editor over three editions confirms readers are engaged with their local paper.”

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA SHOWCASES THEIR PROPERITIES

Eastern North Carolina was able to showcase its three daily properties recently when APG Chief Operating Officer Nick Monico visited. As part of the tour of North Carolina’s eastern most properties, members of APG-ENC were introduced to Mark Cohen, who will become the Regional President of Eastern NC upon the impending retirement of Robin Quillon. The tour included stops in Greenville, Elizabeth City and Rocky Mount where they met with staff and discussed plans for the future.

Pictured left to right: Nathan Kohan, Nick Monico, Gwen Davis, Robin Quillon, Mark Cohen, Kyle Stephens.

DAILY REFLECTOR

Adams Publishing Group announced Robin Quillon retired as regional president in eastern North Carolina effective Aug. 31.

Mark Cohen, publisher/ president APG Ohio/ Michigan, moved to Greenville to oversee a combined division, Ohio/ Eastern North Carolina.

“This change allows us to review our organizational structure and we have decided to consolidate Ohio and ENC under one region,” said Nick Monico, APG chief operating officer. “Mark and his team have grown the Ohio operation significantly on many fronts.”

Cohen has more than 30 years of experience in the publishing business. Prior to joining APG in Ohio in 2019, he served as president of the Pennsylvania Press Association, advocating for the state’s newspapers.

Cohen will relocate to North Carolina on Sept. 6 and oversee operations from Rocky Mount east to Elizabeth City and south to Duplin County.

“I’m excited about this expanded role and look forward to blending into the community, visiting

customers and supporting our employees,” Cohen said. “I can’t wait to explore the region and I also get to visit the Ohio locations monthly, which is the ideal situation.”

Quillon joined Adams Publishing Group as Eastern North Carolina regional president in August 2018. He said he enjoyed his time in eastern North Carolina and thanks readers for their loyalty and staff members for their devotion.

“After 40 years in this business, the time has come to say goodbye,” Quillon said. “I will be joining my family in Florida, where we have four children and seven grandchildren. Working for Adams Publishing as president of ENC and the excellent team here has been a wonderful experience. We’ve had tremendous

success over the past three years. And I believe our best days are ahead. ENC will be in good hands, as my very good friend Mark Cohen leads this division. I wish him and my team of professionals all the best.”

THE HIGH ROAD AGENCY

REBRANDING A JOHNSON CITY BBQ RESTAURANT

Over the years, Firehouse Restaurant expanded its facilities, hours, menu, and services to better serve the community boasting great food, famous hospitality, and growing tomorrow’s leaders. Firehouse Restaurant’s prosperous and storied history challenged us to view the restaurant with fresh eyes to refresh its current branding and reflect how far it has come.

Firehouse Restaurant’s brand has multiple elements: primary restaurant logo, secondary barbecue logo,

catering logo, employee patch, and catering patch. All logos now boast a new timeless fire helmet and refined serif font to suggest the weight of Firehouse Restaurant’s history. The primary restaurant logo proudly displays No. 2 on the fire helmet serving to reference the West Walnut Street Fire Hall in which the restaurant resides. Built in 1930, the Walnut Street Fire Hall served Johnson City as Station No. 2 until 1976. Learn more at: thehighroadagency.com/ firehouse-rebrand/

CONNECTING PEOPLE WHO CARE WITH CAUSES THAT MATTER

Charlotte Community Foundation’s mission is to connect people who care with causes that matter. After an audit of the organization’s website, it was determined that the user experience did not accomplish this mission as it was not user-friendly. The High Road Agency recently redesigned and restructured the website, focusing on the user experience to connect people who care with the causes that matter to them.

The site is divided into three main sections for their three primary focus areas: Donors & Giving, Grants, and Scholarships. This allows users to find the information and resources they are looking for easily. There is also a new storytelling focus on the site with compelling stories from legacy families and scholarship and grant recipients.

Check out how making a difference in their community starts on t heir website.

charlottecf.org

CELEBRATING THE OUTSTANDING WORK IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY

Friends of Southwest Virginia discovered a need in their region. A need to recognize the outstanding work and contributions in advancing the Southwest Virginia Tourism Industry. Because of this, a new awards program was created – the Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards – and High Road played a key role in making it happen. We created the awards branding, developed the conference website, wrote the press release, provided event management, photographed the program, designed the awards program, and provided a variety of graphics. The Tourism Awards were open to tourism organizations, tourism and economic development individuals, and tourism-related businesses located within the 19 counties of the Southwest Virginia region.

“Taking time to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of our tourism partners is important,” said Kim Davis, executive director of Friends of Southwest Virginia. “Tourism is one of the key economic drivers in Southwest Virginia, and we are pleased to recognize these incredible leaders who work hard every day to showcase and market our region to travelers.”

Southwest Virginia tourism professionals submitted nearly 60 nominations. Winners were chosen after a panel of tourism industry professionals from across the Southeastern United States, and one judge from England reviewed and judged each entry. Learn more at: thehighroadagency.com/swva-tourism-awards/

APG OF MINNESOTA RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

APG MINNESOTA

Eden Prairie, MN-Adams Publishing Group of Minnesota on Nov. 5 was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Award for 2022 from MN ADOPT and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The announcement was official after DHS and MN ADOPT officially presented the award during a virtual ceremony known as Circus of the Heart, which had as many as 2,000 participants.

The award is given annually to one organization and one individual.

APG received the award for its work in helping find foster and adoptive homes for kids in need throughout Minnesota. Every month since 2019 APG has been publishing short bios on specific children in need of homes and loving families.

“When we initiated this program 945 kids were waiting to be placed with foster families or adoptive homes. Today, that number has been reduced to 544,” said Keith Anderson, director of News for APG of East Central Minnesota.

“We’re not suggesting that our participation is solely responsible for that reduction, but officials at MN ADOPT routinely remind me just how much of a difference this has made to their program. None of it would be possible if our editors did not make an effort to include this information each month, which opens the door for our readers to consider fostering or adoption. Editors have consistently seen the importance of this program and have responded by making it available to our readers.”

November is National Adoption Awareness Month, so this event celebrates the success of finding needy children homes. “MN ADOPT and the Department of Human Services, along with local adoption agencies and counties wish to publicly acknowledge your contribution to the adoption and foster care communities,” said Rachel Walstad, executive director of MN ADOPT.

In 2023 APG will enter its fifth year of promoting this important project.

anniversary at APG.

John Sherman is a reporter in one of APG’s MN locations and what an incredible human being he is. When one of our HR representatives sat down with him, they were fascinated as they listened to him talk about how his reporting has changed/evolved over the years.

When asked what his secret was to having such a successful career, he replied, “It’s important to love what you do, enjoy your co-workers, and be happy about going to work each day”.

APG WELCOMES YELLOWSTONE COLLEAGUES

APG MONTANA

Adams Publishing Group announces the addition of 13 news titles in Montana through the acquisition of Yellowstone News Group. The purchase expands APG’s footprint in the state, which already includes the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and Belgrade News, in addition to a number of specialty products in those communities.

The new network will span nearly 500 miles across rural Montana. Yellowstone papers in the purchase, in addition to the flagship Livingston Enterprise, include The Miles City Star, The Glendive Ranger-Review, The Lewistown News-Argus, The Dillon Tribune, The Big Timber Pioneer, The Laurel Outlook, The Carbon County News, The Bighorn County News, The Stillwater County News, The Terry Tribune, The ((Forsyth) Independent Press, and The Judith Basin Press.

“We would like to thank John Sullivan and his team for their fine stewardship of those newspapers over the years,” said Mark Adams, CEO of Adams Publishing Group. “APG is excited to work with the Yellowstone media operations in Montana. This opportunity is a great strategic fit with our Big Sky region based in Bozeman, and we look forward to providing that region with greater regional and local community journalism as well as a larger advertiser audience.”

The Yellowstone team adds more than 100 employees to APG’s Big Sky region and additional production capacity for in-house and commercial printing. APG will enhance the digital content for subscribers and offer expanded digital marketing solutions for local businesses. By consolidating business operations, APG will free up local resources to focus on serving the local communities.

The sale will end a 57-year history for the Yellowstone group, which began in 1965 with the purchase of the Miles City Star, and has grown to include 13 daily, twice-weekly and weekly newspapers and become the state’s largest Montana-owned newspaper group.

“After over half a century of shepherding these Montana community papers, it’s time we turned over their care and feeding to a new outfit, We are confident Mark Adams and his new organization will take good care of our papers and our communities,” said Yellowstone President John Sullivan.

Since its first acquisition in 2014, APG has grown to more than 120 newspapers and more than 220 media-related and associated digital products in 19 states across the U.S.

TIER 1

- Dave Woods (Sun Coast Media Group) - Lori Worley (High Road Agency) - Kyle Wirick (High Road Agency)

TIER 2

- John Williams (Skagit) - Scott Tretadue (Hometown News Group/Southern Wisconsin) - Kathy Schultz (Skagit)

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

It’s not just based on revenue performance over last year or vs. budget. We’re also seeking to recognize sales professionals for their innovative approaches to digital campaigns, as well as any extraordinary sales performances and results for clients.

• Simple Online Nomination Form on APG Website/ SelfNominate or Submissions By Managers: https://adamspg. com/idea/

• $350 First Place, $250 Second Place, $100 Third Place

Winter HolidayCHALLENGE

YOU SHARED YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY RECIPE OR HOLIDAY TRADITION.

What makes your holiday special?

PRIZES:

1st place: $100 VISA card

2nd Place: $50 VISA card

3rd Place: $25 VISA card

Winter Holiday CHALLENGE WINNER

CANDY MAKING

Since childhood our family gets together with friends each December to have a day of candy making. Everyone attending brings 1-2 (sometimes more) recipes, ingredients needed to make their recipes, and a large container to bring their candy home in. Throughout the day, everyone works together to make the recipes that were brought in.

After the day is over and everyone has created their recipes, we put all of the dishes out on the dining room table. Each person gets out their large container and we all circle the table and fill them up! It’s so fun to share all of the candy at the end.

Over the years we’ve moved and made new friends to invite but it never fails that we have a day of comradery big or small to create sweet treats and holiday memories.

CHRISTMAS

1st Place - Katie Westbrooks, The High Road Agency

CONGRATULATIONS TO ASSOCIATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE APG REFERRAL BONUS FOR NEW HIRES!