CONTENTS
Human Resources
OFFICE ERGONOMICS, SMARTCONNECT, AVOIDING FRAUD
APG
PLANNING EVENTS, DIAPER DRIVE, IRIS FESTIVAL, ADVISORY BOARD
APG Central VIDEO SUCCESS, WELCOME IRELAND TO THE TEAM
APG
PRESS CLUB AWARDS, STATE CONTEST WINNINGS
PAGE 04 PAGE 09 PAGE 14 PAGE 16
WEST DIVISION
Regions: Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming
CENTRAL DIVISION
Regions: Minnesota, Wisconsin
EAST DIVISION
Regions: Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida
West Division
Central Division
East Division
DO YOU KNOW YOUR PAID TIME OFF BALANCE?
(COVERS VACATION & SICK LEAVE)
We know how hard you work and recognize the importance of providing you with time for rest and relaxation. View
HUMAN RESOURCES GETTING STARTED WITH SMARTCONNECT TM
About SmartConnect
Free Medicare education and enrollment resource for employees, retirees and their friends and families
Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans | Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans | Ancillary Coverage
WHAT IS SMARTCONNECT?
The SmartConnect team helps employees, retirees and their family members compare their current health insurance to Medicare with the goal of identifying the most costeffective option, whether that’s Medicare or their current coverage. We also provide enrollment assistance and continuous support for those employees who elect to go onto Medicare.
WHO CAN USE SMARTCONNECT?
Anyone who is Medicare-eligible including employees, retirees, spouses, children, parents, neighbors, and friends.
UPCOMING COMPANY HOLIDAYS
LABOR DAY
Monday, September 4, 2023
THANKSGIVING
Thursday, November 23, 2023
CHRISTMAS
Monday, December 25, 2023
NEW YEAR’S DAY
Monday, January 1, 2023
IN WHICH STATES ARE YOUR AGENTS LICENSED?
SmartConnect agents are licensed and appointed in all 50 states.
DID YOU KNOW?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Nothing! SmartConnect is a NO COST service for everyone. The only cost a beneficiary will incur is for a monthly premium (if there is one) that goes to the insurance provider they choose. There are no hidden fees or extra costs associated with our services.
WHEN SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE CALL SMARTCONNECT TO SPEAK WITH A LICENSED AGENT?
Right now! We can help people eligible for Medicare for the first time understand their options, help current Medicare beneficiaries compare their existing coverage, and assist retirees who want to transition onto Medicare.
SmartConnect agents offer unbiased advice and are not incentivized to favor any plan over another. Our licensed agents will help each person understand their options and which plan types may work best for them based on their unique circumstances.
OFFICE ERGONOMICS
Follow these 10 office ergonomics tips to help you avoid fatigue:
1. Make sure that the weight of your arms are always supported. If your arms are not supported, the muscles of your neck and shoulders will be aching by the end of the day.
2. Watch your head position and try to keep the weight of your head directly above its base of support (neck). Don’t “crane” your head and neck forward.
3. Don’t slouch! Slouching puts more pressure on the discs and vertebrae of your back. Use the lumbar support of your chair and avoid sitting in a way that places body weight more on one than on the other. Move your chair as close to your work as possible to avoid leaning and reaching. Make sure to “scoot” your chair in every time you sit down.
4. The monitor should be placed directly in front of you, with the top no higher than eye level. The keyboard should be directly in front of the monitor, so you don’t have to frequently turn your head and neck.
5. Talking on the phone with the phone receiver jammed between the neck and ear is bad practice. Use a headset or speaker when possible to improve posture.
6. The keyboard and the mouse should be close enough to prevent excessive reaching which strains the shoulders and arms.
7. Avoid eye strain by making sure that your monitor is not too close, it should be at least an arm’s length away.
8. Take steps to control screen glare, and make sure that the monitor is not placed in front of a window or a bright background.
9. You can rest your eyes periodically for several seconds by looking at objects at a distance to give your eyes a break.
10. The feet should not be dangling when you are seated. If your feet don’t comfortably reach the floor or there is pressure on the backs of your legs, use a footrest or lower the keyboard and chair.
BUILDING WORKPLACE RESILIENCE
Worker burnout is often a function of how you react to large amounts of stress. You may react to negative stress by feeling overwhelmed, irritable and worried. The key to preventing burnout and developing workplace resilience is to find ways to neutralize the stress or turn it into positive stress (where you feel motivated and excited).
UNDERSTANDING STRESS
Stress is a normal response to life changes. The ability to react to stress is crucial for human survival. Each of us possesses an innate "fight or flight" response mechanism to potentially harmful or dangerous situations. When faced with stress, the adrenal glands secrete stimulating hormones; extra glucose is burned for energy; the heart rate accelerates; blood is channeled to working muscles; and your brain releases epinephrine, cortisone and other hormones to get you ready for the challenge.
CAUSES OF WORK-RELATED STRESS
Causes of stress vary from person to person, and not everyone feels anxiety from the same stressors (causes of stress). For example, some people thrive in work environments where they have to meet fastapproaching deadlines each day, such as in the news industry. Other people find working under these conditions to be extremely stressful. Sources of work-related stress commonly cited by employees include:
• Long or difficult commutes to work
• Disagreements with co-workers or supervisors
• Having a disagreeable or difficult coworker
• Experiencing verbal abuse
• Feeling overworked
• Feeling unappreciated
• Having difficult deadlines to meet
• Feeling underpaid
• Job insecurity
• Feeling tasks are monotonous,
repetitive or redundant
• Diminished benefits
• Working long hours
• Having to take work home to complete
• Fear of physical violence in the workplace
IMPACT OF STRESS
While stress can keep you sharp and alert, prolonged stress can strain the body. Unrelieved tension builds up, causing an array of physiological and psychological symptoms that may include:
• A weakened immune system (lower white blood cell count)
• Headaches and migraines
• Stomachaches and ulcers
• Back and muscular pain
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Concentration difficulties
• Chronic fatigue
• Sleep and appetite disturbances
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Depression
• Panic attacks
Job stress also may lead to:
• Deterioration in work relationships
• Decreased productivity
• Low workplace morale
• Work absenteeism
• Substance abuse
IDENTIFYING AND COPING WITH JOB-RELATED STRESS
Stress causes a variety of physical and emotional changes in people. Managers (and employees) should be trained to recognize the common signs of stress and
burnout in other people.
If you are aware and conscious of these signs, you can implement specific changes in day-to-day activities to minimize (or even eliminate) job-related stress from your workplace.
SIGNS OF STRESS
Stress can manifest itself in a multitude of different physical or emotional changes in a person.
Physical signs of stress include:
• Headaches and migraines
• Stomachaches and ulcers
• A weakened immune system (making it harder for the body to fight viruses and bacteria)
• Back and muscle pain
• Grinding teeth
• Feeling lightheaded
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Panic attacks
• Difficulty concentrating
• Rashes, itching and hives
• Weight gain or loss
• Increase in drinking, smoking or drug use
Emotional signs of stress include:
• Forgetfulness
• Excessive nervousness, anxiety and worry
• Increased anger and hostility
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Difficulty communicating
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Withdrawal from social interaction
HUMAN RESOURCES
WAYS TO MANAGE OR ELIMINATE STRESS
For people who feel stress, there are things to do to minimize the stress and anxiety. Here are some suggestions for coping with job-related stress:
• Change how you view work: Eliminate negative words, such as “I cannot do this,” “No way” and “I hate this.” When you get the urge to use negative words, try to stop yourself and think of positive words instead, such as “Yes,” “I will/can,” “Certainly” and “I want to succeed.” Also, being bored can be just as stressful as being overworked. If you are bored or spend your time on repetitive tasks, try throwing yourself into whatever you are doing, and give it all of your concentration. You will find that time passes more quickly the more you are engaged with what you are doing and are improving the quality of your work. Another possibility is to volunteer for a new task that will challenge you.
• Learn to manage your workload: If your position allows you to decide which projects and tasks to undertake, try tactfully saying no to some requests. It is important to pitch in and help out when asked, but do not overextend yourself. For those tasks for which you are responsible, be sure to prioritize them and schedule them on a calendar. Plan each day so that you set realistic goals for getting your work done and meeting your deadlines. You can accomplish this by breaking bigger projects into smaller tasks. Also, try doing unpleasant tasks first so you can get them out of the way.
• Seek out the positives in any situation: If your responsibilities change or you find yourself in a negative situation, try to look on the bright side. What lessons can you take away from the situation? It
may not sound easy, but if you can do this, your mood and your outlook at work will improve.
• Change your work environment: Is your workspace arranged in a way that prevents you from getting your work done? Perhaps you need a comfier chair, more sunlight, more space, more privacy or a more comfortable work wardrobe. Come up with a list of reasonable suggestions for change, and ask your supervisor if he or she will allow you to pursue them. You can also hang a favorite art poster or bring a plant to change your environment.
• Take better care of yourself: You can improve your attitude by improving your health and nutrition habits. Ways to do this include eating healthier lunches and snacks (more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less saturated fats and refined sugars); drinking coffee and alcohol in moderation, or replacing them with water; quitting smoking; and exercising, even just a few minutes each day. Simple stretches and deep breathing at your desk can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle more challenges. If you can, take short breaks to let off steam, or go for a walk at lunch to change your surroundings.
• Make the most of your time away from work: It can be a challenge but do not think about work when you are not there. Try to spend a few minutes each day doing something just for you: exercising; reading; watching a movie; working on a craft or project; or exploring new parks, shops and restaurants in your neighborhood.
• Try to make work as fun as possible: Bring in headphones if your job allows for it. so you can listen to some motivating music. Make a day special by bringing in treats or a special lunch for you and/or your co-workers.
• Vary your routine: We all can get in ruts, such as taking the same route to work, having lunch at the same time every day or attending the same meetings every week. If your job allows for it, change your daily routine so you take in new scenery, meet new people and pass your time differently.
• Exercise before going to work: Physical exertion is a great way to relieve or reduce stress. Even a walk in the morning helps.
• Avoid confrontational situations: Ask if it is possible to work on a different team or on different tasks if constantly stressed out by the same co-workers. If there is one person causing the conflict, see if it is possible to include other coworkers in interactions with that person; this may help defuse the situation.
• Delegate tasks: Many people try to do too much, even though they work in a “team” environment. Allow other people to do tasks appropriately.
• Talk with your supervisor: Employers do not want to have a burned-out workforce. High job-related stress levels lead to high job turnover rates. Job turnover costs employers money. Your supervisor or HR department may have some suggestions for minimizing the stress you feel at work.
• Take a vacation: If you have accumulated vacation days, make a point of using them. During vacation time, leave work behind and spend time doing things for yourself.
• Seek the assistance of a therapist or mental health counselor: These professionals have ideas and possible solutions to help reduce and eliminate work-related stress.
HUMAN RESOURCES & HOME OFFICE
AVOIDING ONLINE FRAUD
RESOURCES
Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force: www.stopfraud.gov/report.html
FTC Complaint Assistant: www.ftccomplaintassistant. gov/#&panel1-1
Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
USA.gov: www.usa.gov/online-safety
PHISHING
Phishing is the act of sending an email message in an attempt to scam money from the recipient. People typically open these fraudulent messages because the email addresses appear to be from legitimate companies or even people they know. Typically, these email messages contain a fake story or request designed to lure readers into clicking a link or button contained in the email. This link usually connects to an equally bogus website. There, the user is asked to surrender personal information such as passwords and credit card or bank account numbers. This information is usually used for identity theft.
COMMON PHRASES
Some phrases common to many phishing email messages include:
• Dear Valued Customer
• Verify your account
• If you don’t respond within 48 hours, your account will be closed
• Click the link below to gain access to your account Reputable banks, credit card companies and other institutions will never ask customers for the following information in an email message:
• Full name
• Password
• Credit and debit card numbers
• Pin numbers
• Bank Account Numbers
NEXT STEPS
If you receive a phishing email message, you can protect yourself and your personal information in the following ways:
• Do not click on any link in the message or reply to the email.
• Do not call the phone number listed in the email.
• Do not download any attachment from the email.
• If the message mentions a legitimate company or institution, seek a phone or email listing for that company independently and report the phishing email.
The Circulation Audience Development Team
Phishing is probably the most common type of online fraud. But with a little bit of information and common sense, it is easy to spot.
APG MEDIA EAST BEGINS PLANNING EVENTS IN 2023
In January, 2023 APG Media East located in Greenville, North Carolina started from ground zero and begun planning and executing a variety of in-person events with their existing daily and non-daily papers. The goal was to garner new print and digital revenue streams and engage more within the community. Planning events right after COVID has not been without its challenges. Although many of the events were successful, each event was a way to engage more with the community and give back in various ways. The planning team has learned a lot, adjusted various event themes, preserved past events bringing them back into the light and learned a lot along the way.
Christina Ruotolo, Regional Events Director for APG Media East and the events team have completed a variety of events so far in 2023 showcasing The Duplin Times, The Daily Advance, and The Daily Reflector newspaper. The first few events hosted by The Daily Reflector included a Bride and Groom’s Night Out Thursday, February 16, 2023 in Ayden, N.C. with over twenty regional bridal vendors taking part. They followed this up with the Feast in The East food truck event Saturday, February 26, 2023. The event featured food trucks from across the region, bouncy houses for the kids, family fun and food trucks competed to win Best Food Truck. Cousins Maine Lobster food truck took 1st place.
On Saturday, March 4, 2023 The Duplin Times hosted a Mommy & Me Tea which featured Karolyn Martin, Miss North Carolina 2022 along with local Miss North Carolina contestants. The event took place at The Mad Boar Restaurant in Wallace, N.C. The event had a great turn out and allowed local pageant contestants and mothers and daughters the opportunity to meet Miss North Carolina, visit with over
fifteen vendors, decorate crowns and enjoy tea and finger foods.
On April 1, 2023, The Greenville Daily Reflector co-hosted a Senior Health & Wellness Expo with the Pitt County Health Department. Dozens of health and medical vendors took part and patrons enjoyed various free health screenings. On April 19, 2023, The Daily Advance in Elizabeth City, N.C. hosted the 2023 Best of the Albemarle Awards Banquet at the Museum of the Albemarle. During the sold-out event over 100 awards were handed out to businesses in the east.
To round out the winter and spring season, The Greenville Daily Reflector partnered with Her Magazine for the Her Magazine Shopping Spree at the Greenville, N.C. Convention Center on Thursday, May 4, 2024. The event was co-hosted by The Center for Family Violence Prevention and patrons “Shopped to Stop Domestic Violence.” Over 45 vendors took part in the day long event. $1,000 from ticket sales was donated to The Center for Family Violence Prevention. This is just a taste of the events that have occurred in eastern North Carolina through APG Media East and much more is still to come.
Wedding Day Bliss
Iris Festival Fun With the Greeneville Sun
Military Memorial Ground Breaking Celebration
Celebrating the ground breaking of a 45 ft. tower memorializing the lives lost in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut happened in Port Charlotte, Florida. The tower more than $2 million will replicate the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut. The park is named after William R. Gaines Jr., a young Marine and Charlotte High School graduate who was among 241 killed in the Oct. 23, 1983 bombing. The Fourth of July celebrates our freedom. These brave soldiers died for our freedom
SUCCESSFUL DIAPER DRIVE GARNERS OVERWHELMING COMMUNITY SUPPORT
PERRY COUNTY TRIBUNE
Perry County Tribune’s Diaper Drive, cohosted with National Telehealth and the Perry County Health Network, concluded on a high note, leaving a heartwarming impact on the local community. The office window at the Perry County Tribune has been adorned with a heartwarming display of donated diapers and essential supplies, amounting to about a third of the total collected. The response from the community was nothing short of phenomenal, with residents coming together to support this noble cause in impressive numbers.
With the event officially wrapped up, the organizers are eagerly tallying the contributions to determine the final count. Even after the drive, a couple of businesses
expressed their desire to contribute, which is expected to push the donation figures even higher. As a result, there is a strong belief that the grand total of donations will likely reach into the thousands. The Perry County Tribune extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered, making this Diaper Drive a tremendous success. The support received from the local businesses and residents highlights the strength of community spirit and the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of families in need. The Perry County Tribune will soon announce the final total, and let us all celebrate the power of unity and compassion in our small county.
Reef Relief
Ben Jaindl was The Key West Citizen’s representative volunteering his time on Monday, July 24th, for the Reef Relief task of relocating lobster traps from protected areas.
The reef is what enables the Keys existence and is critical to the environmental well-being.
Luckily, Ben was able to spend a day on the water while doing so. Ben Jaindl is an associate at The Key West Citizen. He works in Circulation Sales.
Key West Toastmasters Speech Contest Winner
Key West Toastmasters President, Juan Benitez, was pleased to present Ben Jaindl with 4 trophies from Toastmasters speech contests. Because they were virtual, the trophies were not available then. Ben won 1st place in the Area 55 Table Topics and Evaluation contests. After winning those contests, he competed in the Division E contest where he came in 2nd and 3rd. Toastmasters is an organization for those who would like to develop more confidence and competence in speaking in a friendly, fun environment. Key West Toastmasters meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at noon at the Gato Building. Visitors are welcome at a time.
EMBRY JOINS UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE DIGITAL MARKETING PROGRAM ADVISORY BOARD
It is with great pleasure we announce the appointment of Scott Embry, Regional Advertising Director for Adams Publishing to the Advisory Board for the Digital Marketing Program at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Membership on the Board is by invitation only and is based upon your personal and professional accomplishments. The Board is comprised of a diverse, innovative, and extremely well-connected network of top executives.
Board members make a number of contributions to the program, including:
1. Preserving and enhancing the reputation and quality of the program through strategic review of our executive education noncredit courses to the community, as well as helping to build our value to the business community.
2. Offering expert guidance to our faculty and students through occasional classroom visits,forums and conferences, and input on our programs.
3. Promoting the program’s goal of linking industry with academia to help ensure that our work is relevant and benefits the business community.
Areas of Expertise:
THE HIGH ROAD AGENCY THE HIGH
THE HIGH ROAD AGENCY PLAYS A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA TOURISM
ROAD AGENCY
The 4th annual Celebrate Tourism Summit featuring the Southwest Virginia Tourism Awards luncheon took place Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the Wytheville (Va.) Meeting Center and the High Road Agency (HRA) once again played a significant role in the event.
Friends of Southwest Virginia, which is the principal sponsor of the awards luncheon, is one of HRA’s key partners, and the agency was a supporting sponsor of the event, which was attended by more than 200 tourism professionals from across SWVA.
HRA produced the Celebrate Tourism Summit website, designed the programs, and handled logistics for the event. The agency also produced three projects that took top honors. They were as follows:
• Floyd County Tourism won Best Rack Card or Brochure (Marketing Budget $50,000 or less) for the Floyd Outdoors Brochure. HRA designed the card to provide visitors with a comprehensive guide to outdoor opportunities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and disc golf. The card’s high-quality images and concise text give visitors the information they need to plan their outdoor adventures.
• Big Stone Gap earned the top prize for its new website (Marketing Budget $50,000 or less), “Gateway to Wise County.” The interactive website HRA created shares details about the town of Big Stone Gap and informs visitors about events and attractions from surrounding towns and counties. It also features trip ideas and full maps to explore the region.
• Big Stone Gap also won Outstanding Festival of the Year for the Blue Highway Fest, which drew fans from across the country and internationally as well. HRA created the website, informational pieces, and merchandise, while also handling marketing, logistics, and social media for the three-day inaugural event, which was a tremendous success.
The High Road Agency was proud to again be part of the Celebrate Tourism Summit and pleased to have assisted Friends of Southwest Virginia, Floyd County Tourism, and the Town of Big Stone Gap with each of their respective projects.
CELEBRATES REMARKABLE SUCCESS WITH VIDEO
APG SOUTHERN WISCONSINBasking in the light of significant accomplishments, the seasoned team at APG Southern Wisconsin is leading the charge in video production and distribution with an impressive track record of successful projects in the recent weeks.
From artful conception to proficient execution, our team has been consistently producing and moving a plethora of highquality video projects across various sectors. Each project serves as a testament to our capacity to deliver top-notch content, tailored to our clients’ needs and market trends.
A spotlight project that has generated significant buzz includes a captivating tourism commercial for the Delavan Chamber of Commerce. Leveraging our expertise, we meticulously filmed and distributed this commercial that paints a vibrant picture of Delavan’s unique attractions, successfully drawing the attention of potential visitors
and boosting the city’s tourism prospects.
Further exemplifying our versatility, we partnered with Watertown Regional Medical Center to create a series of six distinct commercials this year. Each tailored to highlight the different facets of the center’s quality care, these commercials emphasize our team’s ability to craft diverse narratives, catering to the nuanced needs of our clients.
In an innovative move to resonate with the digital-savvy generation, we’ve also successfully executed a captivating TikTok advertisement for the Rock County 4H Fair. This project showcases our proficiency in understanding and utilizing the latest social media platforms to reach a broader, more engaged audience.
Our ventures in video production have proven to be a significant revenue generator, underscoring our strategic vision and our team’s capability. They stand as a testament
to the power of visually engaging narratives and high-quality production.
As we look forward, we’re thrilled to continue harnessing our video production and distribution capabilities. With an unwavering commitment to quality and an eye on emerging trends, we plan to propel our success to new heights and further strengthen our position as a leading content provider in the industry. This success story is not just about celebrating what we have achieved, but it’s also about looking ahead to an exciting future filled with innovative projects that will continue to make an impact.
WISCONSIN EXTENDS WARM WELCOME TO INDUSTRY EXPERT ROBERT IRELAND
SOUTHERN WISCONSIN
One of his striking success stories revolves around the tourism and county fair sector. Robert has successfully closed multiple significant five-figure contracts with Kenosha County, Racine County, Rock County, and Delavan, WI. These agreements encompass a wide range of digital products, including Targeted Ads, Social Media Ads, Custom Video Production, OTT/YouTube advertising, Streaming Audio and more.
CONGRATS TO OUR JULY WINNER
DIANNA SCHMIDT, FAIRBAULT, MN
The Question Was: Which U.S. city hosts a UFO festival every year in July?
The Answer Was: Roswell, NM
The Southern Wisconsin Team is thrilled to announce the addition of Robert Ireland to the APG family as the newly-appointed Director of Business Development. With his extensive experience spanning various segments of the newspaper and advertising industry, Rob has rapidly demonstrated his tremendous value to the team.
Robert’s remarkable attributes extend beyond his impressive professional background. His most impressive skills lie in his unique aptitude for identifying and securing high-value contracts. Within just his first quarter at APG Southern Wisconsin, Robert has astoundingly negotiated and concluded several major digital marketing deals.
Robert’s innovative approach has also been evident in the Digital-Out-of-Home sector. He has pioneered our expansion by procuring a digital billboard along a prominent county highway. This strategic acquisition is already demonstrating its worth, generating several thousands of dollars in new revenues within the initial months of operation.
With his deep industry knowledge coupled with exemplary interpersonal skills, Robert has already sealed several major deals, noticeably boosting Southern Wisconsin’s revenue for 2023. We are beyond excited to have him on board and eagerly look forward to the transformative impact he will continue to bring. His arrival signifies the dawn of a promising era for APG Southern Wisconsin, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.
APG MONTANA
NEWSPAPERS SHINE AT STATE CONTEST
APG MONTANA
APG newspapers in Montana had a strong showing at the recent state newspaper contest.
The awards were presented on the final night of the 138th annual Montana Newspaper Convention in Helena, June 16-17. In all, APG newspapers earned 43 first-place awards and 124 overall awards, including seconds and thirds.
Leading the way was the Belgrade News, which earned 13 first-place awards and 36 overall awards. The newspaper also captured the coveted Thomas Dimsdale award for best weekly newspaper.
Other APG Montana newspapers that received awards included: Bozeman Daily Chronicle with five first place and 11 overall; Lewistown News-Argus with seven first place and 20 overall; Dillon Tribune with five first place and 18 overall; Stillwater
County News with four first place and nine overall; Judith Basin Press with three first place and 10 overall; Laurel Outlook with two first place and 11 overall; Glendive Ranger Review with two first place and three overall; Big Horn County News with one first place and five overall; and Carbon County News with one first-place award.
During the Friday night Major Awards ceremony, Bozeman Daily Chronicle Production Manager Ed Renaud received the Dick Crockford Distinguished Service Award for his many years of dedicated service to the press operations in Bozeman. Renaud was nominated by George Hoffman, Advertising Director of the Belgrade News. Hoffman, who retired the week following the convention, was also serving as outgoing president of the Montana Newspaper Association. APG Regional President Mark
Dobie spoke during the awards ceremony and honored Hoffman for his long service to the Belgrade News. Also honored during the Major Awards ceremony was Jacques Rutten, APG Montana East Regional Editor. He received the Master Editor/Publisher award from the Montana Newspaper Association. Other APG members who have served on the MNA board of directors during the past year include Cindy Sease and Michael Wright of Bozeman and Chad Knudson of Glendive.
Toni Savarese, advertising manager of the Livingston Enterprise, was elected to the Montana Newspaper Association Advertising Service board of directors during the convention.
Successful night at the Idaho Press Club Awards for APG
It was a successful night at the Idaho Press Club Awards for a number of publications in Adams Publishing Group.
The Idaho Press, which covers the Boise metro area along with southwestern Idaho cities Nampa and Caldwell, took home first place in the General Excellence category. The General Excellence Award is granted to the top print publication in the state, an honor the Idaho Press has won three of the past four years.
Boise Weekly, the sister publication of the Idaho Press, took home first place in General Excellence in the weekly newspaper division. Boise Weekly is an alt-weekly publication featuring the arts and entertainment while also providing news and opinion work.
Additionally, the Emmett Messenger Index won second place overall in General Excellence in the weekly division while the Post Register in Idaho Falls took home third place General Excellence among the state's daily newspapers.
CHECK OUT THE APG HR PORTAL
HR STAFF | BENEFITS CONTACTS | JOB OPENINGS | NEWSLETTERS
To help simplify your employment at APG, we have built this Associate portal as a resource for you. Inside, you will find quick links and easy access to: human resources staff, benefits contacts, job openings, newsletters and more…
This 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.
LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT POSITION WITHIN APG?
Ask HR!
Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name.
Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.
DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL? CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES.
KATHARINE GLASS
APG Vice President of HR kglass@adamspg.com
865.981.1101
DEB BROOKS
HR Manager - APG West dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com
360.416.2187
GWEN DAVIS
HR Manager - East gdavis@apgenc.com 252.366.8139
HEATHER MCCALMONT HR Manager - Wisconsin, MD, OH hmccalmont@adamspg.com 608.755.9442
THÉRÉSE ZADNIKKLECKER HR Manager - APG Central therese.zadnik-klecker@adamspg.com 763.712.3559
CONGRATULATIONS TO ASSOCIATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE APG REFERRAL BONUS FOR NEW HIRES!