History of the Ampersand

by Valerie Harper

History of the AmpersandA&A launched the company newsletter, Ampersand, in April 1988. The newsletter’s name was coined by Dotti Foreman, Administration Manager, who has been with A&A since 1980. The first editions of the newsletter reviewed employee and company news and high profile projects.

The January 1989 edition had predictions for the coming year and a calendar of monthly events. Design elements were implemented in this issue that would stay with the newsletter for another 10 to 15 years.

The Ampersand had taken on a new look by March 1994. Rather than publish two newsletters, one for employees and one for clients, A&A continued to publish one with the information combined. This approach enables readers to learn about the inner workings of A&A and gives the Ampersand a uniquely personal voice.

In February 2001, the Ampersand had taken its most recent shape. The people behind projects- clients, project managers, and people behind the scenes- are continuously highlighted in articles. A former Commissioner of Transportation said, "I get dozens of newsletters, but Ampersand is the one that travels with me. It tells the story behind the story; it tells about the people." &

 

Since April 1988, Ampersand has announced …
… 93 births and adoptions.
… 51 weddings and engagements.
… two 50 year wedding anniversaries.
… 101 employee promotions.
… 173 licensures or certifications.
… one 200th birthday (for the Town of Christiansburg).
… and one winner of a tomato growing contest.

 

 

 

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