15 Miller Pipeline Employees Receive MEA Awards for Assisting People in Need

| August 31, 2020

We are pleased to share the news that the MEA Energy Association (MEA) has honored a record 15 Miller Pipeline employees with Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards.

MEA Life Sustaining Awards are presented to individuals from member companies who have saved the life of another. The Meritorious Service Award is granted to recognize those who have performed actions in the service of another that are considered above and beyond. Applications for the MEA Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Award are reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee of MEA’s Board of Directors.

“MEA is honored to present the Life Sustaining and Meritorious Service Awards,” said John Gann, MEA Vice President. “In these uncertain times, we are especially grateful to these outstanding individuals who rise up and make a positive contribution to society. Their actions are a testament to who these individuals are and to the training they receive as Miller Pipeline employees.”

Meritorious Service award recipients:

John Poling, foreman and Kogan Wilkerson (Indiana). This crew put out a car fire and then assisted the driver to safety. “This crew did exactly what they should have – their instincts kicked in and they didn’t hesitate to protect the life of someone they didn’t even know,” Superintendent Adrian Nickelson said. “Our crews are obviously not trained in how to fight car fires but this crew’s instinct kicked in. I’m proud of them.” Read more.


James Stapert, foreman (Indiana). James came to the aid of an elderly woman after she suffered a fall. “James is someone who has had the lifelong example set to him of helping others by his father, who is a firefighter. Helping others is in James’s nature, and I’m grateful he was the right person in the right place at the right time,” Superintendent Tony Stephens said. Read more.

 

Don Campbell, foreman; Russell Miller, foreman; Joe Santoriella, laborer; Robert Still, laborer; John Adkins, laborer; Nicholas Gilliam, laborer; and Peggy Duncan, laborer (Ohio). This crew discovered a burning home, called 911 and worked to secure the scene. “I was not at all surprised when I heard how Don Campbell and Russ Miller’s crews came together and helped out in this emergency. Working with them several years, I never have doubted they would do what is right when faced with adversity. These two crews prove that what makes Miller Pipeline great is not only our policies, practices, and records. It is Miller Pipeline’s people that make us who we are and these two crews are two of the finest representatives we have at Miller Pipeline,” Ohio Region Safety Manager Aaron Hunt said. Read more.

 

 

Life Sustaining award recipients:

Chris Lane, foreman and Leo Richardson, Jr., foreman (Maryland). Chris and Leo noticed a homeowner they had previously spoken to was exhibiting symptoms of having a stroke. They immediately called 911 and stayed with the man until an EMT arrived on site. “It comes as no surprise that when Leo and Chris Lane saw another person in distress they did not hesitate to jump into action and help. They are both individuals who care about the well-being of not only their co-workers but the public which they work around daily,” Regional SQC Coordinator Chad Smith said. “They are an example to their peers here at Miller Pipeline of living our core values. Their selflessness and willingness to get involved is what quite possibly saved a person’s life that day.” Read more.

 

Michael Leclaire, operator (Missouri). Leclaire receives the award for assisting a father conducting the Heimlich maneuver on a choking baby, which cleared the baby’s airway and saved them. “I would like to thank Michael Leclaire for being a part of our team and representing our core values,” Superintendent Robert Maples said. “His actions exemplify what it truly means to be part of a team committed to the community and customers.” Read more.

Thank you to all of these employees for being ambassadors of Miller Pipeline and the best representations of our core values.

[Crew photos from 2019]

Artera to Acquire Otis Eastern Service

| August 26, 2020

ATLANTA, August 26, 2020 – Artera Services, LLC (“Artera”) one of the nation’s largest providers of integrated infrastructure services to natural gas and electric industries announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire Otis Eastern Service, LLC (“Otis Eastern”) today. Otis Eastern is a highly strategic fit with Artera, expanding and strengthening its position as a leader in the infrastructure services industry. This transaction marks the second within six months, reinforcing Artera’s commitment to building its position as the industry-leading provider of safe and reliable services to the natural gas and electric industries.

Located in Wellsville, New York, Otis Eastern has been in operation since 1936 as a contractor of pipelines for midstream and utility companies throughout the Northeast and Appalachian regions. This company employs about 600 employees and serves its customers in seven states with a rich history of three generations leading the company.

“This combination with Otis Eastern provides Artera an opportunity to expand our geographic territory and sustain the existing long-term relationships with their customers,” said Brian Palmer, CEO of Artera Services. “Otis Eastern is a highly complementary fit with a shared commitment to safety and to high-quality, reliable services to its customer base, with a focus on recurring maintenance and repair work on existing infrastructure. We welcome Otis Eastern and are looking forward to the opportunities this brings for our people and our business as we continue to serve our customers, focusing on our shared values.”

Day-to-day operations will continue to be run by Casey Joyce, President, and CEO of Otis Eastern, who will work closely with Palmer. “This is a great opportunity to grow our business. Our company values align with Artera’s culture, and we are looking forward to what is next for our business,” stated Joyce. “Our employees and customers will receive the same high-quality service they have come to expect now, and after the integration process.”

Otis Eastern will maintain its headquarters in Wellsville, New York.

Simmons Energy, a division of Piper Sandler, served as the exclusive financial advisor to Artera, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to Artera.

About Otis Eastern Service, LLC
Otis Eastern Service, LLC, based in Wellsville, NY, is a superior contractor of pipelines for midstream and utility companies throughout the Northeast for more than 84 years. Established in 1936 with a background of three generations, Otis provides a reputation of expertise in complex and challenging pipeline projects across 7 states and 600 employees. For more information, visit www.otiseastern.com

About Artera
Artera, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, is a $2 billion in revenue industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to natural gas and electric industries across 34 states. Artera employs more than 8,500 people throughout the United States and has a focus on maintenance, replacement and upgrade (“MRU”) of existing infrastructure. Artera’s business units are recognized market leaders, have long-standing operating histories in the industry and are well respected for shared common core values of Safety, Quality, Commitment, and Reputation. For more information, visit www.artera.com.

Artera Services Announced as New Name for PowerTeam Services

| August 3, 2020

ATLANTA – August 03, 2020 – Artera Services (“Artera”) was announced today by PowerTeam Services LLC as the new company name. After the acquisition of Miller Pipeline and Artera (collectively “Artera”) in April of this year, the company looked to establish a new name that better reflects the diversity of their offerings and provides a platform for future growth, both organically and through future acquisitions.
“Artera is not meant to be a literal representation of our company, but rather a strong name that we can continue to grow in the years to come,” stated Brian Palmer, chief executive officer of Artera. “Artera is built upon the collective strengths of our operating companies. They are the face to our customers and the communities we serve, but together we are Artera.”

Utility companies across America rely on Artera’s expertise in order to maintain, repair, and build infrastructure, which allows for the reliable distribution and transmission of natural gas and electric power to homes, businesses, and communities. This is complemented by a wide range of municipal and specialty services, which help complete the job.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Artera, and its operating companies (KS Energy Services, Miller Pipeline, Artera, Southeast Connections, Volt Power, and Hydro-X) enable exceptional, mission-critical infrastructure in order to serve their customers and communities to build their tomorrow.
“We are excited to bring Artera to life and continue to demonstrate our core values of safety, quality, commitment, and reputation, in everything we do,” said Palmer. “While we may have a new name, we are still the same dedicated partner our customers have come to rely on, and we will continue to strive to be the best service provider in our industry.

About Artera: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Artera is a $2 billion in revenue industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to natural gas and electric industries across 34 states. Artera employs more than 8,500 people throughout the United States. Its operating companies include KS Energy Services, Miller Pipeline, Artera, Southeast Connections, Volt Power, and Hydro-X. For more information, visit www.artera.com.

Media Contacts:
Laura Morrow | 317-460-2195 | [email protected]
Annette Busateri | 262-309-9838 | [email protected]

Organizational Announcements

| June 22, 2020

Doug Banning to Retire from Miller Pipeline and Artera, Kevin Miller moves to Senior Advisor, Dale Anderson to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer

INDIANAPOLIS – Miller Pipeline, LLC, one of the nation’s premier natural gas distribution and utility contractors, announced today that Doug Banning, Chief Executive Officer of Miller Pipeline and Artera (collectively Artera), will retire on July 2, 2020 after 35 years of service. Additionally, current Miller Pipeline President Kevin Miller will transition to a new role as Senior Advisor, and Executive Vice President Dale Anderson will be appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of Miller Pipeline.

Doug joined Miller Pipeline in 1985 as a cost accountant and has served as CEO since 1998. Over the course of his 35-year tenure, Banning helped propel Miller Pipeline from a company of 350 employees with revenues of $40 million to over 5,000 employees with revenues exceeding $1.3 billion. Doug’s strong background in accounting and finance helped him champion innovations and improvements around productivity tracking and performance development, all while never losing focus on what matters most, the people.

Doug will remain involved with Miller Pipeline and Artera at a strategic level by joining the PowerTeam Services Board of Directors effective July 3, 2020.

After 16 years as president of Miller Pipeline, Kevin Miller will be moving to a Senior Advisor role effective June 26, and will be supporting Miller Pipeline through the end of the year. Kevin started his career in 1973 and has worked in nearly every capacity at the company. He began as a general laborer in the field, advancing his career until he was named president in 2004. Kevin takes an active role in building relationships within the underground utilities construction industry, and he will continue to foster those relationships in his advisory role. In January 2021, Kevin will retire from Miller Pipeline and transition to Senior Advisor for parent company PowerTeam Services.

“Kevin has contributed 47 years of experience to Miller Pipeline and his influence will continue in this new position,” Banning stated.

Executive Vice President Dale Anderson will succeed Kevin Miller, and starting June 26, 2020, will be President and Chief Operating Officer of Miller Pipeline. Anderson has over 34 years of experience in the natural gas industry and 11 years of commitment to Miller Pipeline.

“I look forward to continuing on with the impressive foundation that Doug and Kevin built and providing more opportunities for the company. Our culture and core values will continue, and our valued customers can continue to expect best-in-class service moving forward,” Anderson said.

About Miller Pipeline LLC: Miller Pipeline is one of the nation’s premier natural gas distribution and pipeline contractors with more than 65 years of experience in the utilities infrastructure industry. Established as a private company in 1953, Miller Pipeline operates in nearly two dozen states and has over 3,000 employees. Miller Pipeline provides quality construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation products and services to natural gas utilities, municipal water and wastewater utilities, pipelines and industrial customers throughout North America. In 2020, PowerTeam Services acquired Miller Pipeline. Learn more about Miller Pipeline at www.millerpipeline.com

About PowerTeam Services LLC: PowerTeam Services, LLC, based in Atlanta, Ga., is a $2 billion industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to natural gas and electric industries across 34 states. PowerTeam employs more than 8,500 people throughout the United States and its operating companies include KS Energy Services, Miller Pipeline, Artera, Southeast Connections, Volt Power and Hydro-X. For more information, visit http://www.powerteamservices.com

 

 

 

 

PowerTeam Services completes combination with Miller Pipeline and Artera

| April 9, 2020

PowerTeam Services, LLC Completes Combination with Miller Pipeline and Artera

Transaction creates one of the largest integrated infrastructure services providers to natural gas and electric industries in the United States

ATLANTA, April 09, 2020 – PowerTeam Services, LLC (“PowerTeam”) has completed the previously announced acquisition of Miller Pipeline and Artera (collectively, “Artera”) from CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE:CNP), effective today. With combined revenues of more than $2 billion, approximately 80 locations in 34 states, and more than 8,500 employees, this transaction creates a leading provider of maintenance and construction services for electric and natural gas infrastructure in the United States.

“We are excited to welcome Miller Pipeline and Artera to the PowerTeam family. By bringing together two industry leaders, we aim to redefine the standard of safely and reliably serving our customers so that they can serve our communities,” said Brian Palmer, chief executive officer of PowerTeam. “Our shared values, starting with safety, will provide a strong foundation for our continued growth.”

Miller Pipeline and Artera are two of the premier natural gas distribution and transmission pipeline contractors in the United States. “This combination will reinforce our commitment to our people and customers of being the best in the industry. We will continue to invest in our people and see significant benefits as a larger, stronger and growing combined company,” said Doug Banning, chief executive officer of Artera.

Credit Suisse, UBS Investment Bank, and Harris Williams served as financial advisors to PowerTeam, and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP is serving as legal counsel to PowerTeam.

 

About PowerTeam Services, LLC

PowerTeam Services, LLC, based in Atlanta, Ga., is a $2 billion industry-leading provider of integrated infrastructure services to natural gas and electric industries across 34 states. PowerTeam employs more than 8,500 people throughout the United States and its operating companies include KS Energy Services, Miller Pipeline, Artera, Southeast Connections, Volt Power and Hydro-X. For more information, visit http://www.powerteamservices.com

2020 Leading With Our Values Awards

| February 4, 2020

At Minnesota Limited and Miller Pipeline, our most important asset is our people. The employees who work at Miller Pipeline and Minnesota Limited are a talented, dedicated group of individuals. Each year we recognize our team members who embody our four core values of Safety, Quality, Commitment, and Reputation. These values are the foundation of everything we do at Artera, guiding our employees, customers, and communities.

The recipients were nominated by their peers, supervisors, or direct reports. We celebrated these individuals at our 2020 Leading With Our Values Awards banquet, held at our 2020 Joint Leadership Conference in Orlando. This banquet was attended by 450 of our executive, office, and field leaders. Click here to watch the full ceremony on Miller Pipeline’s Facebook page.

Congratulations to all of our 2020 recipients!

Sam ‘One Percent’ Boydston, Driver – Minnesota Limited
Safety First and Foremost

James ‘Red’ Draughon, Superintendent – Miller Pipeline
Safety First and Foremost

Travis Pree, Project Foreman – Minnesota Limited
Quality In Everything We Do

Todd Horton, General Superintendent – Miller Pipeline
Quality In Everything We Do

Mike Buric, General Superintendent – Minnesota Limited
Commitment to the Team

Adrian Nickelson, Superintendent – Miller Pipeline
Commitment to the Team

Bill Kunkel, Superintendent – Minnesota Limited
Reputation Built on Integrity

Greg Lindholm, Construction Manager (VA/DC) – Miller Pipeline
Reputation Built on Integrity

Brooks Scott named 2018 DCA Safety Person of the Year

| May 9, 2019

Congratulations to Brooks Scott, Regional Safety, Quality, and Compliance Coordinator for Miller Pipeline’s South Region operations. On April 2, 2019, Brooks was honored with the DCA Safety Person of the Year award at the annual conference in Nashville, TN. The Safety Person of the Year award recognizes someone who has made a lasting impact on safety. The candidate may be someone in Safety, Operations, Equipment Management or any department of the company that deserves recognition.

Scott joined Miller Pipeline six years ago as an SQC and was initially based in the Birmingham, Alabama area. He started his career in the energy industry 15 years ago on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico and realized his true calling was in the safety area of the work.

“Safety professionals tend to see the world a little differently, and my nature tends to be critical. I notice things, and the thought process behind why people do what they do has always interested me,” Scott said.

South Region Vice President Chad Davis agreed. “Brooks has a great rapport with his coworkers and is respected by his peers, something he’s worked hard for over his six years. His commitment to the team along with his creative thinking around safety makes him a great leader; we are proud of and thankful for his contributions in helping us in meeting our safety goals,” Davis said.

Scott understands sometimes getting buy-in for safe behaviors can be an uphill battle, but takes it in stride. “Rome wasn’t built in a day, and to influence people’s minds toward safety becoming part of a culture, you have to start somewhere,” Scott said. “Thankfully at Miller we have a great foundation already and a team where buy-in with safety is natural. Over time I hope to help advance the safety culture of Miller Pipeline.”

South Region Safety Manager, Austin O’Hara, said Scott has achieved that goal, and more. His guidance and passion are noticeable to those he works with. “Brooks’ abilities as a safety professional have positively influenced not only all of the crews and operations leadership in his area but also safety professionals across all of Miller Pipeline,” Austin said. “Brooks’ ingenuity in coming up with new ideas to help improve safety culture, coupled with his perseverance to see those initiatives succeed, are key aspects in his areas of operations going injury free in 2018.”

“I appreciate the freedom I have to create here and do what needs to be done to achieve positive safety results and get everyone home safe every day, which is the main goal. At the end of the day it’s how you influence people and not the accolades you receive,” Scott said.

Leading by example is a critical component of making safety personal and building a strong safety culture, especially at his own home. “I hope that by seeing certain situations, it helps keep my family safer at home. I’m finding the balance between preventing my kids from doing something stupid and sheltering them.”

Scott has been married to his wife, Joy, for 10 years. They have three children: Brady, 6; Grayson, 4; and Kimber, 22 months. The family resides near Meridian, Mississippi.

To find out more about the DCA, please see here.

Miller Pipeline to Acquire Ocala-Based Hamlet Construction

| February 11, 2019

Hamlet acquisition affords Miller Pipeline expanded territory in central Florida

INDIANAPOLIS – Miller Pipeline is pleased to announce the acquisition of Hamlet Construction, based in Ocala, Florida. Founded in 1973, Hamlet has grown from a small family business to an organization known for its detail-oriented project planning and execution. Hamlet specializes in natural gas mains and services, water and sewer lines, fire hydrants, and reclaimed water lines. Miller is a leader in providing a comprehensive range of pipeline contracting and rehabilitation services for natural gas, liquids, water, and wastewater pipelines.

“For several years we have wanted to expand our natural gas operations in Florida, and the opportunity to join forces with Hamlet’s top-notch team is a huge step in that direction,” said Chad Davis, Vice President of South Region Construction for Miller Pipeline. “Their core values of honesty, hard work, doing a quality job and building long-term relationships align closely with Miller Pipeline’s four core values of safety, quality, commitment, and reputation. We feel our companies could not be a better match for one another.”

For Miller Pipeline, the acquisition adds 100 construction professionals to an existing roster of 3,300 employees across the country.

Day-to-day operations will continue to be coordinated by Harvey Vandeven, General Manager of Florida Operations, who will report to Davis.

“Hamlet is consistently viewed as a top contractor around central Florida, and we are excited to have them join our team,” said Artera CEO Doug Banning. “The Florida gas construction market is a relatively new market for us. The Hamlet team brings local expertise and resources to help us expand our customer base. We are committed to providing the same level of customer service, safety, and quality work to customers. We look forward to the new employees adopting our culture built around our core values, making safety personal, and our core purpose of ‘Building Infrastructure; Building Relationships.”

About Miller Pipeline: Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Miller Pipeline has been in business since 1953 and currently operates in 21 states. They have been a leader in building and maintaining America’s infrastructure for over 65 years. Their workforce is comprised of highly trained and skilled employees totaling more than 3,000, with office locations in over 20 states around the United States.

Artera is an infrastructure services division offering turnkey solutions to customers in the pipeline construction market and is comprised of Miller Pipeline and Artera. By collaborating, they can bring individual strengths together as one company striving to provide comprehensive solutions to the pipeline construction market. For more information, visit www.millerpipeline.com

This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which include the ability of Miller Pipeline to access new markets and customer segments, their footprint and expanded capabilities and customer growth and the impact on future operations, are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding growth and performance and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Factors that could affect actual results include (1) factors related to our business and the economy, (2) the performance of the companies, (3) competitive conditions in the industry, (4) state and federal legislative and regulatory actions or developments affecting various aspects of the businesses and (5) other factors discussed in reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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2019 Leading With Our Values Awards

| January 29, 2019

At Artera and Miller Pipeline, our most important asset is our people. The employees who work at Miller Pipeline and Artera are a talented, dedicated group of individuals. Each year we recognize our team members who embody our four core values of Safety, Quality, Commitment, and Reputation. These values are the foundation of everything we do at Artera, guiding our employees, customers, and communities.

The recipients were nominated by their peers, supervisors, or direct reports. We celebrated these individuals at our 2019 Leading With Our Values Awards banquet, held at our 2019 Joint Leadership Conference in Orlando on January 24th, 2019. This banquet was attended by 370 of our executive, office, and field leaders. Click each recipient’s name below to watch their video. The full ceremony can be found by visiting Miller Pipeline’s Facebook page. Click HERE to access.

 

Congratulations to all of our 2019 recipients!

Austin O’Hara, Safety Manager (South Region) – Miller Pipeline
Safety First and Foremost

Tyler Royse, Project Foreman – Artera
Safety First and Foremost

Raben Laboy, Superintendent – Miller Pipeline
Quality In Everything We Do

Clint Johnson, Project Foreman – Artera
Quality In Everything We Do

Justin Bray, General Foreman – Miller Pipeline
Commitment to the Team

LuAnn Brady, Office Manager – Artera
Commitment to the Team

Mike Lang, Regional Technical Trainer Supervisor (South Region) – Miller Pipeline
Reputation Built on Integrity

Charlie Tobias, Project Foreman – Artera
Reputation Built on Integrity

MVerge Included in Top Specialty Contractors List

| October 18, 2018

MVerge was named one of the top specialty contractors by Engineering News-Record (ENR). MVerge debuted at 18th place among the Top 600 Specialty Contractors. “We are honored to be recognized by ENR as a top specialty contractor,” said Doug Banning, CEO of MVerge. “Our ranking is indicative of our people and their commitment to our core values of safety, quality, commitment, and reputation.

ENR is considered one of the most recognized magazines of the construction industry, providing annual reports on the top construction companies around the world. Each year, ENR chooses the top specialty contractors across the United States based on annual results that are provided by each participating company and based on revenue generated during the preceding calendar year. For more information about ENR, visit www.enr.com.

To view the entire issue, please visit: http://bit.ly/2018ENRTop600