During the term of the agreement and for a period of two (2) years following termination of the agreement, The Pipeline Group Customer will not directly or indirectly hire any of The Pipeline Group’s employees, or solicit any of The Pipeline Group’s employees for the purpose of hiring them or inducing them to leave their employment with The Pipeline Group, nor will the The Pipeline Group Customer own, manage, operate, join, control, consult with, participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, be employed by, or be connected in any manner with any person or entity which engages in the conduct proscribed in this Non-Recruitment clause. This provision shall not preclude The Pipeline Group Customer from responding to a request (other than by The Pipeline Group Customer’s employer) for a reference with respect to an individual’s employment qualifications. Any The Pipeline Group Customer in violation of this Non-Recruitment clause will be subject to a fine of $75,000.00 and compensatory and punitive damages.