Tuesday, September 30, 2008

JCOM 2300

Our economy is in SERIOUS trouble. I honestly feel bad for whoever is elected president of this country for having to get us out of this mess. Yesterday the $700 billion dollar bail out plan was rejected which made me wonder what effect PR had in all of this?

I read an article from The Huffington Post called Bush Asking For $700 Billion Bailout (creatvie title, I know). When the Bush administration announced this plan to help our economy, people were relived. Stocks around the globe instatnly shot up. The Dow-Jones even went up 368 points. All because of this one announcement. It is incredible to me that by using media sources such as radio, television and newspapers this type of reaction was produced. The power of media and PR is real and this is a prime example.

Yesterday this bailout plan was rejected. Stocks dropped lower than the day after September 11, 2001. Again, by the power of the media and those doing PR work, the result was astonshing.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Final Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 29, 2008

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Preston Parker, President/Founder
160 N. Main St.
cachevaia@gmail.com

MAKE MONEY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE
Cache Valley Area Investors Association is making it possible
LOGAN, UT-- Doing what you love while making money is possible. Preston Parker, President and Founder of Cache Valley Area Investors, is teaching others the key to financial success.
"There are enough jobs in America that people don't need to be doing something they hate,"Parker said. His goal is to help others reach for financial independence. The trick to this process is making your passive income, that which comes from investments, sustain all your needs. Then your active income, that which is earned, is extra money and your job is not something you feel pressured by. You can work wherever you want and do what you love.The money from your job is not something that you need to stress over. It is simply extra income.

Parker's motive for bringing this association to Cache Valley is that he is tired of hearing people complain about their jobs. There is no cost to join. "We're giving this information away for free," Parker said. Everyone should take advantage of this great opportunity to gain financial independence.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main St. This is a non-threatening environment. You don't need to have knowledge about investing to participate or be successful. The entire process only takes about three years if you are very aggressive. Everyone is encouraged to become apart of this great association.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association was started in July 2007 and currently has 50 members.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
1-435-797-3421
ali.pr@gmail.com

-END-

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

JCOM 2300: Weekly Post

Mark Stevens article, The Drudge, The Grudge, Oprah...and Me discusses what happens when traditional and digital media come together and form traditional and digital PR.

When Palin asked to appear on Oprah Winfrey's show, Oprah apparently gave her the "thumbs down". Palins PR team quickly alerted all types of media. Many questions about Oprah were being asked:
* Was Oprah biased in favor of Obama? (I don’t think that’s a tough one to figure out.)* Was this a form of blacklisting?* Does Oprah talk the open minded talk but fail to walk the walk?* Was Oprah simply adhering to her programming policies?http://www.prnewsonline.com/blog/index.php/feed/

Stevens was interrupted from a book recording to take a call from FOX 13 News. They wanted him to prepare his thoughts on the whole Palin/Oprah situation. Because the story had to get out so fast, Stevens prepared his thoughts in the limo on the way to the show.

He sums up this chain of events as follows:
Think of this chain reaction that is at the center of our world today:1. A PR person leaks a story to Drudge2. Traditional media catches wind of it and confronts Oprah’s PR people.3. Oprah’s PR people come out with a statement seeking to establish the czarina’s neutrality.4. Fox sees a bigger story here and calls me to get my slant on it all.5. Now I am recounting the story in my Blog which will be spread virally by its readers.
The moral: PR today is not simply a profession. It’s a mash up.

I think this concept is important to understand. PR is not just one single thing; it is a mixture of things.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

JCOM 2300: Industry News Assignment

I read the article Leaving the tools in the head shed: Protecting confidentiality and intellectual property in public relations By: Susan Balcom Walton.

This was very informative and gave good information for both those already working in the field and those aspiring to work in the area of public relations.

If you move from one company to another, you should be mindful of what you say starting with the interview for the new position. PR practitioners are hired in large part for their experience. However, it is very important to to know what information is acceptable to pass on and what may be unprofessional. Employees should also be familiar with copyright laws so that others ideas do not get passed off as their own. The confidentiality of your clients and former employers should be important to you. Their ideas, or tools, should be kept in the "head shed" and not be used to build another company.

While it is true that knowledge and skills are beneficial in the field of PR, a personal and professional code of ethics should be kept in tact when in the work place.

Draft press release 3: cause promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 23, 2008
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Preston Parker, President/Founder
160 N. Main St.
cachevaia@gmail.com


LOVE YOUR JOB AND GAIN FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE
New organization in Logan is making it possible

LOGAN, UT—It is now possible to become financially stable and love your job. Preston Parker has started Cache Valley Area Investors Association which will allow those who join to learn the key to financial success.

Preston says the trick to this process, is making your passive income, which comes from investments, sustain all your needs. Then your active income, that money which is earned, becomes extra and it is not a necessity. “People end up doing jobs they love,” Parker said.

Parkers motive for beginning this association was that he was tired of hearing people complain about their jobs. “There are enough jobs in America that people don’t need to be doing something they hate,” Parker said.

For an aggressive individual, this process takes about three years. If you are more passive, it will take about ten. The group meets at 7 pm, every other Thursday at the Cache Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main St. This is a very non-threatening environment. You don’t need to know a lot about investing. Parker’s goal is to help others reach for financial independence.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association was started in July 2007 and there are currently 50 members.

Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
ali.pr@gmail.com

-END-

Monday, September 22, 2008

Final Press Release 2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
James E. Mullenbach lll, CEO
123 Healthy Way
Gary, IN 46401
877-765-4321
james@burgerplanet.com
burgerplanet.com

BURGER PLANET INRODUCES NEW MENU ITEMS
Jayne Petersen teams up with Burger Planet to promote healthier menu

GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet has partnered with fitness guru, Jayne Petersen, to help promote their new health conscience menu. Petersen, who became famous after helping Opal Whitcomb achieve her fitness goals, will be on Burger Planet’s campaign to encourage customers to eat healthier.

Burger Planet is the leader of the quick service industry and has a customer base of over 52 billion. While the company’s staples of burgers, fries and soda will still be served, the menu has now expanded with more health savvy options. Some of the new menu items include fruit packages, gourmet salads, low-carb wraps, and more. Positive feedback was given on several taste tests that were conducted.

Jayne Petersen is the author of the bestselling book Looking Good in a Leotard, president and CEO of the multi-million dollar company Looking Glass Inc., and health advisor to Opal Whitcomb. Whitcomb has always battled with her weight and after hiring Petersen, managed to lose and keep off 75 pounds. "Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson." Petersen said.

Petersen will be doing appearances around the country at various Burger Planet locations and shopping malls. She and Burger Planet’s mascot, Corny the Clown, will be hosting healthy eating activities and events. Petersen will also be featured in print and broadcast advertisements for Burger Planet. "Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health. The women Jayne Petersen have helped lose weight eat at Burger Planet. Burger Planet and Jayne Petersen are launching a comprehensive program to assist those women in eating healthy." Mullenbach said.

Burger Planet was founded in 1934 and currently employs 48,272 people. There are 8,921 franchises. For more information contact:

Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
877-980-7643
Ali.pr@burgerplanet.com

-END-

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Draft Press Release 2: Image Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 16, 2008,

Burger Planet
James E. Muellenbach III
CEO

BURGER PLANET TEAMS UP WITH JAYNE PETERSEN TO PROMOTE HEALTHIER MENU OPTIONS
Fitness guru to the stars is now part of the Burger Planet team
LOGAN, UT--Jayne Petersen, 42, has partnered with Burger Planet to promote their healthy menu options. Petersen started her career as an aerobics instructor which led to a series of video tapes. Her big break came when she was hired by famous talk show host Opal Whitcomb. Petersen helped Whitcomb lose 75 pounds and keep it off. She is now president and CEO of the multi million company, Looking Glass Inc. She is the author of the best selling book "Looking Good in a Leotard which remained at the top of the charts for a year. "Burger Planet has been a leader in the Quick Service Restaurant industry in offering healthy menu choices. The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson." Petersen said.

Burger Planet is hoping to re-gain its female customers by re-vamping its menu. New healthier choices include: chicken breast wrapped in lettuce, apple slices, grapes, bananas, peaches, pineapple and a variety of gourmet salads. "For more than seven decades, the company has succeeded because it put customers first. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices, of which we offer many." Muellenbach said. Burger Planet still has is staples of burgers and fries, which it became famous for, but it is now becoming more aware of those individuals trying to live a healthier lifestyle.

Jayne Petersen will be doing several appearances to help promote Burger Planets new campaign.
I want our customers to realize that Burger Planet is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu. The hiring of Jayne Petersen fits perfectly in the company's overall focus on healthy lifestyles." Mullenbach said.

Burger Planet
Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
1-801-987-4356
ali.pr@bplanet.com

-END-


Monday, September 15, 2008

JCOM 2300 Intro to Public Relations

The PRSA bases its ethics and leadership on three main things: code of ethics, personal responsibility and professional opportunity. In the year 2000, the code was re-written and is now based on a reasoned approach. The PRSA web-site states that professional ethics is an individual matter. This means that while in the work place, an employee should take it upon themselves to keep their standard of work ethics high and follow through with those values set. The PRSA web-site also states that performance counts and practice makes perfects. A quality employee should not settle for a half done job or expect their work to be perfect the first time. It takes repetition and commitment do get things right.

The new code values include: advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty and fairness. A main responsibility of a public relations professional, is to provide the best representation possible for clients but to also be fair and honest to the public. If these values are followed, there will be no problem in accomplishing both tasks.

The PRSA lays out a personal "moral compass." Ask and encourage questions, look at the choices and identify appropriate behavior. This enables a professional to properly assess and handle any situation. By following this "moral compass" things will be done fairly and honestly.

The PRSA also lays out a list of principles. These include free flow of information, competition, disclosure, safeguard confidences, conflict of interest and enhance the profession. But what is the difference between a value and a principle? A value is an established ideal whereas a principle is a rule of conduct. Values are basically the foundation for principles. As a public relations professional, it is vital to adhere to both the values and principles laid out. You must have the confidence and trust of your clients and the public to be successful. You must be honest and able to relay information clearly and effectively.

While the PRSA gives wonderful guidelines to those working in this field, it is clear that success will only come when an individual chooses to set their personal standards high.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Final Press Release 1: Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2008

ABC Real Estate LLC
Preston Parker
President

CREATIVE REAL ESTATE COMPANY COMES TO LOGAN
ABC Real Estate brings to Logan a new way to buy and sell homes
LOGAN, UT—The president of ABC Real Estate, Preston Parker has announced that his company is coming to Logan. Parker claims that his business is different because it uses the Beneficiary-Directed Equity-Holding Land Trust system which is exclusive to Cache Valley. Parker has partnered with Bill Gatten, the creator of the BDEH Land Trust system, who has only allowed one other company to use his inventive idea. The BDEH Land Trust system puts the home in a trust that includes four beneficiaries: seller, creditor, investor and resident. One of Parkers goals is “to teach people how to use the system.” Parker is actively seeking those individuals who are in a position to invest.

ABC Real Estate began in January 2008. This is Parkers third start up company and he feels it will be very successful in this area as Logan has not had a fore-closed home in 30 years. "Logan is a good location for this because it has a very strong home-ownership mentality," Parker said. There are many first time home buyers in Cache Valley and this system makes the process easier.

There are currently five employees working for ABC Real Estate. The company is looking for investors who are interested in participating. The BDEH Land Trust system was developed in 1914 by United States Law. It was Gatten, who made the system affordable and simple. You can access Gatten's website by visiting http://www.landtrust.net/

ABC Real Estate
123 Creative Way, Logan UT 84321
801-555-4567
Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
801-777-8765
Ali.pr@abcrealestate.com
-END-

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Press Release 1; announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2008
ABC Real Estate LLC
President Preston Parker

CREATIVE REAL ESTATE COMPANY COMES TO LOGAN
ABC Real Estate has created a new way to buy and sell homes
The President of ABC Real Estate, Preston Parker, has announced that his new company is coming to Logan. Parker claims his buisness is different because it is the only one in Cache Valley that uses the equity-holding, beneficiary-directed land trusts also known as EH land trusts. This systmen was created by Bill Gatten. By using this system, the home is put in a trust and there are four beneficiaries: seller, credit, investor and resident. Parker is looking for investors and those with good creidt. "Logan is a good location for this because it has a very strong home-ownership mentality" Parker said.
Right now there are currently five employees working for this company. This is the Parker's third start up company and he feels that it will be very successful in this area, as Logan has not had a fore-closed home in 30 years. To read more information about the EH system, visit www.landtrust.net
ABC Real Estate started in January 2008. It is currently looking for investors who are interested in participating.
ABC Real Estate
123 Creative Way, Logan UT 84341
801-555-4567
Allie Anderson
Public Relations Director
801-777-8765
-END-

Monday, September 1, 2008

Letter To My Cousin...

September 2, 2008

Allie Anderson
Utah State University
Logan, Utah
84321

Dear Cousin Margo:

It was nice seeing you at the family reunion! I am sorry we had to take off so early, but my dad really doesn’t like my mom’s side of the family. Anyways, I am writing to you in response to your questions about what a career in Public Relations may entail.

A central goal of Public Relations is to give positive exposure to an organization or individual. It is important that information can flow freely and clearly between these groups and the public. In 1988 The Public Relations Society of America stated: “Public Relations helps an organization and its publics adapt mutually to each other.” This statement still holds true today. Those who chose to work in this exciting field must be prepared to tactfully handle complaints, work with the press, downplay any harmful exposure, work well with others and handle any unusual situations that may arise.

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that opportunities for jobs in the area of Public Relations will remain strong for many years. The rate for increase in PR job opportunities is estimated to be greater than the average for all other jobs combined.
If you are thinking about going into PR, you must develop good writing skills. Press releases, articles, brochures, pamphlets and many other things that involve writing are encompassed with a job in PR.

There are a variety of jobs waiting for those with a degree in Public Relations. Some of these include: marketing communications, media relations, corporate communications, event planning (which is what I hope to work in) and much more. This is a broad field and there are many directions you can take.

Well my dearest cousin, I hope that this letter has helped you become more informed about the field of Public Relations. I will look forward to our next family reunion!

Sincerely,
Allie Anderson