Online Reputation

TO: Danielle M. Domichel

FROM: Lacey Saxton Nagao

DATE: December 1, 2009

SUBJECT: Online Reputation

Danielle M. Domichel, known to her friends as “Dani,” is from Salt Lake City. She attends college at Utah State University, where she is earning a minor in public relations. She received the Val R. & Ruth Ann Christensen Student Leadership Scholarship from Utah State last spring.

Danielle’s blog is at ddomichel.blogspot.com. She has several press releases posted, which demonstrates her minor in public relations. She also follows other people’s blogs with similar stories.

She recently commented on Jeffrey Skidmore’s Burger Planet press release saying, “Your press release was well written, I felt that you put much time and effort into getting all the information possible on story, into it. I might make one minor adjustment by putting a quote sooner in the story just to liven it up a little bit, but other than that... Great job!”

In 2001 she entered into the All American Team, which appears to be a competition at Lagoon.

Grandma is Right (Oldham Post)

When I was younger my grandma would always say, “It is not what you know, it is who you know.” She said this so many times that it seems to be melted into my brain. Once I got to college, and studied public relations, I felt like the same concept that my grandma had taught me was becoming reality. We learned the importance of networking and maintaining good relationships. My professors reiterated several times how vital it was to communicate with everyone we know- our family, friends, neighbors, roommates, employers, store clerks, et c.

This concept is becoming more real to me as I expand within the field of public relations. I have found that two things can get you far in this world-money and who you know. I find this extremely frustrating at times, yet helpful in some cases as well. I have learned to become better at maintaining relationships. I listen more intently to what people say, and take interest in their background. Public relations is constantly growing, and always changing. It is a profession in which I must be willing to meet new people, escape my comfort zone, and push myself past the norm of an “every day job.”

Event Planning- OLDHAM POST

As I have been studying public relations, I have been increasingly more interested in event planning. I love seeing the outcome of several months of planning become reality in one night and turn into a success. Recently I talked to an event planner in Los Angeles, and he told me he loved event planning because, “I feel like I am a kid everyday at work. I throw huge parties for people, and make them happy…I think I have the best job in the world.”

Recently I have been deciding what type of event planner I would like to be, and am very interested in wedding planning. I love the pressure of planning such a special event, and am passionate about pleasing my client’s wants and needs.

I am applying to a destination wedding company in Phoenix, Arizona, and am excited to hear back from them. PR has so many paths, and event planning is just one of the several.

Community Relations - OLDHAM POST

I have recently been interested in learning more about community relations with companies. Community relations benefit both the company and the community. It goes beyond just service (even though that is a great way to gain respect in a community), to customer and employee relations, recruitment, and advertising.

Companies need to analyze both their community’s needs, as well as their employees. It is essential to make employees happy because they ultimately can be the best source to promote your company. For example, if an employee is telling their neighbor about how great it is to work at your company, then their neighbor will be more apt to become a customer there. It is important for companies to know their community- know the demographic, and know your target audience.

Nonprofit events are good, but they only work if the nonprofit organization and the public does not just see it as being used to promote a company or agency.

Journalism and Democracy -OLDHAM POST

"With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one--but no one at all--can tell you what to read and when and how."
--Doris Lessing, writer and winner, 2007 Nobel Prize for Literature

When I received this quote via email, I was in the library and thus found it extremely appropriate. It also made me realize how journalists and PR specialists are significant to democracy. Journalists can influence people to think- not necessarily agree with them, but just simply to think.

Many times when I am reading an article I may not agree completely with what is being written, but it certainly sparks my interest enough to think about what I just read, and think of why the journalist may have written the story. With a free press, it enables people to be exposed to a variety of opinions. People can make their own opinions, and develop them further through literature. We find out information through news outlets, and it is almost chilling to think about what would happen if we did not live in a society with free press. We are so dependent on free speech, that several times we may take it for granted.

The Clock Never Stops- OLDHAM POST

Through my internship I have learned that PR professionals definitely have no set work schedule. We do not have hours Monday thru Friday that are set 8-6. In fact, I have realized that most of the emails I get from my employer, who is the Athletic Media Relations Director at USU, come about 1 a.m.! He is constantly working- whether at home or in the office. Some days I joke with him about even sleeping!

Several people would hate the demand to be flexible at insane hours of the night for work, but I believe that is what makes a PR specialist different from many people. It takes a certain type of person to exceed in PR. They must be charismatic, dedicated, flexible, social, witty, creative, and very open minded. We cannot control when a crisis might occur, and when a client might need us. PR specialists must be able to work whenever they are in demand. The clock does not stop for us to sleep, if there is a crisis, we must handle it.

I am a very spontaneous and impulsive person, and it is because of the previously stated situations, that I am so passionate about public relations. I love waking up and not knowing what the day will bring. It is like every day is an adventure, and I love that!

A President's Promise - OLDHAM POST

This last year was a memorable year for politics. With the election of Barack Obama as President, many people were looking forward to a brighter future. President Obama made several promises during his election that ultimately led him to win the election.

President Obama definitely outdid his opponent when it came to connecting with the younger generation. His speeches were posted on YouTube, he had a Twitter, and a Facebook page. One of his main voting demographics was college age citizens.

However, I am beginning to wonder if all of these people that have voted for Obama, have been let down by his administration. For example, during his campaign, President Obama promised that he would run his administration different from Bush, especially on the issue of transparency in government. I have become interested on how well he is doing on this and have been researching it. As of now, I have found that the first day of his presidency he addressed this issue. However, as far as exact changes that have resulted from this, I am still not sure. I will continue to research, and post it to my blog as I find more information. Feel free to contact me with your opinions!

Media Law- OLDHAM POST

Before my media law class I hate to admit it, but I was oblivious to laws pertaining to journalists. I was unaware of the Freedom of Information Act, or Shield Laws, and virtually only knew the precedent that stood in the 1st Amendment and a few major supreme court cases such as NY Times v. Sullivan. However, I was not aware of the difference between actual malice and negligence, or the importance of a public figure versus a private figure.

I think all journalists should take time and learn about their rights and privileges, as well as precedent that makes certain practices unconstitutional. Utah has a state shield law known as GRAMA, which is actually one of the strongest shield laws in the nation. I never was aware of this until taking my media law class.

I feel like several people are unaware of our legal system, and think this is something that needs to change in future generations.

Passion -OLDHAM POST

"Incredible journalism is like incredible baby-making--it starts with passion. The guy combing through the city budgets because it's his job isn't the same as the guy combing through them because it keeps him up at night, because he thinks about it when he shouldn't be. Institutions support that passion--but they don't create it. When my old Howard buddy was killed by the cops, it was all I could think about, and it was all I wanted to write about. And I did it almost for free, because it helped me sleep at night. I was burning to get it down. I deeply suspect that the bloggers you love, and the reporters you love, are similarly on fire inside."
--Ta-Nehisi Coates, blogger, The Atlantic, 2009

I absolutely love this! I got it today in my email from a journalist, and wanted to share it on my blog. I think passion plays into all things in life. If we love what we do, we do it to the best of our ability. Good writers love to write. They love to share a story, and they understand the importance of their job. In such a busy world, it was nice to get a quote like this and remember to cherish and have passion for the things we love in life.

Portfolio's- OLDHAM POST

As graduation gets closer I have been applying for a couple jobs, and in the process I have been gathering information to use in my portfolio. I have found all the work I have done for my portfolio has truly paid off! At the time, it seemed like another press release was pointless, but after creating my portfolio and seeing my compiled work it really does bring me confidence that I will get a good job.

I have learned that for PR, potential employees must show employers what they are capable of, rather than just tell them. Employers like to see what you have done, and what you can bring to their company. I really learned the importance of this at the PRSSA conference, when I heard several CEO’s talk about hiring people because of their great portfolios.

I learned that like several projects in PR, you should use the inverted pyramid when you create your portfolio. This means the most important or work you are most proud of should go first, and proceed with value towards the end of the portfolio. Press releases should be in their own section, and they should also be what you consider your best work.

HARO - OLDHAM POST

I have recently been introduced to the website known as HARO (Help a Reporter Out), and love it! I never knew that such a network existed on the web. This website allows for reporters to post things that they may need such as interviews, references, story ideas, etc., and people can reply to their posts. It is an excellent way for PR specialists to connect to journalists and promote a company.

There are all different categories posted on HARO. In fact, a person may find anything from a journalist looking for wedding gifts for bridesmaids, to good centerpieces to use at Thanksgiving, to women who are sick of their husband’s being addicted to fantasy football. It is an amazing website, and everyone should check it out!

Facbook is a "Skill" - OLDHAM POST

Certain skills are essential to PR specialists; I believe several of these include being aware of social media as well as new software such as the ADOBE series. Recently, a friend of mine got hired because of her knowledge about social media. For college students Facebook and Twitter are daily life, it is how we communicate with one another. However, for older generations, who often tend to be the CEO’s of large companies, are not aware of how to use social media.

College students often overlook the skills and experience they have that could be essential to certain companies. My friend getting hired for her social media skills is an example of how our everyday blogging, tweets, and status updates, can actually get us future jobs. In an economy that is suffering right now, this makes me very hopeful for the future. Our internships really are experience, and we do have skills that are needed in the job market.

Logan Glass Campaign - OLDHAM POST

I recently did a PR campaign for Logan Glass with a group of PR specialists. We held an event that allowed the public to get free rain x and glass chip repair for one day. We also had free propaganda and refreshments. It was meant to be a “Kick off to Winter,” campaign and to bring Logan Glass back into the public’s eye.

The event was a great success. Not only did the public become aware of the quality of Logan Glass, but Logan Glass also became aware of how beneficial small events like this can be to their company. We also taught them the importance of social media, and set up an internet site and Facebook group for them.

Logan Glass is now also trying to appeal to the younger generation by giving USU students 15% off with their student I.D. card.

This project was great to see public relations in action.

The Art of Bad Billboards- OLDHAM POST

Today as I was driving back from Las Vegas I could not help but critique every billboard I saw. With public relations and marketing both intertwining at times, I feel like it is now in my blood to find the positives and negatives of every commercial, magazine ad, and billboard.

I was amazed with how many billboards I saw that did nothing for me. It made me realize the importance of first impressions, and what is appealing to the human eye. From analyzing the billboards I concluded that color and layout are essential. I like to say, “If it doesn’t look pretty on the page, then it sure won’t look pretty on a billboard.”

However, I did find that the successful companies such as McDonald’s or Disney, all had billboards that drew me in. I wanted to read what it said, I wanted to look at it. They appealed to me, and sometimes even my emotions. Their tag lines got stuck in my head, and I remembered them long after we drove past it. I believe this proves that good PR and marketing is essential to becoming a good company.

The Importance of Staying Calm- OLDHAM POST

With PR I know that crisis management is essential, however, I never understood the importance of it until this past weekend. Currently I am an intern for Athletic Media Relations. On Friday night there was a women’s basketball game, where the game was supposed to be on TV. The company that was broadcasting the game was new and unfamiliar with Utah State. In fact, virtually everything they set up was not correct, and with 3 minutes until game time, everyone that worked for the broadcasting team was in a bit of a panic.

The broadcasting company was in total chaos. I actually had a headset and could hear everything the producer was saying- I must be honest; it was almost humorous to see the way they were handling the situation. Instead of staying calm and fixing the problems, everyone was blaming someone else and nothing was getting accomplished.

Finally, at the end of the first quarter they had solved the problems, and the game was being videotaped. I learned how important staying calm and thinking clearly is in a stressful situation. While the broadcast team eventually figured everything out, it could have been solved much easier if everyone would have worked together and stayed calm and collected.

PRSSA National Conference- OLDHAM POST

Last week I had the opportunity to go to the National PRSSA Conference. It was such a wonderful experience! I realized how many different roads you can take to get a great job in PR. There are so many different fields of study, that there is sure to be something that interests everyone.

Before the conference I had a few ideas of where I wanted to work, but nothing was absolute. I really became interested in entertainment and event planning after the PR conference. I love how each day would be something new, and you never would know what to expect. There is no way to define a “typical day.”

I had the chance to listen to several professional in the PR field, such as Arianna Huffington, the woman who started the Huffington Post. I also was able to listen to the director of Disney, where I learned the history behind this multi-billion dollar company, and their plans for the future.

It was good to see that all these professionals were once in the same position that I am today. PR is a competitive and challenging field, but also a very growing and exciting field. I am looking forward to graduation and my future in public relations.

A Skipped Generation (Oldham Post)

Over the past few days, I have been researching a company and beginning to do PR work for them. I have met with employees, the owner, and customers. I have outlined an agenda, and researched their competition. I found that their biggest flaw was the way they were presenting themselves, and making the public aware of them. They were not advertising in any way, shape, or form, and had just started a website 6 months prior.

I notified the boss on my findings, and told him that incorporating social media into the business would be a perfect way to appeal to a broader audience. To say the least, he was not sold on the idea. He did not understand how a simple "status update" could promote an entire business. He did not get why a "tweet" could make a college student choose their company versus another. He did not see the importance of all these "dating networks" (as he referred to them).

After hearing his opinion, we sat down and had quite the conversation. I explained to him that the younger generation thrives off of these sites. I gave him examples of college students and their blackberry phones and mac books, and how phone books are a thing of the past. The younger generation uses google to find out contact information for every business, person, and event. People like these networking sites because they are fast, simple, and convenient.

Fortunately, the boss quickly began to understand the importance of social media, and had a desire to appeal to the younger generation. i am pleased to say, the company has increased their marketing and PR skills, and in return, has increased their sales.

Positioning Yourself (Oldham Post)

Recently, I have been learning about what it exactly means to "position yourself." I have learned that one of the best things to do, is to figure out who you are. You must figure out what you like to do, what you dislike, what you do well, what you don't do well, etc. Positioning one's self is essential to being successful in your chosen career, in relationships, and to be an overall happy person.

I never quite understood the importance of this concept until recently. I always wondered why some people could seem to sell themselves to absolutely anyone in an interview, while other's stood there frozen like a deer in headlights. After an experience with a former professor, I realized how blinded I had been in my thinking. People who succeed in interviews, and give off a good, positive image, are people that have "positioned themselves." Even if they are not comfortable with a certain thing, they are so comfortable within their own skin, that they can "fake" it, and no one will know. At first this seems really simple, but several times it can take a lot of thought and time to perfect it. In fact, I think we are always "positioning" ourselves. As we grow and learn, we change. Therefore, we must constantly be answering back to the question of who we are.

Final: Press Release 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2009

Utah State University Activities Committee

Josh Nagao, Director

USU Taggart Student Center, 326

801-660-0048

USU Hosts the Largest Halloween Party in Utah for the 31st Year

Local Businesses Work with Students to Bring National Entertainment to USU

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State University will host the 31st annual Halloween party, known as ‘The Howl,’ in the Taggart Student Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. With the help of local sponsors, and student volunteers, the party is expected to have entertainment to please all 6500 expected guests.

Nationally recognized dance group, Massive Monkees from season four of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will be performing alongside of USU’s dance crews Vilociti and Full Circle. Entertainment will also include Mentalist Craig Karges, an oxygen bar, King Niko Band, a DJ, movies being played throughout the night, as well as several games and competitions.

“On behalf of USU and local sponsors we are fortunate to be able to bring exceptional entertainment this year. We (USU Activities Committee) have worked hard to make sure there is plenty of variety and something for everyone,” said USU Activities Director Josh Nagao.

Local businesses that helped sponsor ‘The Howl’ include USU Charter Credit Union, and Vooray. This is the first year that local businesses have donated money to support ‘The Howl.’ According to Nagao, the sponsors enable Utah State to go beyond their set budget and bring a broader option of entertainment this year.

The theme for ‘The Howl,’ this year is ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with the slogan being “Unhinged Reality.” Guests should expect a chilling version of the Disney movie, with “mad hatters,” “rabbit holes,” and dark “caterpillar forests.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSSA) is working with the USU Activities Committee, for the second year in a row, and helping plan several games and competitions that will take place on the bottom floor of the TSC.

“The institute has been a great help this year. I appreciate their support, and their willingness to help,” said Nagao.

Tickets can be purchased at the USU ticket office located in the USU Spectrum. The rate for USU students is $15 or $10 with a discount card that will be available in the Statesman. Non-USU student’s rates include $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event. All guests must present a valid state or USU ID at the door.

No props, masks, or weapons. Generally offensive dress will not be admitted.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

The Utah State Activities Committee (STAB) is responsible for planning all major activities throughout the year. The committee meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the third floor of the TSC. Any students wanting to help plan events are encouraged to come.

-END-

Final:CVAIA Media Pitch

Email Subject Line: Local Club Teaches the Keys to Financial Independence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2009

Emilie Wheeler, Editor

The Herald Journal

75 West 300 North

Logan, UT, 84321

TEACHING KEYS TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Allows for Financial Independence

Dear Emilie,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Preston Parker, president of CVAIA, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. I feel like Herald Journal readers would be highly interested because it is a local club free of cost, and available to everyone.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the CVAIA. Press kits and interviews are available upon request.

Lacey Saxton Nagao

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

One of My Favorite Quotes

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't." -Eleanor Roosevelt.

You cannot always please everyone. I believe this is what Eleanor Roosevelt was trying to say. In a world that thrives off success, popularity, and always "being on top," it is important to do what you feel is right.

Draft: Email Media Pitch

Email Subject Line: Local club teaches the keys to financial independence.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 13, 2009

The Utah Statesman

http://www.aggietownsquare.com

TEACHING KEYS TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Allows for Financial Independence

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

President of CVAIA, Preston Parker, said, “The biggest problem with financial independence is people don’t understand what passive income is and how to get it.”

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Parker, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is made possible through investments. It is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Financial independence is achieved when you have a higher passive income then expenses. It is quite simple; you must either increase your passive income, or decrease expenses. Passive income does not mean financial freedom. There are many people that have a high-earned income, but are not financially independent.

Once you learn to become financially independent you no longer have to worry about money. You can have a job that you love.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Professionals that are financially independent will be speaking at the meetings, and a question and answer period will follow. Parker encourages everyone to come to the meetings. No fee or experience is required.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the CVAIA. Press kits and interviews are available upon request.

Lacey Saxton Nagao

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

My New Obsession

I am becoming a slight bit obsessed with Eleanor Roosevelt quotes. I think they have substance that we can apply to life today. It makes you think of the simple things in life. She says things that are so simple, but with a twist. They make you think. The quote for today:

"No one can make you feel inferior, without your consent." -Eleanor Roosevelt

The Death of Print (Oldham Post)

"It’s such a phony war, print versus the Internet. So much of print has one foot in on the Web these days--New Yorker writers blog, Times reporters shoot digital video. And the so-called old lions are turning out wonderful journalism--see our Cheat Sheet, which is agnostic about print or online journalism, on a daily, hourly basis.”
--Tina Brown, former magazine editor and now the roar behind The Daily Beast.


I have mixed feelings on this quote. The Internet is consuming all printed newspapers. Internet is so convenient, and very appealing, especially among the younger generation. With the growing technology, you can now read the news virtually anywhere- even on your cell phone. You can also find news for free on the Web, versus paying for a daily newspaper. It is no question that the Internet is giving print "a run for it's money."

When it comes to better quality, Internet versus print, I am not sure if you can say one is better than the other. Yes, anyone can upload something to the Internet. But, as a reader you choose where you go to read your source of news. For example, The New York Times, is available online, and I am sure that the writing quality online is just as good as the hard copy.

This is an interesting topic, and one that I am anxious to follow. I do not believe that print journalism will completely die, but I do believe that it will greatly decrease as it already has.

News as a Continuous Circle (Oldham Post)

"The bloggers are talkers, commentators, not reporters. The talk-show hosts are reactors, commentators, not reporters. The search engines can search but do not report. All of them, every single one of them, have to have the news in order to exist and thrive."
--Jim Lehrer, journalist and host of PBS's "NewsHour," 2007
(Speech at UT-Austin, 11/6/07, American-Statesman)

I came across this quote today and found it to be quite true. However, at the same time, I had my own thoughts on the matter. Several times I have thought that everyone can be a reporter. All people who blog are writing stories, and updating on their own personal lives. I guess the question comes down to - is that really considered news? As people, we make the news. The events that we consider to be of high value and interest is what makes it into the news. News is like a continuous circle; people make the news by becoming curious, journalists report the news, and in return people write stories and talk of the current news.

I agree with the quote in the sense that bloggers often times receive their information from reporters. If there were no reporters, I am sure that google would not be the phenomenon that it has become today. There would be far less gossip in beauty shops, and coffee shops would not appeal to the same old men reading the daily newspapers. Reporters should be given credit for their work; their the ones who bring it to us, and give us something to talk about. Likewise, the public should be given credit to their work; their interest is what keeps reporters in business.

Draft Press Release 4- Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2009

Utah State University Activities Committee
Josh Nagao, Director
801-660-0048

USU Hosts the Largest Halloween Party in Utah for the 31st Year
Local Businesses Work with Students to Bring National Entertainment to USU

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State University will host the 31st annual Halloween party, known as ‘The Howl,’ in the Taggart Student Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. With the help of local sponsors, and student volunteers, the party is expected to have entertainment to please all 6500 expected guests.

Nationally recognized dance group, Massive Monkees from season four of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, will be performing alongside of USU’s dance crews Vilociti and Full Circle. Entertainment will also include Mentalist Craig Karges, an oxygen bar, King Niko Band, a DJ, movies being played throughout the night, and several games and competitions.

“On behalf of USU and local sponsors we are fortunate to be able to bring exceptional entertainment this year. We (USU Activities Committee) have worked hard to make sure there is plenty of variety and something for everyone,” said USU Activities Director Josh Nagao.

Local businesses that helped sponsor ‘The Howl’ include USU Charter Credit Union, and Vooray. This is the first year that local businesses have donated money to support ‘The Howl.’ According to Nagao, the sponsors enable Utah State to go beyond their set budget and bring a broader option of entertainment this year.

The theme for ‘The Howl,’ this year is ‘Alice in Wonderland,’ with the slogan being “Unhinged Reality.” Guests should expect a chilling version of the Disney movie, with “mad hatters,” “rabbit holes,” and dark “caterpillar forests.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Student Association (LDSSA) is working with the USU Activities Committee, for the second year in a row, and helping plan several games and competitions that will take place on the bottom floor of the TSC.

Tickets can be purchased at the USU ticket office located in the Spectrum. The rate for USU students is $15 or $10 with a discount card. Non-USU student’s rates include $20 in advance, and $25 the day of the event. All guests must present a valid state or USU ID at the door.

No props, masks, or weapons. Generally offensive dress will not be admitted.

For more information:
Lacey Saxton Nagao
PR Specialist
208-380-5778

The Utah State Activities Committee (STAB) is responsible for planning all major activities throughout the year. The committee meets every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the third floor of the TSC. Any students wanting to help plan events are encouraged to come.

-END-

Jon Schmidt at USU (Oldham Post)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 4, 2009

Utah State University

Jon Schmidt

www.jonschmidt.com

Jon Schmidt at Utah State
World Known Pianist Will Perform in Logan

LOGAN, Utah- American pianist, Jon Schmidt, will be performing on Sat. Oct. 10, at the Kent Concert Hall at Utah State.

Schmidt is known for his entertaining performances, as well as his inspiration to beginning and advanced pianists alike. He does more than just "play the piano," he truly puts on a real "show." He has gained a vast amount of support throughout his career, touching the lives of many.

"I just went to my FIRST Jon Schmidt Christmas concert with my 16 year old son today and LOVED IT. Thanks for inspiring my son to challenge himself. He is playing waterfall and I saw three ships at his recital this weekend. Your show was amazing. Thank you for sharing your talent. You have blessed us all," said Sandy H, a resident of Utah.

Schmidt will begin his concert at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased before at the Utah State ticket office, or at the door.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

Attorney General Makes an Unknown Visit to USU (Oldham Post)

I was unaware that the Attorney General of Utah visited Utah State on Tuesday, until Preston Parker notified me on Thursday. As several others, I am still questioning how I never knew he was at Utah State? If I did not know any better I would have thought this was a secret visit that absolutely no one was supposed to know about. I am a media guru, who stays up to date on current events, reads newspapers, and is involved with social media. Even if all of the previous options failed at letting me know, certainly I would have found out by word of mouth, right?

It amazes me that a state run organization could fail so miserably at letting the public know that the Attorney General was coming to our hometown. After reading the press releases sent from the PR specialist of the A.G., I cannot blame the local newspapers for not writing a story on his arrival. To be honest, I probably would not have wrote a story either- simply because I would have followed the actions of local editors and not have opened the terribly titled email (that was supposed to be considered a "press release").

Is it not sad that the A.G. is running for U.S. Senator, yet his P.R. specialist cannot even let a small town know he is coming to speak? To me, this is a prime example of bad PR. Often times the power of public relations can get underestimated. However, if PR people fail to do their jobs correctly, newspapers never get the information or write a story, the public is never made aware, and the certain person or event that the PR was supposed to represent can quickly become a failure.

However, after negotiating, it appears that the A.G. will be making a return visit to Utah State. I am positive that this time all students will be made aware, as well as the entire population of Logan and surrounding areas. The date has not yet been confirmed, but is speculated to be in the next couple weeks.

For more information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

lacey.saxton@aggiemail.usu.edu

-END-

Final Press Release 3- Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2009

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Preston Parker, President

www.cvaia.com

Achieving Financial Independence

New Club Offers the Keys to Financial Independence

LOGAN, Utah- Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent for life.

President of CVAIA, Preston Parker, said, “The biggest problem with financial independence is people don’t understand what passive income is and how to get it.”

Several people may not understand the concept of passive income. According to Parker, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must actually work for earned income and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. Passive income is made possible through investments. It is determined by how long you will last financially, if you stop working. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Financial independence is achieved when you have a higher passive income than expenses. It is quite simple; you must either increase your passive income, or decrease expenses. Passive income does not mean financial freedom. There are many people that have a high-earned income, but are not financially independent.

Once you learn to become financially independent you no longer have to worry about money. You can have a job that you love.

Parker started the organization 2 years ago, with a hope to better individual’s lives. “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible,” said Parker.

The CVAIA meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Professionals that are financially independent will be speaking at the meetings, and a question and answer period will follow. Parker encourages everyone to come to the meetings. No fee or experience is required.

For further information:

Lacey Saxton Nagao

PR Specialist

208-380-5778

-END-

Invest in Social Media (Oldham Post)

I agree with the opinion that it is time for the IR to gain trust in the social media, and invest in them. Social media is not going away. It continues to grow each year, in every way possible. More and more people are starting to get involved in social media, and it is becoming the number 1 way for people to stay connected not only with family and friends, but large organizations as well. It is becoming a giant news feed- whether people realize it or not.

The financial community may not trust social media for one reason or another, but they should not neglect these opportunities in IR. I believe social media has more advantages than disadvantages, and can bring more success than other conventional outlets.

It's More Than Money (Oldham Post)

I received an email today that had the following quote attached:

"[Thomas] Moran, who made his decision to leave journalism partly as a way of looking after his kids--Patrick, 15, Gracie, 12--realized he was setting a bad example. ‘You should do what you love, and I don’t think they enjoyed living with me moping around because I was miserable,’ he said, adding, ‘I mean, what was I going to do for fun--take up cooking and model trains?"

The line that seemed to stick out to me the most -"You should do what you love." Several times we get caught up in careers that have high prestige, and a better than average pay check. However, if our career does not make us happy, than the "big" paycheck may not be worth it... (except maybe to compensate you for the miserable 80 hours of work you put in).

When I was younger I did not care where I worked as long as I was bringing in a 6 digit income. However, as I grew older, and began to figure out who I really was, and what made me happy, I realized I would much rather have a slightly smaller paycheck, and not dread going to my job everyday. I think people should do what they love. When we do things that we enjoy, we live a much happier life.

I have learned that while you will always have people that disagree with your decisions, or give their advice far too many times, you should ultimately do what YOU want - not what your parents expect, or what your grandma has been bragging to everyone about for the past 5 years. In the end, it is your life, your career, and your happiness that is on the line. Doing what you love will make your own life more enjoyable, as well as those around you.

Draft Press Release 3- Cause Promotion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24, 2009
Cache Valley Area Investors Association
Preston Parker, President
www.cvaia.com

Achieving Financial Independence
Opportunity to Learn to Become Financially Independent for Life

LOGAN, Utah- Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is committed to teaching members how to increase their passive income, and become financially independent.

President of CVAIA, Preston Parker, said, “The biggest problem with financial independence is people don’t understand what passive income is and how to get it.”

According to Parker, passive income is money you get in return from investments. While you must work for earned income, and think about it, passive income does not require any thought. When you are able to live off of your passive income, you are financially independent.

Financial independence is achieved when you have a higher passive income then expenses. It is quite simple; you must either increase your passive income, or decrease expenses.
Once you learn to become financially independent you no longer have to worry about money. You can have a job that you love.

Parker said the reason for starting the company is because, “I want people to be happy, people are complaining about their jobs, but they don’t need to. This is America, the land of abundance. We should all be able to have jobs that we love. Passive income makes this possible."

The CVAIO meets every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 160 N. Main St. in Logan. The next meeting will be held on Oct. 1, at 7 p.m.

Professionals that are financially independent will be speaking at the meetings, and a question and answer period will follow. Parker encourages everyone to come to the meetings. No fee or experience is required.

Lacey Saxton Nagao
PR Specialist

Final Press Release 2: Image Management

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2009

Burger Planet
Mr. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
154 E. 200 S. Gary, IN
806-755-8889
j.muellenbach@burgerplanet.net

Burger Planet Brings Fitness Expert Jayne Petersen to the Team
Broader Selection of Healthy Menu Items Now Available

GARY, Ind.- Celebrity fitness expert, Jayne Petersen, will be joining the restaurant, Burger Planet, in their launch of a new healthy choice menu. Petersen will help plan the new menu, and make the public aware of the healthy alternatives. While Burger Planet offered some healthy options in the past, the new menu has a much broader selection.

Petersen has added an arrangement of new items to the fast food menu. For customers seeking to “cut carbs,” white meat chicken breasts wrapped in lettuce are now available, versus the traditional bun. Petersen has also added an assortment of five different fruit packets, as well as gourmet salads. All sandwiches can be ordered without mayo, which will cut the calories by 150.

Muellenbach III, company CEO, said "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." Muellenbach III is excited about the new menu items, and feels fortunate to have Jayne Petersen as part of the staff.

Petersen is committed to get women healthy and to keep them fit. She has helped women celebrities transform their bodies, and has recently premiered on the Opal Whitcomb show, where she discussed her assistance with Opal’s dramatic weight loss. She believes in not only dropping the pounds, but also making sure that those pounds stay off. Petersen said, “The company believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson."

Petersen believes in a balance. While Burger Planet still offers the conventional hamburger and fries, it now offers a health conscious menu that can appeal to more lifestyles.

“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,” said Muellenbach III.

Muellenbach I founded Burger Planet in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1934. Since then the restaurant has been committed to pleasing customer’s needs, while becoming one of the fastest growing food chains. Burger Planet has 8,921 franchises in every state and spreads across 17 countries. Muellenbach believes that with the wider variety of healthy options they now offer, the restaurant will continue to grow and promote a more healthy lifestyle among customers.

Media Contact:
Lacey Saxton Nagao
PR Specialist
208-380-5778

-END-