Final: Press Release 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2009

Aflac, Cache Valley Branch

Brett G. Bullock, Regional Manager
654 N. Main St. Suite # 101
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 753-4416
brett_bullock@us.aflac.com

Aflac Cache Valley Branch Expanded their Walls and Policies
New Building Along with Insurance Plans Announced

LOGAN, Utah – The Aflac Cache Valley branch has opened a new building and announced new plans affiliated with the national and international company to better assist clients. Although Aflac agents have been using the facility since June 1, clients will now be able to meet and discuss insurance topics and concerns within the building.

Darrell Rawlins, Aflac associate, has been working for the Cache Valley branch for almost 2 years and currently owns 19 accounts with individuals and businesses. Rawlins said the difference between the previous and new building is the individual work space each agent has. “It gives us a better working environment to plan and be with clients,” Rawlins said. The new building has an elegant décor, a conference room for meetings and a closing office where before, agents had to borrow an area for finalizing accounts.

Rawlins said the underlying goal of the new building is sales. “We thought, if we spend this money to get this new building and location, it will generate sales,” Rawlins said. “And hopefully it will.”

Rawlins said the building allows immediate street access on ground level and will attract the community by a larger sign and direct access off Main Street. “Hopefully this will bring in more off the street sales and get people interested in Aflac,” Rawlins said. “It will let the community and business owners know that Aflac is here.”

Barbi Harrington, Aflac associate since 2000, said new policies include a Lump Sum Cancer plan, a Lump Sum Critical Illness plan, and a new accident plan. The Lump Sum Cancer insurance policy may help with the treatment costs of cancer and the new accident plan now includes x-ray benefits and increased benefits for hazardous activities such as piloting and scuba diving. Upon diagnosis of a critical illness, such as paralysis, stroke, heart attack, or major human organ transplant, the Lump Sum Critical Illness plan may provide cash benefits to use for medical care.

For 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash benefits where they are needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. The Cache Valley Aflac branch, in business since 1989, currently serves 400 to 500 businesses and individuals. To find out more about Aflac, visit http://www.aflac.com/.

Media Contact:
Mackenzie LovePR Specialist
558-9658
mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu

- END -

JCOM 2300 Thoughts...Students Take on PR for Attorney General's Campaign

COME SEE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL! (This is my article that was published in the Statesman on it)

On September 29, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff came to Utah State University to present his campaign on Identity Theft and even brought along a shredder for a demonstration. Much to his dismay, his appearance was a letdown. Nobody knew he was coming. Based on information from Shurtleff’s Director of Communications, press releases were sent, but responses were few. Whether from a lack of communication or not enough publicity, the Attorney General came to Utah State and left without announcing his campaign.

Preston Parker, public relations professor, was surprised at the lack of communication and publicity for such an event.

“I was surprised that someone as prominent as the attorney general, someone who is running currently for the U.S. Senate could come to a venue like Utah State University and have so few people know about it,” Parker said.

When any other school might pass up the opportunity to invite him back, Utah State University public relations students have jumped on the task to put into practice what they are learning.

Public relations students, through the mentoring of Parker, have taken on the task of publicizing the event. From press releases, to flyers and posters, to finding the best location on campus for a shredding truck, assignments have been uploaded onto a Google document where any public relations student can access the document to contribute.

Preston Parker has been the main point of communication with the attorney general’s office directly although his students can ask questions and contribute.

“I’ve worked directly with the office to get the date scheduled, October 22, and the time, from 4 – 7, specifically the attorney general from 6 – 7,” Parker said. “It’s been great working with the office and planning out 2 to 3 weeks into the future on this event.”

PR students have been in charge of scheduling the location and have been invited to include other prominent people. USU PR students are running on no budget, meaning they are relying heavily and solely on the ability of Utah State University locations to provide for advertising.

Natalie Curtis, junior in public relations, is a volunteer for Fusion Radio and has been communicating with Fusion to announce the visit. Curtis reserved a space for a banner announcing the event that will hang in the TSC October 20 – 22. Curtis has also developed an official social media hash tag, #utahagusu, that has been used by social media to publicize the event.

Curtis hopes people will want to hear what Shurtleff’s views are so they can become more educated about him and what he is doing for Utah.

“I just hope that people see it since we’re doing so much advertising and promotion,” Curtis said. “A lot of people will see it in different places and hopefully, from all these different angles, people will want to come and hear him speak.”

Curtis also set up a Facebook event page with information on the event.

Radio interviews have also taken place. Jessica Vasil, junior in political science and public relations participated in an interview with KVNU.

“I think it’s awesome because one of the things we talked about is that we’re literally taking ‘learn this on Tuesday, apply it on Wednesday’,” Vasil said. “I think it’s really cool to not have to wait and right away get an opportunity to apply what we’re learning.”

Renae Cowley, junior in agriculture communication, also participated in the radio interview. Cowley hopes the outcome will be big and hopes it will be talked about for a while.

“I hope that they’ll be talking about how the students came together and united and were able to take what they were learning and apply it through the diversity of media to communicate that message,” Cowley said.

Students are also e-mailing USU faculty and departments, getting on the Utah State University activity calendars, and getting news stories and coverage for the event. Students have also been involved in passing out leaflets, fliers, and placing posters around campus and the community. One goal is to not only get students to attend the event, but also members of the community.
Parker hopes people will come and become more educated on Shurtleff’s campaign on identity theft as the outcome of the event.

“People should show up and listen to his ten to fifteen minute speech on identify theft,” Parker said. “That will help people become aware of identity theft and for that matter the attorney general’s campaign on identify theft.”

Parker hopes the outcome of the project will provide students with experiences resulting in tangible material such as articles, press releases, and letters of recommendation that will benefit them in future career opportunities.

“That’s something that speaks much more than a resume,” Parker said. “You hand a portfolio over, and say ‘I can do these things, I’ve already done them. Give me an opportunity to do more’. We’re finding portfolios in real world experiences are what get our students internships in part time and full time positions.”

The Attorney General, Mark Shurtleff, will visit Utah State University on October 22 to unveil the latest technology to stop consequences of identity theft. From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Shurtleff’s crew will provide free shredding services to the public to promote his identity theft campaign. Between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., opening remarks will be made by the attorney general, Mark Shurtleff followed by a presentation on the IRIS (the Identity Theft Reporting Information System) by Scott Morrill. Enable Secure Shredding will give a presentation on shredding followed by a question and answer time on identity theft and Shurtleff’s campaign. The event will take place in the TSC Sunburst Lounge.

Final: CVAIA Media Pitch

E-mail Subject Line: Local Association in Cache Valley teaches Financial Independence

Emilie H. Wheeler, Local News Editor
The Herald Journal
75 West 300 North
Logan, UT, 84321
(435) 752-2121

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Decreases Financial Worries

Association’s Goal is to Teach Financial Independence

Dear Emilie,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to achieve financial independence. Preston Parker, president and founder, said the problem lies within understanding finances. “The underlying biggest problem with financial independence is people not understanding what it is and how to get it,” Parker said.

Parker started CVAIA in August, 2007. Parker started CVAIA because he wants others to be satisfied with their jobs, especially in America where the law of abundance is clear. “I want people to be happy and a whole lot of people are complaining about their jobs,” Parker said.

Parker said CVAIA does not talk about financial freedom but financial independence and how it relies on passive income. There is no cost to join CVAIA and members get access to professionals to network, become educated, and to ask questions in a comfortable setting.

CVAIA’s meetings are held every other Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main St. Guest speakers are invited to come and share their knowledge on their profession or personal experiences with financial independence.

The Herald Journal readers would benefit from hearing about CVAIA because anyone can access the association and its services. In today’s economy, knowledge and advice on finances can always be used. The location of where CVAIA meets is also convenient for local Herald Journal readers. A features or news article would be a great addition to this week’s or an upcoming paper. If you have any other questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an interview, please feel free to contact me for more information.

Mackenzie Love
Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)
PR Specialist
435-282-4146
mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risk of investing.

- END -

Draft: CVAIA Media Pitch

E-mail Subject Line: Local Association in Cache Valley teaches Financial Independence

Emilie H. Wheeler
Local News Editor
The Herald Journal
75 West 300 North
Logan, UT, 84321

(435) 752-2121

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Decreases Financial Worries
Association’s Goal is to Teach Financial Independence

Dear Emilie,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association teaches people how to achieve financial independence. Preston Parker, president and founder, said the problem lies within understanding finances. “The underlying biggest problem with financial independence is people not understanding what it is and how to get it,” Parker said.

Parker started CVAIA in August, 2007. Parker started CVAIA because he wants others to be satisfied with their jobs, especially in America where the law of abundance is clear. “I want people to be happy and a whole lot of people are complaining about their jobs,” Parker said.

Parker said CVAIA does not talk about financial freedom but financial independence and how it relies on passive income. There is no cost to join CVAIA and members get access to professionals to network, become educated, and to ask questions in a comfortable setting.

CVAIA’s meetings are held every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main St. Guest speakers are invited to come and share their knowledge on their profession or personal experiences with financial independence.

Information about Cache Valley Area Investors Association would be important to the Herald Journal readers because anyone can access the association and its services. In today’s economy, knowledge and advice on finances can always be used. The location of where CVAIA meets is also good for local Herald Journal readers.

Mackenzie Love
Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)

PR Specialist
435-282-4146
mailto:mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu
http://www.cvaia.net/

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risk of investing. If you have any other questions, concerns, or would like to schedule an interview, please feel free to contact me for more information.

-END-

JCOM 2300 Thoughts...NieNie Dialogues

I’ve always been amused by blogging. From different layouts to clever storytelling or pictures, everyone seems to have their own story to tell. Imagine my surprise when I came upon one of my favorite blogs still to this day. The NieNie Dialogues is published by blogger, Stephanie Nielson and is a diary of her life as a wife, mother and everything else. It started in 2005 for close friends and family but overtime seemed to attract viewers from around the world. The way she talks about her marriage to ‘Mr. Nielson’ and her adventures with her four children all under the age of 6, (Claire, Jane, Oliver and Nicholas), is almost captivating. As the New York Times put it, ‘to her admirers, she was Supermom.’

Even though Stephanie would never tell of the bad, her life was turned upside down on August 16 of last year. After buying her husband flying lessons two years before, the couple was returning home from a weekend trip at a family ranch in New Mexico accompanied by Mr. Nielson’s flight instructor, Mr. Kinneard. It’s uncertain who was behind the controls on that flight, but the plane crashed. Mr. Kinneard died shortly afterward but Stephanie and her husband were able to get save their lives by escaping from the burning wreckage. Once they reached the hospital, Christian and Stephanie sustained severe burns, Stephanie over more than 80 percent of her body.

Almost, immediately family members and the community (try 30,000 readers) jumped in to help with the Nie Nie donations. The family’s story, covered in the New York Times, said visitors to the Nie Nie Dialogues blog had increased from 1,000 to well over 20,000 a day. The Today Show interviewed Stephanie’s sister, who took all four of her kids while she was recovering.
During reconstructive surgery on Stephanie’s badly damaged face, doctors retrieved enough tissue from parts of her body to craft a new nose and ears. If you visit her blog today, pictures show how she is healing along with her new outlook on life and continuing love for her kids and husband.

The point of this post is to talk about the power of social media. Who knew, that because of one blog and one individual’s story, so much help could come in such a desperate time of need. Medical bills that have reached in the millions will be paid for through donations and online auctions. Bloggers from around the world including countries like Australia, Israel, Spain and Germany have helped raise more than $100,000 in donations. It goes to show that you never know the affect social media can have until you see it in real life events.

Press Release 4 Draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 12, 2009

Aflac, Cache Valley Branch

Brett G. Bullock, Regional Manager
654 N. Main St. Suite # 101
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 753-4416
brett_bullock@us.aflac.com

Aflac Cache Valley Branch will be expanding their Walls and Policies

New Building and Insurance Plans Announced

LOGAN, UT – The Aflac Cache Valley branch will be opening a new building have announced new plans affiliated with the national and international company to better assist clients. Although Aflac agents have been using the facility since June 1, clients will now be able to meet and discuss insurance topics and concerns within the building starting Monday of next week.

Darrell Rawlins, Aflac associate, has been working for the Cache Valley branch since November 2008 and currently owns 19 accounts with individuals and businesses. Rawlins said the difference between the previous and new building is the individual work space each agent has. “It gives us a better working environment to plan and be with clients,” Rawlins said. The new building has an elegant decor, a conference room for meetings and a closing office where before, agents had to borrow an area for finalizing accounts.

Rawlins also said the underlying goal of the new building is sales. “We thought, if we spend this money to get this new building and location, it will generate sales,” Rawlins said. “And hopefully it will.”

Rawlins said the building will also allow immediate street access on ground level and will attract the community by a larger sign and direct access off Main Street. “Hopefully this will bring in more off the street sales and get people interested in Aflac,” Rawlins said. “It will let the community and business owners know that Aflac is here.”

Barbi Harrington, Aflac associate since 2000, said new policies include a Lump Sum Cancer plan, a Lump Sum Critical Illness plan, and a new accident plan. The Lump Sum Cancer insurance policy may help with the treatment costs of cancer and the new accident plan now includes x-ray benefits and increased benefits for hazardous activities such as piloting and scuba diving. Upon diagnosis of a critical illness, such as paralysis, stroke, heart attack, or major human organ transplant, the Lump Sum Critical Illness plan may provide cash benefits to use for medical care.

Media Contact:
Mackenzie Love

PR Specialist
mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu

For 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash benefits where they are needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. The Cache Valley Aflac branch, in business since 1989, currently serves 400 to 500 businesses and individuals. To find out more about Aflac, visit www.aflac.com.

-END-

Eccentric Homes in Cache Valley

Yet another opportunity to write for the Statesman. This article was extremely fun to write. I never knew there were so many unique homes close to campus! One of my favorites was the Retro House because of its different colors and unique style.

Final Press Release: Cause Promotion

For Immediate Release:
September 30, 2009
Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA)
Preston Parker, President
Cache County Chamber of Commerce
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
http://www.cvaia.com/

Cache Valley Area Investors Association Decreases Monetary Worries
Association’s Goal is to Teach Financial Independence

LOGAN, UT – Cache Valley Area Investors Association teaches people how to achieve financial independence. Preston Parker, president and founder, said the problem lies within understanding finances. “The underlying biggest problem with financial independence is people not understanding what it is and how to get it,” Parker said.

Parker started CVAIA in August, 2007. According to a film on the CVAIA website, Parker set up the association to provide education to other people in the community. “We realize we have something to learn from each other and we come together with this attitude of sharing,” Parker said.

Parker said CVAIA is not talking about financial freedom because no one is free of their finances. Financial independence relies on passive income or income that is earned. The two ways Parker suggests achieving financial independence are increasing passive income or decreasing expenses. Parker said passive income needs to be above expenses.

CVAIA’s meetings are held every other Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce located at 160 N. Main St. Guest speakers are invited to come and share their knowledge on their profession or personal experiences with financial independence. The next meeting on October first will feature Shawn Cottle, real estate expert, who will speak on “Short Sales – A Real Estate Investment Technique”. Justin Hamilton, owner of Hamilton's Steak & Seafood Restaurant and Mark Lundt, local real estate business entrepreneur will be upcoming speakers.

Parker recommends becoming literate before attending meetings. Books like Rich Dad poor Dad by Robert Kyosak and Ayn Rand by Atlas Shrug are two of the books recommended on the website. “Read these books and your mind and your eyes will be opened at the possibility of potential,” Parker said. Other authors include Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey and Clark Howard.

There is no cost to join CVAIA and members get access to professionals to network, become educated, and to ask questions in a comfortable setting.

Parker started CVAIA because he wants others to be satisfied with their jobs, especially in America where the law of abundance is clear. “I want people to be happy and a whole lot of people are complaining about their jobs,” Parker said. “This is America, the law of abundance. There is plenty of everything.”

Media Contact:

Mackenzie Love
PR Specialist

mackenzie.love@aggiemail.usu.edu

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) teaches people how to increase passive income. CVAIA embraces the Law of Attraction, Law of Abundance, and Law of Exchange. They practice the methods found in the ideologies of books including Rich Dad Poor Dad, the wealthy barber, the millionaire next door, atlas shrugged, the automatic millionaire and the secret. CVAIA began in August 2007 and now has members from many geographical locations from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risk of investing.

-END-