Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Media Pitch (final)

Dale Johnson, Utah Spirit Magazine
801-295-5677
d.johnson@utahspirit.com

Subject: Finally Free Effective Financial Advice

Dear Dale,

A new organization in Cache Valley is finally offering financial advice that anyone can afford, because membership is free.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) was started by Utah State University professor Preston Parker, in August 2007, as a way to help people understand what good finances can do for them. Through experience, Parker has learned many valuable lessons about investments, taxes and several other money related topics that he wants to pass on to the public.

CVAIA meets every other Thursday at the Cache Valley Chamber of Commerce building, 160 N. Main St., at 7 p.m. These meetings are free to the public, and I think your readers here in the valley would like to know they do not have to be rich to get solid financial advice.

Parker also gets other financial leaders to come in to speak to the group like lawyers and accounts to share their wealth of knowledge. CVAIA has surpassed 40 members with more being added every month, with many of those members reporting success since they started attending.

I can set you up an interview with Parker Thursday, March 6 before his meeting at 6 p.m. if you are available. If that doesn't work you can contact me and we can find a better time. Also I can talke to some of the members to see if they would be willing to talk to you too. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks,

Dallin Koecher
Media Relations CVAIA
435-876-5432
dkoecher@cvaia.com

Monday, February 25, 2008

Assignment 2 Press Release to stories

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Press Release analysis
Thomas S. Monson Named 16th Church President

http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/thomas-s-monson-named-16th-church-president

The Deseret Morning News

I chose the LDS church because of the major impact it has in Utah society. Recently some very interesting news happened that surprised many Latter-day Saints, the passing of their beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley. This project was very interesting because the story of his death was covered on many different types of media, from Internet to newspapers, and from radio to television, this story was all over the news.

The first article I read in regards to the news release about the passing of President Hinckley and the calling of President Thomas S. Monson as the new leader for the church came from the Deseret News published Feb. 4. As I read this article it became clear that this was a positive report of the recent events. It spoke of the many good things that Monson had done in his life, what he stood for and his love for Hinckley. The reporter also referenced Henry B. Eyring, and Dieter F. Uchtdorf the counselors to president Monson and the good things they had accomplished.

I believe this article was positive because of the positive nature of the news release distributed by the church. Also I would say the reporter was being respectful to an admired community leader.

Link to the article
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695250131,00.html

The Salt Lake Tribune

The second article I found in regards to this news release and press conference also came from another Salt Lake area news paper, The Salt Lake Tribune. I chose this one on purpose to see if the would be any contrast between the rivaling newspapers. The Tribune prides itself as "Utah's Independent voice," so I wanted to see how they would handle the same local news.

As to be expected the "independent voice" was a neutral voice for Utah. As I read the article I didn't feel anything really positive about the circumstance of President Hinckley's death. That being said the article was respectful and stayed neutral. It felt like I was reading a fact sheet with bulleted information, not a story. I don't know if that was just the writers style or journalistic objectiveness but the article was neutral.

Link to article

http://www.sltrib.com//ci_8164315?IADID=Search-www.sltrib.com-www.sltrib.com


The Project Analysis

I found it very interesting as I read the articles and the press releases how they all had the same quotes. Now that is not to say all the quotes in each article were the same but there were a few that were present in all three. This was an interesting situation because it was a hot news item and I think the death of President Hinckley and the calling of President Monson would have had media coverage even if the church hadn't written a news release. Also what made this project unique was that this news received world wide attention. I still think the news release was effective it getting reporters inside information about the situation in a timely and efficient manner.

Media Pitch

Finally Free Effective Financial Advice

Dear Mr. Johnson,

A new organization in Cache Valley is finally offering financial advice that doesn't put people in the red, because it's free.

Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) was started by Utah State University professor Preston Parker as a way to help people understand what good finances can do for them. Through experience, Parker has learned many valuable lessons about investments, taxes and several other money related topics that he wants to pass on to the public.

CVAIA meets every other Thursday at the Chamber of Commerce building at 7 p.m. These meetings are free to the public, and I think your readers here in the valley would like to know that they don't have to be rich to get solid financial advice.

I can set you up an interview with Preston Thursday, March 6 before his meeting at 6 p.m. if you are available. If that doesn't work you can contact me and we can find a better time.

Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks,


Dallin Koecher
dkoecher@cvaia.com

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Aggie Jazz (draft)

Aggie Jazz


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 20008

Jon Gudmundson, Director of Jazz Studies
4015 Old Main Hill
Logan, Utah 84322

Make it Swing


LOGAN, Utah -- Make any reception, party, or get together swing with the sizzling smooth sounds of jazz from the students of Utah State University Jazz Studies.

Now for hire, two students small jazz groups can bring life to any social gathering. The Caine, and USU jazz combos are two of the most versatile and readily available groups on campus. Under the direction of Jon Gudmundson, director of jazz studies, and Lars Yorgasen, guest instructor, these two bands can bring any party to life with many of the classics known by jazz lovers.
Most commonly known as combos, these small groups consist of about five to six instruments: drums, piano, bass, guitar and a horn, like a saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Since a jazz combo is so small they can fit in just about in any local where people gather.
"Jazz is a great way to lighten the mood of and add a classy feeling to any party," said Jon Gudmundson, director of jazz studies. "These students put a lot of effort and practice into their combos to sound professional."
Hiring one of these college combos is an affordable way to add music and class which makes any reception, party or get together memorable. For more information about pricing and availibilty please contact Dallin Koecher.
Dallin Koecher
Band Member and Media Contact

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

CVAIA Final

Cache Valley Area Investors Association


Feb. 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Preston Parker, President
160 N Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
Four Three five Seven Five seven four five six zero

Financial Education key to happy life

LOGAN, Utah -- Make more money, do what you love and get more out of life. A new organization in Cache Valley promises, with education, to help any one do those things.


Preston Parker, president and founder of Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA), began the association as a way to help people become financially independent. By teaching members of CVAIA correct principles about money and getting them out of bad habits Parker hopes to change peoples ideas about the way money works.


"I teach people to think about opportunities and money differently then their parents," Parker said. "Most people come out of high school knowing what an amoeba is but don't know how to balance a checkbook and that needs to change."


Becoming financially independent is a goal Parker wishes for everyone so they can be happy and enjoy life. He said having money doesn't equate to happiness, at the same time he said having enough for a person's needs and be comfortable enhances quality of life.



CVAIA meets every other Thursday at seven p.m. at the Cache County Chamber of Commerce, 160 N. Main St. The next meeting will be on Feb. 21. Preston started the organization in August 2007 to provide financial education. He teaches at many of the meetings and also brings in guest speakers to talk about other money related topics, like the difference between earned income and passive income, starting a business and taxes. Parker has personally benefitted from these principles and has helped many others since CVAIA started.


Membership has grown to almost 40 Cache Valley residents. The group is open to any one that would like to join and membership is free. To become a member of this association send Parker an e-mail at cachevalley@gmail.com.


For more information about Cache Valley Area Investors Association, and some of the guest speakers contact CVAIA.



Dallin Koecher
Media Relations
dkoecher@cvaia.com

Monday, February 11, 2008

Cache Vallley Area Investors Association (Draft)

Cache Valley Area Investors Association


Feb. 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIAT RELEASE

Preston Parker, President
160 N Main St.
Logan, UT 84321
Four Three five Seven Five seven four five six zero
Education key to Financial Independence
LOGAN, Utah --Most people struggle with money because they don't understand how it works and have never been taught. Education is essential to financial independence and Cache Valley Area Investors Association was created just for that reason.
Preston Parker, president and founder of Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA), began the association as a way to help people become financially independent. By teaching members of the group correct principles about money and getting them out of bad habits Parker hopes to change peoples ideas about the way money works.
"I teach people to think about opportunities and money differently then their parents," Parker said. "Most people come out of high school knowing what an amoeba is but don't know how to balance a checkbook and that needs to change."
Becoming financially independent is a goal Parker wishes for everyone so they can be happy and enjoy life. He said having money doesn't equate to happiness, at the same time he said having enough for a person's needs and be comfortable enhances quality of life.
Parker said their are two types of income people need to be aware of, earned income and passive income. According to him earned income is the money a person works for, like full time employment. Passive is money that is earned through things like investments and interest.
He tries to educate people to reach the point where passive income is enough to out way earned income, so working at a full time job becomes and option instead a necessity.
CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 160 N. Main St. in Logan to discuss principles like these to help people become financially independent. Preston started the organization in August 2007 to provide education. He teaches many of the sessions and also brings in guest speakers to talk about other money related topics, like starting a business to taxes. Parker has seen success through testimonies of many people in the community that have done the things he has taught.
The group is open to any one that would like to join. To become a member of this association send Parker an e-mail at cachevalley@gmail.com.
For more information about Cache Valley Area Investors Association, and some of the guest speakers contact CVAIA.
Dallin Koecher
Media Relations

Friday, February 8, 2008

‘Bunts, singles’ are path to success


Secrets of success - First of two parts (Published in the Davis County Clipper Nov. 13, 2007)

BOUNTIFUL — To make it to the top of the business world it takes work, education, good values and dedication. Robert Garff, chairman and CEO of Ken Garff Automotive, said these principles are what led him and his company to be one of top automobile dealers in Utah.

When Garff took the helm at Ken Garff Automotive over 10 years ago they owned 10 dealerships creating about $100 million in sales. Now the automotive group has expanded outside Utah with more than 40 stores reaching close to $1 billion in sales.

This kind of success didn’t happen overnight for Garff, and the road hasn’t been easy. Garff, a Utah native who currently resides in Bountiful, entered the business world out of college with a MBA and determination, but yet had his own struggles.

In the early years of his career Garff tried his hand at other business industries, but after his first business failed he went back into the car industry where he had experience and a love for the work.

“It was a learning experience. It meant I had to be more diligent and be prepared, and know all the facts to make the right decision,” Garff said.

He said the support from his wife and father helped him to learn from that experience, to keep going and not give up.

Meeting Garff in person one sees a successful confident businessman — and would never know that he struggled with self-esteem issues. Garff was able to win his battle by taking charge and saying within himself, “If anyone can do it, I can do it.”

“You are a projection of yourself. If you feel doubt on the inside then you will convey doubt. It took years of convincing myself that I could, that I was okay as I am,” Garff said.

For him this was a hard struggle that he had to beat in order to have the confidence needed to do his job and work hard.

A big part of Garff’s success has been his ability to overcome the challenges that have come his way and adapt to change.

According to Garff some challenges that face the car industry are consolidating dealerships and factory changes. To meet the changing market Ken Garff Automotive has been expanding to sell different car franchises to adapt to the changing environment.

Fittingly, Garff shared an example of a car company that didn’t make changes to adapt to the market to illustrate his point.

“It’s like Oldsmobile – they didn’t make a single change in 17 years and now they are out of business.”

Garff was once asked about his business practices and what has made Ken Garff Automotive Group so successful. He said, “We’re not a company that hits home runs. we’re a company that survives on bunts and singles.”

He illustrated what he meant by noting they don’t try to make a $10,000 home run profit off every car. They try to do what’s fair, even if that means the singles and bunts are only a $200 profit.

Through these and other business practices he has become a successful businessman rising from normal circumstances.

By:

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Positioning Statement

Dallin Koecher
Positioning Assignment

The Industry

Public Relations is a very interesting field to me because it opens up so many doors to so many other industries from sports, to music, from the automotive industry to outdoor business. I have so many interests and hobbies that I could not pick just one, because quite frankly I would enjoy working in many of them. So my ultimate goal is to gain experience in any one of these fields, then move onto a masters or doctorate degree to be come a professor at an university, maybe with any luck Utah State University.

Professors that come into the class room bringing with them actual industry experience, I feel, offer the best advice and prepare their students better. I want to work in any industry that will hire me, but I will direct my attention to a few that really reflect my personality like collegiate or professional sports. I currently work with collegiate sports for events management. Working in this entry level position I have learned a lot from the marketing staff, realizing I could see myself in this industry.

According to some of the professors I have talked to if I were to come back to academics as a professor I would probably start around $40,000 a year. To become a professor it would take at least a masters degree, and some of the fields I would like to look into would be Instructional Technology, or a Masters in Business Administration. I would plan on starting graduate school within a year of receiving my undergraduate degree.
Objectives

During the 2008-2009 school year I have lined up an internship with the marketing staff for USU Athletics.
From this internship I hope to gain valuable experience not only in marketing but also branching out my network. With this experience underneath my belt I will become more marketable.

Before I graduate in May 2009 I will research and contact the Utah Jazz, or Real Salt Lake to procure an internship in professional sports dealing with media relations.
I would like to get some experience in professional sports to give me an edge when applying for a professional career.

Finally by 2010 I will enter graduate school to get a MBA.
With this final step it will be the last hurdle, educationally speaking, keeping me from being a college professor.

Talking Points
  • Experienced and Published writer
    I have written upwards of 100 articles that have been published in mainstream newspapers, magazines and Internet sites.

  • Efficient and Innovative
    Most notable achievement is taking a four hour cleaning process down to two hours, while maintaining high quality.

  • Leader and Team Player
    Have led groups as large as 60 to accomplish one task. Also I work well in teamwork situations.


Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Burger Planet Final

BURGER PLANET

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
Gary, Indiana

GARY, Indiana - Famed celebrity fitness guru, Jayne Petersen, teams up with Burger Planet as they launch a campaign to promote healthy living.

Petersen, known best among women for her success with Opal Whitcomb, has big plans in store to show Burger Planet's commitment to healthy eating like adding fruit and other low-carb options.

"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 and Burger Planet chef Gerard DuBois have worked together to offer great tasting healthy alternatives. Some of the items on their menu will be a low-carb lettuce wrapped chicken as well as fruits, like apples, grapes, peaches and pineapple and specialty salads.

On May 12, Petersen plans to kick off the campaign at one of the Burger Planet franchises at Times Square in New York City. After which she and the company mascot, Corny the Clown, have planned a series of commercials in which they will be jogging into a Burger Planet and ordering off the low-carb menu. This is just a the beginning of Petersen's ideas, she has more planned throughout the summer months to promote healthy eating.

Many restaurants in the quick service industry have reported that in recent years people, mostly women between 30-40, have become much more health conscious and even stopped going out to eat. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet wants his customers to know the company is listening to what they have to say.

"Burger Planet cares about its customers. 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.

Burger Planet began business in 1934 in a small shack in Gary, Ind. Now it has grown to be one of the largest restaurants in the quick service industry with 48,272 employees, 8,921 franchises and is in 17 countries. With 52 billion customers served, and counting, Burger Planet is commited to their loyal customers and is aware of their changing needs.

For more information about more of the activities Petersen and Burger Planet has instore please contact us.

Media Contact
Dallin Koecher
dk@burgerplante.com

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Burger Planet

BURGER PLANET

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
Gary, Indiana



LOGAN, Utah - Famed celebrity fitness guru, Jayne Petersen, teams up with Burger Planet as they launch a campaign to promote healthy living.

Petersen, known best for her success with Opal Whitcomb, has big plans in store to show Burger Planet's commitment to healthy eating.

"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.

Many restauarants in the quick service industry have reported that in recent years people, mostly women between 30-40, have become much more health conscious and even stopped going out to eat. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet wants his customers to know the company is listening to what they have to say.

"Burger Planet cares about its customers. 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.

On May 12, Petersen plans to kick off the campaign at one of the Burger Planet franchises at Times Square in New York City. After which she and the company mascot, Corny the Clown, have planned a series of commericals which they will be jogging into a Burger Planet and ordering off the low-carb menu. This is just a the beginning of Petersen's ideas, she has more planned throughout the summer months to promote healthy eating.

Muellenbach III and Petersen are happy to be working together to help people who enjoy Burger Planet by offering those who want healthier choices a menu they can appreciate. Petersen and Burger Planet chef Gerard DuBois have worked together to offer great tasting healthy alternatives. Some of the items on their menu will be lettuce wrapped chicken instead of a bun for those who are on a low-carb diet. Also some of things that Burger Planet is doing that others are not is offering fruit, like apples, grapes, peaches and pineapple, and specialty salads.

Burger Planet began business in 1934 in a small shack in Gary Indiana. Now it has grown to be one of the largest restaurants in the quick service industry with 48,272 employees, 8,921 franchises and is in 17 countries. With 52 billion customers served, and counting, Burger Planet is commited to their loyal customers and is aware of their changing needs.

For more information about more of the activities Petersen and Burger Planet has instore please contact us.

Media Contact
Dallin Koecher

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