Draft Press Release 3: Cause Promotion

For Immediate Release:
Sept., 2009
160 N. Main St.
Cache Country Chamber of Commerce
Logan, UT 84321

Financial Club Teaching Passive IncomeCache Valley Club Helping People Become Financially Independent

LOGAN, Utah- The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is here to help those who have a desire to improve their financial status.

The club runs on the same philosophies that many authors, such as Robert Kiyosaki and Clark Howard, teach to their readers. Passive Income is a way of settling yourself financially that does not require current thought on your part. Concepts and investment ideas will be held in each membership meeting.

Membership is free, and meetings are open to all who would like to come. Oct. 1, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. will be the clubs next meeting. Every other Thursday after that there will be another meeting held at the same time.

Preston Parker, president of CVAIA, founded this club because he hopes to help people in their financial lives. Parker has said, “I want people to be happier. This is America. There is too much potential to be unhappy in a career.”

There are three different ways to become a member: Facebook, become added to the email list, or attend the meetings. To learn more about CVAIA, or to get on the email list, visit www.cvaia.com.

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 2007and now has members from many geographical locations and from all walks of life. The members come together with the same belief: that education mitigates the risks of investing.

Media Contact:
Ben Zaritsky
555-555-5555

Final Press Release 2: Image Management

Sept. 21, 2009

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
Burger Planet
577 Nay Rd. Gary, IN 46401
544-555-5584

Burger Planet
Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet Helping Consumers Live Healthier Lives

GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet, the worlds leading quick-service restaurant, has joined with fitness guru Jayne Petersen in order to promote healthy living in America.

Petersen, who has appeared on the Opal Whitcomb Show more than a dozen times after helping Whitcomb loose, and keep off, 75 pounds is now teaming up with Burger Planet's beloved mascot Corny the Clown to spread the diet of "moderation" to the rest of the country.

Petersen and Corny the Clown will be making appearances across the United States, starting in New York on May 12, 2009, to help education consumers and give them nutritional advice. Petersen and Corny will also be introducing some new menu items that Burger Planet will be introducing.

Along with Burger Planet's normal favorites, such as the Venus and Saturn burger, new items have been added to the menu in order to support those trying different diets. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet, has stated, "Burger Planet cares about its customers. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices, of which we offer many."

One of these new choices is a white chicken breast sandwich, only 150 calories, which, like any favorite burger, can be ordered without the bun and wrapped in lettuce for those on a low-carb diet. While many other quick-service restaurants are offering new products, this particular entrée is unique to Burger Planet. It is because of this innovation that Petersen has said, "Planet Burger believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson too."

Burger Planet has also released a variety of different gourmet salads which only contain 150 calories. In addition, the french fries of any meal can be substituted for a variety of fruit packs at no additional cost. The diet that Petersen promotes, the diet that worked for Whitcomb, is one of moderation. Petersen states, "Women can have a burger and fries as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet's exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packages."

Burger Planet, founded in 1934, has served over 52 billion people. Headquartered in Gary Indiana, the company has over 8,921 franchises and is currently in 17 countries. Overall, the company employs 48,272 people. Company founder James E. Muellenbach I, although retired, is the current president of the Quick Service Restaurant Association.

Media contact:
Ben Zaritsky
ben.zaritsky@aggiemail.usu.edu

-END-

Draft Press Release 2: Image Management

Sept. 21, 2009

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
Gary, Indiana
544-555-5584

Burger Planet
Jayne and Burger Planet Help Customers Live Healthier Lives

GARY, Ind.- Burger Planet, the worlds leading quick-service restaurant, has joined forces with fitness guru Jayne Petersen in order to promote healthy living in America. Petersen, who has appeared on the Opal Whitcomb Show more than a dozen times after helping Whitcomb loose, and keep off, 75 pounds is now teaming up with Burger Planet's beloved mascot Corny the Clown to spread the diet of "moderation" to the rest of the country.

Petersen and Corny the Clown will be making appearances across the United States, starting in New York on May 12, 2009, to help education consumers and give them nutritional advice. Petersen and Corny will also be introducing some new many items that Burger Planet will be introducing.

Along with Burger Planet's normal favorites, new items have been added to the menu in order to add diversity and support for those trying out different diets. James E. Muellenbach III, CEO of Burger Planet, has stated, "Burger Planet cares about its customers. We listen to our customers. And our customers desire healthy choices, of which we offer many."

Some of these choices include white chicken breast meat which, like any favorite burger, can be ordered without the bun and wrapped in lettuce for those on a low-carb diet. For someone watching their calorie intake, no mayo will be added to the product. While many other quick-service restaurants are offering new products, this particular entrée is unique to Burger Planet. It is because of this innovation that Petersen has said, "Planet Burger believes in encouraging customers to live healthier, active lifestyles and I have spent my life trying to teach women that lesson too."

The diet that Petersen promotes, the diet that worked for Whitcomb, is one of moderation. Petersen states, "Women can have a burger and fries as long as they are active and also try some of Burger Planet's exciting new menu choices, such as the fruit packages."

Burger Planet, founded in 1934, has served over 52 billion people. Headquartered in Gary Indiana, the company has over 8,921 franchises and is currently in 17 countries. Overall, the company employs 48,272 people. Company founder James E. Muellenbach I, although retired, is the current president of the Quick Service Restaurant Association. For more information contact Ben Zaritsky.

Media contact:
Ben Zaritsky
ben.zaritsky@aggiemail.usu.edu

-END-

Press Release 1: Announcement Final

Sept. 14 2009

Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SSMCV)
President Preston P. Parker
851 N. Main St., Logan, Utah 84321
661-772-7537

Social Media Club of Cache Valley
New Club Holds Free Meetings to Help All with Social Media



LOGAN, Utah- The Social Media Club has recently opened a new chapter in Cache Valley to educate citizens about various aspects of social media.

The Social Media Club of Cache Valley, presided by Preston P. Parker, informs residents on how these sources can benefit them. Meetings are open to the public and are free of charge for all who wish to attend. No previous knowledge of social media is necessary, even those with strong social media backgrounds will be able to learn at these meetings.

The chapter, which began in July, has 26 official members and is expecting to double in membership within the next month. The club has three main goals: to educate people who do not know about various social media sources, to help others use social media better, and to create a group of like-minded individuals on a social network.

Through attendance and membership people will learn how to build their online reputation. October's meeting will be focused on organizing an online image.

The club gives up-to-date information on social media outlets and how to use them. This is why, according to Parker, "There is no better place to learn about social media information."


The Social Media Club of Cache Valley has been organized to help individuals learn more about how to use various social media outlets. Meetings are free to all and are held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.. For more information on the Social Media Club of Cache Valley go to http://smccv.net.

Media Contact:
Ben Zaritsky
Ben.zaritsky@aggiemail.usu.edu

-END-

Press Release 1: Announcement

Sept. 8, 2009
Social Media Club of Cache Valley (SSMCV)
President Preston P. Parker
851 N. Main St., Logan, Utah 84321
661-772-7537

Social Media Club of Cache Valley
New Club Holds Free Meetings to Help All With Social Media

Logan, Utah-
The Social Media Club now has a chapter open in Cache Valley. The chapter, which began in July, is open to all who wish to learn more about social media. Membership and attendance to meetings are free to all. People from all backgrounds and experience in social media are invited to attend.
The club has three main goals. First, to educate people who do not know, or would like to learn more, about various social media sources. Second, to help others use social media better. And third, is to create a group of like minded individuals on a social network.
Through better use of social media people can not only keep in contact with others, but will be better able to place themselves in better situation. Preston Parker, the president of the club, states that “The best jobs don’t use newspapers… they use referrals. If you have a good online reputation, then you will be able to get better jobs and have more success.”

The Social Media Club of Cache Valley will hold meetings every second Thursday of every month. Anyone who has an interest in learning more about social media can attend.

Media Contact:
Ben Zaritsky
Ben.zaritsky@aggiemail.usu.edu
801-752-4125

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2130 United Breaks Guitars

The airline industry has had a hard time with its' public image over the past few years. Problems such as Southwest Airline's "modesty" scandal, Jet Blue's software and delay problems, as well as multiple spoofs from various TV shows on different airlines and their customer service and processing, have helped to make flying seem like a horrible experience. Despite these problems the industry, despite some cutbacks, is miraculously not bankrupt. Now, however, United Airlines is facing a new sort of problem.

Dave Carroll, a Canadian country singer, flew on United Airlines in spring of 2008 from a connecting flight in Chicago to Nebraska. Before the plane took off, a passenger behind Carroll looked out the window and saw guitars being thrown. Despite Carroll alerting three employees about what was happening, nothing was done and a year longs struggle began. At the end of the struggle Carroll was told that he would not be compensated for his guitar that was broken.

Carroll's response to this was simply that he would make three videos about United and his experience. The first of these videos, "United Breaks Guitars: 1", was released in July of 2009. As of today, this video has had over 5,000,000 views. The second video, "United Breaks Guitars: 2", was released only a few weeks ago and has already had more than a quarter million views. Although, many who have viewed the second video, according to multiple blogs and comments on YouTube, have said that it doesn't have the appeal and luster of the first video. Two days after the release of "United Breaks Guitars: 1" Carroll released a statement on YouTube explaining that United had gotten in contact with him and had offered him compensation for his broken guitar. Carroll's response was to give the money to a charity and let them know what charity received the money.

United's response? They did donate the money to a charity. Aside from that, however, United has been extremely limited in responding in any way. I was unable to find any information on a United response or spin to try to resolve this. I assume the theory they are working on now is that it will hopefully just blow over. This, depending on how the third video goes, may be a bad choice of strategy. If the third video flops, then United may end up off the hook. If, however, the video and song are a success, United may be headed for an even bigger disaster.

Although the music, and this particular experience, is a huge part of carrying this on for so long, I do not believe it is the driving force behind this phenomenon. This is, after all, not a singular event. "Mad TV" for years had been depicting United Airlines as incompetent and terrible with customer service. The fact that so many people have had bad experiences on United, as well as other airlines, Pushes this entire thing forward. Many of the comments left on the video explain personal experience with various airlines. This is just a vehicle that has carried all of this frustration.

Carroll's attitude, despite his initial anger and frustration, has been happy and light. Repeatedly he has been quoted as saying that he has no ill will towards United, and has demonstrated this in many ways. Only a few days after the release of his first video, Carroll made a statement saying that Ms. Irwig, one of the employees at United which he had to deal with, was receiving unfair criticism and asked that everyone give her a break because she was being a good employee for United.

Even the light-hearted nature of the videos helps the public to have a good time with them. It is not simply a man complaining about a company, but he is having fun and joking about what happened. In fact, in Carrols own blog, he thanks United for what they did for him. It is this attitude, coupled with social media outlets like YouTube, which allowed Carroll to be such a success.

Not only was this video viewed on YouTube, but blogs were written about it, both by Carroll, and others who found it to be interesting. It was discussed on twitter. Years ago this would not have been possible. The best that could have happened is Carroll could have complained in a song performed it at his concerts. There would have been no organization or hit to the industry. It is because of these many free media outlets on the internet, that Carroll, this story and his videos were successful.

2310 Letter to Cousin Arin

Months ago I, like many others, when thinking about public relations often thought of a "spin doctor". Someone who takes the truth and bends it in a way that is beneficial for a company, deceiving the public. Fortunately, my understanding of what a public relation professional does has changed.

The truth is that those in the public relations field can not "spin" what is not there. Or, rather, they can not making what they spin turn into a lasting impression unless it has truth to it. And that is the goal of public relations: to make a high-quality lasting impression on the public.

Doing this requires more than hopeful, or false, statements. Good public relations professionals do more than just spin bad news into good. They truly help companies improve. This can be done in a number of ways. Helping the company gather information of what they must do to improve, helping with product improvement or placement, or customer service are just a few ways in which a public relations professional can help. Planning events, parties, or service opportunities are other things a specialist can do to help the company promote itself.

Helping the company get a better public image through actual improvements or events, however, is only half the work. Writing as a public relations specialist is an important part of the job. Sending out news stories to journalists is an important part of the work. A good professional won't overkill the amount of stories sent out, but will send out possible stories on upcoming events, new products, or other important news going on in the company.

While I could go on for pages about everything a public relations professional does, and what an important role it is, this is the basic outline of it all. If you have any questions please contact me and let me know.