Hoping to Draw Market Shares with Touch Screens

This holiday, cellphone makers and carriers are pushing some shiny new toys: phones with touch-sensitive screens like the one on the i Phone.

The companies are hoping to duplicate the blockbuster success of the iPhone with models that, in their glassy minimalism, end up looking a lot like it. These include the G1, powered by Google’s Android software; the Instinct from Samsung; the LG Dare; and, most recently, Research in Motion's much-anticipated BlackBerry Storm. But with consumers keeping a close watch on their bank balances, analysts and industry experts say most touch-screen phones will have trouble getting onto the list of this season’s must-have gadgets.

(Matt Richtel of the New York Times)

Washington Strains for Inauguration

Ian Irbina with the New York Times says even for a city practiced at handling huge protests, marches and funerals, the inauguration of President-elect Barak Obabma will put an unusual strain on local resources. Because Washington has been allotted only about $15 million in federal money to help pay for all major events in the city for the entire year, local officials say they are most concerned about the costs of handling the more than 1.5 million spectators expected to come here, the largest crowd in inaugural history.

“Our city has plenty of experience hosting the inauguration, and it cherishes being the seat of the federal government,” said Elenore Holmes Norton, Washington’s delegate to Congress. “But it doesn’t come cheap.”

Ms. Norton said she was trying to get an additional $15 million allocated to the city, since the $15 million already set aside was supposed to cover the cost of policing all large events throughout the year.

“If we spend all these funds on the inauguration,” she said, “how is the city is going to pay for events like the Fourth of July celebration and the antiwar marches that happen every year and are federal in focus?”

Despite such concerns, local businesses are expecting big benefits.

Industry news assignment...troy oldham

A Handpicked Team for a Sweeping Shift in Foreign Policy

An article by David E. Sanger of the New York Times says as President-elect Barak Obama introduces his national security team on Monday, it includes two veteran cold warriors and a political rival whose records are all more hawkish than that of the new president who will face them in the White House Situation Room.

Yet all three of his choices — Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton as the rival turned secretary of state; Gen. James L. Jones, the former NATO commander, as national security adviser, and Robert M. Gates, the current and future defense secretary — have embraced a sweeping shift of priorities and resources in the national security arena.

The adviser, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, said the three have all embraced “a rebalancing of America’s national security portfolio” after a huge investment in new combat capabilities during the Bush years.

troy oldham... industry news assignment

World Falls for American Media, Even as It Sours on America

According to a New York Times article by Tim Arango, shortly after the attacks on 9/11, high-level media executives, including the heads of every major studio, met several times with White House officials, including at least once with President Bush’s former top strategist, Karl Rove, to discuss ways that the entertainment industry could play a part in improving the image of the United States overseas. In the last eight years, American pop culture, already popular, has boomed around the globe while opinions of America itself have soured. But so far, cultural popularity has not translated into new friends. The latest data from the Pew Global Attitudes Project, released in June, shows that the image of the United States remained negative in the 24 countries in which Pew conducted surveys (although in 10 of those the favorability rating of the United States edged up slightly).

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

According to an article by the Associated Press, 136.6 million Americans voted in this election. That is the highest number of voters seen in 40 years. America voted in record numbers, standing in lines that snaked around blocks and in some places in pouring rain. Voters who lined-up on Tuesday and the millions who balloted early propelled 2008 to what one expert said was the highest turnout in a century. Starbucks coffee helped this craze by offering free coffee to every voter.

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

Banks and homebuilders aren't the only ones facing hard times due to the economy. America's undercapitalized independent colleges are staring at a spiral of major threats as penny-pinching students and parents consider cheaper options, and funding sources dry up. As a result, they could be the next bubble industry to pop.

But while head counts slide, needs rise. Demand for student aid is up, but charitable donations from foundations and individuals will fall during a downturn. And the same goes for investment returns. Federal aid may take a hit, too. Taken together, many independent institutions start to look vulnerable.

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

Although 82-year-old comedian, Jerry Lewis made a formal apology in September of last year for using an anti-gay slur at his annual telethon, he has once again made a defamating comment towards homosexuals.

Lewis correlated homosexuals with the game of cricket using effeminate hand gestures as well as verbal comments.

Lewis' spokesperson had no comment as of yet.

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

McCain Tries to Make Peace With Letterman

Due to the economic crisis, John McCain was forced to cancel his appearance on David Letterman on Sept. 24, 2008. His plane was then grounded in Philadelphia due to weather on his way to the show the second time. McCain had already been getting flack from Letterman since he missed his last appearance and didn't want his name repeatedly tarnished more than it already has been on the Late Show. McCain prededed to rent a helicopter to be able to make it to the show where he was fired with tough questions by Letterman. On average, Letterman reaches 4 million viewers and clips are now on the internet of the encounter. Although Letterman did not make it easy on him, McCain was able to attack some serious issues a little more light heartedly and said he hadn't had this much fun since his last interrogation.

(McCain with one show has now made a better impression on a younger demographic which was a smart campaign move)

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

According to a recent article on Comcast's homepage, Sarah Palin has agreed to appear on Saturday Night Live this week. A McCain spokesperson confirmed the appearance but gave no details to what Palin would be saying or doing on the show. Saturday Night Live star Tina Fey has recently done numerous skits featuring a Palin Parody. Palin then agreed to appear on the show.
(Pretty smart PR move on Palin's part don't you think?)

Media pitch final draft

Karen,

Forget the investment scare with the current economy and try listening to experienced investors with the Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA). CVAIA believes in getting people to be financially independent by having the ability to live comfortably off of secondary income through wise investments.

Many are nervous to invest with the country seemingly in an economic down turn, however, if you are an educated investor, the economy will not intimidate you and you can have confidence in your investment decisions. CVAIA is not the first group to start this way of thinking but are one of the few that will offer this valuable information for free.

President Preston Parker of CVAIA decided to offer this information and provide a non-threatening environment for people wanting to become educated on making wise investments.

CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah 84321. Parker and other members of the organization are more than happy to speak one-on-one in advising you as a beginning investor. Love your job and feel financially independent with the advice and support of CVAIA.

Alyson Shepherd CVAIA marketing specialist

Press release 4 final draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2008

Julie Best owner and director
990 S Main St. #1
Logan, UT 84321
435-792-4247

AIR-BOUND GYMNASTICS

Giving every athlete the chance to succeed

Air-bound gymnastics has always offered a variety of classes ranging from 18 months to adults. Anyone and everyone is welcome and Air-bound coaches are trained to work with every skill level.

One of Air-bound's most recent additions was the starting of a new program which was the power tumbling program, more specifically the development of a competitive team. This team competes five months out of the year and trains year-round and had the opportunity to travel to compete for the first time this year. The entire gym was over joyed when all the competitors placed in the top three at this years regional competition in Seattle, Washington. Their goal this year is to qualify for the national competition in San Jose, California; a goal that their coaches think is certianly attainable.

"This team started out with only 6 members that were all new to the sport but had very raw and natural talent," says Brennen Saunders assistant tumbling director. "It has been incredibly rewarding as their coach, to see how far they have come and I look forward to see them compete again this year."

For more information regarding the power tumbling team or other programs offered at Air-bound Gymnastics, call 435-792-4247 or check out the website at www.air-bound.com

Air-bound is so proud of all of their athletes and so excited at the progress these young power tumblers have made and continue to make.

Alyson Shepherd Head Tumbling Director

-END-

Media Pitch draft

Forget the investment scare with the current economy and listen to experienced investors with the Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA). CVAIA believes in getting people to be financially independent by having the ability to live comfortably off of secondary income through wise investments.

Many are nervous to invest with the country seemingly in an economic down turn, however, if you are an educated investor, the economy will not intimdate you and you can have confidence in your investment decisions. CVAIA is not the first group to start this way of thinking but are one of the few that will offer this valuable information for free.

CVAIA meets every other Thursday at 7 p.m. and can be contacted at 160 N. Main St. Logan, Utah 84321. Preston Parker, founder of CVAIA is more than happy to give one on one interviews as are many of the other members of the CVAIA.

Alyson Shepherd CVAIA marketing specialist

Press release 4 draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2008

Julie Best owner and director
435-792-4247

AIR-BOUND GYMNASTICS
Giving every child a chance to succeed

Air-bound gymnastics has always offered a variety of classes ranging from 18 months to adults. Anyone and everyone is welcome and Air-bound coaches are trained to work with every skill level.

One of Air-bound's most recent additions was the starting of a new program which was the power tumbling program. This team competes five months out of the year and trains all year-round and had the opportunity to travel to compete for the first time this year. The entire gym was over joyed when all the power tumblers placed in the top three at this years regional competition in Seattle, Washington.

For more information regarding the power tumbling team or other programs offered at Air-bound Gymnastics, call 435-792-4247 or check out the website at www.air-bound.com

Alyson Shepherd Head Tumbling Director

-END-

Julie Best

Industry News Assignment... Troy Oldham

Bucking the trend: Hunting industry looks to woo women

Compiled by Amy Jacques for Tactics and The Strategist Online

Many hunting and outdoor apparel companies are launching national campaigns targeting women. According a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey conducted every five years, the number of male hunters fell from 14.1 million in 1991 to 12.5 million in 2006 while the number of female hunters rose from 1.1 million to 1.2 million.

A recent article from The Wall Street Journal says the sport is now focusing it's efforts toward targeting woman by creating trendy camouflage clothing for women and TV shows starring women hunters like “American Huntress” are gaining in popularity. There are also Web sites dedicated to this demographic offering support and advice regarding the sport.

The outdoor-equipment industry initially had the attitude of “‘Pink it and shrink it’ and women will buy. Pink guns, lighter crossbows and weapons that require less upper-body strength have been introduced, The campaign has received a recent boost lately from the media attention surrounding Republican Party vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, an avid hunter.

Industry news assignment... Intro to pr

The dangers of executives talking up their crumbling companies

Robert K. Steel, chief executive of Wachovia, told The New York Times two weeks ago "we have a great future as an independent company."

The company’s shares closed at $10.71 that day. On Monday, Citigroup bought Wachovia for $1 a share. Andrew Ross Sorkin of the Times writes it’s hard to imagine taxpayers spending any amount to bail out Wall Street without some big-name executives going to jail for fraud — probably for lying to the investing public. Executives who talk happy while their companies are crumbling could put themselves in legal jeopardy.

(prsa.org)

Industry News assignment... Inro to PR

Survey: Television most credible news source

According to the Opinion Research CARAVAN Services, American's consider television to be the the most credible source for news and information. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest in credibility) television scored a 6.6. Consumers reported getting nearly 35 percent of their news and information from television.

(prsa.org)

Final press release #3

Sept. 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
President Preston Parker
160 N. Main St.
Logan, UT 84321

FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

Loving your job

This thinking is now new. Hundreds of similar associations are doing this world wide, however, not many people will share this information for free but Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is. We run a very friendly and approachable group.

CVAIA feels there are so many people that are unhappy with their jobs. Most commonly, people depend on their job for their income and that is the driving force that keeps them going to work every day. People are not financially independent.

"True financial independence is the goal CVAIA." President and founder Preston Parker says. "You are never free from finances; however, with an education in this kind of investing you will no longer be dependent upon a job for your expenses."

Parker says "one of the biggest cankers in the US is that people hate going to work. There are enough investment opportunities in our country to not have to spend our lives hating what we do."
CVAIA wants to educate people on how to invest and eventually live on passive income through wise investments.

People won’t be complaining about their jobs because they don't have to go and they love doing that job. If more people understood this concept, they could achieve financial independence the rest of their lives.

An aggressive person could achieve this financial independence in three years and if you are a low risk investor, it could take 10 years. Risk, however, disappears with education. Education that CVAIA is willing to offer for free.

CVAIA believes in taking money and time and investing it first in yourself, then into real estate, then commodities, then securities, businesses and I.P.'s.

For more information CVAIA meets at the Cache Chamber of Commerce 160 N. Main Street in Logan, every other Thursday at 7 pm and you can be put on the email list by emailing cachevia@gmail.com.

Not many people know how to do this and there are very few of organizations willing to give this information for free, however CVAIA does offer this for free. CVAIA wants to help people understand that they don’t have to be worried about money earned from their job to live a comfortable life.

#END#

Draft Press Release 3

Sept. 23, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cache Valley Area Investors Association
President Preston Parker

Cause

This thinking is now new. Hundres of similar associations are doing this world wide, however, not many people will share this information for free but Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is. We run a very friendly and approachable group.

Our association feels their are so many people that are unhappy with their jobs. Most commonly, people depend on their job for their income and that is the driving force that keeps them going to work every day. People are no financially independent. "True financial independence is the goal CVAIA." Says president and founder Preston Parker. "You are never free from finances, however, with an education in this kind of investing you will no longer be dependent upon a job for your expenses."

Parker says "one of the biggest cankers in the US is that people hate going to work. There are enough investment opportunities in our country to not have to spend our lives hating what we do."

CVAIA wants to educate people on how to invest and eventually simply live on passive income.

People wont be complaining about their jobs becuase they don't have to go and they love doing that job. If more people understood this concept, they could achieve financial independence the rest of their lives.

An agressive person could achieve this financial independence in three years and if you are a low risk investor, it could take 10 years. Risk, however, disappears with education.

CVAIA beleives in taking your money and time and investing it first in yourself, then into real estate, then commodities, then securities, businesses and I.P.'s.

This thinking is not new. Not many people know how to do this and there are very few of us that will give this info for free and I am one of them. We want to help people understand that they dont have to be worried about money earned from their job.

every other thursday

cache chamber of commerce 160 N. main street in Logan

7pm

email list... cachevia@gmail.com

Final press release 2

September 23, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
123 Healthy Way
Gary, IN 46401
Phone: 877-745-4321
E-mail: james@burgerplanet.com

BURGER PLANET
A fast and healthy way to eat

Burger Planet has always valued their customers and has a desire to fullfill their wants and needs. Burger Planet wants to keep you living your lives in the healthiest way possible and know thats what you want for yourselves as well.

To better cater to the wants and needs of our customers, we are excited to announce the hiring of Jayne Petersen. Jayne recently worked with Opal Whitcomb to lose 75 pounds. Opal has had Jayne as a guest on her show for her expertise in helping people stay healthy.

Founder of Burger Planet, James E. Muellenbach says, "Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health. The women Jayne Petersen have helped lose weight, eat at Burger Planet.

" Jayne agrees saying, "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 tyring to teach women that lesson."

For more information please contact Alyson Shepherd at 801-725-8379 or email at alyson.shepherd@aggiemail.usu.edu

Now, with even more menu items, the possibilities for eating healthy at Burger Planet are even better. Burger Planet is commited in working closely with Jayne and looks forward to a continued positive response from their loyal customers.

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
123 Healthy Way
Gary, IN 46401
Phone: 877-745-4321
E-mail: james@burgerplanet.com

-END-

PRSA

PRSA (Public Relaions Society of America)... Advancing the profession and the professional.

PRSA values: Advocacy, honesty, expertise, independence, loyalty and fairness.
PRSA ethics: Integrity, inspiration, motivation, education, and openess.

Press Release 2 Draft

September 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

James E. Muellenbach III, CEO
123 Healthy Way
Gary, IN 46401
Phone: 877-745-4321
E-mail: james@burgerplanet.com

BURGER PLANET

A fast and healthy way to eat

Burger Planet has always valued their customers and has a desire to fullfill their wants and needs. Burger Planet wants to keep you living your lives in the healthiest way possible and know thats what you want for yourselves as well. To better cater to the wants and needs of our customers, we are excited to announce the hiring of Jayne Petersen. Jayne recently worked with Opal Whitcomb to lose 75 pounds. Opal has had Jayne as a guest on her show for her expertise in helping people stay healthy.

Founder of Burger Planet, James E. Muellenbach says, "Jayne Petersen and Burger Planet share a commitment toward health. The women Jayne Petersen have helped lose weight, eat at Burger Planet."

Jayne agrees saying, "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 tyring to teach women that lesson."

For more information please contact Alyson Shepherd at 801-725-8379 or email at alyson.shepherd@aggiemail.usu.edu

Now, with even more menu items, the possibilities for eating healthy at Burger Planet are even better. Burger Planet is commited in working closely with Jayne and looks forward to a continued positive response from their loyal customers.

-END-

Final press release 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 4, 2008

ABC Real Estate LLC

President Preston Parker

123 Creative Way

Logan, Utah 84321

ABC REAL ESTATE

One step closer to more homeowners

Ordinarily, to own your own home you need 3 things: A down payment typically close to 3%, good credit which is a FICO of 680 or higher, and a low debt to income ratio. ABC Real Estate, in partnership with Bill Gatton, has a system that allows people to own a home even if they haven’t accumulated these things.

“It’s a way of investing with an ownership mentality” says President Preston Parker of ABC Real Estate. “This company is growing to be state wide and will go national.”

ABC Real Estate uses an equity-holding, beneficiary-directive land trust system. This means someone looking to own a home but has not developed credit, does not have good enough credit, cannot afford a down payment etc. seeks an investor(s) with good credit and a disposable income to sign a legally abiding contract in which the investor, in a sense, owns the home but does not live in it. The residents will live in the home while they make payments to the investor. These payments are higher than that of a mortgage loan. Although the resident is paying more, they are able to establish more quickly get into a home and they attain the things needed to purchase a home and eventually they will own the home they make payments on and reside in.

For more information, please contact Alyson Shepherd at (801) 725-8379 or email at alyson.shepherd@aggiemail.usu.edu

The economy has taken its toll on the home buying market. ABC Real Estate and Bill Gatton have made the dream of owning a home more possible for many people through this simple process. It is a win, win, win situation for all parties involved.

-END-

Press Release 1 Draft

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 4, 2008
ABC Real Estate LLC
President Preston Parker
123 Creative Way Logan, UT 84321

ABC REAL ESTATE
One step closer to more homeowners

Ordinarilly, to own your own home you need 3 things: A down payment typically close to 3%, good credit which is a FICO of 680 or higher, and a low debt to income ratio. ABC Real Estate in parnership with Bill Gatton have a system that allows people to own a home even if they haven’t accumulated these things.

“It’s a way of investing with an ownership mentality” says President Preston Parker of ABC Real Estate. “This company is growing to be state wide and will go national.” ABC Real Estate uses an equity-holding, beneficiary-directive land trust system. This means someone looking to own a home but has not developed credit, does not have good enough credit, cannot afford a down payment ect. seeks an investor(s) with good credit and a disposable income to sign a legally abiding contract in which they in a sense own the home but do not live in it. The residents will live in the home while they make payments that are higher than that of a mortgage loan and the money is given to the investor. Although the resident is paying more, they are able to establish the things needed to purchase a home and eventually own the home they reside in and make payments on.

Letter to Cousin

Dear cousin,

The importance of public relations is growing as media becomes more and more influential. Media is ever growing and as a public we are more affected by it than we think. It is so very important as a company, corporation, or association to portray itself in a positive way. Nowadays, media is the best way to do so.

Working in public relations means possibly dealing with programming, relationships, writing and editing, information, special events, speaking and much more. Although these areas are indeed different there is one thing a PR consultant must always deal with and that is building relationships.

It is so important for a company to have strong relationships with the communities they operate with as well as their consumers and clients. Without a PR consultant, this is nearly impossible. In order to succeed in and enjoy being a PR consultant, the desire to bring the best out in companies or organizations must be there. Not only should you want what is best for the company but also meet the needs of anyone affected by the company. Persuasive skills must be used to influence people without making them feel manipulated.

PR consultants are also often used in major companies to counter hostility. Journalists are seeking to bring the truth about anything and everything to the public. If they see what they think is a hot story about an issue within a company, they may approach the company for comment. That is precisely when a PR consultant steps in. In situations such as this, a company’s PR consultant may step up to the plate to personally make a public statement or they may assist in helping the president or CEO in knowing what to say and how to say it to make sure the information a journalist receives is factual.

Arthur Page believed in six principles of public relations: Tell the truth, prove it with action, listen to the customer, manage for tomorrow, conduct public relations as if the whole company depends on it and remain calm, patient and good-humored. These skills in a PR consultant are what can make or break a company because of how detrimental the field is today. Not only does someone in public relations have their reputation on the line but the reputation of those they represent.

Sincerely,
Alyson