Media Pitch - Final

To: Seth Hawkins, editor, Utah Statesman
BCC: Preston.Parker@usu.edu
Subject: Independence through Financial Education
Date: Feb. 27, 2008

Dear Seth Hawkins:

I would like to say hello and I hope that your day is well Seth. I continue to read your newspaper and enjoy writing for it.

I have recently become involved with an organization that intrigued me. I have been attending the meetings every other Thursday in the Cache County Chamber of Commerce at 7 p.m. I have learned much and anyone can attend free of charge. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is a new organization founded on ideals of education. CVAIA aims to put tools in the hands of those who strive to be independent.

Being a full-time university student, I don’t exactly have the most secure financial status. It’s doubtful for me to survive longer that a few months without a source of income. I joined CVAIA partly because of the teaching of financial security. Preston Parker is the president and founder. He teaches the ability to gain peace of mind in finances. Some members have made it to millionaires in just five years. Those ideas and teachings are worth looking into!

The primary goal of the organization is to educate its members. To give expertise and knowledge to those who can use it to become financially independent. It may take some time, but I see value in my membership. If you are interested in more information, please reply and I could set up an interview.

If you are interested in joining and receiving information, send an email to CacheVAIA@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

JP Parrish
Public Relations:Corporate Communications
Journalism and Communications
Utah State University
J.P@aggiemail.usu.edu
http://www.jaypeedo.blogspot.com

Media Pitch

To: Seth Hawkins, editor, Utah Statesman
BCC: Preston.Parker@usu.edu
Subject: Independence through Financial Education

Dear Seth Hawkins:

I would like to say hello and I hope that your day is well Seth. I continue to read your newspaper and enjoy writing for it.

I have recently become involved with an organization that intrigued me. I have been attending the meetings every other Thursday and have learned much. The Cache Valley Area Investors Association (CVAIA) is a new organization founded on ideals of education. Cache VAIA aims to put tools in the hands of those who strive to be independent.

Being a full-time university student, I don’t exactly have the most secure financial status. It’s doubtful for me to survive longer that a few months without a source of income. I joined CVAIA partly because of the teaching of financial security. Preston Parker is the president and founder. He teaches the ability to gain peace of mind in finances. Some members have made it to millionaires in just five years. Those ideas and teachings are worth looking into!

The primary goal of the organization is to educate its members. To give expertise and knowledge to those who can use it to become financially independent. It may take some time, but I see value in my membership. If you are interested in more information, please reply and I could set up an interview. If you are interested in joining and receiving information, send an email to CacheVAIA@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

JP Parrish
Public Relations:Corporate Communications
Journalism and Communications
Utah State University
J.P@aggiemail.usu.edu
http://www.jaypeedo.blogspot.com

Press Release #4 - Draft

For Immediate Release

Feb. 25, 2008

JP Parrish
State President
Utah Delta Epsilon Chi
JP-DEX@hotmail.com

Utah State Students Earn First at State

SALT LAKE CITY – College and university business students from across the state of Utah, apply their education in role play situations at the Utah Delta Epsilon Chi State Career Development Conference (State CDC). Three Utah State University Students placed in 1st in different events. Brennan Lindsay and JP Parrish took 1st in Business Law. Julia Roberts placed first in Restaurant and Food Services. The conference was held Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 21-23, 2008, at Salt Lake Community College Redwood Campus. Each year the State CDC is held at a different college or university campus.

The International Career Development Conference (ICDC) will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. In past years it has been at such locations as Anaheim, Orlando, Dallas, and even in Salt Lake City. This year’s ICDC will be held April 12-15, 2008. Thousands of students from across the country will compete for international recognition.

Delta Epsilon Chi offers student leadership opportunities. Each chapter at the school level has leadership opportunities.

Students Competed in events such as Hospitality to Advertising Campaign. There are 18 events in total. The Judge in each of these events takes the role of a professional while the student presents a solution to a case they have been given or prepared before hand. Some events are accompanied by 100 question competency tests while others take months of preparation. Entrepreneurship event participants present a business plan to the judge as if they were asking for financial support. Each event provides students an innovative and unique way to gain real world business experience. Many business recognize this value and make it a point to hire these excellently prepared students.

Delta Epsilon Chi is the college division of DECA Inc. More than 14,000 students from 230 college campuses participate in the organization. The institutions include community colleges, technical colleges, four–year colleges and universities.

Delta Epsilon Chi enhances the student's college experience by providing recognition and leadership activities directly related to academic study. Delta Epsilon Chi focuses on developing leaders in marketing, management, and enterprenurship.

For more information on Utah’s Delta Epsilon Chi, contact the state advisor, Curtis Youngman at Curtis.Youngman@slcc.edu or JP Parrish, 2007-2008 state president at JP-DEX@hotmail.com or visit the Delta Epsilon Chi website.

-END-

Common health exams to remember

Published Originally in the Utah Statesman on Feb. 20, 2008

By JP Parrish
Staff Writer

General

Dentist

    Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

 

Eye Exam

    If you have vision problems, have an eye exam every two years.

 

Colonoscopy

    Colonoscopy is a test that allows a doctor to look at the inner lining of a large intestine (rectum and colon). A thin, flexible tube called a colonoscope is used to look at the colon. A colonoscopy helps find ulcers, polyps, tumors and areas of inflammation or bleeding. During a colonoscopy, tissue samples can be collected (biopsy), and abnormal growths can be taken out. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or pre-cancerous growths in the colon or rectum (polyps).

    Dr. Linda J. Roberts, nurse practitioner at the USU Student Health and Wellness Center, said she recommends a colonoscopy first at age 50. An earlier test may be necessary if colon cancer is present in the family, she said.

 

FEMALES

Breast Self-Exam

    This is a simple procedure to help detect breast lumps and is a good way to learn what breasts should normally look and feel like. When a woman knows what is normal for herself, she is better able to notice changes and know when to get help early. A breast self-exam is a tool to use on a regular basis, but it is not a substitute for a mammogram or a clinical breast exam. Roberts said a breast self-exam should be conducted monthly.

Clinical Breast Exam

    During a clinical breast exam, a doctor will carefully feel a woman's breasts and under her arms to check for lumps or other unusual changes. Roberts said she recommends such exams for women beginning around age 26 or 28. These exams should take place every two years.

 

Mammogram

    A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. It can often find tumors too small to be noticed. A doctor may suggest a woman have a screening mammogram, especially if the woman has any risk factors for breast cancer.

     A woman should have a mammogram at age 40 or sooner, Roberts said. If a first-line relative, like a mother or a sister, has a history or breast cancer, Roberts said the mammogram should begin at age 30 or earlier. Begin exams at the same age that the relative began to see symptoms, she said.

 

Gynecological

    A gynecological exam may be done as part of a routine checkup or to determine whether someone has genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases. Roberts said she recommends a pelvic exam with a pap smear beginning at age 21 to 23 or within the first two years of becoming sexually active. Also, a vaccine to prevent HPV is available as of August 2006. Since 50 percent of sexually active women catch this virus in their lives, Roberts said she recommends women between ages of 11 and 26 to receive the vaccine. Both male and females are at risk.

    The vaccine is designed to prevent the Papillomavirus, which is a primary cause for cervical cancer.

 

MALES

Urological

    Most abnormalities of the testes are found during a self-examination or routine physical exam by a health professional. If testicular cancer is suspected, a health professional may want to perform other tests.

     Roberts said men should begin this at age 21 to 23 and get an exam every two years.

 

Prostate

    If a man has problems urinating, a doctor may use tests to see if he has an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This condition is the most common cause of urination problems.

    Roberts said she recommends beginning routine exams at age 50 and continue getting them every year.

Information compiled from www.WebMD.com

Press Release 3: Final

For Immediate Release

Feb. 13, 2008

Preston Parker, president

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Phone Number: four three five-seven five seven-four five six zero

 

Money doesn't Equal Happiness so Become Independent!

LOGAN, UT -- The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is an organization with education in mind.  CVAIA is helping members of the Cache Valley Area learn more about investing.

Every second and fourth Thursdays, the CVAIA come together to hear a speaker.  The speaker for the week is determined by the interest of the member.  Whether you are starting a business or simply trying to become more independent, the Cache VAIA is for you.

"Money doesn't equate to happiness, it is your state of mind, it is your attitude," said Preston Parker, president and founder of the organization. "Don't do a job you don't like because you need the money. Do it because you like it.  You are happier in your work when you don't rely on earned income."  The primary goal of the organization is to educate its members.  To give expertise and knowledge to those who can use it to become financially independent.

Experts speaker regularly about a variety of investment related topics.  Recommendations for good reading on the topic given to members as well.  you will learn the risks and the best tactics to become financially stable.  In as little as five years, Preston has seen dedicated individuals become millionaires.  How long can you go without work?  A month?  Two months? A year?  Build the peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets at 7:00 p.m. every other Thursday at the Cache Camber of Commerce in Logan.  The address is 60 N Main Street.  The company was founded in August 2007 and has grown to more than 40 members.  If you are interested in joining, send an email to cachevaia@gmail.com and you can be put on the mailing list.  That's all it takes to become a member! Easy and free. 

For more information, contact JP Parrish at j.p@aggiemail.usu.edu.

-END-

The Wheels on the Bus Go 'Round and 'Round

Published Originally in the Utah Statesman on Feb. 11, 2008

By JP Parrish
Staff Writer

Seeking fun-loving college student to work with the greatest boss ever. Will help earn money for school in a convenient on-campus job. Get to know a tightly knit group of co-workers. Class B commercial driver’s license required.

This is what several Aggie Shuttle drivers said about their job.

Driver John Hambleton, a sophomore in aviation maintenance management, said driving an Aggie Shuttle is easy money. He said he just drives and makes sure things are safe.

Alden Erickson, the director of Aggie Shuttles, said he compares the responsibility of driving a bus to flying an airplane – the responsibility for life is the same. He said many safety measures are taken to ensure the best shuttle system possible.

Each driver must have a class B commercial driver’s license, Erickson said. There are several steps to earning one. Erickson said each driver takes a Department of Transportation physical. This federally mandated procedure ensures each Aggie Shuttle driver is fit to be driving. There is a series of three or more tests of knowledge and 10 hours of driver training.

Even with a CDL, Aggie Shuttle drivers must pass Aggie standards – policies, procedures, and safety, Erickson said. Drivers need to pass federal drug tests and have no more than three accidents in either private or professional driving, and an hour training each month. All these help keep drivers the best they can be, he said. 

Next to safety, the most important part of the job is keeping students happy, Erickson said. Drivers regularly greet and bid farewell to their passengers.

Driver Brad Turner, a junior in pre-business, said he believes in being nice to passengers.

Trell Whitehead, a junior in mechanical engineering, said students are grateful for the service provided. Many students ride regularly, Whitehead said, and it allows drivers to get to know people.

Interaction with students is what breaks the monotony, said driver Adam Howard, sophomore in landscape architecture.

The Aggie Shuttle system is geared toward the students, Erickson said.

“I strive to maintain the very best university shuttle system,” Erickson said.

The Aggie Shuttles are among the cheapest per rider in Utah, Erickson said, and the system set up is very efficient with the student fees. The shuttles use alternative fuels, better and cleaner for the environment and cheaper. Standard diesel fuel costs about $3.84 per gallon while the compressed natural gas is $0.84.

To help keep student fees down, the Aggie Shuttles raise between $25,000 and $30,000 in advertising per year, he said. There is additional help, Erickson said, in the number of $60,000 through chartering the shuttles out.

“I want to stay out of the students’ pockets as much as possible,” Erickson said.

Students should take advantage of the Aggie Shuttle GPS tracking, he said. Students can track where the individual shuttles actually are via www.aggiebus.com. Their locations are updated online every 10 seconds. Students can access this site through their Internet-enabled mobile phones or wireless laptops. Erickson said this way students don’t have to stand in the cold.

Aggie Shuttle drivers work as a collaborative team, said driver Tyler King, a Spanish major in the secondary education program.

The drivers are concerned with safety and making students happy, Erickson said.

“I could leave and they would run the system themselves,” Erickson said.

But Hambleton said he works with the greatest boss ever, and Turner agreed.

“Alden Erickson is a nice guy,” Turner said. “He is the best boss I’ve ever had. A really good boss makes the difference.”

When Erickson needs to correct a problem, Turner said it always helps and he is really looking out for the drivers.

–j.p@aggiemail.usu.edu

Press Release 3 - Draft

For Immediate Release

Feb. 13, 2008

Preston Parker, president

Cache Valley Area Investors Association

Phone Number: four three five-seven five seven-four five six zero

 

Money doesn't Equal Happiness so Become Independent!

LOGAN, UT -- The Cache Valley Area Investors Association is an organization with education in mind.  Helping members of the Cache Valley Area learn more about investing is what its all about.

Every second and fourth Thursdays, the CVAIA come together to hear a speaker.  The speaker for the week is determined by the interest of the member.  Whether you are starting a business or simply trying to become more independent, the Cache VAIA is for you.

"Money doesn't equate to happiness, it is your state of mind, it is your attitude," said Preston Parker, president and founder of the organization. "Don't do a job you don't like because you need the money. Do it because you like it.  You are happier in your work when you don't rely on earned income."  The primary goal of the organization is to educate its members.  To give expertise and knowledge to those who can use it to become financially independent.

Experts speaker regularly about a variety of investment related topics.  Recommendations for good reading on the topic given to members as well.  you will learn the risks and the best tactics to become financially stable.  In as little as five years, Preston has seen dedicated individuals become millionaires.  How long can you go without work?  A month?  Two months? A year?  Build the peace of mind that you and your family will be taken care of.

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets at 7:00 p.m. every other Thursday at the Cache Camber of Commerce in Logan.  The address is 60 N Main Street.  The company was founded in August 2007 and has grown to more than 40 members.  If you are interested in joining, send an email to cachevaia@gmail.com and you can be put on the mailing list.  That's all it takes to become a member! Easy and free. 

For more information, contact JP Parrish at j.p@aggiemail.usu.edu.

-END-

JCOM 2300 Assignment #1

I will be graduating in the spring of 2009.  In the meantime, I need to research and develop strategies for becoming employed.  I am not certain of where I will be applying for employment.  I will, however, leave the university with many hirable skills.  I need to address my methods of marketing them and myself.  I plan on entering an entry level position out of college if I do indeed pursuit the PR field.  I have not yet made final decision, however, I anticipated a Utah based job in order to stay close to my family.  Graduate school is a possibility primarily to make myself more valuable to employers.  The pay increase is substantial and would help support my family.

According to the bureau of labor statistics, the public relations specialist occupation has an average yearly salary of $52,499.49.  The area of the country with the most opportunities in public relations specialist is the District of Columbia by a significant margin.  The percentage of the American market that is in the public relations specialist job is 6.4 percent.  This is a relatively high amount of the workforce dedicated to PR.  The greatest part of this job is the demand.  For well trained specialists, the market is open.  Number of jobs is up and good PR people are in need.  PR people that are capable of marketing functions are even more demanded.

 

OBJECTIVES
1. I will research at least eight Public Relations positions within the State of Utah by the end of the semester.
2. I will write 8 newspaper articles in the features section to develop writing skills.

 

IMPACTS
1. After researching possible options, I will get a feel for what I like.  I will be able to apply to the positions. I will get interviews for 3 of the 8 applications and second interviews for 50 percent of those or 1-2. Unanimously declared from all PR professionals I have encountered, writing skills are a number one quality in a PR person.  Writing in the features section of the newspaper will give me experience in biased writing.  I will learn to interact with people as I interview.  I will also have opportunities to build networks of people and develop trust and positive reputation.

 

Click to Download and View Enlarged

Press Release 2: Final

Feb. 6, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

JP Parrish

Burger Planet

(801)-555-FOOD

(801) 555-3664

j.p@pr.burgerplanet.com

www.Burgerplanet.com

Jayne Peterson Promoting Healthy Options at Burger Planet 

Opal Trainer Endorses International Quick Service Giant

GARY, IND. - Burger Planet will be working with Jayne Petersen, renowned health and fitness expert, to promote healthy choices in Burger Planet menu.  Jayne Peterson is known for her fitness and health program for Opal Whitcomb and the miraculous 75 pound weight-loss.

The premier of this heath conscious campaign begins at the Times Square restaurant on May 12, 2008.  Petersen will introduce the health conscious menu with Corny the Clown, beloved Burger Planet mascot.

Peterson will be making additional appearances throughout the summer alongside Corny the Clown to promote healthy eating and moderation.  Petersen said, "Women can have a burger and fries now and then, 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 is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu.  Working with Jayne Petersen fits in the company's overall focus toward healthy living," said James Muellenbach III, company CEO.  The health conscious menu will include a new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal.  It will include an ankle weight, choice of fruit packages, and a white meat chicken entree.

Burger Planet was founded in 1934 and houses its headquarters in Gary, Indiana.  Its 8,921 restaurants in all 50 states and 17 countries, lead the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Industry with 52 billion served.  The initial founder was James E. Muellenbach I, who now serves as president of the QSR Association.

For more information on the industry leading Quick Service Restaurant and its healthy menu choices, contact JP Parrish, Public Relations Specialist, at j.p@pr.burgerplanet.com

-END-

Thomas S. Monson Named 16th Church President

SALT LAKE CITY, 4 February 2008 -- Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January.
The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.
President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be filled later.

This is information about the new President Thomas S. Monson.

Link for the video is here.

This information was taken from the Church's newsroom webpage. For original, visit: http://newsroom.lds.org/

All information is © 2008 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Press Release 2: Draft

Feb. 6, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:

JP Parrish

Burger Planet

(801)-555-FOOD

(801) 555-3664

j.p@pr.burgerplanet.com

www.Burgerplanet.com

Jayne Peterson Promoting Healthy Options at Burger Planet 

Opal Trainer Endorses International Quick Service Giant

GARY, IND. - Burger Planet will be working with Jayne Petersen, renowned health and fitness expert, to promote healthy choices in Burger Planet menu.  Jayne Peterson is known for her fitness and health program for Opal Whitcomb and the miraculous 75 pound weight-loss.

The premier of this heath conscious campaign begins at the Times Square restaurant on May 12, 2008.  Petersen will introduce the health conscious menu with Corny the Clown, beloved Burger Planet mascot.

Peterson will be making additional appearances throughout the summer alongside Corny the Clown to promote healthy eating and moderation.  Petersen said, "Women can have a burger and fries now and then, 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 is committed to offering healthy choices on its menu.  Working with Jayne Petersen fits in the company's overall focus toward healthy living," said James Muellenbach III, company CEO.  The health conscious menu will include a new adult Burger Planet Smiley Meal.  It will include an ankle weight, choice of fruit packages, and a white meat chicken entree.

Burger Planet was founded in 1934 and houses its headquarters in Gary, Indiana.  Its 8,921 restaurants in all 50 states and 17 countries, lead the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Industry with 52 billion served.  The initial founder was James E. Muellenbach I, who now serves as president of the QSR Association.

For more information, contact JP Parrish at j.p@pr.burgerplanet.com

-END-