Friday, October 31, 2008

Position Paper- Burger Planet

Creative Brief
BURGER PLANET

Burger Planet is now offering healthy choice menu options in the quick service food industry. Not only do we want to add items to our menu we want to position ourselves in the minds of our customers, especially women between the ages of 30 and 40, as a healthy alternative. Our partnership with Jayne Peterson will help give us positive publicity and a voice for our campaign.

Our research has shown that although women between 30 and 40 years of age have stopped coming to Burger Planet as often they still enjoy the concept of quick service food. Our target audience also is the target audience of Opal Whitcomb. Those who support her and her ties with Jayne Peterson and weight loss will also support Burger Planet’s new menu.

We believe that through a series of press releases and various advertisements including radio, TV, and billboards associated with Jayne Peterson we will be able to positively position Burger Planet in the minds of all our customers.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Long Overdue

Sorry about it being so long again between posts with nothing to do with Public Relations. Lots has been happening and the last few weeks have been a ton of fun!

One week ago today Mike proposed! I said yes! (anyone suprised?---- didn't think so) We are going to be getting married in the Salt Lake City Temple on December 12th 2008. Everyone is invited to the reception in Layton that evening. (there also might be a Payson open house, for anyone interested details are pending) So if you all want announcements (with pickin' cute pics) I need your addresses! If you are a relative or responded to the facebook e-mail you are exempt.

In other news... wait, there isn't any. For lack of other subjects I will tell you all how Mike purposed :)

We went out to dinner, and ate steak! It was super yummy. Then we drove up Providence Canyon. All the way at the top there is a waterfall that comes out of the rock, it is beautiful. It was cold and overcast. We hopped out of the Jeep (my car wouldn't have been able to make the drive, atleast without some serious dammage) and Mike pulled me into his arms. We stood there for a while looking at the distant glow over the hills from the city. Mike broke the silence with, "How 'bout it toots?" To which I responded, "How 'bout what?"

He then smiled kissed me and began to explain why he had brought me to this particular place. He told me that we were up away from everyone, alone, just us because this was the start of our commitment to one another and that just we were involved and soon the Lord would make the covenant complete. He then said that we were up with the clouds (remember its overcast) and that he hopped I would be on a cloud for a while at least and that I would be happy. He then mentioned that it had been reaffirmed to him that afternoon that I was the one he was supposed to marry and be with forever.

--side story--
I then asked him to tell me how and he responded with, "and there I sat, on the toilet-" We both laughed and then he told me the real story but I tell you all this to show his sense of humor that I and I'm sure everyone has come to love and appriciate.

He then said that last we were in the mountains. He talked about how mountians were very symbolic of Temples and that we were going to go to the temple and how happy he was that were are able to be together forever and have an eternal family. Then we went home and announced it to the family.

Well now that you are all super sapped out I will be done with the post :) Thanks for all your guy's help (and if you haven't helped yet I am sure you will;)

Intro to PR Post #6- McDonald's

I'm lovin' it, you're lovin' it and now the Hispanics will be lovin' it! McDonald's is a huge corp. and I had no idea they needed to target a market as big as the whole Hispanic population. However, I think this is a really good campaign. It is specific enough to their culture that it will probably work. Its a great idea to tie it into the Grammy Awards too.

McDonald's broadens Hispanic outreach with traveling 'Fiesta'
Kimberly MaulOctober 02 2008

McDonald's is extending its Hispanic outreach with the Fiesta Tour, a traveling exhibit with Latin music artifacts. The tour will visit cities before and after the November 13 Latin Grammy Awards in Houston. "One of the things we know about our Hispanic customers is that music is one of their passion areas," said Cristina Alfaro, manager of US Communications for McDonald's.

Intro to PR Post #5- Military

Four firms win work for military in Iraq
Ted McKennaOctober 02, 2008 Print Email Reprint Font Size: A | A | A

WASHINGTON: Four firms were awarded a contract to provide communications services to the US military forces in Iraq: Lincoln Group, Leonie Industries, SOS International, and L-3 Communications' MPRI. PRWeek previously reported on the July RFP, which was expected to be worth a minimum amount of $250,000 and a maximum amount of $300 million for a one-year account with two, one-year options to renew.

The contract calls for a wide range of communications services, including media relations and training; research; production and dissemination of government information to the Iraqi public, including media campaigns promoting its objectives; and monitoring of Arabic and Western media.

The Joint Contracting Command-Iraq, the group that issued the award, did not provide a breakdown of what work each of the winners will be doing or how much each will receive. An Army public affairs officer based at the Pentagon referred questions to the Iraq office, which was not able to provide additional information by press time.

Lincoln Group and MPRI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Leonie confirmed the win but said the company could not elaborate on the work it will do for “security” reasons. SOS International in a press release said its work on the contract will include the use of “local Iraqi media production companies.”



So... whats the point, right? Well as of late (with my fiance' being in the military) I have been paying much closer attention to the affairs dealing with the army and such. I have decided that doing PR for the National Guard or Army would be kinda fun. I always assumed they did internal PR and it was all through the government. I was shocked to learn that they have outsourced, and with not one company but four. I think its a great idea.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

USPS- Intro to PR #4

WOW USPS needs PR! They say it is just incase of an emergancy to supliment what the already have internally. I think this is a great idea. Everyone needs a little pr work done. With the economy and government the way it is USPS getting a head start on pr is great in my opinion. People rely on mail.

WASHINGTON: The US Postal Service (USPS) issued an RFP on October 2 for a contractor to provide strategic messaging services to the media, the general public, and postal employees. The deadline for proposals is November 5.

One important aspect will be crisis communications, noted USPS senior PR specialist Joanne Veto.

“The solicitation would be in keeping with that: To have an agency standing by or on call in case of an emergency to assist where needed or [provide] expertise beyond what we have internally,” Veto said, via e-mail.

For crisis communications, work might include training spokespeople; identifying experts and credible third parties to support USPS messaging; and facilitating interaction with the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies.

The contract, for which the USPS has proposed no set value, would run for two years starting on January 1, 2009, with three one-year options to renew. Burson-Marsteller has served as AOR for the past several years, according to USPS. The agency declined to comment.

one of the greats- intro to pr #3

I thought it note worthy that this was a feed on pr news rss feed. He was a giant in the pr industry. I think it is extremely appropriate and shows respect for him and his work.

ATLANTA: John Phillip Harrison, a Georgia PR and journalism professional for many years, passed away October 6 at age 75 from complications related to cancer. Harrison was PR director of WSB Radio in Atlanta in the 1960s and later opened his own firm, Harrison Public Relations.



Harrison was also president of the Georgia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in 1973, and he was elected to The Order of the Phoenix, the society's Hall of Fame. Donations may be made in his name to the group.

Email Pitch- Final

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS

Dear Debra Hawkins,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work in a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

press release- HPER final

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Bill Bauer
Campus Recreation
7000 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-7000
hper@cc.usu.edu
435-797-1495


LEARN TO SWIM
Popular swim program brought back to USU


LOGAN, Utah— Swim lessons are once again offered on campus at Utah State University. After a year of not offering swim lessons Campus Recreation is excited to announce that they are once again offering them to students, faculty and the community. The lessons are taught by American Red Cross lifeguards and water safety instructors. Registration for the next session starts October 28, 2008. The session starts November 4, 2008.

Other pools in Logan are offering lessons by other certifications like Swim America, however, learn to swim by Red Cross is a much better system. The focus of learn to swim is on safety and learning how to be safe in and around the water. Bill Bauer, Aquatics Supervisor, said,"Learn to Swim offered through the Red Cross is a better system because the kids learn to be safe in the water, as well as work on technical swimming."

Lessons are taught Tuesday and Thursday between 4:30 and 6:00 pm. Levels one through six are offered along with adult lessons and parent-tot classes.

The HPER building is located on the USU campus at 7000 Old Main Hill. Building hours are from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.

McKell Blake
Public Relations
801-856-9108
mckell.blake@gmail.com

END

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Email Pitch

EMAIL PITCH

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS

Dear Debra Hawkins,

The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work in a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

press release- HPER

FOR IMMIDIATE RELEASE

October 9, 2008

Bill Baur
Campus Recreation
7000 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-7000
hper@cc.usu.edu
435-797-1495


LEARN TO SWIM
Popular swim program brought back to USU


LOGAN, Utah— Swim lessons are once again offered on campus at Utah State University. After a year of not offering lessons Campus Recreation is excited to announce that they are once again offering swim lessons to students, faculty and the community. The lessons are taught by American Red Cross lifeguards and water safety instructors. Registration for the next session starts October 28, 2008. The session starts November 4, 2008.

Other pools in Logan are offering lessons by other certifications like Swim America, however, learn to swim by Red Cross is a much better system. The focus of learn to swim is on safety and learning how to be safe in and around the water. Bill Baur, Aquatics Supervisor, said,"Red Cross is a better system because the kids learn to be safe in the water, not only work on technic."

Lessons are taught Tuesday and Thursday between 4:30 and 6:00 pm. Levels one through six are offered along with adult lessons and parent-tot classes.

The HPER building is located on the USU campus at 7000 Old Main Hill. Building hours are from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm.

McKell Blake
Public Relations
801-856-9108
mckell.blake@gmail.com

END

Random Question Tag

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to six others. The questions are as follows:.

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Where is your significant other? ROTC Lab
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? Sheryl, way cool
5. Your father? Mike... yes another one
6. Your favorite thing? Mike Christensen
7. Your dream last night? I dont remember them
8. Your dream/goal? Do pr for a major comp.
9. The room you're in? family room
10. Your hobby? Snowboarding and Boating
11. Your fear? Being alone
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? married with the fam
13. Where were you last night? with mike
14. What you're not? understanding heros
15. One of your wish-list items? kitchen-aid
16. Where you grew up? west jordan and layton UT
17. The last thing you ate? Tree's cookies
18. What are you wearing? jeans and a red polo
19. Your TV? heros... my roommates love it
20. Your pet? zoe my dog.. in layton
21. Your computer? rocks, i love it
22. Your mood? excited
23. Your car? saturn, jeep, motorcycle... ok so two arent technically mine
25. Something you're not wearing? ring! lol
26. Favorite store? big 5
27. Your summer? best ever! thanks mike
28. Love someone? mike
29. Your favorite color? orange and blue
30. When is the last time you laughed? in class today, look up ring exchange failed on youtube
31. Last time you cried? not too long ago, but it was a good cry

I tag whoever feels like doing it.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Press Release #3- CVAIA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2008

Preston Parker
Founder/President
160 N. Main
Logan, UT 84321
cachevaia@gmail.com
www.cvaia.com

BECOME FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT IN 3 YEARS
Investment Group Teaches Philosophy on Job Happiness

LOGAN, Utah— The Cache Valley Area Investors Association meets every other week to teach members about smart investing and the philosophy that one can become financially independent working in any job you enjoy.

Founder and President Preston Parker said, “It’s all about getting your monthly passive income greater than your monthly expenses. Once you get to that point you are financially independent.” Parker believes anyone can get to this point in as little as three years. This philosophy ties in with his belief in the investment risk pyramid. The base is self, meaning that once you get yourself set (spiritually, physically, and mentally) you can start to move forward with your investments of time, money, and credit.

The CVAIA is a non-profit organization that meets in a non-threatening environment to discuss investment ideas and theories. They hold meetings every first and third Thursday of the month. CVAIA is calling for people who are interested and want to advance and change their lives. They invite anyone to join the e-mail list, cachevaia@gmail.com, and start attending meetings.

People in America have ample opportunity and options to be able to work I a job they enjoy. Understanding and managing passive income makes this possible. There are many associations which are helping educate people in how to truly become financially independent. Cache Valley Area Investors Association based in Logan, Utah, is one such organization. It was founded in July, 2007, and currently has 50 members.

McKell Blake
PR consultant
mckell.blake@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Intro to PR Post 2- market crash

I was just rummaging through some of the PR blogs that were listed on google's search and I came across this blog http://online-pr.blogspot.com/. I found it to be rather interesting. First they talk about how the president and speaker of the house do not effectively sell the bill to the house. They just assumed that the support from the senate would work for them. I do not fully agree with this statement. I am sure someone did the speech writing, and studied the audience. This just made me wonder what they actually thought would work. I would love to do political PR for a day. But I know that I would probably hate it in the long run so I just steer clear from that market. That's all folks.

-McKell