A Koecher Perspective

Turning South

2012-02-10T10:19:00.000-07:00

One year ago on February 9, 2011 I had an interview for an internship with the City Manager of Centerville. As I pulled out to the street when I was leaving city hall I looked south toward Bountiful and thought to myself I should go see my dad and tell him about my interview. I knew he was home because he had been feeling tired and sick for a few days and finally decided to stay home to go to the doctor. Instead, I turned north to get to freeway and go home.

The next day he died.

I don't remember the last time I talked to my dad, but I will always have a vivid memory of the last time I had a chance to talk to him. As I looked south I can still see the street in my mind with the yellow-green dorment grass poking through the spotty snow, the barren trees, a grey sky and a road vanishing in the distance. I don't remember the last words he said to me, but I will always have this image in my mind of a last opportunity lost.

Do I regret not turning to the south? No... There was no way of knowing that in less than 24 hours I would be in a hospital emergency room helping my brother give him a blessing, and praying for a miracle as the nurses and doctors stop chest compressions. I am saddened to think that I could have taken the opportunity to see my dad one last time, but I don't waste time regretting what happened. I thought I was doing what was best. I thought he needed his rest and I didn't want to bother him. So I turned north.

I am left to wonder what would have happened if I had turned to the south. I miss my dad. I really miss sharing my life with him.

By: Dallin Koecher

Thumbing through the planner

2012-01-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

As my planner gets closer and closer to the end of its pages and the need for a new one becoming more apparent, I took some time to thumb through the pages to see where the year has taken me.

My planner begins in December 2010 with things like classes and finals marking the pages along with holiday parities, reunions, and other responsibilities. Marked down on December 13, 2010 is a special Family Home Evening we had with my parents at their home in Bountiful in which we honored the one year anniversary of my brother Steven's disappearance. Also I see December 9, 2010 with these words "Grandpa Meeting with Social Worker." This day we discussed the growing tumor in my grandpa's brain and the decision not to operate meaning the inevitable was finally coming.

2011 began with a celebration of New Year's and the birthday of my cousin KC. I was unemployed, stressing about finding a job, gaining experience, completing school, and taking care of my family. But other than that there would be no signs that this year could possibly be worse than last year. Nor did I know that by the time we celebrated another 10 second count down to New Year's that my family would survive the a storm that would leave us stronger and more unified.

My planner has scribbled reminders of both the ups and downs. The good times are filled with appointments to keep, lists of things to do, and activities. Blank pages serve as reminders of the bad times when it didn't matter what I had to do the next day. February and July in particular are blank. Who can forget the day of their father's funeral? Who needs to write down the day you bury your grandfather?

Much good would come from 2011. In January I would embark on a path of internships and interviews that would ultimately lead me to August 16 the first day of my first career job. As I look back now how could I have known that taking an unpaid semester long internship with the mayor's office over a paid internship with the state of Utah would make all the difference?

In November black pen highlighted in orange highlighter marks the days when all the Koecher family embarked on a trip to visit my sister in Louisiana, something we probably wouldn't have thought necessary in January. This trip was really a pivotal moment for our family because we defined ourselves as a family who stays together no matter the cost, no matter the distance, and no matter how crazy it is to travel with four young kids on an airplane.

December holds one of the most significant appoints of the year for Amber and me. In addition to the press releases, the press conferences, and other hoopla regarding the 2nd anniversary of my brother's disappearance sits a quiet little date that would change our life forever. An ultrasound appointment. After a year long struggle to get pregnant, our prayers and fasting were rewarded when the doctor tells my wife the baby is doing fine.

My planner ends as it begins, with holiday parties, family reunions, and celebrating a cousins birthday. 2011 was a ride that I don't wish to go on again anytime soon, but I'm grateful for the way we came out in the end. Before you throw away your old planner take one more look and see what memories lie inside.

Oh and the next post I promise will be funny! No more of this sap stuff!

By: Dallin Koecher

It wasn't supposed to be this way

2011-12-16T11:35:00.001-07:00

I have been thinking about the events of last week that surrounded the anniversary of my brother's disappearance and thought to myself with anguish, "It wasn't supposed to be this way."

We weren't supposed to be lighting a tree to remember a brother, son, and uncle. We weren't supposed to have the media standing in our living room asking us questions about what we thought happened to Steve. We weren't supposed to be gathering for such a somber occasion.

Christmas wasn't supposed be a double dagger memory of a lost brother and a lost father who had fought so hard to bring his son home. My dad wasn't supposed be taken from us when it felt like we needed his strength, his resolve, and his insight the most. It wasn't supposed be to me to fill the role he left, and the role I tried to avoid for two years, because it hurt just too much to think about my missing brother.This isn't how his life was supposed to be.

It was supposed to be happy, filled with family, and absent of unanswered questions, fear of what could have happened, and the pain of loosing a loved one. We were supposed to be the quiet family down the street that didn't draw attention to themselves, that served others, and enjoyed each others company. We weren't supposed be the family that desperately tries to keep their story in the media in the hopes that someone, somewhere might come forward with information.

It wasn't supposed to be this way...

I am filled with gratitude for an amazing family who sticks by us through thick and thin. I am grateful for a family that never passes judgement, and always stands together to shoulder one anothers burdens. I am grateful for awesome friends who love us and shower us with prayers, thoughtful words, and kindness. I hate to think about how our life would be without these saintly people constantly surrounding us and encouraging us.

I am grateful for a mother whose unyielding faith stands as a beacon for all her children both missing and present to cling too. For a mother whose strength lifts the rest of us when we feel like we can no loner carry on. I'm grateful for brothers and sisters whose bond has become unbreakable and whose love for each other outshines the darkness of despair. I am grateful for a wife and child who help shape me into the man I need to be. They give meaning to a life that would otherwise be selfish and indulgent. They help me see the greatness inside.

This is how life is supposed to be.

I guess when I think about it, we're really not that far off...

By: Dallin Koecher

News stories and Pictures

2011-12-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lastest news stories about Steven.

CBS Channel 2
http://connect2utah.com/news-story/?nxd_id=190117

KSL Channel 5
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=18488050&title=family-marks-2-year-anniversary-of-koecher-disappearance

Davis County Clipper
http://davisclipper.com/view/full_story/16710951/article-Koechers-to-light-tree-honoring-missing-son?instance=home_news_1st_left
Thanks to boths of these stations for showing these stories!

by Dallin Koecher

Articles about Steven in the news

2011-12-13T14:27:00.001-07:00

Over the last few days we have had some nice media attention about the anniversary of Steve's disappearance. Like always, we are grateful for the attention we do get. Here are links to the ones I know about and to the "Help Us Find Steven" group.

Salt Lake Tribune
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/53090169-183/steven-koecher-dallin-family.html.csp

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/53100614-78/koecher-says-tribune-alberty.html.csp

Las Vegas Review Journal
http://www.lvrj.com/news/man-s-vanishing-in-henderson-still-unsolved-135493523.html

Las Vegas Sun
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/dec/12/ut-man-missing-utah-1st-ld-writethru/

Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/groups/225335012614/

Please come out to the tree lighting event tonight if you can! Thanks.

By: Dallin Koecher

White Light of Hope Tree

2011-12-12T08:38:00.001-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,

I would like to wish you all a very happy holiday season on behalf of the Rolf and Deanne Koecher bunch. With the holidays approaching our thoughts turn to our loved ones and the cherished relationships we have with each of you. As you all know December will forever be a mix of emotions for our family. As the two year mark approaches of Steven's disappearance sorrow fills our hearts as we think of our precious son, brother, and uncle. But joy and comfort swells within us as we think of all the amazing support our family and friends have brought to us.

Many of you may know that one of the last things Steven did was decorate a tree in our front yard with white Christmas lights. Well, that little tree became our "hope" tree and as long as those lights burned we always had hope that we would find Steven or find answers. The lights have burned out twice now, but our hope for Steven has not. This year we are asking all of those who know and love Steven to join us as we relight our "White Light of Hope" tree again in his memory. We encourage all of you who want to participate to light a tree in your yard with white lights and to leave it lit throughout the year as a marker of our hope and love for Steven.

On Tuesday December 13 at 7 pm we will gather at Deanne's home to relight the tree in his honor. Please come out to celebrate the life and memory of Steven.

Once again thank you for your love and support through the challenges and hardships we have face these past two years. You will never fully know how much you have strengthened us. We love you all!

By:Dallin Koecher

Koecher Family “relights” hope for Steven

2011-12-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are doing a tree lighting event Tuesday at my parents house in Bountiful. Please come if you can. If can't come please light a tree in your yard as a way to remember Steven and spread hope for his return or information about his case. More details below.

Thanks,

Dallin

Bountiful, Utah – The family of missing person Steven Koecher will be honoring the two year mark of his disappearance on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 pm as they relight the “White Light of Hope” tree at the Koecher residence in Bountiful.

“After two years and little news or updates all we have left is hope, and the lights on this tree symbolize our hope,” said Dallin Koecher, younger brother to Steven.

One of the last things Steven did before he went missing was put up white Christmas lights on a tree out front of his parent’s home. The tree became a symbol of hope for his parents, Rolf and Deanne Koecher, reminding them daily their son was missing and not to give up hope for Steven’s safe return.

The lights eventually burned out sometime during the summer months and the Koecher’s relight it on the anniversary of Steven’s disappearance. This year as the Koecher’s relight the tree they are asking friends, family and anyone who loved Steven to honor his memory by lighting “White Light of Hope” trees at their homes as well.

“We hope that when people see white trees at homes around the valley they will think of Steven and remember that his family still has hope,” said Deanne Koecher, Steven’s mother.

Everyone is welcome to come out to the Koecher residence in Bountiful on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:00 pm as they relight the “White Light of Hope” tree for Steven. For more information about the event or questions please call Dallin Koecher at 801-721-7353.

Event Details
• Who: Koecher Family
• What: Relight “White Light of Hope” tree
• When: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 7:00 pm
• Where: 334 West 3100 South Bountiful, Utah

###

Here is an article ran in the SLC Tribune today. http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/53090169-183/steven-koecher-dallin-family.html.csp

By:Dallin Koecher

A Brother Missing

2010-04-22T08:09:00.005-06:00

It has been over four months now since we learned that our brother, son and friend, Steven Koecher went missing in the Las Vegas area. Since then our family has spent countless hours worrying and wondering about Steven. Where could he be? Why did he go down there? Why hasn't he tried making contact with us? What has happened to him? Is he alive or dead? So many questions and so little answers. It is absolutely amazing that with today's technologies that someone could go missing with out a trace of evidence.

Now four months, multiple searches, dozens of news stories and even a reward later still I don't think we are any closer to finding him then the day my dad and I went down there to search the area. Now it's time for me to express my feelings about the situation. I have been suppressing them and ignoring them and what ever else I can to do in an attempt not to feel.

Do you know what limbo feels like? I think I could tell you. Imagine the spectrum of emotion from pure joy and happiness to the deepest sorrow and pain, well for me limbo isn't on that scale at all. It's not even an emotion. It's a place where you can't feel the good or the pain. I think not feeling at all is worse then being in a pit of the deepest sorrow. At least then you know where to go from there. This whole thing has left me off the canons of normal emotion and taken me to a place I don't recognize.

I have become numb. When I talk about Steven to others I don't feel happy or sad, hopeful or doubtful, I just don't feel. It's become like talking about the weather in a forced conversation in which you try to avoid the awkwardness of silence. Meaningless. Each time some one asks me "Any news?" I go into the weather spiel. "No."

I must apologize to my family and friends who may think I am not take the gravity of the situation seriously. I'm sorry if I continue to be too jovial, or have seemed to move on, but really I hide the pain and fear of expecting the worst. I hide behind a smile, a joke, and a pretend confidence. I don't know of any other way to cope. I love my brother Steven so much. I feel like he and I always had a special bond, like we were cut from the same fabric as it were. I would call him from time to time to talk about anything and nothing, and he would do the same to me. Hearing his voice on his voice mail now that he's not a phone call away cuts deep inside of me.

So I apologize to my dear family. What you see in me now is a person coping over a missing brother. I haven't given up, but I just don't know where to go. I haven't lost hope, in the other side of the veil at least. It's in God's hands now.

Love ya Steve.By: Dallin Koecher

Jackson Vid

2009-11-21T11:59:00.002-07:00

Here is Amber torturing Jackson with cold wet hair to wake him up.

Jackson Dallin Koecher the First

2009-11-20T17:42:00.007-07:00

This is me washing the head of Jackson.

The new and improved Koecher family.

Jackson right after he got off oxygen.

Amber and Jackson before before he was taken to the NICU. Amber had to stay and get stitched up. She was a real trooper.

Amber and I after the baby was born

Jackson weighing in at 8 lbs 2 0z

Amber right before the C Section started.

Me at 5:30 in the morning....

Amber at 5:30 in the morning, I think she handles it better than me.

Balloons, Baby Shower, and a Limo

2009-11-19T07:47:00.002-07:00

What do balloons, a baby shower, a black Cadillac limo, five police cars, and a pellet gun have in common? One exciting night!

Last Thursday some of Amber's friends through here a baby shower up here in Logan at our house. I, like any other self respecting man would do, graciously fled from the house! Well when the shower was near the end I came home. I hadn't eaten in an hour and a half so I needed nourishment, and I heard that there were plenty of snacks at shower.

Amy and Tycee, the party organizers, wanted a ride in my friend Creighton's limo, so I pulled some strings to get them a ride aka a quick text message. Creighton came over to our house about 9 pm to give us a ride in the limo that would soon be a night to remember. (That's a little foreshadowing for ya)

To decorate for the shower Amy and Tycee brought some balloons and tied them to the railing out side of our house. When we got married a friend gave me an air soft pellet gun, and I typically don't have much reason to use it except to scare off stray cats and to remind little brothers my dominance over them. So one could imagine that a pair of perfectly good, helium filled, star shaped balloons would be quite the tempting target.

As Creighton arrives I am standing pretty much point blank next to the balloons shooting them. Apparently they were super balloons because I couldn't get them to pop. I go down to the street to talk to Creighton and wait for the lady folk to come down. To pass the time as we waited I took aim at the balloons and fired away.

Chikchik BANG! Chikchik BANG! Chikchik BANG! Chikchik BANG! Chikchik BANG! Chikchik BANG! (I must have been pretty trigger happy or something)

Anywho... We go for a limo ride. It was great. Nothing like a ride in smooth Cadillac while jamming out to NSYNC. Good times.

On our way back to the house, all of a sudden red and blue lights come flashing at us from the rear. A COP! EVERYONE SCATTER! We pull over to the side of the road and as the officer comes to the car we wonder what we were doing wrong to get pulled over.

Two officers come up to the car, tell us to roll down all the windows, and then asks Creighton to get out of the car. Later an officer asks about anything illegal in the car, and I didn't realize that I still had the air soft gun. Soon they start asking about my gun and if I still had it. I did. Before I know it I am asked to get out of the car because I was the owner of the gun.

Luck wasn't with me that evening because when I stepped out of the car there were now five, count em, five police cars there and I had a pocket knife. So imagine this if you were a person driving by, one black limo, five police cars, two civilians and one of them with his hands on his head getting pat down by an officer. (that was me by the way) If that was you what would you assume?

To rap up, come to find out that a neighbor saw me shooting the gun and then saw us drive off in a black limo, and called the cops because they were concerned. We were let go after I told the officer my red neck story - We were at a baby shower shooting balloons with a gun that I got for a wedding present, does it get more redneck than that? Maybe if Amber had gone into labor in the car or something....

What a memorable night, baby shower, guns, cops, a pat down and one awesome limo!

Teach For America...not this year

2009-09-24T21:04:00.002-06:00

Dear Admissions and Staffing Offices,

Third time's the charm? Not with Teach for America.

In the past six months I have applied to three different positions within Teach for America, one a public relations job, the other a marketing job, and finally now a teaching position. I believed in the mission of Teach for America so much that I just had to be a part of this amazing organization.

My final hope was to apply for the teaching route. I had wanted to all along, but I had to wait for the application to come out for the 2010 year. I was so excited to be able to finally apply for the main corps, because I was hoping that someday I could take my own adventure of a two year commitment to teach. So I did ALL that was asked of me I jumped through the hoops, crossed all the "T's," answered all the questions openly and honestly, studied the mission of Teach for America, and anything else to give it my best shot. Then today, "Thanks, but not Thanks"

I find it hard to believe that I didn't rise to the top, and make it to the next round. I garuantee that if you would have taken the chance to interview me you would have seen how my personallity would have been perfect for teaching, how my experience acutally teaching qualified me, and you would have heard the innovative ideas I have that would have revolutionized engaging students in the classroom. In my spare time I actually think of better ways to teach people. In my spare time I watch people and take note of how they learn. In my spare time I make lesson plans that are highly interactive, fun, and educational. If I do all that in my spare time, imagine what I could have done for Teach for Amercia. Imagine what I could have done for those students.

I want to thank you for your time. I hope you had a chance to read this email. Feel free to contact me if you want.

Sincerly,

Dallin Koecher
Public Relations Specialist

USU Grant Will Look at School Trust Lands

2009-09-16T08:13:00.002-06:00

Utah State University has received a $750,000 grant for research on the best practices for managing school trust lands in Utah and around the country.

The Landgrant Education And Research Network (LEARN) project is designed to conduct research on the use of school trust lands granted to public institutions throughout the country by Congress. The project is spearheaded by the Center for the School of the Future in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

The study hopes to find ideas and insights on the use of school trust lands, and Rich West, executive director of the Center for the School of the Future, is optimistic about the outcome.

“We hope to learn more about the best practices for managing school and institutional trust lands,” West said. “We expect to find innovative and effective practices in many states that still have trust lands.”

In addition to the research, the grant money will be used to begin the process of educating institutions and schools on their trust holdings of land and funds.

The LEARN project has the potential to provide major improvements in the management of school trust lands throughout the nation. With a greater knowledge on the effective use of the granted land, schools will have more money to improve education and upgrade schools.
School trust lands were given to public schools as a way for them to supplement their costs through the sale, lease or use of the land.

“The funds will be used to conduct the research and analysis of data pertaining to the management of school and institutional trust lands,” West said.

Congress granted more than 140 million acres of school trust lands to public schools and millions more to universities across the nation. According to the School LAND Trust program Web site, Utah still has 3.3 million acres of school trust land. Each year these lands provide millions of dollars for Utah public schools.

According to West and the National Education Association, Utah and Utah State University are acknowledged leaders in effectively using school trust lands to generate added revenue for Utah schools. In the 2007-2008 school year, this program generated $25.3 million for school improvement projects.

Through misuse and poor management of the trust land, many states have all but lost most of this valuable resource. West and the center are eager to start the research and create a network of information on properly using the land before more it is lost.

“LEARN will research how the remaining school and university lands and funds are being administered and provide information and support pertaining to new and emerging promising practices,” said West.

Related links:
Center for the School of the Future
Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services

Writer: Dallin Koecher, 435-797-1350, dallin.koecher@usu.eduContact: Rich West, 435-797-1994, rich.west@usu.edu

Orginally published in the Utah State Today Online magazine.

http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=38645

By: Dallin Koecher

Koechers for the Cure

2009-09-14T19:55:00.005-06:00

Logan, UT - On Saturday September 12, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation held their annual "Walk to Cure Diabetes." This year's walk brought out many participants from all over the county and probably even farther. Whether it was the free food, the sunshine or the chance to show off team t-shirts that enticed participants out didn't matter because everyone was at least united in the cause to cure diabetes.

When we could be doing almost anything on a beautiful Saturday morning Amber and I decided we would do something that was more about helping others then about ourselves. The decision to joint the walk came when we both heard an add on the radio announcing the event. We both felt that we needed to start giving back to our community and take an active role in participating in local events.

Hundreds of people were in attendance for the walk. As the announcer went through the morning entertainment it became clear that most of the people there were seasoned 5k cure walkers. As for Amber and I it was our first walk...ever.

In the Greater Utah Chapter of JDRF there are five walks scheduled in the fall that extend from Orem to Boise, Idaho. We participated in the Cache County Willow park walk. The 5k started at the beautiful Willow Park in Logan and meandered it's way around the local neighborhood and on to the Logan River walk way. A person couldn't ask for a more inspiring place to take a walk for a good cause.

One of the most touching things for us as first timers to the world of diabetes fundraising was to hear the stories of young children who just found out they had the disease, and knowing forever more their lives will be changed.

Amber was diagnosed with type I diabetes just before her sweet 16 birthday. At the time it was very scary for her and her family as they faced a new challenge that none of them could have ever prepared for. Now eight years later with practice and education diabetes has become a part of her life that, with a little effort, she controls so it doesn't control her. It can be safely said that her ability to manage the disease through use of her pump and tester and other actions she takes has been greatly affected by research which was made possible by fundraisers like this.

According to their website JDRF was founded in 1970 and since then has provided our $1.3 billion for research for the disease. Now Amber and I join the fight to cure this disease so that one day others won't have to deal with the hundreds of pin pricks, changing sites, low and high blood sugar, and the constant vigilance it takes to manage the disease.

Editing photos

2009-03-27T08:28:00.005-06:00

This picture was a little more complicated then the buttom pic. Here I had multiply layers to get what i wanted. Here I changed the levels and the hue staturation options to change the color of the "elephant" looking rock so it was more vibrate and obivious. Then I created another layer and kept the levels the same on the people. I didn't want there colors to be adjusted so that the rock still remained the most important element in the picture. Then I merge those two layers together so I could start working on the back ground rock. I lighten them up so it looks like they are more distant. Then just for fun I added a "paint knife" affect to the backround. Finally I just cropped the part I wanted. There you have it.

Here are some of my pictures that I have transformed with photoshop. In this pic I have just added another layer, changed it to black and white. Then I erased the out line of the black and what truck to bring the red up. It was pretty simple.

Photoshop assignment

2009-03-06T09:37:00.001-07:00

Photoshop assignment

2009-03-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Facebook Frenzie

2009-02-13T08:36:00.003-07:00

Facebook- the new gossip girl. I must say I have a facebook account and I check often, not religiously, but often. I think it's a great way to stay somewhat connected to my friends, especially those out of state. People's lives are constantly changing and so are their facebook pages so its very easy to be up to date on everyone. However i do think its a little crazy how fast things can spread using facebook, that's why I call it the new gossip girl. Info on a facebook page one day can be a disaster the next. For example a buddy of mine jokingly wrote on my wall saying that I was engaged, the next day people who I hardly talk to in person but are facebook friends where all in a hissy fit. That's when I realized that ANYONE could be looking at my profile at any moment, friends, family, acquaintances and probably strangers. From then on I have tried to keep all the information on the page viewer neutral so it doesn't matter who sees it.

Hidden Secrets and High Prices

2009-02-06T08:07:00.004-07:00

The Internet sure has opened up a whole new bag of worms when it comes to privacy and the cost of instintaneous information. In an article about how popular search engines like Yahoo, Google and MSN, record peoples searches the author shows deep concern for governmental spying. I agree with this person in part, I don't think access to those records should be easy to get, but I don't agree that access to peoples search history should be protected limitlessly. Just like anything that is considered private information a proper warrant for that information is just as good. I mean what's the difference between the courts getting your bank statements for a case? Doesn't a bank statement show what a person has been doing for the past few months to a year? Search engine histories are similiar.

Where I think the problem could be solved is if those popular search enginges just didn't keep track of that info. Granted the customer wouldn't have as tailored results but then again you can subpeona information that doesn't exsist.

The other article I read concerning the Internet was about companies like AT&T who may chage more for companies like Google and Yahoo, because they use more bandwidth then others. Once againg mixed feelings about this.

Email me back nicely

2009-01-16T09:56:00.002-07:00

The Internet has become a integral part of our daily lives. Most respectable news agencies have space for their readers/viewers to post comments for the whole world to see. It is very disturbing for me to read these comments that are rude insensitive and have no news, educational or social value. Most often times they are directed toward specific authors. To me it seems this kind of communication is actually hurting our society. One of the main problems, and perks, of the Internet is anonymity, which gives people a false since of being unaccountable. It makes me glad to see sites like the ones we read that are working to teach people Internet and email etiquette. Hopefully more people will read these articles and the same level of courtesy we expect in person will filter to cyberspace.

Presentation draft

2008-04-16T09:55:00.001-06:00

Presentation ideas
Take KSL through a normal class experience w/out technology

Attention grabber:
We would like to thank KSL for allowing us to come down here to share with you our need for at USU. Before we get started we would like to ask you if we could borrow one of your laptops…

Power Point Presentation
· Pictures of rooms
· Slide of budget plan
o $800 per computer (25) - $20,000
o $1,500 per projector (2) - $3,000
o $2,000 left over for instillation costs

· Benefits coming in and going out
o Outline the important benefits that a donation from KSL would bring.

· July deadline for August installment
o Stress the importance of the deadline so the computer equipment will be ready for the Fall Semester in 2008

Proposal letter Final

2008-04-14T23:03:00.003-06:00

KSL - NEWS
113 S 100 ESTE 123
Salt Lake City, UT 84555

To whom it may concern,

Executive Summary

Utah State University needs $25,000 in monetary donations to update old computers.
We need KSL – News to donate by July 2008 in order to be prepared for the 2008 – 2009 school year.
The donation will not only help the students at USU, but it will also better prepare your interns and future employees you hire from USU.

The Utah State University department of journalism and communication (JCOM) seeks $25,000 for new computers and multimedia equipment to give their high achieving students a leap forward into an ever advancing technology world. For many years, graduates from Utah State have been known for their great research skills, integrity and hard work boosting them to the top of the industry. We wish to give them the technology skills necessary for the future of media. This is why we have come to KSL - NEWS to ask you to be a part of this cause to help USU get the needed media tools into the classrooms and into hands of our students.

The JCOM department has come to KSL – NEWS to ask them to donate $25,000 in monetary contributions so we can purchase the necessary equipment. We know KSL-NEWS has accepted many of our student interns in the past based on their hard work and ethical journalism. Now our students need this added technology edge. Just as you know, technology in the communication field is always changing and good journalists have to be able to adapt quickly to those changes. We have come to KSL-NEWS now in a cooperative effort to help our students get the advanced media skills they will need to remain the top journalism students in Utah and in their profession after graduation.

Right now the JCOM department is based on the third floor of a century old building. With a situation like this, the future employees of your company might not be as qualified or ready to take on their tasks when newly employed. Many of the other departments on campus are getting building renovations, new building donations, and multimillion dollar donations to fund their programs. If our program is to compete, it needs the tools to compete. With computers becoming obsolete, they need to be replaced with newer, updated equipment.

That is why we must progress forward. KSL - NEWS has been a leader in the media for this state appealing to a wide variety of viewers over the years. With this donation, KSL – NEWS would not only be remembered by the students in the department, but by all the citizens in the valley. KSL – NEWS would have the edge over its competition. Not only that, the students would be better equipped and ready to enter the media field.

The USU Journalism Department has a faculty of nationally recognized and respected scholars and professionals from all forms of mass media. With hundreds of undergraduate students focusing their hands-on experience and course work on real-world tasks, gaining the professional skills and intellectual flexibility they will need to survive and thrive among the fittest in today's fast-changing communications environment. Our plan is to make all of our JCOM classrooms qualified technologically to teach our students. With a group of veteran JCOM students teaming up with faculty, your monetary donation will effectively and efficiently solve the problem.

The proposed $25,000 will provide computers and overhead digital projectors for classrooms. Some of our teachers must require each student to purchase a laptop because classes are held in rooms where no teaching equipments is available to explain key concepts to the class. Updates in our outdated computer system will increase our new media learning. Given the wholesale cost of new capable computers for our lab and classrooms and of two new digital projectors for classrooms, the proposed amount, when used efficiently, will provide for our needs.

We ask KSL – News to act quickly by July 15, 2008 because we want to update our department before students arrive for the 2008 – 2009 school year. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

Mike Sweeney

USU Journalism Department Head

Contact:Danny Robinson

USU Public Relation

435-770-5071

djrob@cc.usu.edu

Aggie Jazz

2008-03-04T22:01:00.004-07:00

Aggie Jazz

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 25, 20008

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

Make your party swing with USU Jazz

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, afforable 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.

"I love the ambiance a live band gave to my reception," said Stephanie Stagg who recently hired the USU Jazz combo for hear wedding this past December. "The sound was excellent. When you get such quality out of a college band you are getting the best deal."

Utah State has been training jazz musicians for a long time. The two jazz combo's are more recent additions to the university. The students meet a few times a week to practice to sound as professional as possible.

For more information about pricing and availibilty please contact Dallin Koecher.

Dallin Koecher
Band Member and Media Contact
dallin.koecher@aggiemail.usu.edu

###

Media Pitch (final)

2008-02-27T22:05:00.002-07:00

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

Assignment 2 Press Release to stories

2008-02-25T17:03:00.003-07:00

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

2008-02-25T16:11:00.002-07:00

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

Aggie Jazz (draft)

2008-02-24T19:41:00.004-07:00

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.

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

dallin.koecher@aggiemail.usu.edu

CVAIA Final

2008-02-12T21:50:00.003-07:00

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

cachevalley@gmail.com

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

Cache Vallley Area Investors Association (Draft)

2008-02-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

d.koecher@CVAIA.com

‘Bunts, singles’ are path to success

2008-02-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

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: Dallin Koecher

Positioning Statement

2008-02-07T18:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Burger Planet Final

2008-02-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

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

Burger Planet

2008-02-02T14:56:00.000-07:00

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

###

ABC Real Estate Press Release

2008-01-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

ABC Real Estate

News Release

January 21, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Bret Cob

123 Creative Way, Logan UT 84341

801-555-4567

New buisness seeks investors

LOGAN, Utah -- Getting more bang for your buck, is the guarantee of ABC Real Estate LLC. New to the Cache Valley region pres. Bret Cob of ABC Real Estate has developed a creative way of purchasing and processing homes that will put money back into investors pockets.

ABC Real Estate hit the Utah market back in August 2007 and experienced great success. Cob and associates are pleased to bring their company up from the Salt Lake valley to help anyone who would like to purchase a home and make some money at the same time.

"With the success we have had in Salt Lake we wanted introduce our services to the Logan area," Cob said. “We don’t care about making money but helping people get into homes.”

Cob and, his Logan business partner, Evan Nielsen are able to guarantee to any investor at least a 10 percent return on their investment but say 40 percent is more likely. ABC Real Estate uses a equity land trust system that employs four parties in a mutually benefiting relationship.

First ABC obtains properties from the settler party, or people interested in selling their homes. Second the credit party uses their good credit to take out the loan on the home. Then the investor party provides the down payment for loan, and finally the resident party lives in the home making the mortgage payments as rent. As the home appreciates in value each party receives a percentage of the profit.

The process can be complicated to understand, but that’s where Cob’s company comes in.
"We do all the legal paper work," he said. He can guarantee the credit payments are made on time each month by the resident, and since they have already acquired many homes in Logan they are excited to get going.

For more information about investing in this program contact ABC Real Estate.

Media Contact
Dallin Koecher
dwkoecher@yahoo.com

###

Letter to cousin

2008-01-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

Dear KC,

Hey there KC! You know as I got to thinking about this new semester and the classes I am taking, and it hit me I have never told you what public relations really is, so here we go!

As you may know it is similar to journalism but there are a few differences that set PR, as we in the business like to call it, and journalism apart. I think the best way to understand what a PR person does is to think of them as the go between for a group or firm and the public. When a firm, group or organization wants the media to cover an event or story they go to their PR person to get them involved. So they will write something called a press release that outlines the details of the story from the point of view of the company or firm.

In journalism the writing differs from PR because they have to take an unbiased point of view. Now that isn't to say that PR people are biased but their writing is focused on helping the general public understand a company or a product. When it comes to representing the company a PR person works for they have to know quite a bit about them. They have to able to answer the tough questions and if they can't they have to know who can.

All these things fascinate me about PR, and that's why I have chosen this route because I want to help people understand potentially complex situations. What really excites me about PR is that it opens up a lot of doors of opportunity like advertising and marketing. I hope this gives you a good glimpse into what I will be doing in the future.

Something New

2008-01-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, blogging, who knew that I would ever become a blogger. In an effort to avoid sounding like a broken record and say to those who read this that what I say will be profoundly different, therefore my opinon matters, I say "Probably not." I bet what is read here won't inspire readers to change there lives or elect me to some sort of public office. In all likelihood it will just be some simple thoughts about the world around me from my prespective and with any luck you might get a laugh out of this. Take it or leave it. That being said, Enjoy!