*DO plan ahead

*DON’T wait until the last minute to issue a release

*DO check/double check/triple check spelling & grammar

*DO include “who, what, when, where, why” – the 5 W’s

*DO send the release to the correct writer or editor – sports, business, lifestyle, etc.

*DON’T write in the first person (We would like to announce the appointment of a new branch manager)

*DO write in the third person (Smith Corporation would like to announce the appointment of a new branch manager)

*DON’T mix too many subjects into one news release

*DO issue separate news releases as needed

*DON’T forget to include a contact name and phone number

*DON’T be afraid to follow-up with phone calls

*DO include photographs if possible

*DO keep your news release to two pages or less

*DO put the most important information in the first three paragraphs

*DO email and sent a hard copy via the USPS

*DON’T get frustrated if a release is not used!!!

Contact: Bob Goldberg, 937-477-8445

LOCAL INSURANCE

AGENT HONORED FOR 20^th ANNIVERSARY

West Carrollton, Ohio — While people may tend to think of the typical insurance agent as a staid, quiet and sedate person who only answers questions after consulting with a computer, local State Farm Insurance agent Bob Goldberg is not your typical insurance agent.

With pictures of his clients’ babies on the wall, a lobby full of toys and books, and a four-pound, one-year old dog named Coco, who eagerly greets anyone who comes near the front door, Goldberg’s office reflects his outgoing, down-to-earth personality that has contributed to his 20^th anniversary at State Farm Insurance.

A Cincinnati native and graduate of Citywide Learning Community and Xavier University in Cincinnati, Goldberg also studied theater at the U.C. College Conservatory of Music, and Playhouse in the Park. He has served in several capacities at State Farm, including as an adjustor, in bodily injury and casualty, and as a casualty adjustor.

His warmth and friendliness has defined how he has approached his business and he explains that his goal is to simply make life a little easier for clients. “When you think about it, the insurance business is a family business,” he explains. “Everything we offer greatly affects a family member, not just now, but for many years, or decades, in the future! This is a very satisfying way to earn a living.”

For example, Goldberg points to a program that allows parents and grandparents the opportunity to save for a college education that can be started when the child is an infant. Called a “529 Plan,” this provides tax-free funds when the child begins college, and can be used for a variety of needs.

With a full-service office located at 932 Water Tower Lane in West Carrollton, Goldberg notes that his office handles 72 products, including auto, homeowners, business, farm and ranch, health, life and annuities, disability, renters, long-term care, flood, and personal items.

(Media friendly subject matter)

• Employee promotions, appointments, certification
• Employee anniversaries – 5, 10, 20 years
• General enhancement & awareness of services
• Employee accomplishments in the community –
• Graduation, heroism, volunteerism
• New product or service – or “semi” new; new in area/region
• new location
• Industry recognition (Vendor of the Year, etc.)
• Grand openings/Corporate Anniversaries
• Special event, Open House
• Company related charity sponsorship, participation
• One millionth customer or widget

Food For Thought’s public relations coverage includes local, regional and national exposure.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PUBLICITY

…IT’S FREE!!!

WHY PUBLIC RELATIONS IS CREDIBLE

*News stories carry more impact than traditional advertising: “It must be true…I read it in the paper!”

*News releases carry more information to the public

*Establishes you company as an industry leader

TARGETING AND FOLLOWING UP WITH THE MEDIA

*Find the right target – community, editor, writer

(by name)

*Call 3-5 days later to see if the release has been received, if more info is needed, and if your release will be used

*Don’t be afraid to be a friendly “nag”

*Build a long-term relationship with editor, writer