Catching Up on Good Times

What an exciting 2009! Already we've nealy reached the month of February and we have a lot of exciting news to report.

First of all, even though we've all been dealing with tougher economic times, Pam and Rick managed to host a wonderful holiday party for the office at Taverna Opa, a fun Greek restaurant with belly dancers. It was great to celebrate the season with our co-workers and significant others, especially when we still have so much to be grateful for. 

In addition, we have much to smile about when it comes to Pam's new book, "I See Your Name Everywhere." She's been everywhere! Her media savvy has helped her land many wonderful media opportunities, including a recent interview with "Look Up Orlando" Magazine, courtesy of Mark Goldstein, an old contact from her radio sales days. Mark is now the publisher of the magazine, and still remembers the days when Pam trained staffers at radio and TV stations across the country to sell more!

Lastly, and probably most importantly, we'd like to officially welcome our newest staff member, Amanda Tucker, who has been a wonderful addition to PR/PR. She comes to us from the University of South Florida, with a degree in public relations, and is making waves as Pam's new PR assistant. She's doing a great job, and manages to keep us ALL organized! She even has the guts to join in the fun of PR/PR's wacky holidays, such as "Pajama Day" which took place last week…

We’re On Our Way to NSA!

PR/PR is very excited to be attending the National Speakers Association first ever fall conference in Scottsdale, AZ this week. This year’s theme, Keep It Real, will bring about new networking opportunities and a whole new program. Attendees can chose between the Intensive Track, which is designed to delve deep into a subject with all-day seminars; the Mega Tract, which are half-day sessions; or a traditional Concurrent Track of shorter sessions that allow you to cover lots of subject matter from experts in their fields.

If you’re going to be at the DoubleTree Paradise Valley Resort, please be sure to visit PR/PR’s booth anytime and enter for your chance to win a FREE press release, written and distributed to hundreds of newspaper editors. The drawing will be held Saturday, Nov. 22 at 5 p.m. so stop by and see if you’re a winner (need not be present to win)! While you’re there, pick up a copy of Pam Lontos’ new book, “I See Your Name Everywhere – Leverage the Power of the Media to Grow Your Fame, Wealth and Success,” for the discounted Conference rate of only $12.95. You will also get a FREE copy of her first book, “Don’t Tell Me It’s Impossible Until After I’ve Already Done It.”

Saturday night’s dinner is western themed, so look forward to photos of PR/PR in their best rodeo wear. See you there, Buckaroo!

Party Like It’s 2008!

As the holidays approach, there’s a lot of excitement here in the PR/PR office. While the weather cools down in other areas of the country, we are still experiencing wonderfully warm days, even if Halloween is practically around the corner. We are not just getting ready to dress up for the annual PR/PR Halloween costume contest (creative people – go figure), but we are also making plans to celebrate our colleague, Kristen’s twenty-something birthday!

And we have another reason to party. Our company president, Pam Lontos, was recently awarded Southern California’s Publicist of the Year in the 2008 Irwin Awards, (which stands for Industry Recognition of Writers In the News). What an honor!

Also, I think the whole office is excited about the launch of Pam’s new book, "I See Your Name Everywhere — Leverage the Power of the Media to Grow Your Fame, Wealth and Success." The book has already garnered media buzz including a blog mention and a feature in “Investor’s Business Daily.”

It’s getting hard to concentrate with all the excitement around here!

If you don’t vote, you can’t whine …

Since Presidential candidates often seem to express the same views but in different words, it may not look like it matters who wins. But this doesn’t mean it’s not important to vote.

According to Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru at Advocacy Associates, here are the reasons why it’s absolutely critical all eligible voters make their views known November 4:

· Congress Matters: All 435 members of the U.S. House must stand for re-election, as well as 35 members of the U.S. Senate. Decisions about the balance of power rest in citizens’ hands.

· Your Neighborhood Matters: Every city, town and borough in the country will have an opportunity to vote on issues that will impact them on a day-to-day basis.

· Your Pocketbook Matters: Whether it’s your pension, your insurance or how long unemployment benefits will last, don’t you want people you trust making those decisions?

· The Health of Our Democracy Matters: Good decisions are made only when all views are considered. Further, when we don’t participate, we give up our right to whine about the outcome.

Pam Wins Lifetime Achievement Award!

PR/PR is proud to announce that the 2008 George Morrisey Lifetime Achievement Award was given to our very own Pam Lontos! This prestigious award was awarded to Pam at last month’s National Speakers Association Convention in Tampa (for the Central Florida Chapter). Each year, the NSA chapter president grants the George Morrisey award to a member whose achievements in the speaking industry are outstanding.

As some of you may know, Pam has been very involved with NSA over the past decade. She is currently in charge of the Writers and Publishers’ PEG and also sponsors many of the NSA events, such as last year’s award banquet and this year’s Gala at the NSA national convention in New York City.

“I’m so honored to have been recognized by my peers. NSA is a wonderful organization with fantastic people,” said Pam.

And we’re honored to have Pam leading our PR/PR team!

Convention Count Down

The National Speaker’s Association convention is only a month away! AAACK! There are brochures to print, banners to order and jeans to buy (the NSA Rocks! theme continues with ‘groupie’ attire for Saturday night).

If you’re going to be there, be sure to stop by PR/PR’s booth anytime and enter for your chance to win a FREE press release, written and distributed to hundreds of newspaper editors. We will hold two drawings – Sunday and Monday at 3:45 p.m. – so stop by and see if you’re a winner! While you’re there, grab a copy of Pam’s new book, “I See Your Name Everywhere – Leverage the Power of the Media to Grow Your Fame, Wealth and Success,” for a discounted convention rate! We’ll also give you a FREE copy of her Pam’s first book, “Don’t Tell Me It’s Impossible Until After I’ve Already Done It.”

You can also rub elbows with Pam, Rick and me on Monday, August 4, as our company is this year’s sponsor of the Awards Gala and Dinner. So come rock at the reception and mingle with us.

Smells Like Teen Spirit?

Ah summertime. The stifling heat and humidity here in Florida bring back fond memories of past summer jobs as a teen. One stint was at a greeting card shop, where I blissfully organized birthday cards and gift wrap in an air-conditioned office. The following year, I did the complete opposite and worked as an overheated costumed character at one of the theme parks. Obviously fake fur and 100 degree weather just don’t mix, so that job didn’t last long.

Things have changed since then. These days, teens are either not searching for a job or have no available jobs to look forward to. According to a recent USA TODAY story, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the percentage of teens working this summer is expected to continue a 40-year downturn. 

Ken Whiting, an authority on entry-level workforce issues explains, "This is a perfect example of how teens have changed, but employers have not. Getting a summer job used to be something you didn’t even think about … and then realized the value in hindsight." He goes on to explain that in some areas, there just aren’t many opportunities for teens, whereas in other areas, teens have different expectations about how they will spend their summers.  

This year, the PR/PR office is feeling the heat – at least in relation to finding a student intern. Usually we have no problem finding someone (or multiple someones) who wants the summer job experience, but this year seems to be different. Maybe teens are too “cool” to work the 9 to 5. Or maybe the lure of the theme parks and free park admission is too much to compete with?

Either way, we will press on. According to Ken, who is also the author of "WAVES for Teenage Workforce Success," teens are looking everywhere but the classified ads to find their summer jobs. So, we’ve taken his advice and posted our openings on the Internet. Does anyone want to work in a nice, cool, air-conditioned office this summer?

How Should YOU Spend Your Rebate Check?

People all over the country have started receiving their $600 tax rebate checks – $1,200 for married couples – and they will soon hear a hysterical, patriotic call to run out and purchase a new flat panel television or an updated iPod.  The rebate is intended to stimulate the economy, right?

Maybe there is better option … one that enlarges the impact you can have on your life.  According to author, John Baker, these tax rebates are the quintessential example of “found” money – like reaching into a jacket pocket and finding a mislaid 10 spot.  If you spend it, chances are you’ll forget what you bought in six months. However, you have the opportunity to make a difference in your life.  Baker recommends four ideas to get everyone motivated to take bolder action with their rebate checks:

1. Confirm your commitment to get out of debtors prison by paying off an outstanding loan obligation, or generate a risk-free 15 to 20 percent return on your money by paying down your most expensive credit card and then cutting the card in two.

2. Get your money to work for you.  Turn your money habits around and become a lender not a borrower. Purchase shares of a well-managed bond fund and watch your account grow as other people impulsively spend their windfall.

3. Send a grandchild to college.  Twelve hundred dollars doesn’t get much today, but combined with a $300 child credit, in 20 years it can grow to be a considerable asset. At an 8.5 percent return, your grandchild can have over $7.5K to get going on his or her first quarter of school.  Better yet, let’s say your children are young and you estimate a 30 horizon before their (unborn) children go to college.  Your tax rebate generates over $17K!

4. Leave a $100,000 legacy.  Imagine the impact your $100,000 will have on the future of your family if you invest $1,200, achieving 8.5 percent average return for 55 years. That’s a long time, but remember you’re investing “found” money.  Let it do the hard work and sit back satisfied that your decision will do good long after you’re gone.

Sure, you can make that next purchase, get the immediate gratification and enjoy a fleeting amusement … or, you can take the windfall and choose to do something of lasting value.

A Personal Peak…

Orlando seems to feel hotter and more humid each day, and that can only mean one thing: Summertime is almost here! It’s hard to believe how quickly the time flies; it feels like just yesterday that we had our holiday celebration at the Greek-inspired Taverna Opa.

And as the world turns, so do the lives of the PR/PR staff! Pam and her business partner/husband Rick are off to the sunny shores of Hawaii tomorrow! They are not only celebrating their 22nd wedding anniversary, but they are also taking a well-deserved vacation before Pam speaks at the Los Angeles NSA Chapter meeting May 10.

In more exciting news, the office celebrated Patricia Klier’s five-year anniversary today! As our manager, we all seek Patricia’s guidance on a daily basis – her insight is absolutely invaluable, and she is an integral part of the success of this office. Hooray for five years!

We are also excited to let you know that, after seven months of hard-core dieting and exercising, Russell Trahan has met his Weight Watchers goal weight.  He has maintained that level for six weeks, earning lifetime status from the life-style change company. Back off ladies … he’s very happily married!

And last, but certainly not least, my boyfriend, Juan David, popped “The Question” last Saturday during our weekend stay at Walt Disney World. He proposed at the wishing well outside of Cinderella’s castle, and it was truly the most wonderful, romantic moment of my life. Now on to the wedding planning!

Between all of our personal and professional happenings, we are definitely staying busy and loving every minute of it. You know what they say: Time flies when you’re having fun! We hope you’re enjoying life as well!

Aloha!

When Disaster Strikes … Be Prepared!

Between hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, terrorist attacks and other disasters, it seems as though we’re all at risk in one way or another. I was fortunate enough to live through several hurricanes a couple of years ago, and even though we live inland, we experienced some of the worst. So what can you do to protect yourself?

Doug Charney, a financial expert, says that although we may not be able to predict some of these disasters or avoid them completely, we can control how we protect our financial records and other important documents. So, as the summer heats up, now is the perfect time to assess your preparedness in case of an emergency. Doug says to ask yourself a few questions:

- Do you have a safe in your home? Everyone needs one that can withstand temperatures of up to 1700 degrees. Keep the safe bolted to the floor or heavy enough that a burglar wouldn’t be able to walk away with it.
- Do you have a safety deposit box? If you don’t, open one in a town outside of your own. That way, if a natural disaster or emergency does strike, your safety deposit box will have a lower chance of being struck by the same disaster.
- Do you have a financial disaster kit? Create one by making two copies of your important documents, such as the account numbers on your bank accounts and credit cards, your insurance information and retirement accounts. Place one copy in your home safe and one in your safety deposit box.
- Do you have an emergency cash fund? You should have at least three months of your income saved for emergencies. Don’t panic if you don’t have this right now; start saving small amounts and work your way up.
- Do you have cash or traveler’s checks readily available? At the very least, you should have $100 per person in your wallet or home, in cash or traveler’s checks. That way you have immediate funds should the banks shut down or close temporarily.
- Do you have a backup file of your computer’s information?  There are a number of different options, such as a data stick, tape drive or CD. Keep the back up with you or in a safe place, like your safety deposit box.
- Do you have an updated inventory of your possessions and valuables? These should be in a photo or video format for insurance purposes. Save copies of your receipts of large purchases such as furniture, appliances, TVs, or other big ticket items. 

While we don’t have control over the weather, we can be one step ahead when disaster strikes by preparing for the worst. Here’s to sunny days for all of us in the future…