MEMO

To: Ginny Sines

From: Olivia Robertson
Date: March 23, 2015
Re: Strategy for the Discover Millennium Park Media Kit
Enclosed is a media kit for the Discover Millennium Park event. Included is a
traditional news release, an online news release, backgrounder and fact sheet. A media
contact list, letter of agreement, social media management recommendation, and a client
evaluation form will also be included.
After discussing the event with you and our meeting, along with the letter of
agreement, the goal of this media kit was determined to be to raise awareness for the
event, Kent County Parks and Trails in general, and educate residents in order to change
practices in their own backyard. The contents of this media kit will help work towards
this goal.
The news release showcases the event itself, giving detailed information about the
event, like where it is located, on what day, and during what times. It also gives
information about the Kent County Parks and Trails.
The online news release has the same content that can be seen in the traditional
news release, but is formatted for a website and includes links to social media and links
to the Kent County Parks website mentioned in the news release.
The backgrounder focuses on Kent County as a whole organization and how the
Discover Millennium Park event began. It explains what Kent County Parks has to offer
other than the event, including the history, mission statement, and different sites.
The PSA will highlight the dangers of invasive plants in Michigan, and what
precautions can be take in order to get rid of these in a safe and effective way. This
document will highlight the importance of taking care of residents gardens and make
positive changes for their local environment.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with Kent County and the Discover
Millennium Park event in order to create a media kit that will promote both. I hope that
these documents are of use to you.

MEDIA CONTACT LIST

Newspaper
Media: The Daily Reporter
Contact Person: Trinity Bird
Title/Beat: Local News Staff Writer
Address: 15 W Pearl St. Coldwater, MI 49036
Phone: (517) 278-2318
Fax: (517) 278-6041
E-mail: editor@thedailyreporter.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: Grand Rapids Press
Contact Person: Sue Thoms
Title/Beat: Health Reporter
Address: 169 Monroe Ave NW S 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 222-5863
Fax: (616) 222-5409
E-mail: sthoms1@mlive.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: Grand Rapids Press
Contact Person: Todd Chance
Title/Beat: Entertainment Reporter
Address: 169 Monroe Ave NW S 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 222-5585
Fax: (616) 222-5831
E-mail: tchance@mlive.com
Deadline: Not Listed

Contact Preference: E-mail

Media: J-Ad Graphics
Contact Person: Mary Tinsley Young
Title/Beat: Lifestyle Editor
Address: 514 S Kalamazoo Marshall, MI 49068
Phone: (269) 781-5444
Fax: (269) 945-5192
E-mail: marytinsley@jasnetworks.net
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail

Magazine
Media: On the Town
Contact Person: Joanna Bailey-Boorsma
Title/Beat: Local Entertainment Editor
Address: 2141 Port Sheldon St Jenison, MI 49428
Phone: (616) 209-0317
Fax: (616) 662-4060
E-mail: joanne_bailey_boorsma@mlive.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: Revue West Michigan
Contact Person: Lindsay Patton-Carson
Title/Beat: Managing Editor
Address: 65 Monroe Center NW S 5 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 608-6170
Fax: (616) 608-6182
E-mail: lindsay@revenuewm.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail

Television
Media: Wood-TV
Contact Person: Eva Aquirre Cooper
Title/Beat: Director of Community Affairs
Address: 120 College Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 771-5755
Fax: (616) 465-5755
E-mail: eva.aguirrecooper@woodtv.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WWMT - TV
Contact Person: Susan Abraham
Title/Beat: Program Director
Address: 590 W Maple Kalamazoo MI 49008
Phone: (269) 388-3333
Fax: (269) 388-8228
E-mail: program@wwmt.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WOTV - TV
Contact Person: Jordan Carson
Title/Beat: Lifestyle "Social Sizzle" Expert
Address: 120 College Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 459-8888
Fax: (616) 456-9169
E-mail: carsonj33@yahoo.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail

Radio Station
Media: WGVU - AM
Contact Person: Scott Vander Werf
Title/Beat: Arts and Entertainment
Address: 301 Fulton St W Grand Rapids MI 49503
Phone: (616) 331-7352
Fax: (616) 331-6625
E-mail: vanders@gvsu.edu
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WBBL - FM
Contact Person: Dave Jaconette
Title/Beat: Program Director
Address: 60 Monroe Center St NW Grand Rapids MI 49503
Phone: (616) 855-8344
Fax: (616) 744-2491
E-mail: dave.jaconette@cumulus.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WGLM - FM
Contact Person: Jim Aaron
Title/Beat: General Manager
Address: 9181 SW Greenwille Rd Greenville, MI 48838
Phone: (616) 754-1063
Fax: (616) 619-6138
E-mail: music@m1063.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: Not Listed
Media: WBXX - FM
Contact Person: Nate Adams
Title/Beat: Public Service Director
Address: 390 Golden Ave Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: (269) 660-1049
Fax: (269) 963-5185
E-mail: nate.adams@townsquaremedia.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WION - AM
Contact Person: Jim Carlyle Angus

Title/Beat: General Manager

Address: 1150 Haynor Rd Ionia, MI 48846
Phone: (616) 527-9466
Fax: (616) 775-5908
E-mail: Carlyle@i1430.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: WVFM - FM
Contact Person: Tim Abramowski
Title/Beat: Public Service Director
Address: 4200 W Main St Kalamazoo MI 49006
Phone: (269) 345-7121
Fax: (269) 345-1456
E-mail: tim.abramowski@wkzo.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail

Website/Blog
Media: GR Now
Contact Person: Josh Depenbrok
Title/Beat: Publisher and Editor
Address: 15 Ionia Ave SW S 220 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: Not Listed
Fax: Not Listed
E-mail: josh@grnow.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail
Media: Busted Wallet - Blog
Contact Person: Joshua Herder
Title/Beat: Editor in Chief
Address: 223 McConnell Ave North Muskegon MI 49445
Phone: (616) 283-3995
Fax: Not Listed
E-mail: josh@bustedwallet.com
Deadline: Not Listed
Contact Preference: E-mail

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Olivia Robertson

(248) 996-7118
robertso@mail.gvsu.edu

Birds, Fish, Invasive Species, Oh My!

Kent County Parks hosts annual Discovery event this Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (May 11, 2015) Excited about the summer sun? Dont
know what to do with the kids this Saturday? Spend it outside, exploring the beautiful
Millennium Park at Kent Counties Discover! Millennium Park event on May 16.
Every year, Kent County Parks kicks off the start of warm weather and sun with a
free, fun, educational discovery program for families and kids of all ages.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., residents and nature lovers alike can be found exploring
the Hansen Trail, where kids participate in a scavenger hunt along the trail while also
teaching them about the amazing ecosystem that exists in the heart of Millennium Park.
This is such a great, fun, and educational way to get kids out and about, said
avid trail-walker Maddie Rich. Families looking for a fun way to explore nature around
Grand Rapids would definitely love this event.
There are 11 different stops throughout the course of the trail where event-goers
can learn about the history of Millennium Park, along with the vast amounts of diverse
wildlife currently inhabiting the area.
(MORE)

At the end of each nature walk, residents will get a native plant to take home with
them and plant in their own backyard, promoting the importance of maintaining native
plants and getting rid of invasive plants.
One of Kent Counties main goals to accomplish with this event is to educate
nature-walkers about how harmful invasive species are to the wildlife around them, and
influence them to constructively change their practices in their own backyard.
ABOUT KENT COUNTY PARKS AND TRAILS
Founded in 1924, Kent County Parks Departments mission statement is to enhance the
quality of life in Kent County by providing outstanding parks and trails adhering to the
highest standards of recreation. There are 41 sites and trails to explore throughout Kent
County, covering over 6,700 acres and 28 miles of paved recreational trails. There are
also a variety of volunteer opportunities. Inquiries and park reservations can be made
1700 Butterworth Dr SW, or by calling (616) 632-PARK.
www.kentcountyparks.org

ONLINE NEWS RELEASE

Birds, Fish, Invasive Species, Oh My!

Kent County Parks hosts annual Discovery event this Saturday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., (May 11, 2015) Explore
Millennium Park and the Hansen Trail with help from Kent
County/MSU Extension Master Naturalist program
(http://www.kentcountyparks.org) tour guides to learn about
the amazing ecosystem present right in the middle of the
park.
Key facts
Event takes place on the third Saturday of every
May and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Takes place on Hansen Trail in Millennium Park
Hansen Trail is located at the corner of Butterworth
and Riverbend
Free parking is allowed on Riverbend
There is a scavenger hunt with 11 stops along the
trail
Free of charge
All ages welcome
Free transportation through the Rapid, pick up at
John Ball Zoo starting at 9:45 a.m.
(MORE)

Contact:
Olivia Robertson
(248) 996-7118
robertso@mail.gvsu.edu
Multimedia:
Photo 1

Free native plant given to everyone in attendance in

order to promote change within residents own back
yard

Quotes
This is such a great, fun, and educational way

to get kids out and about, said avid trailwalker Maddie Rich. Families looking for a

Complementary tote bag given to all kids who come

to the Discovery! Event, to carry their free native
plant and other prizes in.

fun way to explore nature around Grand

Rapids would definitely love this event.

Photo 2

ABOUT KENT COUNTY PARKS AND TRAILS

Founded in 1924, Kent County Parks

Departments mission statement is to enhance the
quality of life in Kent County by providing
outstanding parks and trails adhering to the
highest standards of recreation. There are 41 sites
and trails to explore throughout Kent County,
covering over 6,700 acres and 28 miles of paved
recreational trails. There are also a variety of
volunteer opportunities. Inquiries and park
reservations can be made 1700 Butterworth Dr
SW, or by calling (616) 632-PARK.
###

From the Birds of Prey demonstration by the

Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland, MI.
Company Website
(http://www.kentcountyparks.org)
Company Facebook page
(http://www.facebook.com/discoveryparksevent)
Tags:
Kent County, Kent County Parks, Discovery,
Millennium Park, Event, Parks, Hiking, Trails,
Nature, Grand Rapids

Start: April 1, 2015

End: August 1, 2015

Contact: Olivia Robertson

(248) 996-7118
robertso@mail.gvsu.edu

Kent County Parks and Trails tips to managing invasive plants

30 SECONDS
MALE ANNCR:
THEYRE OUT THERE. THE PROBLEM IS AS CLOSE AS YOUR OWN
BACKYARD. INVASIVE PLANTS CAN BE TAMED. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A
PLAN OF ATTACK. PULLING OR DIGGING TO REMOVE THE ROOT AND
CHEMICAL CONTROL ARE MOST COMMON METHODS OF REMOVAL.
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DISPOSE OF PLANTS IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY SUCH
AS BAGGING, TARPING, CHIPPING, BURYING, DROWNING, OR COMPOSTING.
THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY
KENT COUNTY PARKS AND TRAILS. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW
DOTKENT COUNTY PARKS MIDOTCOM.

Social Media Recommendation

Kent County Parks and the Discover event both have Facebook pages, which is
beneficial to the organization because their target market, which is families, is active on
Facebook more than any other social media site. The Discover Facebook page only has
93 likes and the Kent County page has 160, both of which are less than ideal.
In order to improve the presence of Kent County Parks on social media, a few
things can be done. When it comes to Facebook, regular posting of information is
necessary to keep your audience involved.
By posting daily, Facebook friends will continuously be seeing the Kent County
name popping up. Asking the active page members to like or share information with their
friends from your Facebook page is also a great way to get the word out.
The Kent County Parks Department Volunteer Services has over 400 likes, which
is also something to take advantage of. By posting on the page that reaches a larger
audience, you are able to promote the event and organization even more.
Instagram is a great way to involve a younger audience, who may be unaware of
the opportunities available from Kent County Parks. By creating a visual way for
residents of the Grand Rapids area to experience the natural beauty of parks, an increase
in participants for the event may occur.
Again, this would require constant updating and following of people around the
Grand Rapids area, along with a common hashtag to use for people searching through
Instagram.
Lastly, by linking all social media sites to the website, the opportunity to reach an
even larger audience presents itself. That way, users visiting the website have direct, easy
access to the Facebook and Instagram page. This should lead to an increase in followers
and awareness of the event and organization.

Visit Report: Millennium Park

Upon visiting Millennium Park in February, it was hard to tell what the benefits
and downfalls of the area really were because of the weather conditions. It was hard to
tell what the park has to offer because I wasnt there during the peak season where you
would visit the park, or during the time that the Discover event takes place.
There are many benefits, though that can be seen from simply visiting and
exploring the park. It can be seen that the park is large in size, and in an extremely
convenient area.
Keeping in mind that the event does take place in the middle of May, it was easy
to envision how children and families would enjoy visiting because if the wide variety of
activities to partake in.
There is a beach with a boardwalk that accommodates children who want to play
and their parents who would prefer to take a nice stroll, a boating center and fishing dock
that allows for some recreational fishing during the spring and summer months.
The trail that is used for the event, Hansen Trail, is a good length; meaning that
because there are stops along the way, children will not get bored by walking it, and
parents and other residents will enjoy the interesting scenery as well.
Simply by visiting and taking a look around, I was able to get a better
understanding of what can be done for not only the organization, but the event as well.
Not only will this help me to promote the event in an effective way because I have seen
where it takes place, but in order to explain the benefits better.