About three weeks ago, my boss, Al Manzi, asked me to attend a luncheon at UVSC to be held Nov. 2nd.  I attend these often and usually just try and stay awake.  I hope Al isn't reading this.  So yesterday I showed up and entered the room.  I noticed about 150 chairs set up, a stage in the front with a table and microphone, and a name plate that said: Jason Pratt, Daily Herald.  I quickly broke into a cold sweat and would have bolted out of there if my legs could have moved.  A lady approached me and said, "you must be Jason Pratt.  We are so excited to have you here."

     It quickly became apparent that she was in charge and was under some impression that I was prepared to be a guest speaker.  I didn't what to just come out and tell her that I was completely unaware that I was to have any part of the luncheon, so I asked her if she could go over the agenda with me.  She said, "first, we'll have you answer the five questions we sent you."  What five questions?  She had a list of them in her hand, so I frantically scanned through them.  "Spend about 30 minutes on that and then we'll spend the last 30 minutes in a question answer session."  At this point, I began wondering if this was some elaborate joke.  I wouldn't put it past Al or anyone else at the Herald.  Well, it was no joke.  She asked me to take my seat.  As I sat in front of the microphone, I noticed that the room had completely filled and people were even standing against both side walls and the back.

     The same woman, Heidi I think, began the meeting by welcoming everyone and briefly describing the agenda.  She then said, "I am pleased to welcome our guest speaker, Mr. Jason Pratt, Publisher of The Daily Herald.  Publisher!!  Wow!!

Well, fortunately for me, the topic was directed toward helping the students prepare now for the business world - something I'm generally prepared to speak about.  The meeting ended up going great.  I concluded the meeting by telling them that they are welcome to call the Herald anytime with questions...just ask for the Publisher!
 

So I finally got up the courage to ask out Stacie.  I met Stacie three years ago at a Chamber event.  I run into her occasionally and we've kept up a mild acquaintance.   Mild acquaintance?  What that means is I've kept tabs on her.  Well, I finally decided it was time, so I made the call.  She didn't answer, so I left a message for her to call me.  We played phone tag for about a week and today we finally connected.  After a couple of minutes of jovial banter on my part (that means I was so nervous that I was saying stupid things while trying to be funny), I asked her out to dinner.  She said, "oh Jason, I'm flattered but I've recently gotten engaged."

Arrrrrrgggggg!

 

     Ahhh, nothing like Monday Night Football!  I know, I should be at work hammering out some new benefit for everyone, but this is my time.  My time!  My time to sit back with my feet on the couch.  My time to gorge myself with a large Papa Johns pizza w/ pepperoni, Canadian bacon and spicy Italian sausage.  My time to wash it down with an IBC root beer. My time to hang up on a telemarketer.  My time to make as many grammatical errors as possible while writing this blog.  That 

    Being an HR Director, one of the most popular questions I get is "Where should I invest my money?"  This has been more prevalent lately since we've been talking about our new 401K administrator.  There are certain laws and policies that prohibit me from recommending investment options, and I find it difficult to take off the HR hat and just talk as a friend.  We're one and the same.  Without talking about specific stocks and funds, here's my general recommendation for investing money.

1. Invest in your companies' 401K plan.  Invest enough to gain the full employer match.  For example, the Herald matches 50% of the first 4% you contribute.  So if you invest at least 4% of your wages, then you are given an additional 2% free.  You always want to max out the free stuff first.
2. Next, invest in your companies stock purchase plan.  Most large employers offer a discounted rate on their stock.  Again, free money!  The Herald's parent company, Lee, offers Lee stock at a 15% discount.  Where else can you get a 15% return on your money?
3. Once you've maxed out the full free money potential in the above two steps, it's time to diversify more.  An IRA is a great way to go.  If you have holdings in a ROTH IRA, you don't pay capital gain tax when you withdraw at retirement.  No taxes, WOW!
4. Once you've done these things, then you can start looking at Whole and Universal Life plans.  I certainly think real estate is a necessity, but I'm focusing this article on retirement options.

     We all want to retire at a reasonable age and with the means to live comfortably.  Start now if you haven't already done so.
 

   I have a friend who has suddenly become motivated to shed some pounds.  Something to do with my making fun of her for finishing off a pint Hubby Chubby ice cream...another  

    So, I had a friend over last night for dinner.  At some point during the evening, she excused herself to the bathroom - to freshen up.  She came out and asked where I keep my hair brush.  Hair Brush?  Hmmm.  I quickly realized that I didn't have one.  She then said a comb would be fine.  Hmmm.  Again, it hit me that I don't own one.  I've owned this house for over a year and I don't own a hair brush, comb or anything like them.  The things me and my kind take for granted!
 

 

 Ahhh, great benefits at the Herald never cease!  In November, we're offering flu shots to employees who are interested.  And it's Free!  I'll have a specific date and time later.  

Here's my secret recipe for the perfectly manicured lawn. Do this procedure in the early fall.

1.  

OK Herald employees, here's the deal. I'll divulge this information if you promise to act surprised if a rep from Lee comes out to discuss it. I'm technically suppose to keep this under raps. Oh well, I know many of you are patiently awaiting this info.  The following health benefits will be available January 1st.  Our open enrollments will begin October 24th.

1.  Blue Cross of Iowa (Health Insurance) - Lots of doctors to choose from. Three plans are available. I won't know what the costs are until October 10th, but I'm comfortable in saying it's not something you need to worry about! I'll have plan specifics at open enrollment. I think you'll be happy with the options.
2.  Delta Dental of Iowa - Very similar to our current plan. The annual limit did increase from $1000 to $1500 per family member. That's a very good thing.
3.  Vision, Life and Flex have little changes.
4.  Extensive Wellness program - more details to come.

My meetings just ended for the day. I could spend more time emailing you or I could take a nap in my big feather Sofitel bed. Hmmm!  

Beginning Jan. 1, the Herald's new 401K administrator will be JPMorgan. I met with JPMorgan reps yesterday and reviewed the web site, mutual funds and user tools. As much as I loved using Fidelity, JPMorgan may give them a run for their money. The web interface is easy to use and they have a good range of funds for us to allocate from. We will have a JPMorgan rep visit the Herald on Oct. 10th and 11th. I'll provide meeting times later. By Oct. 14th, each employee will receive a letter giving a user name and password to use at the new 401K web site (www.retireonline.com). Once you get the login info., you can play around and learn the site. On January 1st, our Fidelity balances will be automatically transferred to our new accounts at JPMorgan. Again, this will happen automatic and we have no choice in the matter. But don't worry, I think we will be in good hands. 

Greetings from Chicago. I just returned from dinner at Joe's Be-Bop Cafe & Jazz located at the Navy Pier in Chicago. Lot's of fun. 

 

I fly out Monday the 19th to attend a week long Lee HR conference in Chicago.  I'll learn all about our new health benefits, vacation specifics, 401K and the new wellness program.  Best part, the hotel has a heated pool.
 

The board met today to plan upcoming events.  The Pennies project will be launched October 10th.  The purpose is to raise $10'000 for each of the 13 elementary school in the Provo school district.  The money will be used to build Leveled Reading Libraries.  This project goes along with the "No Child Left Behind" campaign.  We plan to raise money by soliciting pennies from businesses, individuals and general fund raisers.  Zions, UCCU and the Herald are some of the Major sponsors.  It's gonna be fun!