May 11, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information or the scoop logo contact:

Katie Allen, Angus Foundation marketing and public relations assistant, at 816-383-5100 or kallen@angusfoundation.org

Angus Juniors Encouraged to Participate in The Scoop

The project allows National Junior Angus Association members to gain real-world experience through the development of a publication for junior members, by junior members.

The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) and Angus Foundation are pleased to again provide NJAA members who have completed the ninth grade with an opportunity to gain experience in the areas of communication, business, writing and photography. This year marks the fifth year for The Scoop, an annual electronic publication produced by NJAA members, who work as a team to create stories and artwork with the help of top communication professionals.

In addition to gaining experience, The Scoop provides networking opportunities between other juniors and industry leaders. After participating on The Scoop staff, hopefully junior members will be prepared to pursue majors and careers in photography, communications, marketing, advertising or public relations.

Junior members who participate in The Scoop often conduct interviews and write stories about events at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) or other topics in the beef industry. For those who prefer the artistic side of the publication, there are opportunities to assist with contributing photos or artwork, as well as assisting with the layout. The Scoop staff meets at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday during the 2012 NJAS in Louisville, Ky., but the opportunity is also available to members who do not plan to attend the show.

Robin Ruff, director of junior activities for the American Angus Association^®, says often junior members might have a difficult time fully understanding articles written by agricultural industry experts, but in having other juniors write about important topics industry, they are able to understand what adult Angus breeders are talking about.

“By participating in The Scoop, juniors are able to learn more about the NJAA and interact closely with fellow junior staff members of a similar age," Ruff says. “If juniors have an interest in photography, communications, marketing, advertising or public relations, I encourage them to sign up for The Scoop experience and learn more about working in a real-world communications setting, while helping tell the stories that make the NJAA and NJAS so great."

The application is available online at www.njaa.info or www.angusfoundation.org. Applications should be postmarked by June 25, 2012, or sent electronically to Katie Allen, Angus Foundation Marketing and Public Relations Assistant, at 3201 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, MO 64506 or kallen@angusfoundation.org. Juniors who apply will be notified of their status on the staff prior to the NJAS.

The Scoop is produced courtesy of the NJAA, which currently has more than 6,000 members, and Angus Foundation. The completed publication will be released on the NJAA website in the fall.

###