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Resource directory sales pitch withdrawn Medford schools are named on letter, but not involved with Idaho company By DAMIAN MANN A Boise, Idaho, publishing firm quit soliciting advertisements from Medford-area businesses Friday after it received complaints over misleading information in company sales literature. A fax sent to local businesses by The Good Life Directory suggested that Hedrick and McLoughlin middle schools were somehow affiliated with the company's as yet unpublished anti-violence resource directory. "I want our business community to know that we have nothing to do with this," said Medford Schools Superintendent Steve Wisely. Jerry Darby, president of Rogue Valley Insurance, received a fax from Good Life on Wednesday promoting the directory and asking for money to pay for advertising. A hand-written message on the sales literature stated, "For Hedrick and McLoughlin Middle." Darby said, "My first opinion was that they had an agreement from Hedrick and McLoughlin to do this. It indicated to me that they had approval from the school." But the quality of the literature and his familiarity with Medford schools left him skeptical. After Wisely confirmed the district had nothing to do with this company, Darby called and spoke to a Good Life representative. "I told her that it appeared to me that there was an indication that they had an agreement to work with these schools." On the fax, Good Life asks for money for advertising in its directory. It also suggests that 15 to 20 copies will be sent to each school and 15,000 to 20,000 copies will be distributed in the community. Wisely said he knows nothing about the company or the directory. "It may be very good," he said. "I'm not questioning the directory, but this is giving the impression that we're involved with this." Good Life Manager Glen Parrish said, "What we are going to do, until production gets going and we start distributing, is to quit selling in the Medford area until we get the product to the schools so they can see the benefit." He said the decision came after representatives from his company discussed the matter with Wisely. Despite information written on the fax indicating a relationship with the schools, he said, "We're not working with the school by any means." But he did say the company, which has yet to publish a directory in Oregon, was prepared to provide copies to schools and other community organizations. Asked if he had received other complaints, Parrish said, "It's a very rare occasion that somebody expresses concern." Parrish referred to Good Life as a start-up company made up of 15 employees that has been selling advertising space throughout the state to pay for its upcoming edition. He said his company was wrapping up an Idaho edition and hopes to have similar publications in five western states. He described The Good Life Directory as a resource guide to help combat youth violence by providing statistics and informative articles. He said the company formerly produced sports posters but "decided to start something that would benefit youth." Brad Hicks, president of the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County, said it is not unusual for advertisers to try and link themselves to local organizations. "We have had companies use our name before," he said. In one case several years ago, Hicks said, a company was selling maps to local businesses. "They were pretty popular," he said, until local businesses discovered it was just a shell company that was selling the maps as though they were approved by the chamber. Hicks, who hasn't heard of any complaints from local businesses about Good Life, said these extreme cases don't happen very often. "We're pretty fortunate here," he said. "Most of the people we come in contact with are legitimately trying to provide a product or service." Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.