American Advertising Federation Houston

Local ADDY Competition on the Horizon

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:30:00 GMT

Local ADDY Competition on the Horizon

It’s an exciting time for the Houston advertising industry- the local ADDY Competition awards are just around the corner! The local competition is the first of three tiers that comprises the national ADDY award.

The ADDY recognizes and rewards creative excellence in the art of advertising. It is an annual award conducted by the AAF that recognizes all forms of advertising in many media mediums. It is the world’s largest and perhaps the most challenging advertising competition; there are more than 60,000 entries annually.

How can you score an ADDY? Well, the local ADDY competition is the first step to coveting this prestigious prize. The local winners will go on to enter the district wide second tier of competition. District winners will then be forwarded to compete in the national third tier competition and vie to be recognized as the best in their field.

Full and part-time students can also be part of the magic! The AAF Student ADDY competition is a wonderful opportunity to add to a resume or portfolio and maybe even earn some cash! The National Best of Show winner will be awarded a $1000 cash prize. The Student ADDY is also comprised of three competition tiers that begin at the local level and it occurs conjunctively with the ADDY award.

Since the AAF uses the proceeds from the competition to support advertising through various programs, everyone’s a winner! Internships, advocacy groups, advertising education and public service and consumer awareness programs are among the recipients benefiting from the competition’s proceeds.

Call for entries due on or before at Locke Bryan Productions:

Dec. 12 ,2008

Locke Bryan Productions

800 Bering Dr # 101
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 977-5989

Get Directions

Judging:

Jan. 15-17, 2009

ADDYS Award Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency:

Feb. 21,2009

11-Nov-08 5:30 PM

Ideas & MORE Travels to AAF-Abilene to Showcase Creativity Survival Kit

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

The American Advertising Federation - Abilene has invited Joe Fournet, the Creative Wizard behind Ideas & MORE, to present his thoughts on creativity and its impact on the advertising industry. Highlights of Mr. Fournet's November 11th talk will be showcasing the Creativity Survival Kit and how techniques of idea generation can aid in small business marketing.

"No matter the size of one’s budget or what it is a company is selling to the public, creativity plays a vital role in getting the consumer’s attention," observes Mr. Fournet. "Even more important is the idea. And how best to convey it in a convincing manner. This is a challenge for big business and an even greater one for small businesses. The Creativity Survival Kit is a fun way of illustrating how ideas can be born and one's creative juices can be kept flowing, especially when combating the small business marketing battles, " he says.

Mr. Fournet is a past-president and current Board member of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)/Houston, member of the Houston Strategic Forum, Houston Interactive Marketing Association, and Greater Houston Partnership.

He serves as Secretary on the Executive Committee as well as member, Board of Directors of the American Advertising Federation - Houston, Professional development/Certification Chair - American Advertising Federation Tenth District, and is a Board member of the Houston Area Apple Users Group. Mr. Fournet is also a founding member of Only in Houston and has served on the Advisory Board of Create Magazine.

The Abilene Chapter is part of the Tenth District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF). It's the only national grassroots trade association to encompass all segments of the advertising industry, including advertisers, agencies, media, college chapters and national trade associations engaged in various advertising pursuits.

6-Nov-08 0:00 AM

Helicopter Services, Inc. Boosts Enrollment with Radio Advertising Services from Radio Lounge

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

“ Radio will be our future media of choice. Hands down, it delivered”

- Mike Melton, President - Helicopter Services, Inc.

www.bladesrock.com

Listen to the interview with Mike Melton

The Opportunity:

Helicopter Services, Inc (HSI) provides training for students wishing to become commercial helicopter pilots. With a price tag of nearly $70,000 for a full time student, this can be quite a hefty sell. In fact, HSI, one of the largest national helicopter training companies, had just watched a competing facility across the street recently close down. HSI had also just taken on a building renovation shortly before the economy took its nosedive. Helicopter Services needed to increase its student enrollment. They saw an opportunity to attract students from the former competitor and, with the economy forcing many to rethink their careers, HSI jumped at the chance to bring awareness of the opportunities available to career-seekers as commercial helicopter pilots.

The Solution:

After discussing advertising options with many of his industry peers, President Mike Melton felt that radio advertising might be his best bet. Many in his industry had had success advertising on the radio, and with the powerful reach that radio advertising can provide, he thought it was a good decision. That’s when he got in touch with Radio Lounge. Their solution? A three tiered approach.

First was the concept of a micro-site on the web, geared toward the 18-35 year old male target demographic. This was the birth of bladesrock.com. Next was the idea of an open house, allowing discovery flights – the chance for interested visitors to actually take the controls of a helicopter and see what it’s like. Lastly was the radio advertising campaign promoting the open house and driving listeners to bladesrock.com for sign-up information. Throw in two rescheduled open house dates (thanks to Hurricane’s Gustav and Ike), and this campaign was destined to resonate with the target student.

The Results:

The radio advertising campaign was a huge success. Thousands visited the micro-site over the four-week campaign. Radio Lounge monitored the radio schedule, the web analytics and provided fresh updated creative copy and audio to the radio stations throughout the campaign. Live air personality endorsements and a variety of fifteen-second and thirty-second commercials reached the targeted 18-35 males. Helicopter Services received between ten and fifty calls per day requesting information and signing up for the open house. Over two hundred people showed up for the open house, and seventy-three demo flights were given that Saturday afternoon. Follow-up was great, and in the end, ten fulltime and ten part time students signed up for the program (with still many in the process of signing up at press time). The return on the radio advertising investment was huge! Hurricanes and all! In fact, HSI was even able to reinvest in another helicopter.

Radio had delivered!

About Radio Lounge

If you are thinking about advertising on the radio, let the experienced radio advertising professionals at Radio Lounge make your campaign a success. Call us for a free consultation. No pressure, just friendly people who love to help companies succeed with their advertising on the radio.

Call toll free, 1-866-4-AUDIO-9. That’s 1-866-428-3469.

Radio advertising works - and when done right, it can achieve powerful results.

_____________

3-Nov-08 3:00 PM

SPEAK LOUD: Small Budget

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Please join us for the Fourth Annual Marketing Excellence Luncheon, SPEAK LOUD: small budget. Learn how to reach buyers through tips, tools and techniques that reflect the cutting edge of communication through innovative marketing. The luncheon will include a presentation on creative marketing tactics for reaching buyers, highlight award winning marketing ideas as well as share successful marketing campaigns from several local firms. Hear from keynote speakers Charles Bedard and Garry Meier with The Ephor Group. Based on the work of their management consulting and investment advisory firm, they will discuss current marketing best practices and future industry trends. Join us and find out how the sharpest minds are selecting where to spend their marketing dollars for the biggest return.

Register now for the event that brings local business owners and Houston’s top professional marketing firms together.

Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 2008 • 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Location: InterContinental Houston • 2222 West Loop South, Houston, TX

Cost: GHP Members - $45 • Nonmember - $80
Table of ten Members - $450.00 per table • Table of ten Nonmembers - $800.00 per table

For more information, please contact Lauren Garcia at 713-844-3686 or lgarcia@houston.org.

24-Oct-08 12:00 PM

Three Houston Advertising Legends will be inducted to the South West Hall of Fame

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

The Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame Gala Luncheon will be held November 11, 2008 in Dallas in conjunction with the Dallas Ad League. Tickets are $50 each, $500 per table. Available through the Dallas Ad League. Look for the banner ad, or click here: http://www.dallasadleague.org/Calendar/ViewEvent.asp?EventId=182

The inductees of the Inaugural Class of the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame are, in alphabetical order:

Ray Ackerman - Ackerman McQueen, Oklahoma City
Wayne Cranford - Cranford Johnson Robinson and Woods, Little Rock
David B. Keith - Cargill Associates, Inc., Houston
Fred J. Korge - Savage Design, Houston
Earl Littman - POP Broadcasting, Houston
Stan Richards - The Richards Group, Dallas
Lowe Runkle - Lowe Runkle Company, Oklahoma City

Five additional inductees to be included in the inaugural class are men from our region who have already achieved membership in the national Advertising Hall of Fame, hosted by the AAF. They are, all from Dallas:

Sam Bloom - The Bloom Companies
Roger Enrico - Pepsico & DreamWorks, SKG
Morris L. Hite - Tracy-Locke
Stanley Marcus - Neiman Marcus
Liener Temerlin - Temerlin Consulting

The mission of the Southwest Advertising Hall of Fame is to honor men and women from our region who have distinguished themselves in their careers, who have contributed to the betterment of advertising and its reputation, and who have made volunteer efforts outside the workplace. Nominees are not required to be members of an AAF club and may represent all disciplines within the advertising industry.

The Selection Committee reviewed 21 nominations for 2008 and made its final selections during the AAF 10th District Convention, held in Dallas April 16-19 of this year.

23-Oct-08 10:00 AM

New World of Direct Mail, Merge of Houston's best.

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Established Companies Merge International Mailing Systems and The Premier Company have merged to form PremierIMS which is sure to be a powerhouse of direct marketing services that will bring "New Momentum" to their industry in Houston. The company will be headed by Norm Pegram, President and CEO. International Mailing Systems was founded by Norm Pegram, President and CEO in 1981 and has grown to become the largest independent high volume mailing company in Houston. IMS is the only mailing company in Houston with two onsite post office clearing sections and USPS staff there to clear the bulk mail. The postal service staff is onsite at IMS every day from 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. From IMS the mail is dispatched across the country and including Alaska and Hawaii to SCF destinations, resulting in huge postal savings to their customers. The company is also the Texas source for resident mailing lists. Premier, founded in 1925 by the late Luke Kaiser is Houston’s most established Printing, Mailing and Fulfillment company. With a long time list of fortune 500 customers, Premier remained family owned and operated for more than 83 years and was headed by Martha Kaiser Justice, (President and daughter of the founder), along with her husband, William Justice, Chairman. Premier specializes in business to business printing and mailing services for target markets; including Health Care, Non Profit, Financial, Insurance, Education and Corporate. Also joining in the merger is Service Inc. headed by Geno Baiamonte, another long time Houston printing company owner, who will be Vice President of Printing operations. Norm Pegram believes that tradition is important for the future our industry and he states "This combination in our industry is just as important as Exxon Mobil or Conoco Phillips." Both Premier and IMS have been positioning for the future of business mail, including 4 color variable data personalized mail that is targeted, automated and presorted for cost savings and more efficient deliverability. Custom printing pieces for lowest cost to meet postal requirements, data processing and list maintenance are the keys to success of PremierIMS. According to the U.S Postal service, Direct Mail generates more than $500 billion for marketers each year. Unlike telemarketing and computer email transmissions, mail costs nothing for the recipient and is delivered without interruptions as often happens with other media. Recipients of mail can touch, feel, save and review at their convenience. PremierIMS views the future of direct mail as a complement to every other ad medium - remaining most cost effective for marketers who need to personalize messages to customers and prospective customers. Most important – PremierIMS will be committed to creating environmentally responsible mailings though use of paper cost savings as well as list management and automation to avoid waste in the mail stream. PremierIMS will also continue Premier’s warehousing and fulfillment operation, servicing corporations while combining services with the Internet where people can go to online to order items in inventory including: printed materials, annual reports, promotional items and brochures to be shipped on demand. Long time friends in the industry, Premier and IMS were both selected to be on tour for the Mailing Fulfillment Services Association held for mailing company leaders throughout the Southwest who came to Houston and Galveston for their annual meeting in April of 2008. Norm Pegram was this year’s president. "Having known Norm Pegram for years, we were impressed with his leadership in our industry and for bringing recognition to Houston and to IMS and Premier" said Martha Justice, President of Premier. "With Norm as this year’s president of the MFSA, everything seemed to come together for IMS and Premier. My father had been a founding member of this organization more than 50 years ago and this organization’s mailing education award is given annually in his name." Said Martha Justice. And the two companies’ history together spans back more than 27 years. When Premier vacated their building on McKinney street east of downtown, IMS moved into one of the buildings. At that time computers took up entire rooms and because Premier’s 1401 computer and Norm’s computer were identical, his operation was able to start up, immediately. "And now in a bold nostalgic move Premier is going back to our old neighborhood into another IMS facility on McKinney just blocks from where Premier once stood. This is now a great area with the George R. Brown in the background, jogging walking trails and residential buildings cropping up among the vintage warehouses. We are very excited. " said Martha. Both Premier and IMS have a long history of dedication to education in the industry. Premier sponsors annual postal seminars to help their customers remain updated on postal regulations for best rates. Norm Pegram, with an MBA from the University of Texas, teaches Direct Marketing classes at the University of Houston and he is the author of the "Little Black Book" with many secrets about how businesses can benefit from Direct Mail. Both Martha Justice and Norm Pegram have written many articles in trade journals about Printing and Direct mail tips. Martha has spoken before classes at the University of Houston and has volunteered Premier for graduate students from the University of Texas McCombs School of business and University of Houston. The students were studying company valuations and business planning. Both Premier and IMS are looking to the future while consulting with Dr. Jerry Waite of the University of Houston college of Printing Technology on ways to inspire students about opportunities in the expanding digital technology of the Direct Marketing industry. Martha Justice, Vice President of Marketing and Bill Justice, Vice President of Fulfillment, will be joining Norm Pegram at PremierIMS as they work together to form the most experienced company in the industry in Houston. Already in talks to merge, the three companies; Premier, IMS and Service Inc, began working together after hurricane Ike left Premier without power, phones or computer communications. The hurricane aftermath and the financial crisis that followed soon after did not deter these companies from taking bold steps to expand. "We wanted to get together while our companies were in a strong financial position," said Norm Pegram, President. IMS was founded during a time when inflation was over 20% and the market was rife with competition in the 80’s. Premier survived the great depression, along with many economic swings over the years. The companies have weathered many storms. The difficult weeks after the latest storm turned out to be a win win for all and sealed long time friendships and signaled a larger win for their combined forces to become PremierIMS.

21-Oct-08 6:00 PM

HBJ Goes FACE TO FACE with Lou Congelio

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Lou Congelio

Founder and president

StanAndLou Marketing/Advertising

Lou Congelio is founder, president and executive creative director of Houston advertising agency StanAndLou Marketing/Advertising, which is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary. With more than 30 years of advertising experience, Congelio has been heavily involved in the creation of advertising for many of Houston’s top companies. He also has served as chairman of the Houston Advertising Foundation (now AAF Houston) and is founder and chairman of Only in Houston, a not-for-profit group formed to promote the creative forces in Houston through programs and resources that increase awareness and prosperity of the local marketing communications industry. Congelio has served on the marketing committee for the Greater Houston Partnership, and is president of the Just Ask Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of neurofibromatosis. Congelio was interviewed by Christine Hall.

Q: What defines Houston advertising agencies?

A: I think what makes Houston advertising agencies unique is their entrepreneurial spirit — a can-do attitude. In the 30 years that I’ve been in Houston advertising, anything was possible. If you had a great idea but no budget, you could still get it done in Houston. No pretentiousness. No attitude. When you’re working with the owner of a Houston ad agency, instead of a local satellite office for a national firm, you’re going to get great service, great work and a great value.

Q: Why do you think bigger agencies left Houston, and under what conditions do you think they might return?

A:I think most of the national agencies left Houston when their large oil company clients went elsewhere. Exxon went to New York. Texaco merged with Chevron and now has a California agency. Pennzoil went to Detroit. Conoco merged with Phillips and went to Hollywood for their advertising etc. Why? I have no idea! The people and the talent are here. When you lose a megamillion cornerstone account, like an oil company, it’s hard to replace that income unless you can land one of the other 25 Fortune 500 companies in town. It does seem a bit strange that Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country and is second only to New York City in the number of Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the city yet only two are represented by Houston advertising agencies. If the work is here, the national agencies will return.

Q: Is Only in Houston living up to your expectations?

A: Beyond my wildest dreams. What started out merely as a Web site to promote the creative talent in Houston has grown to become a powerful force in the Houston advertising community. We now have more than 2,000 listings of companies in Houston that deal in advertising, marketing, communication and education. More than 100,000 visits a month. Onlyinhouston.com truly is a one-stop source for finding creative talent in Houston and also to find out what is going on in the Houston advertising community. And it’s free.

Q: Is there anything missing from Houston’s advertising industry, and what can local agencies do to correct that?

A: One of my favorite quotes is from Alex Bogusky of Crispin Porter + Bogusky who said, “We’re not in the business of making cute little films and throwing logos on the end of them. We’re in the business of being really compelling.” And also building the brand. A lot of the clients that we’re working with are looking for not just strategic thinking in terms of their advertising but strategic thinking for their brand and their marketing that is so tied into their business strategy that they can kind of be one and the same. In Houston, I see a lot of safe, smart advertising that’s strategic but not revolutionary or new. That may stem from Houston being more of a conservative business-to-business town instead of a cutting-edge, consumer-driven market. I think as an industry we need to consistently challenge our clients with new ideas and new ways of doing things, taking advantage of the latest technology and interweb resources to build their business and their brand.

Q: Where do you see Houston agencies going in the next 10 or 20 years?

A: I think the next 10 to 20 years will be some very exciting times in the ad agency business. For one thing, I think advertising agencies, as we know them today, will be a thing of the past. In their place will be incredibly strategic, highly focused creative, technology companies serving niche needs for specific clients. Advances in technology will greatly influence the way goods are advertised and presented to the public. Traditional advertising, i.e., billboards, radio commercials, direct mail, etc., will be replaced by highly targeted communications that hit exactly the right prospects — and hardly anyone else — with entertaining, hard-to-ignore messages that can follow people via new high-tech media into their cars, offices, living rooms and bedrooms. Those Houston agencies that master these new techniques will succeed. Those that don’t, won’t.

HBJ Article

chall@bizjournals.com • 713-395-9635

20-Oct-08 0:00 AM

Ideas & MORE Travels to AAF-Permian Basin to Present Idea Generation and the Impact of Creativity

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:00:00 GMT

Sugar Land, TX -- Joe Fournet, Owner and Creative Director of Ideas & MORE will be headed out West for the October 10 professional development meeting of the American Advertising Federation - Permian Basin.

The AAF chapter, representing the Midland-Odessa area of West Texas, is hosting Mr. Fournet as he presents a program regarding the importance of the idea and its impact on creativity in small business marketing.

"Creativity and the importance of the idea is very relevant in today's marketplace," states Mr. Fournet. "Sometimes the simplest idea gets overlooked because the so-called creative is either too cute, too complex or just plain dumb. Execution get in the way. How we can best convey the idea to the audience is what's important," he emphasizes. "Doing this for large business is enough of a challenge; just think what it's like for small business."

Also at the luncheon, Mr. Fournet will be addressing some of the local college students who hope to get help creating credible advertising programs at the schools.

The "next stop" for the Creative Wizard will be in Abilene, Texas, for that AAF chapter's November meeting on the 11th, Veteran's Day.

Mr. Fournet is a 30-year veteran in the advertising and marketing industry, and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the AAF-Houston Board of Directors as Secretary and as a board member.

6-Oct-08 6:00 PM

A Trip Down Memory Lane - Past Recipients of the Traiblazer Award

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 GMT

The American Advertising Foundation-Houston will be presenting the 2008 Trailblazer award to Walter E. Johnson on Friday, October 17^th. With the newly rescheduled Trailblazer Gala approaching, it seems fitting to reflect upon some of the past recipients of this prestigious AAF-Houston award.

In 2007, a man who led Houston’s attempt to host the 2012 Summer Olympics was recognized by AAF-Houston. George A. DeMontrond, president of DeMontrond Automotive Group, was chairman of the Houston 2012 Foundation and he also served on the Super Bowl XXXVIII Host Committee Board. DeMontrond is also a board member of Metro, Houston Grand Opera, the Mental Health Association of Houston and is a lifetime vice president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Since the establishment of the Trailblazer award in 1997, only one winner has been an entire business entity. H-E-B was recognized in 2006 for its collective efforts in improving Houston and its continuous faith in the city. H-E-B has a long history of contributing to various charities and is committed to its involvement in the community. It is one of the largest independently owned retailers in the country.

Tilman Fertitta is a native Texan who is the CEO of one of the largest dining and entertainment companies in the country. Fertitta is the founder of Landry’s Restaurants that includes, among various others, Joe’s Crab Shack, Cadillac Bar and Saltgrass Steakhouse. The company employs more than 30,000 people nationwide.

Fertitta was recognized in1998 for the creative design of the Kemah boardwalk that transformed the Clear Lake beach side community into the most popular tourist attraction in the Houston area. With the opening of the Downtown Aquarium, Landry’s solidified itself as a pivotal player in the revitalization of Downtown Houston. The innovative restaurant fused cuisine and family entertainment in the heart of downtown’s urban setting. Landry’s also invested in downtown’s rebirth with the baseball themed boutique hotel Inn at the Ballpark, just moments away from Minute Maid Park.

Along with being active in the local political scene, Fertitta serves on various boards including Boy Scouts of America and the Museum of Fine Arts. His dedication to the city of Houston is why Tilman Fertitta was the 2005 Trailblazer award winner.

In 2004, John Nau III became the eighth recipient of the highly coveted AAF-Houston award. Nau is the CEO of the nation’s largest Anheuser-Busch distributor. With more than 700 employees and offices in the greater Houston area, Silver Eagle Distributors is the number one beer distributor in the city.

Nau has a long history of philanthropic and civic involvement in Houston. Among many others, he has served on the boards of The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance Advisory, the Good Samaritan Foundation, and the Greater Houston Partnership. He also served a four year term as chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. That position was appointed to him by President George W. Bush.

In Houston, almost everyone knows “Mattress Mack.” Jim McIngvale, owner of Gallery Furniture, has built himself into a local icon of sorts. His story embodies the American dream. In 1981, the newly wed McIngvales moved to Houston with $5000 and a dream. Today, not only is Gallery Furniture one of the most successful businesses in Houston, but it is one of the biggest and most successful furniture stores in the nation.

McIngvale has given much back to the community where he has realized his dream. He frequently furnishes homes of those in need. He also speaks to the youth in area schools and helps to furnish teachers’ lounges as well. He has given generously to the scholarship program held by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. His own daughter started an organization called Peace of Mind for fellow sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder; she was diagnosed as a teenager. In 2007, the McIngvales helped to bring the OCD Foundation’s National Conference to Houston and also provided financial assistance for over 500 attendees that were comprised of mental health professionals, educators and OCD sufferers. In 2003, the AAF-H was pleased to honor Jim McIngvale with the Trailblazer award in recognition for all he has done for the city of Houston.

29-Sep-08 9:00 AM

Lopez Negrete Named Agency Executive of the Year

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Alex Lopez Negrete was honored by his peers in receiving the 2008 HispanicAd.com "Agency Executive of the Year'" award at the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies conference in Los Angeles, CA on Thursday, September 11, 2008. Alex joins the HispanicAd.com Hall of Fame and shares the prestigious advertising award with some of the most nationally respected leaders in the industry.

Here's to everyone who voted for Alex López Negrete for HispanicAd.com's "Agency Executive of the Year." Thank you for helping bring this much-deserved honor to a true Houstonian. So raise your glass to yourself and everyone who voted for Alex. And let's continue to join forces to recognize and honor advertising and creative achievements in our community.

25-Sep-08 3:00 PM

Dream Fund Helping The Media/Communications Field After IKE

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 19:00:00 GMT

DREAM FUND NOW IN HOUSTON

No matter how creative you are, it is difficult to imagine the curves life can sometimes throw your way. Illness, tragic loss and other life-altering events can destroy a person's ability to handle their troubles alone. That's why DREAM Fund exists - to help people in the communications industry when the truly unimaginable strikes.

DREAM Fund is a nonprofit foundation and the support link serving the advertising, public relations and media communities throughout the Southwest. The mission of the fund is to aid colleagues in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana facing an unexpected medical emergency or life crisis and in need of emotional support and financial assistance.

Since 1991, DREAM Fund has gifted hundreds of thousands of dollars to individuals facing such hardships. We are here to serve people.

Bad things do happen to good people, but great things happen when people pull together and dare to DREAM. Teamwork makes the DREAM work!

For more information contact: Denise Janowski at (713) 591-5019 or email at: denise.janowski@foxsports.net. Additional information about the DREAM Fund is available at http://www.dreamfund.org/.

24-Sep-08 2:00 PM

Dave Henry Joins TVP

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 GMT

Texas Video and Post announced today that Dave Henry has joined the company as Director of Sales and Marketing.

“Dave is a dynamic and experienced video pro,” said TVP President Jack Hattingh. “His presence here adds tremendous depth to our roster of talent.”

Henry will have responsibility for branding, marketing and research, along with producing and directing for corporate clients and ad agencies.
He is currently Chairman of the American Advertising Federation of Houston, and a 25-year veteran of television and video production.

“Dave’s career as a journalist, entrepreneur and community leader uniquely qualify him for the job,” added Hattingh.

“TVP is already the market leader here,” said Henry. “And our intention is to get stronger; to serve more customers in Houston and look for opportunities beyond.”

Henry is a native Houstonian, with a degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Political. He studied film as a Rotary Scholar at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.

Texas Video and Post is the largest and most experienced production and post-production company in Houston, for over 21 years creating informative and effective marketing campaigns, television commercials, safety programs, and training videos for a variety of clients. TEST

11-Sep-08 11:00 AM

Joe Fournet Headlines September Meeting of AAF-Oklahoma City

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 02:00:00 GMT

Sugar Land, TX -- Joe Fournet, Owner/Creative Director of Ideas & MORE is headlining the September professional development meeting of the Oklahoma City chapter of the American Advertising Federation.

Mr. Fournet was invited to address the club about the importance of the idea and how creativity plays a role in small business marketing. " No matter the size of one's budget or what it is a company is selling to the public, creativity plays a vital role in getting the consumer's attention," observes Fournet.

"Even more important," he emphasizes, "is the idea and how best to convey it in a convincing manner. That's a challenge for big business and an even greater one for small business."

Joe will also be presenting some techniques on idea generation and creativity to the Ft. Smith, Arkansas chapter of AAF during the third week of September.

Joe is a 30 year veteran in the advertising and marketing industry and currently serves on the Executive Committee of the AAF-Houston Board of Directors as Secretary and as a board member.

10-Sep-08 9:00 PM

AAF-Houston to Honor Walter E. Johnson at Trailblazer Gala

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Each year the Trailblazer Award is given to an outstanding Houston business professional who exemplifies the "Made in Houston" spirit and has built companies and organizations through effective communications and responsible corporate citizenship.

As the Founder and Chairman of Amegy Bank of Texas, formerly Southwest Bank of Texas, Walter Johnson has been a long time champion for change and progress for the city of Houston. For decades, Mr. Johnson has made a profound impact on the Texas banking community- providing thousands of job opportunities across the state and creating relationship banking for many loyal clients.

Mr. Johnson has successfully marketed his business by using the local talents of Houston's advertising and marketing community. Philanthropic efforts are also important to Mr. Johnson. Considered a man with a heart of gold, his charitable commitment to our community is unwavering. AAF-Houston is pleased to give him their highest honor.

Proceeds from this black tie event support the work of AAF-Houston, including educational support for local students seeking a career in advertising and marketing.

UPDATE:

Due to complications from the storm, we have decided to reschedule the Trailblazer Gala for Friday, October 17th at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Biography of Walter E. Johnson

25-Aug-08 10:00 AM

Bill Courtney Elected to AAF Board of Directors

noemail@aaf-houston.org — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:00:00 GMT

The American Advertising Federation announced that AAF-Houston past president, Bill Courtney, had been elected to the national AAF Board of Directors representing Houston and Division 2 clubs across the country. The announcement was made at the AAF National Conference 2008 in Atlanta.

Also, elected as chairman of AAF is Murray Gaylord of the New York Times.com and Vice Chairman, Frank Cooper of Pepsi-Cola North America.

Bill has been a long time member of AAF-Houston serving as president in 2000. He is currently serving his third year as chairman of the Advertising Education Foundation of Houston, which enjoyed one of its best years ever in 2008 by awarding $12,000 in scholarships from five endowed funds to seven outstanding students attending five different universities. The awards included the first Lopez Negrete Hispanic Marketing Education Scholarship. Through Mr. Courtney’s direction and passion, and the hard work of the AEFH Board of Directors, the foundation experienced a record breaking year that has seen the total fund balance rise to nearly $240,000.

Shown left to right, Jay Janecek, Chair AAFH; Liang Shi; Tory Tompkins; Robin Wells; Sebastian Reeve; Tricia Rosetty; Bill Courtney, Chair AEFH. Not pictured are Cara Forsythe and Nicole Thomas.

A career advertising professional, Bill is currently the Director of Advertising and Marketing Communications for Hewlett-Packard’s Personal Systems Group Americas. Prior to the merger with HP in 2002, he was Director of North America Advertising and Marketing Communications at Compaq Computer Corporation. Bill’s experience before joining HP/Compaq includes advertising and marketing management positions at McCann-Erickson, BMC Software, Acuson Corporation/Siemens Medical and General Electric Company.

18-Jul-08 11:00 AM