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“Save The Date” for WorldFest Houston Film Festival ~2010 April 9-18th

Hunter Todd — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

“Save The Date” for WorldFest Houston Film Festival ~2010

April 9-18^th

Why: WorldFest showcases and celebrates the best and brightest emerging cinematic talents over 10 action-packed days in April 2010. Film lovers can be among the first to see and meet the stars and directors of tomorrow at the 43^rd Annual WorldFest-Houston.

Who: WorldFest is one of the longest-running independent film and video competitions in the world. The 43^rd Annual WorldFest-Houston is scheduled for April 9-18^th, 2010.

What: An annual cinematic competition that publicly screens the top winners selected by our North American film industry judges. WorldFest audiences get to meet the directors and talent, who made the cut for these 10 great days in April, 2010. WorldFest- Houston features:

· 55 award-winning Indie films

· 100 superb short films

· 450 Indie filmmakers from around the globe

· 6 Master Classes/Film industry seminars

· 1 Grand Awards Gala & Cocktail Reception with the filmmakers

· Closing Day Regatta/Barbecue & VIP NASA/Space Center Houston Tour

When: Film Festival: Friday April 9 through Sunday April 18, 2010

Daily Film screenings: 5:00, 7:00 & 9:00 PM (plus matinees @ 1:00 & 3:00 pm Sat & Sun)

Film Industry Seminars: Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 15, 16 and 17 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Grand Finale Regatta and Barbecue: April 18 at 1 p.m. at The Houston Yacht Club.

Where: All films will screen at AMC Studio 30 Dunvale located at 2949 Dunvale in Houston, TX 77063.

Film industry seminars/ Awards Gala will be held at the Renaissance Hotel, Greenway Plaza.

Closing Regatta and Barbecue will be held at the Houston Yacht Club on Galveston Bay.

Ticket Info: Options start at $7 for a single matinee (films before 6 pm) or $10 per single evening admission and range upward based on packages that customers purchase. Special group discounts available on line. Film Buff $100 (11 admissions), Silver Screen $150 (all films for one person), Gold Pass $395 (all films, all seminars for one person) & ultimate VIP Platinum Pass $500 (all films, all seminars & Awards Gala & HYC Regatta per person). Check www.worldfest.org for details. Tickets will be available mid-March online and up to theatre- capacity at show time at the Cinema Box Office. All films, seminars and events are open to the public. Opening Night Prices ~ $20 per person for Film & Program book. $30 per person for Film, Program book and Champagne Reception at Renaissance Hotel after the film

Hotel Info: Special Festival Room Discounts are available at the WorldFest headquarters hotel, The Renaissance. Guests should mention “WorldFest” and call 713-629-1200.

Background: WorldFest, founded in 1961, is the third oldest International film festival in the United States and the oldest Independent Film Festival in the world. This annual event has evolved into a competitive Independent International film festival showcasing the rising stars of tomorrow! WorldFest is managed by Hunter Todd and Kathleen Haney. WorldFest is produced by a core staff of key individuals, dedicated volunteers, and industry professionals who make the detailed work of running a world-class international film festival possible. WorldFest Houston is a non-profit educational and cultural organization with a 501 (c)-(3) status.

For more information about WorldFest, its annual competition, and past winners, visit www.worldfest.org.

Media Contacts:

Alexa Gabillard 713-965-9955 features@worldfest.org

Kathleen Haney, 713-965-9955, kathleen@worldfest.org

WORLDFEST-HOUSTON 2010 ~ First Titles

* THE YOUNGEST SON (IL FIGLIO PIÙ PICCOLO) Pupi & Antonio Avat i~ ITALY ~An amoral man manhandles his wife and falls into the claws of a wheeler dealer. Panorama Italia

BAMBARA WALALLA Athula Liyanage SRI LANKA ~After his jailtime for having killed the step-father who raped his sister, Podi Eka, an uneducated Sri Lankan man goes through many changes in a life of rags-to-riches. WORLD Premiere

THE BE ALL AND END ALL Bruce Webb- UK ~ A teenage boy from Liverpool, diagnosed with a fatal illness, tries everything to get his last wish fulfilled with his best friend’s help.

BERGFEST Florian Eichinger – GERMANY/UK ~ After 8 years of estrangement from his overbearing Father, Hannes takes his fiancée to the family mountain hut in the Bavarian Alps to have her meet him but Hannes must face some bitter truths about his past. N. American Premiere

BONDED PARALLELS Hovhannes Galstyan- ARMENIA/NORWAY~ The stories of 2 women take place -one in Norway at the end of World War II, and the other in Soviet Armenia in 1988--become intertwined. N. American Premiere

* CHAMELEON Krisztina Goda - HUNGARY~ Office cleaner, Gabor is actually a slick & irresistible con-man but he falls for Hanna his latest victim after telling her that as a Doctor he can cure her.

* THE FROST Ferran Audi- SPAIN/NORWAY ~ After the accidental death of their only son, Rita and Alfred feel such remorse that they engage in a fierce fight of mutual destruction

* GENERAL NIL Ryszard Bugajski- POLAND ~A reconstruction of the last few years in the life of the top leaders of the Polish underground Home Army (AK), General Emil 'Nil' Fieldorf.

* DISRUPT / DISMANTLE Jack Lucarelli - USA ~ Hard realities intertwine when an elite division of L.A. undercover narcotics cops, Division 123, begins to peel away the layers of a powerful drug cartel to undermine their manipulative influence.

* FOR THE SAKE OF THE SONG: THE STORY OF ANDERSON FAIR Bruce Bryant HOUSTON,TX ~ For 40 years, legendary folk & acoustic music venue, Anderson Fair Retail Restaurant, has fostered & nurtured some of the most important USA performers & songwriters.

* GODFORSAKEN Jamil Dehlavi – UK~ A fallen angel seeks redemption for the death of a child under his protection. N. American premiere.

* IN/SIGNIFICANT OTHERS John Schwert- USA ~ This multi-narrative drama navigates the different lives of one city's residents, all connected through the same local homicide investigation.

* LA MISSION Peter Bratt – CA, USA - Reformed inmate & recovering alcoholic, Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt) has worked hard to redeem his life & raise his pride & joy, only son, Jes, whom he has raised on his own after the death of his wife. Che’s path to redemption is tested, however, when he discovers Jes is gay

* LOSING YOU Ian Clay- USA ~ Jordan, an LA actor, suspects that girlfriend, Cassie, now in Nashville may have been sexually assaulted, so he drives cross country with best friend, Calvin, to find her. WORLD Premiere

LOVE LIFE OF A GENTLE COWARD Pavo Marinkovic-CROATIA~Saša is an unsuccessful writer with an unstable private life who works as a restaurant critic. His life starts to change when he falls in love with Ines…

* MAYA Michal Bat-Adam ISRAEL ~ Maya, a struggling actress get the role of a lifetime in a play, but becomes involved romantically with the director whose notion of her role as the psychiatric patient is very different from her own. WORLD Premiere

* PASTOR SHEPHERD Edwin Marshall –USA ~ The quirky tale of a down-on-his-luck freeze-dried-pet-salesman and his journey to become the first-ever-cyber-evangelist. WORLD Premiere

* POINT OF DEATH Corey Seymour –USA (Houston) ~ What does a man experience when he's reaching his last breath…when he's between heaven and hell… WORLD Premiere

SOLITAIRE Francesco Campanini- ITALY ~ After a three-billion-lire hit and a bloody hold-up, Leo Piazza becomes the sole survivor of a heist gone bad with the killers drawing ever closer determined to retrieve their loot from him in an ultimate showdown. N. American Premiere/ Panorama Italia

* TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: KA SHEN'S JOURNEY Docu-drama - Brian Jamieson CA, USA - Hong Kong born Eurasian actress, Nancy Kwan, revisits her past from her early youth in warn-torn China to her compelling journey to becoming one of Hollywood's first "It" girls from the Orient.

* OY VEY, MY SON IS GAY! - Romantic comedy - Evgeny Afineevsky -LA,CA, USA - A romantic comedy about how far we have come and yet how far we still have to go, when two families must come to terms with their sons love for each other and their adoption of a baby.

* Director is planning to attend WorldFest

12-Mar-10 10:00 AM

Houston author, Derek Steele, tells all in newest book, "Addict at 10."

Lou Congelio — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Derek Steele, author of “Addict at 10″

Derek Steele's book is the story of his life…how he overcame addiction, poverty and homelessness to become a millionaire by 35.

Here’s a trailer from the book that pretty much tells his story. Very powerful.

Derek Steele is a dynamic speaker and author whose story offers a powerful lesson in overcoming addiction and finding fulfillment. A highly successful entrepreneur and family man, he came to the American dream the hard way — by surviving a nightmarish youth. When most people his age were looking forward to college and careers, Derek was spiraling through a violent underworld of drugs, alcohol and homelessness. “A million guys who were like me are now dead or in prison,” he says. Recovering from his addictions and building a life that many aspire to, he found true purpose in faith and service.

Addict at 10 is an amazing story of one man’s miraculous journey of transformation. It is a gripping account of how Derek overcame pain, hopelessness and substance abuse to find faith, purpose and fulfillment in life. Derek’s book is a wonderful example of how God leads us to His grace and how, with the right tools, guidance, and dedication, anyone who is willing and open to His will can overcome adversity.
- Steven K. Scott, New York Times best selling author of The Richest Man Who Ever Lived.

11-Mar-10 3:00 PM

Schipul – The Web Marketing Company’s Culture Queen to Examine How Company Culture Can Beat the Recession

Daniel Keeney — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Katie Laird to lead core conversation at 2010 the SXSW® Interactive Festival

HOUSTON, March 3, 2010 – Schipul – The Web Marketing Company (www.schipul.com), a leading provider of Web marketing and social media consulting services, today announced that Communications Manager Katie Laird will lead a core conversation about company culture at the SXSW Interactive Festival. In the session, “Kicking Recession Ass with a Killer Company Culture,” Laird and business consultant Kelsey Ruger will examine the importance of finding and keeping the right people and creating an environment that breeds success.

The SXSW Interactive Festival brings together approximately 11,000 Web developers, designers, bloggers, wireless innovators, content producers, programmers and social media experts. Laird’s session is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 14th.

“Company culture is often dismissed as wasteful during difficult times,” said Laird. “We will encourage participants to look at the value and impact of culture on their bottom lines so they will invest more in cultivating high performing cultures, instead of just paying lip service to it.”

Laird says it is when things look grim that company culture is most important. Studies have found that with adaptive corporate cultures and strong leadership practices financially outperform those that do not.

“A company with a culture that promotes innovation and change is more likely to take advantage of occasional downturns,” said Laird. “It is essential during today’s Great Recession for the leaders of a company to clearly articulate their vision and communicate precisely about culture.”

The SXSW Interactive Festival is scheduled March 12-16, 2010 at the Austin Convention Center. Registration information is available at http://sxsw.com/attend.

Download a high resolution photo of Katie Laird at http://www.flickr.com/photos/happykatie/3234492225/sizes/o/in/set-72157603711412587/.

About Schipul - The Web Marketing Company

Schipul – The Web Marketing Company developed and builds on the Tendenci Web marketing application, a powerful online tool with over a half million people logging in during the past year and millions of users overall. Schipul is based in Houston, and provides marketing services on the Internet to more than 300 organizations from a variety of service industries in local, national and international markets. Schipul’s nonprofit clients include the Web Analytics Association, Houston Zoo and the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, among many others. Additional information about Schipul is available at www.schipul.com and www.tendenci.com.

3-Mar-10 11:00 AM

Professional Bareback Rider CLINT CANNON Featured on 1560 The Game!

Jenny Bosby — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Professional Bareback Rider CLINT CANNON was featured Thursday on the Sean & John Show on 1560 The Game.

A Waller, Texas native, Clint is one of the top bareback riders in the world. He will be competing at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 8th, 9th and 10th.

Clint is a part of the Pastorini-Bosby Speakers Bureau and is currently the featured speaker.

www.pbspeakers.com

Click here to listen to Clint's interview on 1560 The Game!

3-Mar-10 9:00 AM

Signum Advisors Hosting "Transfers, Taxes, and Turmoil" Free Estate Planning Seminar for CPAs and Attorneys

Petri Darby — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:00:00 GMT

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Petri Darby – darbyDARNIT

713.724.9917 or pdarby@darbyDARNIT.com

Signum Advisors Hosting “Transfers, Taxes, and Turmoil” Estate Planning Seminar for CPAs and Attorneys

- Seminar participants can receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit -

March 2, 2010 (THE WOODLANDS) – Signum Advisors, a family-owned financial services firm in The Woodlands, on Thursday, March 4 is hosting a free seminar at Amerigo’s Grille to offer certified public accountants and estate attorneys with estate planning, tax, and asset preservation strategies and tactics. Robert Vashko, director of The Wealth and Retirement Strategies Group at Jackson National Life, will lead the discussion.

While traditional estate planning focuses on how to pass on financial wealth following the death of a parent or a spouse, estate planning should cover several other issues that may arise as well as specific individual or family interests. Some of those issues may include disability, divorce – including of children, creditor and financial management, problems of beneficiaries, and desire to pass on family traditions and values.

“Too often, estate wealth is passed on to spouses, children, or other beneficiaries without the conditions or safeguards that can ensure the true wishes of the deceased are fulfilled,” said Jason Womack, CEO of Signum Advisors. “Families want a more holistic approach to estate planning and this seminar will help CPAs and attorneys learn new approaches that can benefit their clients.”

The seminar will cover:

· Tax implications of various estate planning strategies

· Ways to maximize preservation of estate assets

· Importance of comprehensive estate planning

“Transfers, Taxes, and Turmoil: The Importance of Annuity Titling” takes place from 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 4 at Amerigo’s Grille, located at 25250 Grogan’s Park Drive, in The Woodlands. CPAs and estate attorneys wanting to attend can RSVP by calling 281.466.1918 or by email to info@signumadvisors.com. There is no charge to attend the estate planning seminar.

ABOUT SIGNUM ADVISORS

Signum Advisors is a boutique Houston-area financial services firm, based in The Woodlands, that has helped shepherd retirement dreams for nearly 25 years. Signum focuses on personal service and active portfolio management for 401k and investment accounts, with a long-standing background in 403b education retirement asset management. For more information, visit www.signumadvisors.com.

The participation of Jackson National Life is solely for the purpose of educating program attendees and does not constitute an endorsement or affiliation with any organization. Signum Advisors is located at 3 Grogan’s Park, Suite 210 The Woodlands, TX 77380. Office number: 281-466-1918. Securities offered through J.W. Cole Financial, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Jonathan Roberts Advisory Group, Inc.

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3-Mar-10 9:00 AM

ASP.NET Houston

Jack Smith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT

DESSS Houston asp.net mission is to provide clients with acceptable ASP.NET Application Development in Houston, Texas. Our Houston web developers make use of the latest in software technology in application development to cater to client requirements to the fullest extent.

DESSS Houston ASP.NET benefits Houston developers by simplifying the developer’s transition from Windows application development to web development by enabling them to build pages with controls that are very similar to a Windows user interface. Houston ASP.NET provides better performance over other script-based technologies. Houston web developers gain the advantage of ease of development that comes with a scripted language, along with the performance benefits of a compiled binary.

DESSS Houston ASP.NET is an object-oriented language and as a result is able to provide programming tools that enable faster development and more functionality. It enables programmers to develop web applications that interface with a database.

Houston ASP.Net gives multiple language support to enables programmers to write their code in more than 25 .Net languages such as JavaScript, .Net , VB.Net and C#. Houston ASP.NET work faster and are capable of handling many without performance problems. Houston Asp.net main aim in web application is to enable clients to achieve their business objectives by using its features to cater to their requirements. Our Houston developers make through study of the requirements scenario before proceeding to develop client-specific web application solutions.

Our Technical Experts:

1. Migration of applications to Houston asp.net

2. Performance tuning

3. Houston asp.net architecture and design evaluation

4. Houston asp.net custom control development

5. Houston asp.net desktop and Web application development

6. Houston asp.net software product development

7. Web services Houston asp.net application development

Our team develops and delivers comprehensive solutions utilizing the full range of asp.net function. We work with your business to understand your requirements and utilize the capabilities of asp.net framework to develop the system to your requirements. We have a team of experienced Microsoft certified software architects, developers and consultants as part of an asp.net competency team. We also provide consulting in developing custom enterprise applications development based on asp.net framework.

3-Mar-10 2:00 AM

Richard "Rich" Clinton Witmer, GDL&W Advertising, Dec 2, 2009

Lou Congelio — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Richard Clinton Witmer

Richard "Rich" Clinton Witmer Richard "Rich" Clinton Witmer, died in his sleep early in the morning Dec. 2 at his home in Point Venture, Texas. Mr. Witmer was born Aug. 20, 1929 to the late Neva M. Barnhizer and Clinton M. Witmer in Rockford, Illinois. Former resident of Houston (1963-87), Mr. Witmer lived in Point Venture, Texas from 1987 to 2009. He was a member of several chapters of Lions Club International, Lago Vista Volunteers Inc. and was a long-time supporter of the arts. He was a member of the Hill Country Singers, led a men's choral group, the Lakeside Singers, and was a member of Rolling Hills Community Church in Lago Vista. Mr. Witmer is preceded in death by his wife, Gay Witmer, and his sister Beatrice M. Witmer. He is survived by four daughters, two sons, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Memorial services are set for 12:00 p.m., Dec. 12 at Rolling Hills Community Church at 6201 Lohman Ford Road in Lago Vista. Dr. Gary Olsen will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Austin chapter of the American Heart Association or Rolling Hills Community Church.

Published in Austin American-Statesman on December 10, 2009

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/statesman/obituary.aspx?n=richard-clinton-witmer&pid=137108865

2-Mar-10 8:00 PM

Carlos Arakelian has joined Locke Bryan Productions as Production Manager / Line Producer

Patricia Torres-Burd — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:00:00 GMT

Carlos Arakelian has joined Locke Bryan Productions as Production Manager / Line Producer. Carlos brings over 20 years of experience working with major advertising agencies and production companies both in general and Hispanic market work. His background also includes extensive work with international live event production. He is fully bilingual and brings with him a reputation for delivery and efficiency in all areas of work. LBP welcomes Carlos to the team as he replaces Ju Dee Heasty – who is moving overseas after almost nine years with LBP.

1-Mar-10 4:00 PM

Lopez Negrete Communications Launches Hispanic CRM/DM Unit, Appoints Director

Julie Grayum — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:45:00 GMT

Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., one of the nation’s leading and largest independent Hispanic owned and operated agencies, continues to expand its full-service capabilities by establishing a CRM/DM business unit and welcoming veteran Kathleen Jones as the new Director of Customer Relationship Management and Direct Marketing Initiatives.

“Kathleen comes to us bearing a wealth of knowledge and talent honed by the 20-plus years of experience she has in her field. Several Hispanic marketing shops claim to have some form of direct marketing capability, but none have Customer Relationship Management abilities, knowledge and experience to the level we have now set in place,” said Alex López Negrete, president, CEO and chief creative officer of Lopez Negrete. “What Kathleen brings to the table is absolutely unique in our space: a clear understanding of the nuances that exist in applying CRM and DM strategies to the Hispanic segment and the enormous need that clients have today to retain and optimize the relationship they have with existing and potential Hispanic customers, now that databases, list and consumer information sources have reached a certain point of maturity and depth.”

In her role, Jones will be responsible for developing and integrating Customer Relationship Management and Direct Marketing strategies for the agency’s broad base of clients. CRM/eCRM functions include: customer-centric strategies; data management planning; marketing database development; customer segmentation; loyalty program consulting; predictive behavior modeling; customer intelligence deliverables leading to new data-driven one-to-one strategies; direct marketing A/B testing; campaign results tracking; multi-channel strategies and tactics for direct mail, email, web custom content, web personalization, web communities, mobile and outbound/inbound call center. Other functions include leadership consulting in combining web analytics (online) with advanced analytics (offline transaction data/loyalty data) for all traditional and digital platforms.

Jones has 22 years’ experience in database marketing, along with 10 years’ experience in advertising, marketing, media and account management. She is a self-described customer retention specialist and an expert in segmentation strategies, delivering research output and transforming the findings into actionable sales and marketing strategies through multiple channels.

“Aligning with an established force such as Lopez Negrete will put my customer-focused marketing and database marketing best practices to work in partnership with clients who are looking for incremental revenue and ROI,” says Jones. “The Hispanic market continues to evolve. Traditional media – even in the Hispanic market – has experienced a level of implosion, albeit less than in the general market, but, yet, it has become much harder to reach the same volumes of audience, resulting in below and above the line disciplines transforming into multi-channel strategies. Agencies who want to remain competitive must stay ahead of the game in order to maintain leadership. Lopez Negrete has made such a commitment, and its clients have responded quickly and quite positively.”

About Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc.

Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. is an independent, Hispanic owned and operated full-service agency specializing in Hispanic marketing. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a second office in Los Angeles, Calif., the company’s billings for 2009 were estimated at $164 million. Since 1985, Lopez Negrete has offered a full range of advertising, marketing and public relations services to industry leaders, including Walmart Stores, Inc., Bank of America, Microsoft Corporation, Kraft Foods (Kraft Singles, Kraft Mayonnaise, Ritz Crackers), MillerCoors (Miller Lite), NBC Universal Motion Pictures Group, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Tyson Foods, Guerrero Mexican Foods, Azteca Milling L.P., Sonic Drive-Ins, Reliant Energy, and others. With more than 170 employees, Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. is a proven leader in providing fully integrated national Hispanic marketing and communications services.

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1-Mar-10 11:45 AM

Houston Writer Helps British Columbia Economic Development Group

Susan Burnell — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

HOUSTON (February 24, 2010) -- Houston writer Susan Burnell, whose work frequently appears in Forbes, has written a special advertising section trumpeting economic development opportunities in British Columbia for the magazine's March 1, 2010 issue. Timed to coincide with the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the section quotes British Columbia's Premier Gordon Campbell on the economic significance of the Games.

The province's clean-energy achievements, its thriving high-quality wood products industry and its rising status as a Pacific Gateway are featured in the section.

Burnell researched and wrote the bylined piece, "British Columbia: A Natural Fit for Business," working with Forbes project managers and the British Columbia Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

Burnell is founder and principal of Imagination Ink Business Writing and Public Relations, serving clients in the publishing, health care, economic development and technology industries since 1994.

For more information contact:

Susan H. Burnell, APR
Imagination Ink
Business Writing and Public Relations
9597 Jones Road #349
Houston, TX 77065
832-912-7879

inkspark@att.net

24-Feb-10 6:00 PM

Award-Winning Frozen Yogurt Retailer Red Mango to Celebrate Grand Opening at First Houston Store

Petri Darby — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Petri Darby - darbyDARNIT

713.724.9917

pdarby@darbyDARNIT.com

AWARD-WINNING FROZEN YOGURT RETAILER RED MANGO

TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING AT FIRST HOUSTON STORE

Taste the All-Natural Difference with FREE Frozen Yogurt

February 27 at Red Mango Rice Village

HOUSTON (February 22, 2010) – Grab your spoons and prepare your taste buds, as Red Mango, the fastest growing retailer of all-natural nonfat frozen yogurt, celebrates the grand opening of its first store in Houston at 2565 Amherst Drive in Rice Village on Saturday, February 27. Guests will receive a free small Original yogurt with one topping from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The first 100 customers will also receive a Red Mango gift bag.

“Our all-natural, award winning frozen yogurt lets customers indulge in a guilt-free treat that is truly healthy and delicious,” said Dan Kim, president and CEO of Red Mango. “We are confident that once Houstonians try Red Mango frozen yogurt, they will taste the difference and make it part of their lifestyle.”

Red Mango frozen yogurt is available in four unique, gratifying and delicious flavors—Original, Pomegranate by POM Wonderful^®, and Tangomonium™ (a proprietary citrus blend), as well as the seasonal flavor, currently Cocoa, all under 100 calories per serving. Healthy, natural toppings include fresh fruit, nuts and granola, and fun toppings like Fruity Pebbles^® and Cap’n Crunch^®are available. Red Mango also offers the first line of probiotic iced teas as well as made-to-order parfaits and probiotic smoothies. Lemonocity™ (Lemonade Green Tea), Mysteaque™ (Vanilla Black Tea) and Fanteasia™ (Wildberry Hibiscus Tea) iced teas are each uniquely delicious, low-calorie, and sweetened with natural cane sugar.

“Red Mango is the perfect tasty treat for health conscious consumers in Houston,” said Joey Se, the owner of the Red Mango Rice Village store. “As a popular shopping destination with a strong business presence, and with its proximity to Rice University, Texas Medical Center and the Museum District, Rice Village is the perfect location for our Red Mango store.”

Red Mango is 100 percent all-natural, contains no fat and is certified gluten-free and kosher. Unlike many other frozen yogurts, Red Mango is made by licensed dairy manufacturers in the U.S., the same way real yogurt is made. Because of this differentiating factor, it offers a deliciously authentic natural flavor with all of the benefits of yogurt, such as calcium, protein and a significant amount of live and active cultures (also known as probiotics). In 2009, Red Mango began fortifying its yogurt with GanedenBC^30®, a patented strain of probiotic shown to help support and regulate the immune and digestive systems.

For more information about Red Mango’s delicious, all-natural frozen yogurt and treats, please visit www.redmangousa.com, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redmango, or on Twitter by following @RedMango.

About Red Mango:
Red Mango, the fastest growing retailer of authentic nonfat frozen yogurt, opened its first U.S. store in July 2007 in Los Angeles and has since celebrated more than 60 store openings across Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin. Red Mango received Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2009 “Hot Concepts!” award and has been named the best frozen yogurt in Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Chicago, Utah and New York by independent publications. Headquartered in Dallas, Red Mango serves uniquely delicious frozen yogurt that is all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free and packed with beneficial live and active probiotic cultures that support a healthy immune and digestive system. Red Mango’s frozen yogurt has been certified by the National Yogurt Association’s Live and Active Culture Seal for meeting the required criteria for healthy frozen yogurt. Additionally, Red Mango recently introduced the first iced teas fortified with probiotics.

Red Mango’s investors include CIC Advantage Holdings, LLC, a holding company formed by CIC Partners and leading retail restaurant operators to invest in and add value to multi unit retail companies. For more information about Red Mango, please visit www.redmangousa.com. For franchising information, please visit www.redmangofranchising.com or call 214-871-6865.

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23-Feb-10 4:00 PM

Joe Fournet to Deliver Creativity Talk to Houston Chapter of Society for Technical Communication

Joe Fournet — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Joe Fournet, President and Creative Director of Sugar Land-based Ideas & MORE will be the guest speaker during ceremonies of the Winter Bash and Awards Night for the Houston chapter of the Society for Technical Communication on Friday, February 26 at the University of Houston Downtown.

Mr. Fournet will be talking on the importance of ideas and the role they play in creativity. "The environment in which we work and think is vital to one's creativity," says Fournet. "Some surroundings are not exactly stimulating and some work assignments can be quite boring. But that doesn't mean one still can't be creative," he stresses.

Mr Fournet delivered a similar talk in January to the American Advertising Federation-Little Rock and he will be delivering a presentation on the role of creativity in today's business world in late March before the International Business Association, also at UH Downtown.

The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is a professional society of individuals skilled in communicating technical content. Members include writers, editors, Web developers, designers, graphic artists, and translators. The Houston Chapter of STC was formed in 1962 and provides networking, employment, volunteer, and educational opportunities.

Ideas & MORE is a creative services firm specializing in crafting innovative messaging and copy for all forms of media such as print, collateral and the Web. Having been involved in the advertising and marketing arenas for over 20 years, Mr. Fournet both writes about and gives presentations on idea generation and techniques to enhance one's creativity.

23-Feb-10 0:00 AM

Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. Takes Top Gold At Annual AAF-Houston ADDY Award Show

Julie Grayum — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 22:15:00 GMT

The night was full of glitz and glamour with a dash of irreverence and sentimentalism, as Houston’s advertising community gathered to celebrate its best work at the 48^th American Advertising Federation-Houston’s ADDY® award show. But the night belonged to Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc., and to the family of a beloved adman and Lopez Negrete colleague, Brett Elliott, who tragically passed away last March.

Nominated for 68 awards this year, success is no stranger to the second-largest independently owned Hispanic advertising agency in the country. The total take-home tally included 21 Gold ADDYs, 17 Silver and 26 Citations of Excellence. Lopez Negrete’s Gold ADDYs were awarded for work accomplished for nearly every major client the agency has, including nine for Dr Pepper Snapple Group, three for Bank of America, three for Lopez Negrete Communications, and one each for MillerCoors, Kraft Foods, Maseca, Sonic Drive-Ins, Blue Leaf and Walmart.

The agency had an especially strong showing in the interactive and digital categories, particularly for the work created for Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s 7UP and Dr Pepper Hispanic campaigns, as well as for its own corporate website. “Over the past year, we have seen clients embrace the fact that today’s consumers are hungry for 360º initiatives that go far beyond the 30-second-spot and include digital, experiential, retailtainment and embedded content. As a result, our interactive/digital, promotions and event marketing units have worked collaboratively to create exciting – and award-winning work,” explained Alex López Negrete, president, CEO and chief creative officer of his namesake agency.

Brett Elliott, who was senior copywriter with Lopez Negrete, was honored with the Silver Medal Award by AAF-Houston, a recognition bestowed upon a select few in the industry for their contributions to the craft as well as for the their community involvement and representation of the industry. Elliott was a deserving candidate for the honor, having served as a board chair at AAF-Houston and for countless other committees, and for being completely devoted to his craft.

Alex López Negrete was awarded the Silver Medal in 2005.

“It was an important night for the agency, indeed. And, while the wins are magnificent, we tempered the festivities with a well-deserved remembrance and recognition of our close friend Brett,” said López Negrete. "Most who knew him knew that he lived for nights like these, with or without honors. Actually, he was a perennial volunteer to the committee who puts on the ADDY show. What the Silver Medal does is serve as an appropriate homage to the kindest, funniest, most extraordinarily talented and definitely most missed man the advertising business has ever known. It is fitting that the last piece of work that Brett worked on was awarded a Gold ADDY on this evening.”

About Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc.

# # #

19-Feb-10 4:15 PM

Pastorini-Bosby Talent and AM Studios makeup artist, Kathy White, booked the “She’s Out of My League” Press Junket

Jenny Bosby — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Pastorini-Bosby Talent and AM Studios makeup artist, KATHY WHITE, booked the “She’s Out of My League” Press Junket at the Four Seasons Hotel. Kathy did the makeup for co-star Alice Eve. Eve will next be seen in the upcoming “Sex and the City 2.”

18-Feb-10 5:00 PM

ParkerHayden Wins Best of Show TV at Houston Addy's

Mark Hayden — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:45:00 GMT

HOUSTON – February 17, 2010. Integrated marketing, design and advertising firm, ParkerHayden Advertising and Design, took home a Best of Show award for its Casa Olé “Pinãta” television campaign at the 48^th Annual American Advertising Federation (AAF) Houston show Saturday night. The firm was also awarded three Gold awards, one Silver award and two Citation of Excellence awards for its work with the Greater Houston Community Foundation, Casa Ole and Mission Burrito.

“Winning a Best of Show award for the Casa Olé television campaign is a bonus considering what these spots have done for our client’s brand,” said Mark Hayden, Principal, ParkerHayden. “These awards are possible because we are blessed with great clients who challenge us and allow us to create memorable work that gets them results.”

Guy Parker, Principal, ParkerHayden, added, “I think the work this year was the best I’ve seen in years. In a down economy, we were expecting more conservative approaches, but just the opposite was true. Being able to earn Gold in these categories is especially gratifying considering who we were up against.”

The firm won Addy Awards for:

Public Service Annual Report (Gold): Greater Houston Community Foundation’s 2008 Annual Report

Local Television :30 Single (Gold): Casa Olé “Pinãta-Grocery Store”

Local Television Campaign (Gold): Casa Olé “Pinãta”

Integrated Media (Silver): Casa Olé “Pinãta”

Outdoor Single (Citation of Excellence): Mission Burrito

Outdoor Campaign (Citation of Excellence): Mission Burrito

The AAF-Houston Addy Awards was created 48 years ago to recognize Houston’s best creative work in the field of advertising. Gold winners will automatically compete in the AAF District Ten competition to be held April 15-17, 2010 in Amarillo, TX.

Within the past year, ParkerHayden has taken four Texas Top Brass 2009 Lantern Awards and was named “Rookie of the Year” at the Business Marketing Association (BMA) — Houston Chapter annual show in November 2009. It was also awarded two Crystal Awards from the American Marketing Association last May.

About ParkerHayden Advertising + Design.

ParkerHayden is a full-service integrated marketing and creative firm that produces advertising, public relations, brand identity, collateral, Web sites and new media that get results. Clients work with them because they combine marketing acumen and compelling creative with a true passion for wanting their clients to succeed. Visit www.parkerhayden.com for more information.

17-Feb-10 11:45 AM

FosterQuan Becomes Largest Nationally and Locally Minority-Certified Immigration Law Firm

Petri Darby — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:00:00 GMT

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Petri Darby - darbydarnit

713.724.9917 or pdarby@darbydarnit.com

FosterQuan Becomes Largest Nationally and Locally

Minority-Certified Immigration Law Firm

- Also is world’s largest minority owned immigration law firm -

February 17, 2010 (HOUSTON) – The Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC) recently certified FosterQuan as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), making it the largest immigration law firm to receive both national and local minority certification. The HMSDC is the certifying organization for minority-owned businesses interested in working with major corporations and governmental entities.

FosterQuan also is the largest minority owned immigration law firm in the world and was recognized as the 2009 Minority Professional Services Firm of the Year by the National Minority Business Council.

“Thousands of major corporations are developing and expanding their minority business supplier programs and this MBE certification provides FosterQuan with significant opportunities to connect with companies and organizations needing expertise in immigration,” said Richard Huebner, president of HMSDC.

“Our immigration clients range from very diverse small businesses to the largest multi-national corporations, and they expect us not only to say that we value diversity and inclusion, but actually demonstrate those tenets in our own business,” said Charles Foster, co-chairman of FosterQuan.

Gordon Quan, also co-chairman of FosterQuan, added, “Our national and local minority certifications, along with our community efforts, reflect our strong commitment to our clients and the communities in which we have a presence.”

While many firms provide employment-based immigration services, such as Form I-9 audits and employer sanction strategies, FosterQuan also boasts an accomplished litigation section that argued, and won, before the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm also handles temporary work and investor visas, family-based immigration, citizenship, and global immigration compliance management.

Charles Foster and FosterQuan are gaining global acclaim on another level as a result of Foster being played by actor Kyle MacLachlan in the movie “Mao’s Last Dancer,” based on the autobiography of renowned Chinese dancer Li Cunxin. Foster represented Cunxin, who defected from China in 1981 after visiting Houston during a cultural exchange program. The movie will be released in the United States in late 2010.

About FosterQuan, LLP

FosterQuan is one of the largest immigration law firms in the United States with 56 attorneys operating from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, the Rio Grande Valley, Mexico City and now Washington, D.C. The firm also has more attorneys board certified in immigration and nationality law than any other Texas law firm. Formed from the 2009 merger of Tindall & Foster and Quan, Burdette & Perez in January 2009, FosterQuan, LLP offers a full spectrum of immigration legal services to assist corporations with issues related to employment and movement of key personnel across national boundaries. The firm also offers a patented I-9 auditing and compliance process. For more information, visit FosterQuan.com.

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17-Feb-10 11:00 AM

ON-CAMERA AUDITION WORKSHOP FOR BILINGUAL ACTORS

Jenny Bosby — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

March 27 and 28 (Saturday and Sunday)

Taught in Spanish by NICKY MONDELLINI in Houston

With all the bilingual talent there is in Houston, major production companies are still looking for Spanish speaking actors elsewhere. Learning or polishing your skills for the Hispanic market is a MUST so that job opportunities will stay in Houston.

With more than twenty years of experience in Television, Film and Stage, Nicky has starred in several soap operas like “Maria Mercedes”, “Contra Viento y Marea

and “Ramona” among others and has been a guest star in programs like

“Mujer, casos de la vida real ” and “Al Derecho y Al Derbez”.

Her film credits include the Italian film “Puerto Escondido”, and Mexican short films like “Continuo Espacio-Tiempo” and “Nick Habana”.

She has also appeared in several television commercials since childhood and has been a working actor in Houston for the past four years.

Since her arrival in the U.S. ,Nicky has been teaching theatre workshops for children and audition workshops for adults, as well as private coaching sessions.

The workshop will include:

-On camera practice

-The neutral Spanish accent

-Audio prompter technique (a brief introduction)

-Taking the step from the stage to on- camera opportunities

-Networking

-How to choose a good and legitimate agent

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 12 ACTORS, SAVE YOUR SPOT NOW!

Regular price $ 175.00

Sign up now and pay only $150.00 ,before March 15^th

The workshop is divided into two sessions:

Saturday, March 27 and Sunday March 28 from 9:30am to 1:30pm
8990 Kirby Dr. Suite 200
Houston, TX. 77054

Checks should be made out to Nicky Mondellini and mailed to:

6300 West Loop South
Suite 350
Bellaire, TX 77401

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT PASTORINI BOSBY TALENT AGENCY AT:

office@pbtalent.com 713-266-4488

17-Feb-10 10:00 AM

Big Daddy's Chicks Launches Beta Facebook Game Application: "Cold War Clambake"

Petri Darby — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Petri Darby – darbyDarnit

713.724.9917 or pdarby@darbyDarnit.com

Big Daddy’s Chicks Launches Beta Facebook Game Application:

“Cold War: Clambake”

- Game Represents First Element in Entertainment Franchise -

February 16, 2010 (DALLAS) – Big Daddy’s Chicks Productions, LLC today launched the official beta version of “Cold War: Clambake,” a free role-playing game (RPG) available through an application on Facebook. More about the story, characters, and game is featured at www.ColdWarClambake.com.

The Facebook application and Web site represent the first elements in a cross-platform entertainment franchise consisting of games, a virtual world, social media, animated shorts and films, comics, and other branded properties.

“Online games and social media sites serve as an entry point for character-driven narratives and entertainment content that can engage audiences across the world through different mediums,” said Cheryl Ray, a partner with Big Daddy’s Chicks. “We designed Clambake to span independent ‘transmedia’ channels that work collectively in a way that no entertainment franchise has yet done.”

Big Daddy’s Chicks developed “Cold War: Clambake” as an edgy, comedic adventure game of political espionage, in which fascism, femme fatales, and flatulence are on the march, and the intelligence community is running in circles. A covert elite spy organization, known as FROST, and its secret agents stand as America’s best hope for averting crisis.

Players compete for good or evil in communist propaganda campaigns using ice cream trucks to target pets, subversive boy bands that use ultrasonic waves to drive American youth insane, and other deadly, outlandish scenarios.

Big Daddy’s Chicks selected Facebook as the launchpad for “Cold War: Clambake” because of the social networking site’s base of 150 million users, open source platform, and growing gaming environment. Millions of users currently play Facebook games such as Mafia Wars and Farmville. According to research firm DFC, the online casual games market will reach a $1.1 billion value by 2011.

About Big Daddy’s Chicks and “Cold War: Clambake”

“Cold War: Clambake” is a multi-platform storytelling franchise developed by Big Daddy’s Chicks, a Plano, Texas-based creative team with backgrounds in gaming, 3d, and animated features. The partners have worked on successful animated films including “Jimmy Neutron” and “The Ant Bully” with studios such as Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Brothers. For more information about Big Daddy’s Chicks, visit http://www.BigDaddysChicks.com. For more information about “Cold War: Clambake,” visit http://www.ColdWarClambake.com. To play “Cold War: Clambake,” visit Cold War: Clambake Facebook application.

16-Feb-10 3:00 PM

OiH 2010 Award Winner

Dwight Cook — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT

Dan Workman OiH Award Video from W. Ross Wells on Vimeo.

The 2010 Only In Houston award was given to Dan Workman of Sugarhill Studios Saturday February 13, 2010. The OiH Award is given to honor people who have contributed to the Houston creative community and has set a new standard of excellence.

Dan has been very supportive of the Houston music industry for as long as I can remember, and I’ve known him since the 80’s. In addition to the OiH award, Lou Congelio presented him with a proclamation from the mayor of Houston naming Saturday “Dan Workman Day.” Dan will also be joining OiH as a new board member!

Thank you Dan, for your support of the Houston Creative community and Only in Houston.

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15-Feb-10 2:00 PM

Google Selects Radio Lounge As Creative Partner in New Ad Creation Marketplace for Internet Radio

M. Bruce Abbott — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

Radio Lounge has been a part of Google's radio advertising efforts since 2007, when Google launched its terrestrial radio ad initiative. After a year long hiatus, Google's new relaunch focuses on internet radio, and will give clients globally the opportunity to tap Radio Lounge's creative resources - from script writing to broadcast production. In the past this service was dedicated to Google AdWords advertisers.

This new phase, called Ads Creation Marketplace 2.0, will be open to everyone, not just Google Adwords users. As part of the original Google Radio Ads effort, Radio Lounge worked with advertisers around the country developing a wide variety of campaigns for a number of service and retail clients.

“Our goals are much the same, but our approach to creative has changed to reflect the unique web platform culture. Ads Creation Marketplace 2.0 is an exciting opportunity as well for many advertisers desiring to reach multiple markets with limited budgets. What used to be called non-traditional media, has now become more of the norm, and we see this trend as a positive spin for advertisers.” - Ray Schilens-President/Partner of Radio Lounge.

" Terrestrial radio was not a good fit for Google's business model. This revamp of the creation marketplace combines the best of both worlds - radio advertising and web accountability. We are honored to be one of a handful of vendors selected to participate in the new venture." - M. Bruce Abbott, Creative Director/Partner of Radio Lounge.

Beta testing has been completed, and launch is expected by mid 2010.

Radio Lounge provides full service radio advertising campaigns, including strategic design, creative development, media planning, media buying, testing, tracking and measurement. For more information visit the website at http://www.radioloungeusa.com or call toll free 1-866-4-AUDIO-9 ( 1-866-428-3469 ) for a media consultation.

12-Feb-10 8:00 AM

Only in Houston Articles RSS Feed

“Save The Date” for WorldFest Houston Film Festival ~2010 April 9-18th

“Save The Date” for WorldFest Houston Film Festival ~2010

April 9-18th

Why: WorldFest showcases and celebrates the best and brightest emerging cinematic talents over 10 action-packed days in April 2010. Film lovers can be among the first to see and meet the stars and directors of tomorrow at the 43rd Annual WorldFest-Houston.

Who: WorldFest is one of the longest-running independent film and video competitions in the world. The 43rd Annual WorldFest-Houston is scheduled for April 9-18th, 2010.

Houston author, Derek Steele, tells all in newest book, "Addict at 10."

Schipul – The Web Marketing Company’s Culture Queen to Examine How Company Culture Can Beat the Recession

Professional Bareback Rider CLINT CANNON Featured on 1560 The Game!

Signum Advisors Hosting "Transfers, Taxes, and Turmoil" Free Estate Planning Seminar for CPAs and Attorneys

ASP.NET Houston

Richard "Rich" Clinton Witmer, GDL&W Advertising, Dec 2, 2009

Carlos Arakelian has joined Locke Bryan Productions as Production Manager / Line Producer

Lopez Negrete Communications Launches Hispanic CRM/DM Unit, Appoints Director

Houston Writer Helps British Columbia Economic Development Group

Award-Winning Frozen Yogurt Retailer Red Mango to Celebrate Grand Opening at First Houston Store

Joe Fournet to Deliver Creativity Talk to Houston Chapter of Society for Technical Communication

Lopez Negrete Communications, Inc. Takes Top Gold At Annual AAF-Houston ADDY Award Show

Pastorini-Bosby Talent and AM Studios makeup artist, Kathy White, booked the “She’s Out of My League” Press Junket

Pastorini-Bosby Talent and AM Studios makeup artist, KATHY WHITE, booked the “She’s Out of My League” Press Junket at the Four Seasons Hotel. Kathy did the makeup for co-star Alice Eve. Eve will next be seen in the upcoming “Sex and the City 2.”

ParkerHayden Wins Best of Show TV at Houston Addy's

FosterQuan Becomes Largest Nationally and Locally Minority-Certified Immigration Law Firm

ON-CAMERA AUDITION WORKSHOP FOR BILINGUAL ACTORS

Big Daddy's Chicks Launches Beta Facebook Game Application: "Cold War Clambake"

OiH 2010 Award Winner

Google Selects Radio Lounge As Creative Partner in New Ad Creation Marketplace for Internet Radio

April 9-18^th

Why: WorldFest showcases and celebrates the best and brightest emerging cinematic talents over 10 action-packed days in April 2010. Film lovers can be among the first to see and meet the stars and directors of tomorrow at the 43^rd Annual WorldFest-Houston.

Who: WorldFest is one of the longest-running independent film and video competitions in the world. The 43^rd Annual WorldFest-Houston is scheduled for April 9-18^th, 2010.