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Here are a few events that landed STANANDLOU in the white-hot glow of the media spotlight. To relive even more of our past glories, a news archive section is coming soon!

A Houstonian’s one-man campaign to call attention to a disfiguring neurological disorder is not only gaining ground but also winning recognition. On Feb. 17, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown, Reggie Bibbs’ marketing campaign will vie against advertising professionals at the 45th Annual ADDY Awards presented by the Houston Advertising Federation.

The inspiration for Reggie’s unique campaign came after years of public frustration.

“I have neurofibromatosis. It’s a disorder that causes tumors to grow along my nervous system,” stated Bibbs. “In my case, it’s fairly disfiguring. When I would go out in public, people would stare or, worse, walk away. So I came up with an idea for a t-shirt and the rest, as they say, is history.”
With the help of a friend at a local advertising agency, Reggie Bibbs created a t-shirt that would invite people to come up and talk to Reggie about his disorder. “I figured the more they knew about my disease, the more they would understand me,” added Bibbs.

Reggie Bibbs was born with Neurofibromatosis. Doctors noticed a tiny tumor on his eye, and then on his heel. Later, they found a small tumor on the roof of his mouth. Reggie’s mother thought nothing of it. But when she tried to put his shoes on, she noticed it was more difficult to put his left shoe on than his right shoe. “I’d cry when she’d try, ” he said.

NF is not a rare disorder, it is the most common neurological disorder caused by a single cell. Neurofibromatosis is a genetically-determined disorder that affects more than 100,000 Americans; this makes NF more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, heredity Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease and Tay Sachs combined. The mortality rate for people with NF is higher than that of the healthy population because of the increased potential of malignant transformation of diseased tissues and the development of neurofibrosarcoma.

“When Reggie called me with the idea for a t-shirt that read, "Just Ask!” I literally had tears in my eyes,” said long-time friend Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU Advertising. “The idea was so simple and so powerful that I immediately offered him a position in the company,” Congelio added.

The t-shirt features on the front an abstract outline of Reggie’s face and, on the back, large type that simply says, “JUST ASK!”. Also included on the back is the url for Reggie’s website, www.reggiebibbs.com.

“We figured he would need a business card to go with the shirt with an explanation of what NF was. Then everything kind of snowballed from there,” said Lou Congelio. “Then we figured a website would be the quickest, most efficient way to get out the information about NF so we designed one of those.”

The project quickly grew to include links to Flickr.com to show Reggie’s photographs, a link to YouTube to show his TV commercials, and most importantly, a link to his blog where Reggie adds daily posts. Soon the website will have an online store so that he can start earning a living while raising awareness of NF.

“I am really excited about the Addy Award nomination. Winning would be a great honor, not just for me, but for everyone else who has NF. People with NF and other disfiguring conditions find it difficult to do everyday tasks, and this site increases public understanding of the hurdles that we have to overcome,” said Bibbs.

“If we win, I will accept the award on behalf of Ronnie, my brother who had NF and cancer. He died in September of 2006, and I miss him a lot,” said Bibbs.
Reggie’s t-shirt, business card and website was recognized and nominated out of 850 entries submitted by 60 different ad agencies, design firms and consultants.

To learn more about NF, visit the Houston Advertising Federation Addy Award nominated website (www.reggiebibbs.com)

STANANDLOU announced the appointment of Michelle Reed as Vice President of Strategic Marketing at the Houston full service advertising and marketing agency.

Reed’s responsibilities include oversight of the marketing strategy for all STANANDLOU clients. She will lead the account service and media teams in planning and client management functions. Her focus will be on strategic planning for all STANANDLOU clients and monitoring the success of clients' marketing initiatives.

Reed began her career in consumer products marketing with EPI Marketing and BrandDirect Marketing in Connecticut. Reed is a veteran marketer with experience in both consumer and business-to-business marketing. Previously, she was a self-employed marketing consultant working with a variety of businesses and non-profits, helping them to create and implement marketing and business development plans. Reed also founded Advantage Consulting, an independent marketing solutions provider serving area business.

Reed earned a marketing degree from the University of New Orleans and her MBA from Tulane.

STANANDLOU announced the appointment of Benita Zamora as Assistant Account Coordinator at the Houston full service advertising and marketing agency.

Zamora’s responsibilities include managing projects and production schedules for client accounts.

Zamora is a past Vice-President of the Association for Women in Communication, past Media Director and Co-Account Coordinator for the 2005 National Student Advertising Competition team for UH, and past President of the American Advertising Federation-UH Chapter.

Zamora graduated Magna Cum Laude B.A. in Advertising from the University of Houston. Her professional affiliations include the Houston Advertising Federation.

After receiving recognition at the local level, Houston ad agency STANANDLOU Advertising won two bronze ADDY awards from the American Advertising Federation's 10th District, comprised of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

Both of the awards were for print work done for Tila's; a restaurant that specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine. STANANDLOU won in two categories: overall print campaign and single print piece.

The Tila's print campaign grabs the reader's attention with a distinctive yellow background and clever headlines. One ad in the campaign promotes the variety of top-shelf tequilas with the directions, "Lick. Suck. Swallow. Repeat." The second bronze ADDY went to an ad that plays off the restaurant's authenticity by declaring, "Jesus eats here. So do his brothers Mateo, Marcos, Lucas and Juan."

The two district awards come on the heels of the 2006 Houston Advertising Federation's ADDY Awards ceremony, where STANANDLOU won five Gold ADDYS and seven Silver ADDYS in the newspaper, consumer magazine,

direct marketing, trade publication, and self-promotion categories.

The HAF judges awarded the work for Tila's two Gold ADDYS and a Silver ADDY. STANANDLOU's magazine ads for Houstonian Lite earned two Gold ADDYS and a Silver ADDY as well. The final Gold ADDY was for The Houstonian Golf and Country Club. In addition, the agency took home Silver ADDYS for work done for NOEL Furniture, the Greater Houston Partnership, Aphelion Software, LOGIX Communications, and an agency self promotion piece.

"We are thrilled to be recognized at both the local and district level," said Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. "Our goal has always been to stay on the cutting edge of creativity and any recognition we get for our efforts is icing on the cake."

STANANDLOU is a full service communications firm based in Houston, with projected 2006 billings of $31 million and is ranked among Houston's top five full-service advertising agencies. Clients include Aphelion Software, Barefoot Properties, Buc-ee's, Christus Spohn Health Sustem, Constellation NewEnergy, The Houstonian, Houstonian Lite, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, KRBE-FM, LOGIX Communications, Monterey's Little Mexico, NOEL Furniture, Redstone Golf Club, Tortuga Mexican Restaurants and UHY Advisors.

(Houston, TX) STANANDLOU Marketing/Advertising recently launched a new campaign for Harbercraft; the Vernon, British Columbia-based maker of premium aluminum boats.

The campaign, which will appear in fishing and boating magazines in the Pacific Northwest and in Canada, features headlines that talk to the serious fisherman paired with picturesque shots of Harbercraft boats on the water.

"Our research showed that Harbercraft customers love to fish and want a boat that's built to last," said STANANDLOU's Chief Operating Officer, Bill Penczak. "The print campaign communicates a tough attitude and a deep understanding of what makes fishing so important in the lives of our customers "both of which appeal to the target market."

The campaign was developed after extensive online and focus group research in California, Oregon, Washington, British Colombia, and Alberta.

"Were extremely excited about rolling out the campaign STANANDLOU created for us," explained Harbercaft Director of Marketing Joe Baker. "It's exactly the type of campaign that we think will break through the clutter of fishing and boating magazines and speak to consumers."

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Christus Spohn Health Systems, Constellation NewEnergy, Harbercraft, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey's/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

And the Emmy Goes to... STANANDLOU

(Houston, TX) STANANDLOU Advertising/Marketing, in association with KHOU-TV Houston and VT2 Media Design and Communication, won a coveted Emmy Award for Best Public Announcement Campaign at the Lone Star Chapter of the National Television Academy Emmy Awards held on October 15 in Dallas. The awards show attracted television professionals from across Texas to salute excellence in broadcasting.

The award-winning campaign consists of two 30-second television commercials promoting the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). The commercials feature KHOU-TV's Lisa Foronda, one of SNAP's devoted supporters, as well as three other Houston actors. The commercials were written and produced by STANANDLOU Creative Director Lou Congelio, STANANDLOU Associate Creative Director Josh Powers, VT2 General Manager Cliff Davis, and KHOU-TV Director of Public Relations Wendy Burkeen.

"As far as I know, this joint project between a local network affiliate, an ad agency and a production company is the first of its kind anywhere in the country," said STANANDLOU Marketing/Advertising President Lou Congelio. "Not only did everyone put their egos aside to collaborate on this incredible project, but we all put our fees aside and did the work pro-bono. The results have been overwhelmingly positive."

In addition to the two Emmy-winning commercials, STANANDLOU has created two other commercials for SNAP, and each one has won awards in multiple advertising industry competitions over the past five years.

"Doing award-winning work is very rewarding," noted Congelio. "But doing work that also makes a positive impact in the community, as these commercials have, is one of the true testaments to the power of creative advertising."

Mexican Restaurants, Inc. Family of Restaurants Ranked #1 in Houston

(Houston, TX) Mexican Restaurants, Inc. (MRI) family of restaurants was recently ranked as the #1 Mexican restaurant chain in Houston, Texas through an independent survey conducted by Marshall Marketing and Communications Inc.

The survey was performed through telephone interviews in the Houston area. Each consumer was asked to name four restaurants that are their favorite for Mexican food. The results clearly stated that MRI's combined restaurants were the most desired among those interviewed.

"The success of our family of restaurants shows the importance our customers place on value, fresh and affordable food," noted Dennis Vegas, Chief Marketing Officer of MRI. "Our internal marketing team and our advertising partners have done a wonderful job in attracting and retaining customers from a variety of demographic segments; including the growing Hispanic market."

Mexican Restaurants, Inc. operates and franchises 82 Mexican restaurants. The current system includes 61 company-operated restaurants, 20 franchisee operated restaurants and one license restaurant. MRI's Houston restaurants include Casa Ole, Monterey's Little Mexico, and Tortuga Mexican Kitchen.

"We're proud of our association with Mexican Restaurants, Inc.," said STANANDLOU Marketing/Advertising President Lou Congelio. "Their restaurants deserve to be in the spotlight and, as their ad agency, we've enjoyed playing a role in building their brands and continued success."

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey's/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

STANANDLOU's Lou Congelio Launches Only in Houston HAF Initiative

Thanks to the leadership of STANANDLOU's Lou Congelio and the hard work of dozens of supporters, Houston now has a local effort aimed at keeping and showcasing creative talent in Houston.

"We're excited to create an infrastructure for creative talent in Houston," says Lou of the newly established organization. "As a group we want to remind businesses and agencies that there is creative talent in Houston. We then hope to promote that talent in a way that inspires these entities to utilize their local creative resources."

The group began as a committee of the Houston Advertising Federation aimed at addressing the issue of local businesses hiring non-local agencies and other out-of-city creative professionals. Since late last year, the groundwork has been in the works for Only in Houston and the initiative was officially kicked off in February of this year.

OnlyinHouston.com is scheduled to launch in July and is billed as a directory and showcase for everyone from graphic artists to on-air talent as well as a resource for those seeking creative services.

"We want to make it easier for talented people and for people seeking great talent to work, and to find work in Houston," says Congelio.

Only in Houston is an initiative of the Houston Advertising Federation (HAF) chaired by the president of STANANDLOU Advertising, Lou Congelio. Plans for filing Only in Houston as a 501(c)(6) organization are in the works.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey's/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

Following success earlier this year at the local level of the ADDY Awards, STANANDLOU Advertising has received a Silver ADDY at the district level for their work on the political web campaign at www.dontdelay.us.

Earlier this year, the top-five Houston agency won seven Gold ADDYs, seven Silver ADDYs, over twenty Citations of Excellence, and the coveted Best in Show for Print.

"We are excited as an agency to have been recognized by our peers on the regional level," said Lou Congelio of the award. "And we are even more excited to represent Houston at the national level and aid in establishing Houston as a major center for creative advertising."

The winning entry was for a multimedia campaign consisting of a music video, Web site, and a sign intended to divert votes from an incumbent Congressman. It read, ?Congressman For Sale,' in the typical fashion of a ?Home For Sale' yard sign, followed by the web address, www.dontdelay.us."

The regional ADDY award is the highest honor granted within the 10th District of the American Advertising Federation. Industry leaders judge the entries in over 100 categories. Top performers from the district go on to compete nationally later this year. The national ADDY award competition is the largest in the nation and receives over 60,000 entries annually.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey's/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

Harbercraft Finds Safe Harbor at STANANDLOU
06/24/05

(Houston, TX ) Harbercraft/Jetcraft, builders of North America’s premium quality aluminum boats, has hired Houston-based STANANDLOU Marketing/Advertising to assist with its marketing initiatives for the 2006 model year.

Harbercraft, located in Vernon, British Columbia, engineers and builds boats for river running, northern lake fishing, and saltwater fishing in extreme conditions.

“We were pleased with STANANDLOU’s experience. Many firms had extensive creative capabilities. But their pure marketing experience will be of greatest value as we introduce new products and continue to build the Harbercraft reputation, distribution, and market share,” said CEO Byron Bolton.

“How can we not be excited about working on this project? It’s summer, it’s the boating industry, and it’s an opportunity to apply our basic marketing disciplines--pricing, distribution, and feature set development--developed from my earlier experience,” said Penczak. STANANDLOU Chief Operating Officer Bill Penczak was formerly Director of Marketing for a Brunswick Boat Group division in Seattle. “Plus, the brand has been around for almost 50 years, and there’s a rich heritage to tap into, ” Penczak added. Harbercraft/Jetcraft has recently gained industry attention for its innovative hull design and manufacturing process.

Work will begin immediately as the new team prepares for the 2006 model year introduction later this summer.

CHRISTUS Spohn Taps STANANDLOU for Cardiac Program
06/23/05

(Houston, TX) Christus Spohn has hired Houston’s STANANDLOU to handle the launch of its cardiac program after a three month agency review. Work will include strategic planning and research, branding, advertising, public relations and event marketing in Corpus Christi and South Texas.

“STANANDLOU brings a wealth of health care experience, and it was evident that they appreciate our mission and what it means to our community,” said Paul Trevino, Executive Vice President and Administrator at Christus Spohn Shoreline. “During the review process, they showed us great creative work for other nationally recognized heart centers in highly competitive environments, and their strategic disciplines made us comfortable they could do the same for us with positive results,” Trevino added.

Christus Spohn is due to open a 156-bed critical care center in August, which will house cardiac, emergency and intensive care units. The center will also feature a new interventional cardiac care unit. Christus Spohn is currently celebrating 100 years of providing health care services to South Texas.

“Christus Spohn is special in their appreciation of faith’s ability to help heal. Few traditional health care institutions have the conviction we’ve seen at Christus Spohn,” said STANANDLOU President and Creative Director Lou Congelio. “As we learned about their heritage, and their investment in people, technology and facilities, it was clear that they are the real deal and that South Texans have no reason to leave home for world-class cardiac care, “ said STANANDLOU Chief Operating Officer Bill Penczak.

Work will begin immediately, with a campaign scheduled to break in October.

About Christus Spohn

Established in 1905, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System is a comprehensive, faith-based health care network spanning South Texas. Hospitals include: CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi with three locations - Memorial, Shoreline, South; CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Alice; CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Beeville; and CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Kleberg (Kingsville). CHRISTUS Spohn Health System features technologically advanced cardiac and cancer services, a network of family health centers and a variety of wellness and specialty programs that serve the health needs of the people in South Texas.

STANANDLOU Advertising Wins Silver ADDY
05/04/05

Earlier this year, the top-five Houston agency won seven Gold ADDYs, seven Silver ADDYs, over twenty Citations of Excellence, and the coveted Best in Show for Print.

“We are excited as an agency to have been recognized by our peers on the regional level,” said Lou Congelio of the award. “And we are even more excited to represent Houston at the national level and aid in establishing Houston as a major center for creative advertising.”

The winning entry was for a multimedia campaign consisting of a music video, Web site, and a sign intended to divert votes from an incumbent Congressman. It read, ‘Congressman For Sale,’ in the typical fashion of a ‘Home For Sale’ yard sign, followed by the web address, www.dontdelay.us.”

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey’s/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

NOEL Furniture Finds Comfortable Place for its Advertisng
05/20/05

NOEL Fine Furniture Design Center, Houston’s premier, luxury furniture store, has hired STANANDLOU to further brand NOEL in the Houston market as a high-end furniture and design center to upscale Houstonians. Media will include newspaper, magazine, network TV and cable. The agency will also be responsible for a new website and for creating point of sale materials.

“We chose STANANDLOU because they get it. NOEL is not the typical furniture store. We cater to discriminating clients who can discern quality, and we needed an agency who can communicate to that audience,” said store president Todd Noel.

“I think what resonated was our work with other upscale brands like The Houstonian, Tootsie’s, M. Penner, and The Redstone,” said agency president Lou Congelio. “Most furniture retailers scream; we think we can gain more attention in a whisper,” he added. The agency has extensive experience in luxury marketing in yachts, real estate and high-end retail.

The new NOEL campaign will begin this summer on TV and in print.

NOEL Furniture Design Center is an elegant collection of transitional and light contemporary fine furniture, unique accessories, original artwork, and avant-garde lighting. By offering Houston’s premier showroom, NOEL gives customers an opportunity to shop in an unparalleled atmosphere of opulence and elegance. While NOEL is Houston-based and Houston-operated, it stands apart from other luxury stores due to a wide selection of well known brands from all over the country.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey’s/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

STANANDLOU's Lou Congelio Launches Only in Houston HAF Initiative
05/04/05

Thanks to the leadership of STANANDLOU’s Lou Congelio and the hard work of dozens of supporters, Houston now has a local effort aimed at keeping and showcasing creative talent in Houston.

“We’re excited to create an infrastructure for creative talent in Houston,” says Lou of the newly established organization. “As a group we want to remind businesses and agencies that there is creative talent in Houston. We then hope to promote that talent in a way that inspires these entities to utilize their local creative resources.”

The group began as a committee of the Houston Advertising Federation aimed at addressing the issue of local businesses hiring non-local agencies and other out-of-city creative professionals. Since late last year, the groundwork has been in the works for Only in Houston and the initiative was officially kicked off in February of this year.

OnlyinHouston.com is scheduled to launch in July and is billed as a directory and showcase for everyone from graphic artists to on-air talent as well as a resource for those seeking creative services.

“We want to make it easier for talented people – and for people seeking great talent—to work, and to find work in Houston,” says Congelio.

Only in Houston is an initiative of the Houston Advertising Federation (HAF) chaired by the president of STANANDLOU Advertising, Lou Congelio. Plans for filing Only in Houston as a 501(c)(6) organization are in the works.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey’s/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

AAF 10TH District Backs Appeal to Establish a National Advertising Accredidation
05/04/05

In a move to establish a consistent standard of professional advertising conduct and ability, Bill Penczak – Director of Results at STANANDLOU and a Houston Advertising Federation Board Member (HAF) – has presented his ideas for a national advertising accreditation to the 10th District of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and to its president.

The AAF’s 10th District is comprised of members from Texas Oklahoma, Northwestern Louisiana, and Arkansas. They have agreed to back Penczak in his appeal to the national organization to establish a national accreditation program.

“We want to raise the level of professionalism as it’s perceived by the outside world,” says Bill of the proposed program. “We’d like to show that it takes more than just a computer and a graphics program to be a communicator in this industry.”

The accreditation program would incorporate a core set of required online classes in addition to elective courses. The program would conclude with a standardized test with periodic updates and retesting implemented to maintain the higher standards that the accreditation would demand.

The American Advertising Federation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the trade association that represents 50,000 professionals in the advertising industry. AAF's 130 corporate members are advertisers, agencies and media companies. AAF has a national network of 210 ad clubs and connects the industry with an academic base through its 210 college chapters.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency that pushes the creative envelope. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, LOGIX Communications, Monterey’s/Little Mexico, The Redstone, and UHY Advisors.

Constellation NewEnergy Hires STANANDLOU Advertising
02/03/05

Constellation NewEnergy, one of the nation’s leading competitive suppliers of electricity, has hired STANANDLOU Advertising for the Texas market after a two-month review.

The assignment will include branding, sales support, and other activities. The campaign will run in major Texas markets where Constellation competes with incumbent electricity providers. like Reliant and TXU. Marketing Partners, a San Francisco area agency search firm, conducted the review.

“We saw great enthusiasm, creativity, and sound marketing thinking in STANANDLOU. We were impressed with their other b2b work, as well as some of the innovative things they’d done in the consumer market,” said Constellation NewEnergy VP for Texas operations, David Bat.

“This is going to be an incredible opportunity to make a difference,” said agency Chief Operating Officer Bill Penczak. “Constellation’s products and level of service are remarkable. We’ve assured Constellation that the level of creativity and service will be on par,” he added.

The review started late in the summer, with four agencies originally asked to present credentials. The second round included case study presentations from three of the firms, all based in Houston.

Work will begin immediately, with a campaign slated to start in the spring. Billings were not disclosed.

Constellation NewEnergy is a part of Constellation Energy, a Fortune 500 company based in Baltimore. Constellation is the nation's leading competitive supplier of electricity to large commercial and industrial customers and one of the nation's largest wholesale power sellers. It owns or co-owns 107 generating units at 35 locations in 11 states. In 2003, the combined revenues of the integrated energy company totaled $9.7 billion.

STANANDLOU is a full-service communication firm based in Houston, with projected 2005 billings of $27 million. Starting as a creative boutique in 1988, the agency has grown to a top-five full service agency with strong strategic and media skills. Clients include Aphelion Software, Constellation NewEnergy, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, Logix Communications, Monterey’s/Little Mexico, The Redstone, St. Luke’s Hospital, and UHY Advisors.

STANANDLOU - The Logix Choice
01/04/05

HOUSTON – STANANDLOU Advertising was recently selected agency of record by LOGIX Communications. The decision was made without a review and was based on LOGIX’s past experience with STANANDLOU as well as a new creative campaign presented by the agency.

LOGIX Communications, formerly American Telco, Inc., was a client of STANANDLOU’s until the company was sold in 1998 and the advertising was taken in-house. In 2002, LOGIX was bought back by founder Ron Henriksen. His vision was to provide businesses with simple cost-effective telecommunications built on the latest voice, Internet and data technology. Today, LOGIX Communications serves more than 15,000 businesses in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Ft. Worth, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City.

When it came time to select a marketing partner to help re-brand LOGIX, Henriksen sought out STANANDLOU. The new campaign is scheduled to launch in early 2005.

“STANANDLOU did a superb job for us in the past. Once we decided to reposition the company, we knew exactly who to go to,” said Henriksen. “We wanted a campaign that would combine simplicity with innovation and they really came through.”

“The campaign will run in all LOGIX Texas and Oklahoma markets,” said Matt Asmus, LOGIX Chief Operating Officer, “and will include broadcast and outdoor, along with guerilla marketing.”

“We’re so proud of the fact that LOGIX sought us out. We did great work for them in the past, and the agency is poised to do even better work today,” said agency president Lou Congelio.

STANANDLOU Advertising is a full-service agency with over $24 million in billings. Clients include St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, UHY Advisors, Monterey’s Tex-Mex Café, Little Mexico, Tortuga Coastal Cantina, The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, and Crisis Intervention.

STANANDLOU Completes Television Commercial for Marble Slab Creameary
05/24/04

(HOUSTON) – STANANDLOU Marketing and Advertising recently completed a 30-second television commercial for Marble Slab Creamery, a nationwide group of more than 370 ice cream stores based in Houston, Texas. The spot introduces Marble Slab’s new positioning line, “The One. The Only. The Original.®” to reaffirm its leadership role in the premium ice cream market.

The spot features a mother and son visiting “Wooden Board Creamery,” a fictional Marble Slab competitor. The owner of Wooden Board Creamery claims to have the freshest ice cream in town, but after a series of funny substitutions for Marble Slab’s signature features (mixins, waffle cones and toppings), the customers discover that nothing is quite the same as The Original— Marble Slab Creamery.

“We are quite excited about this spot,” noted Richie Hankamer, vice president of Marble Slab Creamery. “It really gets to the heart of what we want our customers to know: that there’s simply no substitute for Marble Slab ice cream. And, it conveys that message in a funny, engaging way.”

“It’s a fun spot but, more importantly, it positions Marble Slab Creamery as the leader in the very competitive superpremium ice cream market,” said Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. “There are a lot of imitators out there and we felt the need to remind our customers who our competitors are imitating and why. For the freshest, best tasting ice cream in the world, Marble Slab Creamery truly is “The One. The Only. The Original.®”

The spot will run on both network and cable stations in Marble Slab markets across the country. Production credits include: Jason LaMotte, Director, Amazon Films; Josh Powers, Producer, STANANDLOU and Don Sattler, Offline/Online Editor, TVMan.

STANANDLOU Joins the Intermarket Agency Network
05/10/04

(HOUSTON) – STANANDLOU Marketing and Advertising has been voted into the Intermarket Agency Network, an national group of agency principals who gather semiannually to exchange ideas and share proven business strategies for growing successful agencies.

“We are proud to the join the Intermarket Agency Network,” said Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. “Our association gives our clients and staff access to market information from across the country, and the opportunity to share best business practices in marketing, media, and creative. This membership will result in even more insightful work for our clients because of the cross pollination of ideas that occurs within IAN.”

“There are about 27,000 ad agencies in the U.S., and 5,000 of them close each year,” said Dan Santy, president of IAN. “The agencies that thrive are the ones that commit to a high standard of business practices, creative integrity and long range planning. IAN exists to foster that commitment. It’s clear that STANANDLOU shares our passion for the industry, and we look forward adding their perspective to our group.”

The Intermarket Agency Network has links to similar associations in Canada and South America. Membership is by invitation and only one agency in any given market is permitted to join. In addition to their semiannual conference, IAN also hosts a members-only online forum for agency principals to continue their dialogue throughout the year.

STANANDLOU and Trendmaker Homes Live Large with new Outdoor
04/05/04

(HOUSTON) STANANDLOU Advertising recently completed a series of five outdoor boards for Houston-based Trendmaker Homes. The billboards, designed to acquaint prospective homebuyers with Trendmaker’s SmartDifferences(sm), display giant 3-D versions of a backpack rack, laundry chute, garage workbench, and surge protector.

The oversized features are used to demonstrate the importance of the SmartDifferencesSM that come standard with every Trendmaker Home. There are over 50 SmartDifferences(sm), ranging from ergonomically raised dishwashers to keyless entry systems.

“It’s pretty well established that Trendmaker offers beautiful floor plans in wonderful neighborhoods,” said Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. “But we felt that these small but innovative touches were a major point of difference between Trendmaker and other homebuilders. So, we decided to take these small things and show Houston what a big deal they are. Hence, the 14-foot backpack rack!”

The campaign is scheduled to appear throughout Houston starting in mid-March.

“Trendmaker’s SmartDifferences(sm) offer innovative touches that make family life at home easier, more convenient,” noted Lin Spear, Director of Marketing for Trendmaker Homes. “They’re things that you never knew you wanted in a house, but once you have them, you’ll never want to live without. For example, with our laundry chute, clothes go directly to the laundry room from any bedroom in the house. It’s a little detail, but Trendmaker homeowners tell us it makes a big difference.”

Hamilton Shirts Finds the Right Fit with STANANDLOU
03/16/04

(HOUSTON) Hamilton Shirts, Houston’s oldest family owned business, has selected STANANDLOU Advertising as its first agency of record. Billings were not disclosed.

Hamilton Shirts was founded 120 years ago by Edward and J. Brooke Hamilton as Hamilton Brothers. Back then, four custom shirts retailed for $6.00. Today, the company is majority owned by Jim Hamilton, grandson of the founders. Hamilton designs and manufactures custom shirts under their own label, and as a co-brand with high-end men’s stores across the country. Hamilton also operates a location in Houston.

“We were impressed by what they said, and how they said it,” said company vice president David Hamilton. “STANANDLOU’s proposal had the right substance, and their method of delivery gave us an idea of their creativity,” he added. The agency’s RFP was printed on a shirt and delivered in a clear dry cleaner’s bag. “We had heard of their reputation before, and they certainly lived up to it.”

“It’s great to be able to apply some of our experience selling high-end products for Hamilton. And since they don’t have a huge budget, we know that our creativity will have to come through in advertising, design, and guerilla marketing. We’re up to the challenge,” said agency COO/Director of Results Bill Penczak.

“I’m just hoping they have some fabrics with a strong Hawaiian theme. Its time to update my wardrobe,” added agency president and erstwhile famous-shirt-wearer Lou Congelio.

The scope of work will include an updated website, positioning, direct response, publicity, POS and packaging.

STANANDLOU Strikes Gold at the Addys
03/08/04

(HOUSTON) STANANDLOU Advertising took home five ADDYS recently at the 2004 Houston Advertising Federation’s ADDY Awards. The agency won three Gold ADDYS and two Silver ADDYS in a variety of categories, including public service broadcast and print, local print, consumer magazine, and collateral material.

“The ADDYS recognize the crème de la crème of Houston advertising, so STANANDLOU is flattered by the recognition,” said Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. “Of course, it’s always fun to bring home big, shiny awards, but more importantly, these awards tell us that our commitment to great work is alive and well. It was a team effort from start to finish.”

STANANDLOU received three Gold ADDYS for work done for Trevísio, Trendmaker Homes and Initiatives for Children. The Initiatives for Children television spot uses humor to drive home the need for good childcare by highlighting parents doing their jobs with children by their side.

“The television spot STANANDLOU produced for us was just what we were looking for,” noted Star Massing, Director of Marketing for Initiatives for Children. “They dramatized the consequences of not having suitable childcare in a way that made people smile and take notice. Since the spot’s release, we have seen an exciting increase in calls to our referral line.”

Additionally, STANANDLOU accepted two Silver ADDYS for its work for River Oaks Animal Hospital and M. Penner Men Wear.

St. Luke's Checks into STANANDLOU
12/16/03

HOUSTON - STAN AND LOU Advertising has landed the St. Luke's Episcopal Health System without a review. St. Luke's, one of the country's leading healthcare providers, chose STANANDLOU based on their reputation and success with other healthcare providers across the country.

"St. Luke's is one of the most respected organizations in the Houston medical community and certainly within the nation for cardiovascular care," said Lou Congelio, president of STAN AND LOU . "We're honored to be named steward of their brand. St. Luke's has worked hard to become one of the top ten heart hospitals in the nation. Now, it's our turn to make sure the advertising reflects this same dedication to quality care."

Bill Penczak, STAN AND LOU's Director of Results/Chief Operating Officer , noted that one of STAN AND LOU 's first tasks is to establish a cohesive brand for the entire St. Luke's system. "There's a special culture that's been fostered at St. Luke's. Everyone knows they offer the most advanced healthcare--but their values are what really set St. Luke's apart. Our mission will be to communicate that."

STAN AND LOU anticipates initial rollout of the new positioning and advertising by early 2004.

About St. Luke's Episcopal Health System: St. Luke's Episcopal Health System is a comprehensive health system that meets the primary and tertiary health care needs of a diverse community. The system is anchored by St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, home of The Texas Heart Institute, founded in 1954 by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, and has grown to include St. Luke's Episcopal Health Charities, St. Luke's Episcopal Health Network, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic and St. Luke's Community Medical Center - The Woodlands.

Crescent City Hires STANANDLOU Advertising
10/21/03

Houston based Crescent City, a chain of fast-casual New Orleans-themed restaurants, announced STANANDLOU Advertising as its first agency of record at their annual franchisee meeting today.

The chain has stores in throughout Texas, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Milwaulkee, and plans to open new stores in Denver, Memphis, Las Vegas, and the Bay Area during 2004. Crescent City offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializes in the New Orleans favorite, beignets and specialty coffee.

"We're on a rapid growth schedule, and needed an agency that could help us grow same store sales now through local marketing, and help position us for future growth," said Crescent City president and CEO Wayne Bunch. "They demonstrated their ability to be very strategic, and will be a great asset to our team," Bunch added.

"Crescent City has a great concept that's unique in the market. Consumers continue to crave unique dining experiences, and there's no one doing what Wayne and his team are. And while other segments of the restaurant business languish, fast casual continues to do well. We have the experience and the energy to help Crescent City's aggressive plans, store by store," said agency president Lou Congelio.

Work will start immediately on 2004 planning. Billings were not disclosed.

STANANDLOU is a top ten Houston full service advertising agency billing more than $22 million. Clients include Coastal Banc, Conoco LNG, The Houstonian, Kelsey Seybold Clinics, Little Mexico, Marble Slab Creamery, Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp, St. Luke's Hospital, Tortuga, and Trendmaker Homes. We are currently accepting RFP's for clients who want to improve the results of their marketing efforts.

CENTERPRISE ADVISORS COUNTS ON STANANDLOU ADVERTISING AND VOLLMER
10/12/03

Houston, Texas - Chicago-based Centerprise Advisors, the nation's 14 th largest professional services company, has hired STANANDLOU and VOLLMER as its first advertising and public relations agencies. The positioning, branding and communications program that will ensue is a primary strategic initiative of Centerprise's new CEO Jim McGuire, former head of KPMG Consulting.

"STANANDLOU and VOLLMER demonstrated their skill, strategic insight, and relevant experience to convince us they were the right fit" said McGuire. "We have an aggressive growth plan, and need agency partners that can match our pace," he added.

The STANANDLOU and VOLLMER teams beat out several other New York-based agencies for the account.

"Needless to say we're delighted to accept the challenge. We've been working with Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp, a Centerprise firm, for the past two years. Their corporate culture is very much like ours--aggressive, strategic and results-oriented, so it will be exciting to spread the word on a national basis," said STANANDLOU President Lou Congelio.

"Our extensive experience in promoting professional services nationally as well as our fast-paced environment and 'never take no' attitude makes us a perfect fit for Centerprise Advisors," said Carolyn Mayo, president of VOLLMER. "We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship."

The scope of the assignment will include research, positioning, branding, advertising, web design, public relations and sales support. Work will begin immediately.

Centerprise Advisors is one of the world's largest professional services firms, with more than 1,000 employees and 15,000 clients in the United States alone. It is affiliated with London-based UHY. Centerprise was formed in July 2000 when seven regional professional services companies merged, and is now the 15th largest professional services firm in the U.S.

Aphelion Software Hires STANANDLOU Advertising
11/05/03

(Houston, Texas November 5, 2003)

Aphelion Software, the world’s leader in management software for health clubs, announced that STANANDLOU Advertising has been appointed agency of record.

Aphelion software and management services are in more than 2300 clubs across the world, allowing club owners and operators to improve billing, customer retention, and overall club management. The company was founded in 1986 by former NASA engineers, were instrumental in major advances of the U.S. space program.

“The agency demonstrated they understand not just the communications piece, but the transactional part as well. We’re confident they’ll be able to help us with lead generation, lead ranking, trade shows and some of our other business drivers,” said Aphelion executive vice president Bill Nichtberger.

“STANANDLOU has big shoes to fill,” said Randy Ivey, Director of Marketing for Aphelion. “We worked with Metzdorf Advertising for years, and he brought a lot of creative energy to us. Now we see a lot of the same traits in STANANDLOU,” he added.

“It’s great to be able to work with a company that’s an industry leader. Aphelion and its products are a natural extension of our health care and business to business experience,” said STANANDLOU COO Bill Penczak. “We’ll be able to contribute on many levels—from trade shows to sales support to trade advertising,” he added.

Work will start immediately on collateral for several upcoming trade shows.

STANANDLOU CELEBRATES ITS QUINCEAÑERA
09/30/03

September marks 15 years of award-winning creativity for STANANDLOU Advertising. The company’s anniversary party was thrown in the form of a traditional Mexican quinceañera, including authentic Mexican food, margaritas and a mariachi band. However, the highlight of the evening was the frilly pink dress worn by none other than the president of STANANDLOU, Lou Congelio—move over Molly Ringwald!

To view photos from the event, click here.

More than a few of the over 200 guests were disappointed to see that Mr. Congelio had changed clothes by the time they arrived for the festivities. Luckily, a life-size cutout of the quinceañera-dress-clad beauty stood fresh as a daisy for the entire evening, posing for photos with partygoers, and looking on as guests enjoyed eating, playing pool and viewing a display of the agency’s past work.

“We were delighted to help STANANDLOU celebrate their anniversary,” commented Arnold Lipp, partner of Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp Advisors and quinceañera partygoer. “All too often, businesses don’t make it past the first few years, so for STANANDLOU to be flourishing at the 15-year mark is truly something to be proud of.”

“For us, it was just another excuse to have a party,” noted Lou Congelio, president of STANANDLOU. “I couldn’t be happier, or prouder of the work we have done and the clients we have. STANANDLOU has a great staff and a clear vision for the future. I believe we’re poised to do even bigger and better things in the coming years.”

Food, beverages and servers were provided by STANANDLOU clients Tortuga Coastal Cantina, Alonti Café and Catering, Zula, Marble Slab Creamery and The Mercury Room.

STANANDLOU Advertising Adds Two Clients
07/22/03

STANANDLOU Advertising has been named agency of record for Partners Realty and for the Houston Batteries Plus franchise.

Partners Realty is Houston’s largest independently owed commercial real estate service company, ranked sixth in the Houston Business Journal Book of Lists. “STANANDLOU has done great work for other business to business clients, and has demonstrated you don’t always have to outspend the competition--- sometimes you can outthink them,” said Jon Silberman, Co-Managing Partner of Partners. “We were especially impressed with their work for other professional services companies like Mann Frankfort,” Silberman added.

Another new client is Batteries Plus. “We needed an agency that could work the full gamut of communications—from creating an outdoor campaign to local store marketing for consumers and commercial accounts,” said Arthur Romero, Batteries Plus General manager. Batteries Plus stores sell replacement batteries for virtually any residential and commercial use, and is the largest chain of its kind in the country. “With their full complement of services and creativity, we felt STANANDLOU was the right fit,” added Romero.

STANANDLOU is one of Houston’s top-ten full service agencies. Clients include Kelsey-Seybold Clinics, Trendmaker Homes, Marble Slab Creamery, Tortuga Coastal Cantina, and Monterey’s Little Mexico. Founded in 1988 by aliens wishing to control the earth by infiltrating the mass communications of North America, the agency has grown to 19 associates with nearly $20 million in annual billing.

Research Findings Result in Mass Alcohol Consumption
07/19/03

Sometimes marketing research can drive marketing directors to drink. In the case of STANANDLOU client Tortuga Coastal Cantina, the research drove customers to drink.

The agency recently completed telephone and focus group research to determine to most profitable positioning for the three brands owned by client Mexican Restaurants, Inc. Part of the study was focused on differentiating the upscale Tortuga Coastal Cantina brand in Houston.

One of the findings was a signature margarita can differentiate a restaurant as much as the food. “The margarita is the most popular cocktail in the country. And in a city with more than 800 Mexican restaurants, your margarita has to taste like it was made by Jimmy Buffet himself,” said Bill Penczak, STANANDLOU Director of Results.

So in the search of that perfect concoction, STANANDLOU created a consumer taste-off to determine what would become the Tortugarita. A targeted direct mail campaign around the West Oaks Tortuga location generated nearly 200 participants, who tasted six different premium margaritas. The test will be repeated in two weeks at the Gessner location.

“This was by far the most fun stage of the ‘research’ “, said Penczak. “While in the guise of a taste test, we really did learn what people look for in a margarita, and the remarkable knowledge level about tequilas. It will help create a better experience at Tortuga.”

“Free booze made it pretty easy to create a promotion that generated a 20% response. We were really hoping the client would have gone with the ‘free sex’ offer, but it might have been a bit over the top,” added agency president Lou Congelio.

Beside the goodwill and margarita input, the promotion generated a 25% increase in total sales for the store that night, along with the destruction of approximately 1.8 billion brain cells. The final results of the taste-off will be announced the first week in August.

Mexican Restaurants Inc. is a publicly traded company operating Tortuga Coastal Cantina, Monterey’s, Little Mexico, and Casa Ole restaurants in Texas.

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