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.