WHO'S WHO IN BLACK HOUSTON™ PRESS RELEASES

Great Opportunity to Network with Some of
Houston’s Elite Movers and Shakers

Anthony W. Hall Jr. Signs
The Second Edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitors Center
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Houston – June 17, 2008 – The Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau will open its doors Thursday, June 26, 2008 for its first book signing. Anthony Hall, chief administrative officer for the City of Houston, will autograph copies of the second edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston™. Hall wrote the foreword for this year’s edition.

Since the early 1970s, Hall has been actively involved in government and civic affairs, and has gained substantial experience in public law. He served as a state representative in the Texas Legislature, Houston city councilmember, chair of the Metropolitan Transit Authority and city attorney. He is a past board member of the Coastal Corporation and currently serves on the El Paso Corporation and Houston Endowment, Inc. board of directors. His community involvements include the Houston Symphony, The Ensemble Theatre, Boy Scouts of America, chair of the Boulé Foundation and the Texas Cultural Trust.

A native Houstonian, Hall is the epitome of giving back to the community as he has been honored with numerous distinguished public service awards from many community-based and national organizations. Hall and his wife, Carolyn, are the parents of two adult children, Ursula and Anthony III.

The purpose of this annual publication is to showcase the extraordinary talent, resources and initiative that are synonymous with Houston’s African-American community. It also provides opportunity for corporations and firms to publicly recognize their employees, create a positive awareness of the contributions made by African- American Houstonians. Most importantly, it exposes our children to what they can become. Who’s Who In Black Houston™ will also serve as an annual historical document, reflective of Houston’s African-American citizenry and the diversity they bring to corporate boardrooms, the political landscape and the community.

The book signing will begin promptly at 11 a.m. and end at 1 p.m. Books may be purchased for $34.95. Associate Publisher Phyllis Bailey will be on hand to collect business cards from those who wish to be included in the next edition.

Who’s Who Publishing Company began in Atlanta in 1989 and currently publishes annual directories in 22 cities. Who’s Who in Black Houston™ is available at select H-E-B stores, the Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore, Barnes & Noble, Borders and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitors Center.

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Anthony W. Hall Jr. to Pen Foreword for
Second Edition of Who's Who In Black Houston™

Columbus, Ohio – Who’s Who Publishing Company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher targeting the African-American market, announced today that Anthony W. Hall Jr. will write the foreword for the highly anticipated second edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston™. The Unveiling Reception for the second edition will be held at the InterContinental Hotel in early 2008.

Mr. Hall is the chief administrative officer of the City of Houston, Texas. Since the early 1970s, he has been actively involved in local and state government and civic affairs and has gained substantial experience in public law. Hall served as a state representative in the Texas Legislature from 1973 to 1979, on the Houston City Council from 1979 to 1989, chair of the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County from 1990 to 1992 and city attorney from 1998-2004. Hall serves on the board of directors of the El Paso Corporation and Houston Endowment. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Houston Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, National Bar Association and the Houston Lawyers Association.

Born and raised in Houston, Hall is a perfect example of community service. Having served on 11 boards at different times, he has been honored with numerous distinguished awards from many of the organizations he was a member. Hall and his wife, Carolyn, have two adult children, Ursula and Anthony III. He is a licensed pilot and teaches students to fly in his spare time.

Additionally, Who’s Who is excited to do a Special Tribute on Rev. William A. Lawson, founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, now retired. “Mr. Hall and Rev. Lawson are the personification of community service. African Americans in Houston have served as pioneers and trailblazers in all realms of professional work. This is our chance to showcase our prominent lawyers, physicians, corporate employees, and businessmen who have made their mark in this dynamic city,” said associate publisher Phyllis Bailey.

Who’s Who Publishing Company founder and CEO, C. Sunny Martin states, “Anthony Hall’s role in state and local government is the type of leadership we highlight in our publications nationwide. We are honored that he will contribute the foreword for our second Houston edition.”

Who’s Who Publishing Company began in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989 and currently publishes annual directories in 15 cities. Who’s Who In Black Houston™ retails for $34.95 and will be available at 25 select H-E-B grocery stores, the Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore and the Greater Houston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

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Who's Who In Black Houston™ Hosts Unveiling Reception
Monday, March 19th - 6:00 p.m.
InterContinental Hotel - 2222 W. Loop South

(Columbus, OH) – March 1, 2007 – Houston’s African-American achievers and prominent citizens will receive permanent tribute with the release of the inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston™. An unveiling reception to commemorate the release of this annual directory will be held on Monday, March 19, at the InterContinental Hotel, 2222 W. Loop South. The event, hosted by KPRC-TV anchor Jerome Gray and Majic 102 morning deejay Kandi Eastman, will kick off with a networking reception at 6:00 p.m. followed by a formal program at 7:00 p.m.

This highly anticipated publication and event, themed “Letting Our Children See What They Can Be,” captures a cross-section of personalities that help make Houston unique. The inspirational stories and mini-profiles feature corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, media professionals, entertainers and community leaders. Highlights include Mathew and Tina Knowles, Reginald Rhodes, Secdrick Brass, Winell Herron, Judge Vanessa Gilmore, a Houston historical section written by noted local historian Patricia Smith Prather, and a special tribute honoring Beyonce Knowles. Gerald B. Smith, president and CEO of Smith Graham & Company wrote the foreword. Who’s Who Publisher, C. Sunny Martin stated, “Gerald Smith’s participation in our inaugural Houston publication signifies an important step in heralding the past and present legacy of African Americans in the Houston metropolitan area.”

Houston associate publishers Phyllis Bailey and Rosalind Moore along with account executive Margo Williams Handy have worked tirelessly since May of 2006 to bring the Houston edition to fruition. Event corporate sponsors include InterContinental Hotel, H-E-B, CenterPoint Energy, KPRC-TV, Radio One, Sysco Corporation, El Paso Corporation, The Kroger Co., Sterling Bank, AXA Advisors, and Reliant Energy.

Who’s Who Publishing Company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher targeting the African-American market, adds Houston to its growing list of city editions including Atlanta, Birmingham, Chicago, Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis and St. Louis. Future editions are planned for Louisville, South Florida, Dallas, Los Angeles and New York. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Web site at www.whoswhopublishing.com. Tickets include a copy of the inaugural edition for all guests.

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Gerald B. Smith Signs on to Pen Foreword
for New Who's Who In Black Houston™ Book

Columbus, Ohio – Who’s Who Publishing Company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher targeting the African-American market, announced today that Gerald B. Smith has signed on to write the foreword for the inaugural edition of Who’s Who In Black Houston™.

With more than 32 years of experience in the investment industry, Gerald Smith is chairman and CEO of Smith, Graham & Co., a global investment management firm that specializes in managing domestic and non-dollar fixed income and domestic equity portfolio strategies for institutional clients. The firm manages more than $2.5 billion in domestic and global assets and is considered to be one of the oldest and largest minority-owned fixed income money management firms in the nation.

Prior to launching Smith Graham & Co. in 1990, he served as senior vice president and director of fixed income for Underwood Neuhaus & Company. His past executive experience also includes senior management positions with Westcap Corporation, and Dillon Read & Co. in New York. A founding member of the New York Futures Exchange, he is a graduate of Texas Southern University with bachelor’s degree in finance.

With numerous awards and honors and a long history of giving back to his community, a few of Smith’s board affiliations include: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; The Charles Schwab Family of Funds; Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority; Houston Museum of African American Culture; Cooper Industries; Texas Southern University Foundation; and the National Association of Securities Professionals. A patron of the arts, he and his wife Anita have three sons, Marcus, Jackson and Jordan, and one daughter, Joy.

Who’s Who In Black Houston™ associate publishers Phyllis Bailey and Rosalind Moore both agree, “Gerald Smith’s contributions and hallmark service in the financial industry are a testimony to his commitment locally and nationally. We are proud that he will contribute the foreword for our inaugural edition.”

Who’s Who Publishing, Co. founder and CEO, C. Sunny Martin shared today, “Gerald Smith’s participation in our inaugural Houston publication signifies an important step in heralding the past and present legacy of African Americans in the Houston metropolitan area.”

Who’s Who Publishing Company began in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989 and currently publishes similar annual directories in cities such as: Atlanta, GA; Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; and St. Louis, MO. The upcoming publication of Who’s Who In Black Houston™ is the first to be published for the area and will feature pictures and biographical data on a significant number of African-American leaders in the business, academic, religious, media and government communities.

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Two Houstonians named Associate Publishers for Who's Who In Black Houston™

Columbus, Ohio – Who’s Who Publishing Company, the nation’s largest annual directory publisher, which targets the African-American market, proudly announces that Phyllis J. Bailey and Rosalind D. Moore will join the company as the associate publishers for its Who’s Who in Black Houston™ publication.

Phyllis J. Bailey is president of 3B Resources Group Public Relations LLC, a Houston-based firm specializing in public relations, media relations, and special events. Rosalind D. Moore is a professional event consultant and principal of her own firm, Perfect Touch Promotions.


With a distinguished and varied background, Bailey brings over 20 years of business experience from the federal government, education, engineering, oil and gas, the hospitality industry, and public relations. Bailey stepped out on faith and opened 3B Resources Group in 1998 and has grown a very diverse client base, of professional athletes, non- profits, award shows, media outlets, entertainers, attorneys and physicians. Bailey is involved in many community activities.

Rosalind D. Moore is president and CEO of Perfect Touch Promotions. Before the creation of Perfect Touch Promotions, Rosalind was the Director of Advertising, Marketing and Special Events in the shopping center industry. She has worked in White Plains, New York; Washington, DC Metro Area; Houston, Texas and Chicago, Illinois. She was responsible for the development and implementation of annual marketing plans to maximize sales and strategically position the centers within the community and industry. During the last 12 years, Rosalind has successfully established relationships with major corporations, the national media, major non-profit organizations and event industry professionals.
Perfect Touch Promotions has an extensive and impressive list of past and present clients.

Who’s Who Publishing Company’s founder and CEO, C. Sunny Martin, stated, “We are elated about Phyllis and Rosalind joining our team of associate publishers. Equally as important is this venture into the Houston market. I am excited to be able to document the rich contributions that African Americans have made to the city of Houston and its surrounding metropolitan areas.”

Who’s Who Publishing Company began in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989 and currently publishes similar annual directories in Atlanta, GA; Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, OH; Indianapolis, IN; and St. Louis, MO. In 2005, the company unveiled its inaugural edition of Black Mayors in America®. Releases scheduled for 2006 include Birmingham, AL, Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI. Upon its release in February 2007, will retail in area bookstores and newsstands. This will be a vital resource for any community.

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