Lopez Negrete Communications receives Top Award from Houston Minority Business Council.

Houston business and community leaders gathered to salute Alex López Negrete, whose company was recognized by the Houston Minority Business Council (HMBC) with the 2006 Emerging Ten (E-10) Award. The award recognizes minority businesses that personify the three “E’s” of experience, expertise and excellence.

“Alex and his commitment and passion for the Hispanic market are apparent in the success of the companies that have sought López Negrete’s counsel,” stated Evelyn Flores, director of communications and special projects for the HMBC. “As a winning company, Lopez Negrete has proven itself a leader adept at recognizing and embracing emerging business practices as well as identifying trends in the Hispanic marketplace to provide his clients with important insights.”

“The honor is well deserved,” stated Karyn Leonardi-Cattolica, external affairs manager for Shell Oil Products US, who nominated López Negrete for the award. “Alex has demonstrated that he understands the Hispanic marketplace and all the subtleties characteristics of this very important segment of the population. His passion, knowledge and wisdom are evident in the successes that his clients deserve in partnership with his agency.”

Interestingly, a new research study by Omnibus Services found Wal-Mart to be the retailer that does the best job of catering to the Hispanic or Latino consumer. Wal-Mart was by far the top selection at 35%, with Home Depot a distant second at 7% and Target third at 5%. Lopez Negrete Communications has worked closely with Wal-Mart over the past 16 years to bring the retailer’s advertising and marketing strategy to life with this particular consumer.

The awards luncheon was attended by more than 200 participants and representatives from Halliburton, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Reliant Energy, Brewster Procurement Group, ExxonMobil, United Healthcare and Shell Oil Products US and Reliant Energy.