University of Houston Salutes Local Retail Innovators at River Oaks Luncheon

University of Houston’s Department of Retailing and Consumer Sciences Seventh Anniversary of it’s Biennial Salute to Retail luncheon was held recently at River Oaks Country Club.  

The Biennial luncheon celebrating Retail in our city was held at River Oaks Country Club. This event, put on by U of H’s Department of Retailing and Consumer Sciences within the College of Technology and its Advisory Board has spanned over 15 years and has recognized many of Houston’s top retailers and its media supporters. This year the event  took on a new twist recognizing innovators within the industry and our city that have stepped up to make a difference and resulting in retailing being an even more vital part of our community. The purpose of this luncheon is to raise funds into an endowment that will create scholarships for those exceptional students that will be the retailing leaders of tomorrow.

Chairs of this year’s event were Chris Goins, Buyer and Manager of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston gift shops and special exhibit retail, along with Tony Bradfield and Kevin Black of Tenenbaum Fine Jewels. Assisting the chairs in their role were host committee chairs, Christina Sith and Amber Elliott. Also included in the program were Dean Tony Ambler of College of Technology, welcoming the guest and an introduction of the Retailing and Consumer Advisory Board, Alumni and current students by yours truly, in my role as Chairperson of  that board. Master of Ceremonies for the event was the lovely, talented and UH alumni, Dominique Sachse.

The honorees whose videos were so inspiring and entertaining were well supported by the filled ballroom of family, friends and colleagues.  They were:  Betty Newton, owner of the chic accessories boutique, a Bientot, Tina Davis, owner of vintage retail, Cheeky Vintage; Christina Mitchell, owner of the very hip boutique and next door neighbor to MyRedGlasses, Abejas; Regina Garcia, owner of luxury gift store, Events Gifts; John Sheehan, Group Vice President of Target Stores.  Media honoree was Holly Moore, Editor in Chief of Paper City, Community honorees was Cindy Garza Roberts, Public Affairs Directors of H-E-B and Lifetime Achievement Award to Joe Williams of the Texas Retailers Association.  The Rising Star Award and scholarship was given to students Taylor Harris and Blake Mudd.

V.I.P. PARTY

Host Paige Fertitta, Dean Tony Ambler and Dr. Marcella Norwood, UH Retail Department Head

Honorees, Taylor Davis, Blake Mudd, Joe Williams, John Sheehan, Tina Davis, Christina Mitchell and Betty Newton

Once again, UH supporters, gracious Fertittas opened their home for the V.I.P. party recognizing Honorees, Sponsors, Chairs, UH educators and staff and select students of the Consumer Science Department of Retail program. Such a lovely way to show gratitude for all participants of this event as we also showed our appreciation to Paige Fertitta for hosting.  See images below of the evening’s  festive crowd and beautiful setting.