OwensMorris Communications agency launched in Chicago by ad veterans

(April 7, 2006) OwensMorris Communications, a new full-service marketing communications agency has been established in Chicago by industry veterans, Faith Morris and Hoyett Owens. The agency opens it doors with a client roster that includes ExxonMobil, TV One and Darden Restaurants. The agency will provide advertising, public relations, event marketing, promotions, branding and strategic planning services.

Owens, whose title is chairman, and Morris, the agency’s president, bring more than 30 years of combined experience to the new firm. Its founding came about as a result of a long-standing friendship and business relationship between the two who met over ten years ago. “Faith and I were so successful working together though our individual agencies that it was time for us to step it up and create an agency reflective of our combined talents,” said Owens.

“Our goal is to ensure that our clients achieve deeper, lasting, beneficial consumer and influencer relationships to build brands and enhance image,” said Morris, agency president. “We’ve assembled a team of marketing professionals with the experience, expertise and business savvy needed to achieve critical business goals. It’s all about making the consumer connection for our clients and getting their brands out in the marketplace so consumers can experience them where they live, work and play.”

In March OwensMorris Communications launched a new outdoor campaign for TV One in New York and Chicago. The “I See Black People” campaign utilizes transit, outdoor and print. Additional markets will be added throughout the year.

Hoyett Owens founded I Like It Communications (ILIC) in 1989 as a media marketing and production agency.  ILIC produced over 500 televised & live shows including concerts, award shows and choir competitions for such clients as The Wrigley Company, McDonald’s, The Quaker Oats Company, Burrell Communications, Discovery Networks and TV One.  

Building upon the idea of "achieving excellence," Owens' mission is to provide his clients with strategically focused advertising campaigns, products and services. He brings over 30 years of unique sales, marketing, and public relations expertise to the new agency.

Owens began his professional career in retail management with one of the nation's Fortune 500 jewelers. As the company's first African-American vice president, he tripled the region's annual sales. A desire for a new challenge led to his position as general manager of WVON in Chicago, Illinois. Changing the station's format from music to "talk" helped mobilize unprecedented minority voter turnout in the election of Chicago's first African-American mayor.

After establishing I Like It Communications he purchased All Printing & Graphics, Inc. in 1996 and following his success with such clients as RR Donnelley, ComEd/Exelon, AON and Chicago Public Schools became the largest minority printer in the US.  A native of Jackson, MS, Owens has a B.A. in communications from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. 

With over 20 years in marketing communications and 8 years in broadcast journalism, Faith Morris has worked with and counseled business leaders and influencers in the corporate, media, entertainment and not-for-profit sectors.  She has earned a reputation for being a communications strategist who excels at shaping perceptions, building relationships, knocking down barriers, enhancing image and maximizing participation. 

Morris enjoyed an 11 year career at Burrell Communications where she was Senior Vice President/General Manager of Public Relations & Event Marketing. She was also on the executive business development team, helping to create new business for the agency. At Burrell, she established an agency within an agency of public relations, promotions and event marketing professionals. Morris managed account groups for McDonald’s, ExxonMobil, Verizon, Sears, Illinois Lottery, Kellogg’s, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola. 

In 2001, Morris left Burrell to establish FG Morris Communications to provide public relations, advertising, promotions, event marketing and corporate communications services for such clients as ExxonMobil, Columbia College Chicago and Seaway National Bank. She also began working with Owens on TV One in 2003, soon after the network was launched.

Prior to moving from Memphis to Chicago in 1989, Morris was Worldwide Marketing Communications Manager for Holiday Inns, Inc.  From 1978 to 1984 Morris held assignments in media including News Director, Promotions Director and Public Affairs Director for WHBQ-AM/RKO General.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Communications from the University of Memphis.


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