FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:Angela D. Thompson
Phone: 580-477-1121

MARVIN TATE COMMUNICATIONS NAMED 2006 AGGIE 100 HONOREE

COLLEGE STATION, TX. (Friday, October 13, 2006) – Marvin Tate Communications of Vernon, Texas is among the firms selected for the 2nd annual “Aggie 100” list of the fastest-growing companies owned and operated by Texas A&M University former students.  Marvin Tate Communications was recognized as number 4 on the list, with a growth rate of 117.73%. 
Marvin P. Tate II, Texas A&M class of 1975 and sole owner of the business, credits his success to having employees he can trust and are not afraid to ask him for advice if they encounter situations they can’t handle on their own.  “Being in the communications business, I am usually very accessible by my cellular phones or by e-mail with my wireless card, blackberry and laptop.  My employees are like family to me (some actually are) and I trust them to make decisions as if they owned the business. Today, the fast-growing communications company has offices in multiple cities and has morphed into a family business, with Tate’s daughter now in the fold.  Angela Thompson, (Angela Atterbury, Class of 1996) is a Texas A&M graduate in Engineering and is Area Manager.  I am very fortunate to have the honest, trustworthy employees that we have working for us who are truly interested in helping our customers.”
The 100 companies with the highest compounded annual revenue growth from 2003 to 2005 were recognized at a formal luncheon at The Zone Club on the Texas A&M campus. The honorees are also featured in the November 2006 issue of Texas Aggie magazine published by The Association of Former Students.
“We are pleased to honor our successful former students and highlight their accomplishments,” explained Richard M. Scruggs, Director, Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship. “Marvin Tate Communications has achieved a great deal in its history and we’d like to think that has a lot to do with the work ethic, integrity and knowledge gained from their leaders’ association with Texas A&M University.”
A complete Aggie 100 list can be viewed at www.aggie100.com.

BACKGROUND
About the Aggie 100
The Aggie 100 program, one-of-a-kind at the college level, was created by Mays Business School’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship, whose mission is to provide encouragement, education, networking and assistance to entrepreneurially-minded students, faculty and Texas businesses.  Aggie 100 is a unique way for Texas A&M University to demonstrate its pride in the accomplishments of its former students while enriching the educational experience for today’s students.
While there are many ways to define business success, the Aggie 100 focuses on growth as an indicator of job creation, product acceptance and entrepreneurial vision.  The Aggie 100 program identifies, recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world. 
Companies were required to meet the following criteria:
o In business for 5 years or more as of June 2006,
o Verifiable revenues of $100,000 or more for calendar year 2003, and
o Operations consistent with the Aggie Code of Honor.
Additionally, the company had to meet one of the following leadership criteria:
o A Texas A&M University former student or group of former students must have owned 51% or more of the company from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005, or o A Texas A&M University former student must have been active in the business and have served as the Company’s chief executive (for example CEO, president or managing partner) from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005.
About The Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship
Texas A&M’s Center for New Ventures and Entrepreneurship develops, disseminates and assists in the application of entrepreneurial knowledge.  Founded in 1999, the Center is part of Mays Business School’s Department of Management.  The Center enhances student education through campus speakers, competitions, work experiences and financial support.  Texas A&M faculty and Technology Commercialization Center benefit from the Center’s educational programs, extensive business community network and the Center’s entrepreneurial services.  The Center also reaches out to the state’s business community offering educational programs, business assistance and access to University resources.  The Center is supported by corporate and individual members and sponsors who believe in the value of an entrepreneurial education program and the potential of Texas businesses interacting with Texas A&M University.

About Marvin Tate Communications
Marvin Tate Communications is an Authorized Agent for U.S. Cellular.  His stores are located in Vernon, Quanah, and Childress, Texas with an additional store in Altus, Oklahoma.           Marvin P. Tate II, Texas A&M class of 1975, is sole owner of the company.  Marvin’s daughter, Angela Thompson, Texas A&M class of 1996, manages his Altus, Oklahoma operation.  She is also responsible for writing and producing all the company’s advertising programs.  Marvin formed Marvin Tate Communications after working for 10 years in outside sales with U.S. Cellular.  He opened his first store in Quanah in 2000, and then added stores in Childress, Altus, and Vernon.