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Fogarty Klein Reclaims Independence DALLAS--Just two years after selling to Lois USA in 1997, Fogarty Klein & Partners has regained its independence. Following the parent company's bankruptcy filing last month, the Houston-based agency quickly reached an agreement to buy itself back, partner Bill Fogarty said last week. The deal requires court approval; the decision date is Nov. 17. Fogarty declined to say how much it cost to reclaim his agency, but said, "We're comfortable with it." The agency is now operating in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Lancaster, Texas. And no, said Fogarty, "we're not immediately looking for a new partner." Texas Lottery's Minority Review Continues DALLAS--Contenders for the $4-6 million minority account of the Texas Lottery have been on hold since July when the review was initiated, canceled, reissued and, now, continues at leisurely pace. Last week a fax advised agencies that a new timeline for a decision would be issued. "We hope to be finished in the next few weeks and that's the best I can tell you," said lottery spokesperson Leticia Vasquez, citing personal issues, including a family death, among committee members. "Believe me we don't want to be doing this at Thanksgiving." Said participant Alex Lopez of Lopez Negrete Communications, "We all have our little candles lit and we're praying and waiting. So the saints' ears are hurting." Rental Car Chief Becomes Front Man DALLAS--Following in the footsteps of Dave Thomas of Wendy's ad fame, Advantage Rent-A-Car chief executive officer Jimmy Walker became the company poster boy in a new campaign launched last month. Walker is featured in a series of print ads and in-store signage designed by Kitchen Co. in San Antonio. Advantage is also based in San Antonio. Said the CEO, "I never thought of myself as a candidate for the company's choice of advertising models, but when it comes to positively portraying the benefits of our company . . . my smile and sales pitch are sincere." USVI Ousts Tourism Head Before Ogilvy Deal ATLANTA--U.S. Virgin Islands commissioner of tourism Mike Bornn has been ousted in what a client official said was "a misunderstanding between him and the governor." The split occurred before Bornn could sign an agreement with the vacation destination's new advertising agency, Ogilvy & Mather, though sources said the events were unrelated. O&M Atlanta managing director Ian Latham said his shop had "a verbal agreement" with USVI, and would be meeting with Gov. Charles W. Turnbull in the next two weeks. Acting tourism commissioner Monique Hodge did not return calls. For the Record SCA Telecard is a division of SCA Promotions. . . DesignWorks Advertising is located in Houston.

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