Chief Marketer Staff

• List and Database News

  Mailing lists for rent

• Senate Judiciary Leader Backs Compiler Industry Hearings

  Senator Arlen Specter, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has agreed to hold hearings on the compiled information industry

• Agencies

  Loose Cannon: From ChoicePoint to Flash Point

  Nearly two months ago, I wrote about movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc.’s plan to eliminate late fees . I suggested that Blockbuster would end up regretting its actions, as the company had not — to my mind — been forthcoming about some of the charges consumers would face.

• Listline e-Newsletter

  Socrates Media LLC now offers a list of 102,341 buyers of legal forms
  and software for business, real estate, contractors and home offices.
  Products sold range in price from $10 to $40.

• Chiquita to Buy Fresh Express for $855 Million

  Chiquita Brands International will buy bagged-salad leader Fresh Express from Performance Food Group for $855 million in cash. Fresh Express, a savvy marketer, to enhance Chiquita’s branded produce line The purchase will make Chiquita the leading …

• Northland, Bowing to Competition, Sells Juice Unit for $11 Million

  After struggling for nine years to compete, Northland Cranberries will sell off its juice business and return to its roots as a cranberry grower. The juice operation, which includes the Northland, Treesweet and Awake brands, will be sold to Port …

• Brown-Forman Revenues/Ad Expenses Up; Mulls Sale of Lenox

  Brown-Forman Corp., the maker of Jack Daniel’s whiskey, reported third quarter revenues of $96.1 million, up 19% from $80.5 million one year ago. The company also said it is exploring the possible sales of its Lenox china and giftware subsidiary. The …

• NASCAR Shifts Radio Rights to Sirius in $107 Million Deal

  NASCAR has reached a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio to broadcast its races and related events after its agreement with XM Satellite expires next year. As part of the five-year agreement, which begins in 2007, Sirius will have exclusive trademark and …

• Agencies

  Alamo Dangling Disney Vacations

  Alamo Rent A Car is dangling 300 trips to Walt Disney World or Disneyland through a sweepstakes designed to promote its best rate guarantee. Trips will be given away at the rate of 100 per month. Each package is for four people, and includes airfare, …

• EU May Outlaw the Word ‘Free’ on Direct Mail

  (Direct Newsline)—Direct mail promising “free” products could be outlawed under radical new European Union legislation, according to wire service reports. The move, which follows intense lobbying by consumers’ groups, is set to be confirmed by the …