Chief Marketer Staff

• Snapple Converts Text-Messages to Sales

  Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages generated a 33% sales conversion rate, selling Snapple brand beverages with a direct text-message sweepstakes campaign targeting thirsty 18 to 24-year-olds last summer.

• Dialog Group Projects Record Profits

  The consumer and business-to-business data compiler and database services firm Dialog Group Inc. expects to report record third-quarter profits next week. Revenues are projected to increase 24% in excess of $2 million for the quarter ending Sept. 30, compared to the same period last year.

• SBC Communications Cuts California Call Centers

  The telephone company SBC Communications Inc. plans to consolidate and move corporate call center operations in Northern California to reduce costs and improve efficiency, according to wire service reports.

• DirectoryNET Launches Data Subscription Service

  Alpharetta, GA-based DirectoryNET LLC has launched a data subscription service for verifying and updating telephone numbers and other information on marketing lists.

• People in the News

  George J. Harad has been elected executive chairman of the board at OfficeMax Inc.

• Short Cuts

  DoubleClick Inc. has retained the investment banking services firm Lazard Freres & Co. to explore options to increase its shareholder value, including possibly selling all or part of the Internet advertising firm, recapitalization or creating a spin-off company.

• Letters to the Editor

  I’m not about to enter in to the debate, although I think Mr. Tooker’s observations make the most sense.

• List and Database News

  A universe of 5.1 million online shoppers has been assembled to build an African American Internet Users list. Sixty-five percent are men. These individuals responded to Internet offers within the last few weeks.

• 7 UP Debuts GRAMMY Musician Pop Cans

  7 UP is coming out with specially designed cans that celebrate GRAMMY winning musicians and a school program. Artists renditions of the GRAMMY logo will appear on six 7 UP beverages: Michael McDonald for 7 UP; John Ondrasik for Diet 7 UP; Wynonna Judd …

• Agencies

  Good Day Live Goes on the Road

  Daytime news and entertainment talk show Good Day Live is taking its set on the road to draw attention to the show at malls across the country. Debbie Matenopoulos, Steve Edwards and Arthel Neville The 16-market tour visits high-profile malls through …