Chief Marketer Staff

• Live from the IMA Executive Summit: Certification Program Gets Its First Test-Takers

  The first group of individuals took tests Sunday to gain certification to the Incentive Marketing Association’s new certification program. About 10 individuals are expected to receive their certificates at the Motivation Show in October, said Karen …

• Ahold Arrests Unlikely to Stir U.S. Supermarkets

  Last week’s indictment of four former Royal Ahold executives is unlikely to affect trade promotion practices in the U.S. supermarket industry. The four, formerly executives of Royal Ahold’s U.S. Foodservice wholesale distribution division, were indicted …

• Agencies

  Best Buy Launches Free Fantasy Football Game

  Best Buy Co., Inc. has launched its first-ever online fantasy football game, in conjunction with Fanball.com, giving players a chance to win more than $20,000 each week in consumer electronics and entertainment prizes from the home entertainment …

• Agencies

  People Tours Wal-Mart for Fall

  People Magazine brings Hollywood to Wal-Mart with a 20-market tour kicking off this month. The People Live Tour runs Aug. 5-Nov. 14, with two-day stops at 25 Wal-Mart Supercenters. Shoppers get a red-carpet experience via booths hosted by tour sponsors …

• McDonald’s Samples New Chicken Strips

  As part of an initiative to launch new healthier menu options, McDonald’s began rolling out its Chicken Selects premium breast strips to its core menu at participating restaurants last week. Advertising supporting the roll out of the new chicken strips …

• MasterCard ‘Ushers’ In New Affinity Card

  MasterCard International has unveiled its newest debit card, which features the likeness of Grammy-winning musician Usher. While it can be used for purchasing like any other debit card, the Usher Debit MasterCard also provides exclusive access to “The …

• Agencies

  Motorsports Hall of Fame Hits the Road

  Detroit’s Motorsports Hall of Fame of America announced today it will launch a unique, two-year traveling exhibit, set to premier during the Speedweek festivities just prior to the Daytona 500 in February. The mobile tour will create significant …

• Showtime and Mazda Promote New Reality Series

  Showtime has entered into an agreement with Richie Hearn Motorsports to sponsor his racing team in the Star Mazda Racing Series. The sponsorship, which features the Hearn Racing Team car emblazoned with logos for Showtime and its upcoming reality series …

• Agencies

  American Airlines Launches HP Vacation Sweeps

  American Airlines is launching a summer sweeps with Hewlett-Packard to help consumers capture vacation memories. From now through Aug. 15, customers can register at www.aa.com/promo for chances to win up to 50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles, as well as HP …

• Basis Cyclists Hit NYC

  The Basis Women’s cycling team was in New York City over the weekend to race in the BMC Software New York City Cycling Championship. In addition to racing and educating cyclists about bike safety, two members of the team also distributed more than 7,500 …