Chief Marketer Staff

• Amex, NBC Looking for a Few Good Entrepreneurs

  American Express is taking aim at small businesses with a user-generated contest and campaign called “Shine a light,” asking participants to nominate and then vote online for a small business that’s inspiring its community with its resilience and entrepreneurial spirit

• Agencies

  Alouette Beats the “Seasonality” Odds

  Think of it as a typecast actor: like Melissa Gilbert who played Half Pint in “Little House on the Prairie.” No matter what other role she takes on

• Cause Spending Increases 2.2%

  Spending on cause related marketing is down significantly, but still shows an increase over last year

• News Briefs

  BROWN-FORMAN: has launched a new online forum, called Our Thinking About Drinking

• U.S. Farm Data Acquires Farmer And Rancher Data Compiler

  US Farm Data, Inc. has acquired New Century Marketing Services Inc.

• RR Donnelley To Raise $350 Million In Refinancing Notes

  R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company will offer $350 million of notes in an underwritten public offering.

• Travelocity Global Acquires Indian Hotel Distribution Network

  Travelocity Global has acquired Travelguru, an online hotel distribution network which represents more than 4,000 hotels in India.

• Agencies

  Chase Launches Rewards Card For Affluent Market

  Chase Card Services has debuted Chase Sapphire, a rewards card aimed at the top 15% of American households, as ranked by income. More, along with The Snarker’s Take, follows.

• Agencies

  Triton Digital Acquires Loyalty Marketing Program Firm

  Triton Digital has acquired Enticent Inc. Triton will combine Enticent with its Mass2One Media unit to form a new division called Triton Loyalty.

• Text And E-Mail Trail Traditional Media For Couponing

  When it comes to coupon distribution, the Sunday paper reigns supreme. But the up-and-comer text and e-mail channels are making inroads. More, along with The Analyst’s Take, follows.