Chief Marketer Staff

• One Billion People Clicked Online in December

  The total Internet audience surpassed 1 billion visitors worldwide for the first time in December, according to new marketing research data.

• Will the USPS Ask for a Second Postage Increase?

  The U.S. Postal Service is expected to say next month how much standard mail rates are increasing but there

• Listline e-Newsletter 1/23/09

  ES Group LLC introduced a list of 48,364 subscribers to Electrical Solutions magazine, along with 46,083 e-mail addresses.

• Dove, Rolling Rock Play Parts in TNT Drama

  Continuing its tact of novel brand integrations, TNT is giving Dove Hair Care and Rolling Rock parts to play in its new “Trust Me” drama.

• Pepsi, Doritos, Others Tap into Boost in Super Bowl Spending on Food

  People planning to watch the Super Bowl may not be buying as many new flat screen TVs or comfortable couches, but they are planning to load up the buffet table.

• Agencies

  Anheuser-Busch’s Stella Artois Sponsors Short Film Contest

  Stella Artois and film networking site TriggerStreet.com are partnering with actor Kevin Spacey on an independent filmmaker competition that will award a $50,000 cash prize to the winner.

• TracyLocke Names CMO, a New Post

  TracyLocke has promoted Jim Sexton to chief marketing officer, a new position.

• Agencies

  Schwan’s Offers Toyota Prius in Online Game

  Schwan’s Consumer Brands North America is out with an online promotion that offers the chance to win a Toyota Prius and other instant-win prizes.

• News Brief

  BEST BUY: has named Brian J. Dunn, the consumer electronics chain’s president and chief operating officer as its new chief executive effective June 24.

• Agencies

  Williams-Sonoma to Lay Off 1,400

  Williams-Sonoma Inc. will lay off 1,400 employees (about 18% of its workforce) and close its Camp Hill, PA call center and Memphis, TN distribution center, all as part of an effort to cut overhead costs by $75 million.