Short Cuts
Townsend Agency, Rosemont, IL, reported a 52% increase in agency income for 1998. Billings for the privately held agency topped $37 million, from $24 million in 1997, according to Phil Walkenshaw, chairman and chief executive officer.
The Limited Inc. created a new position, vice president, marketing, in the Limited Brand and Creative Services division and promoted Diane Nye to fill it.
BidCom Inc., a San Francisco-based provider of Web-based systems for the building industry, has named Susan Foley Kane vice president, marketing. One of her key objectives is promote the company’s automation of business-to-business transactions in the $3.2 trillion building industry
Ryan Direct, Westport, CT, promoted Troy Ellen Dixon and Linad Willis to vice president. Ryan Direct, part of the Ryan Partnership, has such clients as Lever Brothers and Norelco.
Telecommunications services direct marketer Hello Direct Inc., San Jose, has extended its distribution partnership with Polycom Inc., offering Polycom’s videoconferencing systems to its business customers through its catalog, Web site and outbound telemarketing group. Polycom manufactures and markets group audio, data and videoconferencing product.
The corporations formerly known as Softbank Services Group and North Direct Response have changed their name to ClientLogic Corporation. The two Dallas-based companies have been looking for a new name since their merger in October.
Jeffrey M. Cunningham has been appointed president and CEO of Planet Direct, a personal Web service that tailors members’ online experience to their interests. He succeeds Hans G. Hawrysz who has become president, strategic planning for CMGI, the entity of which Planet Direct is a subsidiary.
