CONSUMER-MARKETING | ENGAGEMENT

Loyalty marketer Rewards Network Inc. has named Bruce W. Mainzer as chief marketing officer.

LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL: has launched an online rewards program, which gives people the chance to earn free Lexmark-branded inkjet cartridges for buying and returning the cartridges.

E-mail produced the highest response rates (4.09%) for companies whose primary objective was to generate leads, according to the Direct Marketing Association’s 2007 Response Rate Trends Report.

Disney is expanding its licensed fruit and vegetables products and its good-for-you push by launching new character-themed items this fall. The new line, called Disney Garden, includes Foodles, a combination of fruits, vegetables and sides like dips, raisins, crackers or cheese in a Mickey Mouse-shaped tray.

Designer Kenneth Cole turned to mobile (as in vehicular) marketing when he made his first forays in the fashion business in the early 1980s. Cole recounted the lesson learned in a keynote speech at the Direct Marketing Association annual convention in Chicago.

Suzuki Auto is teaming with the New York International Latino Film Festival and Cinedulce.com to call for entries in its first national animation contest.

Sports wall graphics producer Fathead is letting pro wrestling fans pick the next Fathead Superstar from the ranks of WWE performers.

Eastman Kodak company is shuttering its long-standing Olympic Games sponsorship. Eastman Kodak said Friday that it would conclude its sponsorship of the Olympics after the Beijing 2008 SummerGames, where it is official imaging sponsor.

Werewolves will soon be invading New York. It’s not the making of a new horror movie, but part of an ABC Family stunt to promote the network’s annual Halloween programming event.

Sony PlayStation is looking to pump up the volume about its “NBA 08” video game with an interview contest that invites fans to yack about their favorite round-ballers, themselves included.