MTV NETWORKS: has tapped Judy McGrath as the new chairman and CEO. McGrath is assuming the role from Tom Freston who has been appointed Viacom’s new co-chief operating officer. MTV Networks Operations and Sales Chief Mark Rosenthal was not offered the chairman and CEO promotion and is now departing the company.
KRISPY KREME: is introducing a new line of frozen blended beverages based on a line of its popular doughnuts. The Frozen Original Kreme is the signature flavor joined by Raspberry, Latte and Double Chocolate. The beverage launch is part of the QSR’s ongoing effort to align coffee and beverage offerings with their brand image, the company said in a statement.
CARTOON NETWORK: has partnered with DC Comics to bring new items to the collectors’ market. DC Direct, a leading source for character collectibles, will produce, market and distribute new collectibles featuring characters from Cartoon Network’s library of animated favorites. The cold-cast porcelain statues are planned for release in 2005 and will include Ed, Edd n Eddy, Megas XLR and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.
CENTEGO MARKETING: Dallas, won a patent for its clearinghouse process for rewards vouchers, including gasoline. Centego runs Fuel Rewards, a loyalty program that gives consumers vouchers for free gasoline with retail purchases. Nearly 1,600 retail stores (primarily grocery, mass merchandise and c-stores) offer Fuel Rewards vouchers for purchases of participating brands. The clearinghouse compares paper receipts with electronic files from each retailer’s central office before invoicing participating manufacturers. The clearinghouse handles invoicing and payments electronically, and issues daily reports.
SHOPPERS CHARGE ACCOUNTS CO: Mahwah, NJ, has launched private-label credit cards for retailers serving small businesses. The SCA Private Label Business Program will handle chain-specific credit cards for office supply stores, building supply retailers, hardware stores, and lawn and garden dealers. SCA is a division of Hudson United Bank.
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