AMERICAN EXPRESS: is offering its card members an exclusive night out, its first Fashion’s Night Out: The Show. The show was held yesterday in New York City and streamed live. The evening also includes a panel discussion moderated by “Vogue’s” European Editor at Large Hamish Bowles. The event was promoted through a number of vehicles, including social media.

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA: has formed a partnership with ApplianceRebate.com to bring a new online tool to help consumers find rebates available on select Samsung home appliances through the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program.

BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL: has begun a program called, “Status Match, No Catch” that allows its reward members to match their elite status to that of any other hotel loyalty program—free of charge.

GIFTCARDRESCUE.COM: the gift card exchange Web site, has struck a deal with Amazon to allow customers to exchange unused gift cards for Amazon.com gift cards.

OMNI HOTELS & RESORTS: is launching a promo just in time for Valentine’s Day to attract romantics. The “Double Bubble” getaway begins with guests being welcomed with a commemorative ice bucket with two personal-sized bottles of Domaine Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine. The package also includes a romantic turndown service—complete with rose petals and soft music—as well as the guests’ choice of breakfast in bed or in the restaurant complete with complimentary mimosas. An advance call from Cupid gives couples the opportunity to make special arrangements throughout the weekend, from an intimate dinner for two in their suite to private picnic by moonlight. To complete the package, late checkout is available on request. The promo runs through December 2010.

VISA: a worldwide Olympic Games’ sponsor for more than two decades, is encouraging cardholders to increase their frequency of use by offering a sweepstakes that will award one winner a trip to the Olympic Winter Games for life. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2010, U.S. cardholders will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip to the Olympic Winter Games for the rest of their lives when they use their Visa card. The sweeps is part of the company’s comprehensive Olympic-themed marketing campaign for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

THE ADVERTISING SPECIALITY INSTITUTE: has promoted Dan O’Halloran to executive vice president of distributor services. He had been senior vice president of distributor service. He reports to Timothy Andrews, president and chief executive officer.

THE INCENTIVE GIFT CARD COUNCIL: has redesigned it Web site and has introduced a new logo to coincide with the redesign. The IGCC is a special industry group of the Incentive Marketing Association.

PETCO: is offering its loyalty members a free photo of their pet if they make a purchase on Dec. 5. If that doesn’t work, on Dec. 12 pet parents can have their furry friends’ photos taken with Santa for a fee of $8.95, with $5 benefiting the PETCO Foundation to help animals in need.

WALMART: is offering a $100 gift card with each purchase of a BlackBerry mobile phone and two-year contract, the discounter’s latest incentive ahead of the holiday season.

DOMINO’S: is celebrating its $5.99 carryout Pizza deal on Twitter. For every 599 new followers, Domino’s will give away gift cards. Starting with five $20 gift cards, Domino’s will randomly select winners from all of its Twitter followers. The gift card amount increases with every 599 new followers, culminating in a $100 gift card.

RENAISSANCE HOTELS: this fall is offering guests who pay with an American Express Card for a weekend stay will receive a voucher redeemable for their choice of a $50 complimentary gift card from American Express , Sur La Table and others.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL: has named Edward J. Valle chief marketing strategist. In this position, he will provide leadership for the company’s consumer marketing efforts, including advertising, promotion and strategic marketing activities, as well as the Choice Privileges rewards program. Most recently, Valle worked as vice president of marketing for Panera Bread Co.

THE ADVERTISING SPECIALTY INSTITUTE: has named Jason Ostrow executive director of distributor services. He will continue to be responsible for managing the distributor business for ASI Canada, but will add on responsiblity for new business development in ASI’s major account division. Ostrow joined ASI in 2004 as account manager. He reports to Heather DiPrato, vice president of distributor services.

JIFFY LUBE: has launched a rewards program that gives customers 50% off their third Jiffy Lube oil change on the same vehicle. Customers can sign up at local Jiffy Lube service centers or online.

TBA GLOBAL: the connective marketing and communications agency, has reached an exclusive agreement with UK-based instinctif to bring employee engagement services to North America. The agreement gives TBA Global clients exclusive access to seasoned practitioners who use proven methodology to segment audiences, create messaging, build roadmaps and activate creative strategies and tactics.

PLAYSPAN: has released a co-branded gift card, The PBS Kids Play!, for kids to subscribe to the Kids Play, an Internet-based subscription service that offers a comprehensive early childhood curriculum for ages three to six using interactive games and activities.

IKEA: has deployed 18 Xen X5 customer loyalty-registration kiosks in six of its Belgian stores. The kiosks offer customers the convenience of signing up for the Ikea Family program in-store, and loyalty customers benefit further by being the first to know of upcoming promotions, sales and events via on-screen information targeted solely at them.

THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL: Presidents’ Forum has a new name and new partners. It is now called the North American Leadership Conference, co-hosted by Promotional Product Professionals of Canada and La Asociación Mexicana de Profesionales de la Promoción A.C. The conference will be held Aug. 23-25, 2009 at the Hilton Indian Lakes Resort in Chicago, Illinois.

ADVERTISING SPCIALTY INSTITUTE: is presenting today a free virtual trade show for advertising specialty industry distributors, featuring top suppliers, including Dard Products, Maple Ridge Farms and Prime Resources.

COUPONS INC.: has partnered with CVS, Walgreens, Kmart and H-E-B to supply printable coupons to their Web sites. These retailers represent more than 14,000 stores and 20 million online unique monthly visitors. Coupons.com’s other distribution networks include, the Web sites of Kroger, Safeway and Wakefern, as well as over 160 other supermarket chains through its partnerships with Grocery Shopping Network and My Web Grocer. The company said that is retail network is the largest online digital trade promotions platform, spanning more than 28,000 stores generating over $250 billion in annual revenue.

IKEA: will give away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise when its new store opens in Tampa on May 6. The first 100 adults in line will receive a free POÄNG armchair. The first 2,500 people will receive a random prize envelope with IKEA Gift Cards ranging from $10 to $250, or a “Buy One, Get One Free” cinnamon bun, hotdog or frozen yogurt voucher. Many other prizes are also being offered that day. IKEA Tampa is the Swedish company’s third store and restaurant destination in Florida, sixth in the Southeast and thirty-seventh in the U.S. The company has 297 stores worldwide.

THETHERBALL: a mobile loyalty and rewards solutions company, has hired Jay Highley as president and COO. Highley was formerly the chief marketing and sales officer at ChaCha, a mobile search company. He also led Integrated Mobile, Inc. as CEO, an enterprise wireless solutions provider.

REGAL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP: has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures to offer a collectible “Harry Potter” movie gift card themed after the sequel “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” in theatres July 15.
The cards are available in denominations of $10, $25 or $50.

OFFICE DEPOT: is drawing in customers by letting people make copies of their resumes for free (up to 25 copies) and fax for free to five different domestic numbers through May 30.

BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL: is hoping to spark more business with its loyalty members—and sign some new ones—by offering those who stay twice during the spring a $50 Best Western Travel Card that can be redeemed at more than 4,000 Best Western hotels. To earn the $50 Travel Card, guests can register for the promotion and stay at least twice between April 6 and June 14. In addition, promotion participants can earn 250 bonus points, up to a total of 500 points, each time they book their hotel online.

RYMAX MARKETING SERVICES: a provider of merchandise to the incentive industry, has signed an exclusive partnership to offer Philip Stein watches and wine wands. The deal marks the first for Philip Stein to offers its products through a single representative in the incentive industry.

STAPLES: is offering free printer recycling and a $50 rebate with the purchase of a new printer (regularly priced $179 and up) at all Staples 1,500 U.S. stores and Staples.com through May 2. Last year, the first year the company ran the offer, it collected more than 100,000 printers. Staples is also offering customers free recycling of any technology product it sells on Earth Day, April 22.

COCA-COLA: signed a non-alcoholic beverage sponsorship deal with RecycleBank, a rewards program that motivates people to recycle. Starting in February, people who participate in the program can redeem RecycleBank points from a variety of rewards from the Coke brand and its partners. Member households can also redeem points for Coke-sponsored My Coke Rewards Points, Coke’s online loyalty program. More than 900 local and national businesses partner with RecycleBank.

STAPLES: is running a new rewards program that lets people earn cash for recycling any brand or type of cartridge. Customers who bring empty cartridges to participating stores will receive $3 in Staples Rewards® or Staples Teacher Rewards®, on up to 10 cartridges per calendar month. Rewards can be used on any Staples purchase in store, online or over the phone. The effort is part of the company’s Staples Rewards program. Details of the program are available.

HHGREGG: a regional specialty electronics and appliance chain will accept gift cards for the bankrupt Circuit City through April 1, the day the chain is expected to close. The gift card value will be good for up to 20% of the total product purchase price. In addition, the company will assist in establishing factory authorized service on manufacturer-warranted items that customers originally purchased from Circuit City. Circuit City announced it is closing its doors and will accept its own gift cards through March.

THE INCENTIVE RESEARCH FOUNDATION: has named Rodger D. Stotz as its chief research officer. The appointment comes as the group announced its new board of trustees. Other members include: Alynne B. Hanford, Global Sales Manager Group & Meeting Travel for American Airlines as chair of the nominating committee; Matthew S. Harris, vice president of marketing for American Express Incentive Services as a member of the research committee; Patrick Pelischek, Performance Solutions Manager for ITAGroup, Inc. as a member of the Communications Committee; Fran Schuster, vice president/executive director of Client Services for Maritz, Inc. as a member of the Strategic Development Committee and Richard Weinstein, vice president sales and marketing at the Ocean Reef Club as a member of the Communications Committee.

PROMOWORKS: the promotional marketing services firm, will be featured in an episode of “Eye On America,” The nationally broadcasted television special on “Marketing Tools for Success” is part of the show’s series on Business Solutions hosted by Greg Gumbel. The broadcast recently aired on CNN Headline News in Greater Boston, and is currently airing on KFTY in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. The “Eye On America” segment is planned to air in all major markets throughout this year.

SEATTLE’S BEST COFFEE: is planning to host its second annual National Tea Party on Jan. 24, from 2 – 4 p.m. where visitors will be offered complimentary samples of the new Vanilla Red Tea Latte, as well as samples of other tea lattes and full leaf teas at its 500 cafes.

AXIS PROMOTIONS: has acquired New York City distributor Warjo Promotions, Inc. The Warjo staff will move to Axis’ main office in SoHo and leadership will continue to be headed by Larry Cohen.

DOUBLETREE HOTELS: is offering complimentary freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to anyone who drops by any of its more than 185 locations in North America through Dec, 31.

CINEMARK HOLDINGS: has a new feature for its gift cards—the capability for customers to upload their own images or photos. The card is delivered in a personal greeting card of the customer’s choice. People can register their cards and then access a number of perks, such as buying advance tickets online, viewing gift card activity, and reloading the card. A lost or stolen card will be reissued without a loss in value.

BJ’S RESTAURANTS: is running a promo that gives a free, limited edition pint glass featuring one of four BJ’s popular beer logos with every $50 gift card purchase.

DOUBLETREE: is launching a new guest service program—Doubletree Requests Upon Arrival, which offers guests the opportunity to personalize their stay in a variety of ways: from pre-ordering complimentary items to requesting an allergy-friendly Pure Room.

VESDIA: reports that half of the consumers surveyed in a recent poll conducted for it by Kelton Research indicated they would be using rewards credit cards to do their holiday shopping. Kelton interviewed 1,000 U.S. consumers for the survey.

FOLGERS: is offering free samples of its Gourmet Selections coffee by mail. Consumers can sign up to receive a 1.1-ounce package of coffee in one of four flavors Bistro Blend, Crème Brulee, Chocolate and Vanilla Biscotti at WakeUpSpecial.com. Online marketing and TV spots support the offer.

THE ADVERTISING SPECIALTY INSTITUTE: has named Vince Bucolo chief operating officer. Bucolo will continue to oversee all production of magazines, catalogs and marketing materials, customer service, membership recruitment and warehouse services. He previously worked as senior vice president for the ASI. Bucolo reports to Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president.

PAPA JOHN’S: is offering a new option to its gift cards just in time for the start the new college semester. Papa Cards can now be reloaded up to $200 online at PapaJohns.com/PapaCard. The cards are available in $5 increments from $10 to $200 and can be purchased at Papa John’s restaurants, online and at more than 18,000 retailers nationwide, including Wal-Mart, CVS/Pharmacy, Walgreens, Kroger, Office Depot and Rite Aid. Some 38% of students said they would like to see a gift card in a care package from home. Another 40% of college kids said they would use a restaurant gift card to buy a pizza.

7-ELEVEN STORES: has added the Vanilla Visa Gift Card to its gift card offerings. The Visa-branded card is available in $25 to $50 denominations and is accepted at millions of locations. The card adds to the company’s arrange of prepaid cards covering restaurants, clothing, music and entertainment. Elan Financial Services issues the Vanilla Visa Gift Card and InComm, a technology firm that develops, markets and distributes stored-value gift and prepaid products, distributes it.

JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORP.: is celebrating its fifth year of the TrueBlue program, the low-cost carrier’s customer loyalty offering. Earlier this month, the airline registered its five millionth member. Under the program, TrueBlue members earn points for flights flown. It has experienced a nearly 40% year-over-year membership growth rate since its inception.

SHELL CREDIT CARD: will reward account holders with extra incentives toward fuel purchases. Customers who open a new Shell credit card between July 2 and Sept. 30 can earn 25 cents per gallon for every 100 gallons of Shell gasoline they buy. Registration is available at ShellCreditCard.com. New account holders will have 90 days to reach the 100-gallon mark to qualify. Once consumers meet the threshold, they will receive a $25 Shell gift card by mail. The company is using the incentive to book more than 25,000 new accounts. Radio spots, newspaper ads, Internet ads and P-O-P support the promotion.

BORDERS: is offering three limited edition gift cards designed around the seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series. The holographic 3D images can be valued at $5 to $500. In addition, customers who by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows after its July 21 release will get a free poster featuring the book’s cover art.

GENERAL GROWTH PROPERTIES: will carry American Express special-occasion gift cards in its malls. Three lines of AmEx cards (Especially for Kids, Especially for Teens and Especially for Birthdays) are available in 10 GGP malls now, and will expand to more outlets this summer. Some of the malls’ retailers will issue special offers for shoppers with AmEx gift cards, including Build-A-Bear Workshop, f.y.e., KB Toys, Kid’s Foot Locker, and California Pizza Kitchen. Separately, GGP’s Las Vegas property, Fashion Show, will begin carrying AmEx’s classic gift card.

LOYALTY MARKETING SHOP: Dunnhumby USA has added an Atlanta office, in addition to its Cincinnati headquarters. The UK-based firm is best known for its work on UK grocer Tesco’s loyalty marketing. Dunnhumby first opened shop in the U.S. in 2002 to handle Kroger’s loyalty marketing. The Atlanta office will serve Kroger, as well as The Home Depot and Coca-Cola. Dunnhumby expects to have 25 staffers in that office by fall, and add 35 staffers to its Cincinnati operations, bringing the total there to 215.

TOYS R US: has launched a new service that lets customers buy gift cards online. The service, available at Toysrus.com, also lets shoppers create personalized gift cards. Consumers can select from eight pre-designed gift cards or make their own featuring a photo, message or background art. Each comes with a greeting card that can also be customized and designed.

BEST WESTERN: is expanding the retail presence of its gift card in CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide. The $50 branded travel card is now available in 6,200 stores in 43 states. Other discount chains, including Wal-Mart and The Kroger Co., also carry the card. Guests can use it toward accommodations or other related items, such as room service. The card had been offered only as corporate incentives until the fall of 2005.

AMERICAN EXPRESS: is out with a new service that lets card members make monthly mortgage payments on their credit cards and earn rewards for doing so. People who enroll in the Express Rewards Mortgage program receive membership rewards, cash back, airline or hotel points or other rewards. Discounts of purchases at select retailers, including Brookstone and Linens n’ Things are also part of the program. The offer is geared toward consumers who are seeking a new or refinanced loan.

GIFT CARD GIANT: InComm has aligned with fulfillment house Archway Marketing Services to improve shipping and tracking of third-party gift cards to retailers. InComm, which supplies gift and prepaid cards to 145,000 retail locations nationally, taps Archway’s inventory and tracking expertise for a radio-frequency system that monitors card shipments by individual cards’ serial numbers. That will reduce out-of-stocks, inventory loss and card theft. Archway, which shipped 70 million cards to retailers last year, honed its serial-number tracking system on fulfillment for healthcare clients.

HOTELS.COM: is offering a $30 gas rebate on hotel accommodations booked for travel from May 20 through Sept. 9 as a summertime incentive. A minimum two-night stay is required.

CHASE CARD SERVICES: the credit card division of JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Mall Networks, a provider of online malls and loyalty shopping solutions, have launched Chase Rewards Plus. The program lets card members earn rewards by shopping online through Chase.com/RewardsPlus. The site features more than 340 world-class merchants, including Blue Nile, Lands’ End, jcp.com, OfficeDepot.com, Overstock.com, Orbitz.com, Sears.com and Travelocity. The program also lets Chase Rewards Plus members take advantage of special offers, discounts and promotions.

INDEPENDENT GROCER: Harps Food Stores has adopted S&H greenpoints as the platform for its loyalty marketing. Shoppers earn 10 greenpoints for every dollar spent at the Arkansas chain. Points are redeemed in-store, via mail or online at Greenpoints.com for rewards ranging from movie tickets and sporting goods to DVD players and household appliances. Pay By Touch, San Francisco, runs S&H greenpoints. The payment firm bought greenpoints—and electronic version of the classic S&H Green Stamps—in December.

CAROLINA WING & RIB HOUSE: has joined Reward Network, a marketing services and loyalty program provider to promote the company’s expansion in South and North Carolina. The chain will promote its rewards program via printed mailings, emails to members and online at RewardsNetwork.com.

VISA USA: has added a new golf perk for its upscale Visa Signature cardholders. Visa signed a deal with Pinehurst Resort to give Signature cardholders special access to tee-times and golf vacations at the historic resort’s eight courses, which have hosted more championships than any other U.S. resort. The deal also gives Signature cardholders special access to the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, thanks to an ongoing relationship between Pinehurst and St. Andrews. Earlier this month, Visa signed a similar deal with Sonoma County Vintners to give Signature cardholders special deals at the assocation’s 150 member wineries (PROMO P&I, Feb. 7).

SMELL THIS: Cardmaker Arthur Blank & Co. has introduced a line of Scratch ‘N’ Sniff plastic cards, with 120 scents to choose from. Boston-based Arthur Blank makes cards used for loyalty, gift-card and membership programs.

A&P CANADA: has wrapped up a weeklong fund-raiser with Canada’s frequent-flier program, Air Miles Reward, to raise money for a children’s charity. A&P and Air Miles asked shoppers to donate $2 at their local supermarket to Kids Help Phone, a non-profit counseling service that fields kids’ questions via phone and online. Shoppers who made a donation received five Air Miles reward miles. The promotion ran Jan. 20 through Jan. 26 in all of A&P’s Ontario stores, including its Dominion, Ultra Food & Drug, and Barn Markets banners. This is the second year for the fund-raiser. Air Miles, a coalition program whose members earn miles across several airlines, has 9 million active members.

USIMPRINTS: a promotional items company, has added four new promotional key chains to its online storefront at USImprints.com. The key chains can be customized with a company’s logo or message and are priced for small budget companies.

CHOICE HOTELS: is giving members of its loyalty program, Choice Privileges, a chance to earn additional points for referring friends and family members to join. Members visit ChoicePrivileges.com/refer and complete the online form. When a friend joins and completes his first point eligible stay, the referring member and friend will receive 500 bonus points. Program rewards start at 6,000 points, which can be redeemed for free night stays at Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites and MainStay Suites brands and for airline rewards, gift cards, entertainment providers and at gas stations.

RECYCLED PLASTIC CARDS: are now available through card-printer Arthur Blank & Co. The AB RecycledCard is made of 100% pre-consumer recycled PVC, and is “virtually identical” to traditional plastic cards, according to Boston-based Arthur Blank. The cards, made from plastics supplied by Earthworks Recycled Systems, are especially suitable for environmentally conscious retailers and QSRs.

CHEVRON PRODUCTS CO.: has signed a deal with Blackhawk Network to sell Chevron and Texaco gift cards through its retail network. Chevron gift cards in $25 and $50 values are now being sold at select Safeway and Vons stores in California.

THE ADVERTISING SPECIALTY INSTITUTE: has debuted a new membership category for decorators of ad specialties. New members receive an ASI number that provides access to more than 3,400 suppliers and 20,000 distributors. Membership also includes free attendance to the ASI Show and invites to educational Webcasts and seminars.

INCOMM: has acquired DataWave Systems, a provider of prepaid and stored-value delivery systems in Canada with operations in the United States. The purchase will increase the company’s retail footprint in Canada and expand its international presence. InComm, a provider of gift cards, stored value and other prepaid products, completed more than $5 billion in retail sales transactions in 2006 across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.

HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS: has added Amtrak as a travel partner. Members of Amtrak’s frequent traveler program, Guest Rewards, can now earn up to 500 points for eligible Hyatt stays around the world. Amtrak serves important Hyatt business destinations particularly within the Northeast corridor including Washington DC, Boston, Philadelphia and New York. Under a promotion to boost awareness of the new deal, Amtrak loyalty members can sign up for Hyatt Gold Passport and earn double points for eligible Hyatt stays between Dec. 10, 2006 and Feb. 28, 2007, when they choose Amtrak points for their stay.

BROOKSTONE: has launched the Brookstone IN Rewards loyalty program, which awards consumers with credits toward future purchases based on spending activity at its stores and catalog call center. The program is by invitation only. San Francisco-based Loyalty Lab, Inc., handles.

DENNY’S: has joined forces with the Fisher House Foundation, a network of comfort homes for families of patients being treated at military or VA medical centers, to offer discounted meals to service members, retirees, veterans and their families staying at one of the 35 Fisher Houses located in 13 U.S. states. Participating Fisher House locations will offer guests Denny’s meal coupons. There are more than 60 Denny’s restaurants with a Fisher House in their community.

CARDWAYS.COM: an online customized gift card and greeting card destination, has re-launched its Web site, 4YourSoul.com. The site offers consumers customized gift and greeting cards from a variety of retailers.

NEXT, INC.: a sportswear and promotional products company, has signed a new three-year licensing deal with DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge brand. The deal includes a license for the new Dodge Challenger concept car and production model.

GAS STATION TV: has introduced a service that combines its customizable on-screen promotional messages with on-demand coupons that customers can print at the gas pump and redeem in the service station. GSTV delivers programming including local and national news, sports, weather and traffic information on 20″ TV monitors embedded into gas dispensers. A portion of the programming is dedicated to delivering messages that promote retailers’ convenience store offerings with up to four messages aired during each customer’s visit. GSTV is currently in the Atlanta, Dallas and Houston markets, and is rolling out to more than 7,000 screens across the top 15 markets in the U.S. by the end of 2007.

MALL NETWORKS: has hired Kristyn Golier as VP-merchant development. She will take a major role in managing the company’s strategic relationships with online retailers and affiliate retailers. Most recently, Golier has been with Upromise (now part of Sallie Mae), the largest coalition loyalty program in the United States as director of online shopping.

MCDONALD’S: is tying its latest Happy Meal premiums to Walt Disney’s two-disc special edition release of The Little Mermaid on DVD. Customers will receive one of eight premiums in Happy Meals, including an Aerial necklace, lip-gloss bracelet, a floral crown, a mirror compact lip, a treasurer keeper, under the sea glasses and sea flower barrette for girls. For boys, McDonald’s is offering one of eight Bionicle robotic toys, including Vezok, Toa Jaller, Rediak, Toa Hahli, Hakann, Toa Nuparu, Zaktan and Toa Matoro in each Happy Meal. The premiums will be available through Oct. 12 or until supplies last.

JP PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS: a distributor of imprinted promotional products has moved its corporate offices to larger quarters at 100 Executive Boulevard, Suite 101 in Ossining, NY. The distributor previously was located at 400 Executive Boulevard. The new headquarters provides additional office, storage and administrative space for the three-year-old company.

HARRAH’S ENTERTAINMENT: won a patent for its process of customizing hotel-room pricing based on the value of a consumer’s spending on retail, dining and gaming at Harrah’s. Las Vegas-based Harrah’s will use the technology to create customer segments (including non-gamblers) and offer targeted entertainment packages to each group. The patent for “Resource Price Management Incorporating Indirect Value” was awarded to Harrah’s Operating Co. subsidiary.

ATRIUM ENTERPRISES: Jericho, NY, opened shop last month offering industry-specific, turnkey affinity programs that marketers can adopt for themselves. Fit Rewards Club, a referral program created for the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), gives health clubs a platform to reward current members for referring new members. Atrium’s Bridal Rewards program lets vendors (think florists, caterers, tuxedo rental) reward brides’ purchases with points that can be redeemed for items in Bridal Rewards’ Folio catalog, including consumer electronics, housewares, sporting goods. Atrium’s founders are CEO Ken Sternfeld and VP Jon Horovitz.

U.K. GROCER TESCO: is rewarding its 13 million Clubcard members for reusing grocery bags—from Tesco or its competitors. Checkout clerks ask shoppers how many of their own bags they’re reusing, then add points to their Clubcard account for each bag. The offer launched Aug. 14; shoppers earned 1 million points in the first three days, using purses and crates as well as standard shopping bags. Points will show up on shoppers’ quarterly tally in November.

ODYSSEY CRUISES: which operates a luxury cruise vessel on the Potamac River, will sponsor thousands of commuters who ride-share, resulting in 100,000 fewer miles driven throughout the Washington, DC, region. Participating commuters will get $220 gift certificates that can be used for dinner and brunch cruises on the Odyssey III, the only vessel designed to travel beneath the Potomac’s historic bridges. Odyssey Cruises is a sponsor of the Chevron 5,000,000 Mile Rideshare Challenge, which works to cut driving and gasoline use. To participate in the program, commuters use NuRide, Inc. online incentive-based ridesharing program.

HUMMER: has rolled into McDonald’s with a promotion that runs through August where young customers will receive one of eight miniature HUMMER vehicles with the purchase of a Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal. The HUMMER brand is a division of GM.

YAHOO MUSIC: and MasterCard have teamed up for a summer promotion dangling a free year of music subscription service for consumers who sign up using their MasterCard. Yahoo Music Unlimited [http://music.yahoo.com] is available for $6.99 or $11.99 to transfer tracks to portable listening devices. The incentive offering runs through Oct. 4. Online materials support.

CINGULAR WIRELESS: has been courting Ohioans with a tank of gas. Wireless phone customers who switched to Cingular last month and signed a two-year contract earned a $50 pre-paid Visa card to buy gas. The offer wrapped up July 22.

UNITED AIRLINES: is out with a new online store, Mileage Plus Wireless, which rewards consumers for their purchases of wireless products and services with Mileage Plus miles. Under the initiative, United customers can earn miles when they buy any wireless device. The site at MileagePlusWireless.com offers free phones with activation of a new contract, PDAs, smartphones, PC cards and Bluetooth accessories.

DOUBLETREE HOTELS: is offering consumers a sweet treat tied to Independence Day. The hotel chain is offering its freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to consumers who visit any of its more than 160 U.S. properties on the Fourth of July. The company expects to distribute thousands of cookies as part of its Free Cookies on the Fourth promotion.

ALL STAR INCENTIVE MARKETING: Sturbridge, MA, has revamped its Internet-based incentives management service that lets companies manage points-based programs and reward vouchers online. The upgraded program, called Propel, pulls together all services previously offered under All Star’s eChoices portfolio. Clients include Gillette/Duracell, MGM, Provident, Honeywell, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Unum.

BURGER KING: is out with new kids meal premiums tied to MGA Entertainment’s popular Bratz collection. More than 7,000 Burger King restaurants nationwide will feature the Bratz Genie Magic Fashion Doll for girls in the meals. Consumers can choose one of four Bratz toys—a mystical mini purse, a Bratz picture pillow, a fortune-telling compact or dazzlin’ bangles. For boys, consumers will receive one of four G.I. Joe Sigma 6 toys, including a hi-tech night cam, G.I. Joe Snake Eyes sling rings, a code decoder or a watch unit. In-store signage and online materials support.

SEARS, ROEBUCK AND CO.: has expanded its Web site, Sears.com, to allow customers to redeem gift cards for purchases at the site. Sears has also added new online product categories including tires, shoes and home health care and wellness items.

AVIS: is out with a summer safety promotion, giving copies of the Family Safety Travel Guide to customers. The guide includes tips on passenger and vehicle safety, family friendly in-car activities and games and bike safety information, along with peel-n-stick bike reflectors and safety-themed temporary tattoos. Also included is a coupon for $10.00 off a Bell toddler or child bicycle helmet or helmet set, redeemable nationwide at Toys ‘R’ Us. The new program is part of the Avis Cares suite of services that work to make travel safer and stress-free.

BORDERS, INC.: has rolled out a new credit card with Chase called Borders 3-2-1 Visa card, which gives consumers three points for very dollar spent at Borders or Waldenbooks stores; two points for gas, dining and grocery card purchases and one point for other purchases. Redemption starts at 25,000 points of which consumers can redeem for a $25 Borders gift card. Borders 3-2-1 Visa card is available at Borders, Borders Express, Borders Outlet, Waldenbooks and airport locations. Consumers who register for the card will receive a $20 Borders gift card after their first purchase.

BENSUSSEN DEUTSCH & ASSOCIATES: Woodinville, WA, hired Barry MacKechnie as COO, a new post at the premiums agency. MacKechnie will lead BD&A’s Financial Services team and oversee internal operations for all BD&A’s service groups. MacKechnie had been president of Larry’s Markets and earlier was CEO of software marketer RevX. BD&A also hired Dan Sullivan as VP-sales, a new post. He had been senior VP-general manager at Siemens Business Services.

DELTA AIRLINES: was honored April 30 at InsideFlyer magazine’s Freddie Awards for helping to start and shape the world of loyalty programs during the last 25 years. Delta, along with American Airlines and United Airlines, received InsideFlyer’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their frequent-flyer programs. This is the second time Delta has been recognized by the award program. The airline’s SkyMiles program received the 2001 Industry Impact Award for industry-leading and customer-focused promotions after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

1-800-FLOWERS.COM: has expanded its customer retention and loyalty programs where shoppers can earn “petals” in the new Fresh Rewards program. Shoppers can earn petals when making purchases at 1-800-Flowers.com or via the toll-free number. Earning petals qualifies customers for VIP status, which gets them exclusive promotions and products, access to special collections and discounts. The platform is operated by Loyalty Lab’s Customer Relationship Manger Suite.

VESDIA CORP.: and school-fundraiser Schoolpop have bought OneCause, an online fundraising service for Catholic and Lutheran schools and churches. The program compliments Schoolpop; both programs donate 1% of members’ purchases to the school or church of a member’s choice. Atlanta-based Vesdia owns an equity interest in Schoolpop and runs the program, in addition to a handful of other coalition loyalty programs that give rebates to members when they shop with participating merchants. Terms of the OneCause deal were not disclosed.

THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL: has debuted its new magazine Promotional Consultant with the March/April issue. The bi-monthly, digest-sized pub offers tips, case studies, trends and other information for promotional products sales reps.

MCDONALD’S: vouchers are no longer being given out as rewards for young patients in Raigmore Hospital in Scotland. Vouchers for free Happy Meals had been given to kids as a reward for being brave during treatment. The program was squashed after a legislator complained that the vouchers could be adding to the obesity problem, according to news reports.

AMERICAN EXPRESS: has added retail and travel partners to its Membership Rewards program. It has also expanded offerings for redemptions including Apple iTunes downloads. New retail partners include, Blockbuster, Cole Haan, L’Occitane and Talbots. New travel partners include, AirTran Airways, Loews Hotels and Preferred Hotel Group.

PPAI: has changed the dates for two of its shows to avoid a conflict with the Consumer Electronics Show. The PPAI Expo will now be held Jan. 3-6, 2007 and Jan. 14-18, 2008 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

MCDONALD’S: is out with new toy premiums as part of its Happy Meals and Might Kids Meals offerings, featuring DIC Entertainment’s Trollz collection and Wild Planet’s Spy Gear. Consumers who visit participating McDonald’s restaurants will receive one of eight Trollz with neon hair for girls in McDonald’s Happy Meals and Mighty Kids Meals. Each Trollz Happy Meal toy includes a “Trollar” worth 150 Trollar dollars redeemable at Trollz.com. For boys, McDonald’s will offer one of eight Spy Gear gadgets including agent specs, spire wire, spy wrist and motion sensor. The premiums are available through April 13 or until supplies last.

LOYALTY LAB: San Francisco, hired Doug Brewsher as VP-analytics and George Shahid as CFO at the CRM direct-marketing agency. Brewsher heads up Loyalty Lab’s new consulting division, helps design new CRM and loyalty strategies, and brings new technology to current programs. He had been co-leader of McKinsey & Co.’s CRM division. Shahid had been COO and CFO of CRM services firm BlueRoads Corp. and earlier was COO of Portalwave, a Web services software company.

AHOLD USA: has launched a gasoline loyalty program in 70 Giant Food Stores and Tops Markets. The Gas Extra Rewards program lets loyalty card holders earn gas discounts through store purchases. It also lets the retailer cross-promote grocery items at the pump to drive store traffic. Fuel-marketing firm Excentus Corp., Irving, TX, handles the overlay for Ahold.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC.: is out with a new sweepstakes that will award one grand-prize winner a choice of 3 million Marriott Rewards Points or 3 million airline frequent flyer miles. Consumers can enter the Marriott Dream Destinations sweepstakes by logging on to Marriottdreamdestinations.com or via scratch off instant-win card from select Marriott Vacation Club desks. The sweepstakes ends Sept. 30, 2007. Online materials support.

GIFTCERTIFICATES.COM: added AirIncentives as a redemption option within its travel category. The program allows a marketer to pre-purchase, in bulk, frequent-flyer miles to offer as incentives. Customers can redeem miles on their choice of five North American airline award programs.

MCDONALD’S USA: is out with new premiums based on the popular Strawberry Shortcake franchise and the animated series Dragon Boosters. Through Feb. 23, consumers will receive one of eight Strawberry Shortcake characters, some which include lip-gloss under the characters’ hats, and one of eight Dragon Booster action figures with the purchase of a Happy Meal or Mighty Kids Meal at participating restaurants.

DELTA AIRLINES: has launched a new corporate loyalty program, Skybonus, for small and medium enterprises in India. Under the program, companies receive points for travel on qualifying flights on Delta and Song flights. Points are redeemable for rewards, including Delta flights, travel upgrades and membership of its crown room club, and can be redeemed by any member of the company.

FTD.COM: has signed a multi-year contract with WebLoyalty that sends loyalty-club offers to FTD.COM customers. Norwalk, CT-based WebLoyalty has contracted with 100 online marketers to distribute subscription offers as a “thank you” for purchases made at marketers’ sites (P&I, Dec. 21).

BURGER KING CORP.: has teamed up with the National Football League and the U.S. Figure Skating Association for a new series of Kids’ Meal premiums. The QSR is offering kids a choice of eight handheld electronic games— football games and four figure skating games— the purchaser of a Kids Meal. The games are available at more than 7,000 Burger King restaurants through Feb. 5 or until supplies last.

THE ASI SHOW: has created an advisory board made up of suppliers, distributors, multi-line reps and industry service providers to provide insight and strategic direction for future shows. In addition to The ASI Show that just ended last week in Orlando, future shows include Dallas, Feb. 8-10, Las Vegas, March 22-24, Philadelphia, May 23-25 and Chicago, July 11-13.

GIFTCERTIFICATES.COM: Seattle, added 13 retailers to its network that provides gift certificates as marketing incentives for customer and employee acquisition, loyalty, reward and retention programs. The 13 merchants, who join hundreds of retailers, restaurants and services in GiftCertificates.com’s eight-year-old network, are: AutoSport, Gorton’s of Gloucester, Hat World, iTunes, Lids, NASCAR.com, Nike, Panera Bread, Parisian, Puritan’s Pride, Snap-On Tools, SONIC and TicketsNow.com.

PAPA JOHN’S: has rolled out a new gift card, Papa Cards, in more than 5,300 retail outlets in the U.S. and online at Papajohns.com. The gift cards, available in $10 or $25 denominations, can be redeemed for pizza, side dishes or Coca-Cola products at more than 2,600 participating Papa John’s restaurants.

MARRIOTT REWARDS: the guest loyalty program for Marriott International, Inc., has added 75 new online retailers to MarriottRewardsMall.com. Members who sign up can earn points while shopping at online retailers, including Barnes and Noble, JJill, The Home Depot and Red Envelope. Through Dec. 31, consumers can earn 1,000 Marriott Rewards bonus points from a single transaction of $150 at any one online merchant. Members can also earn Marriott rewards points per dollar depending on the retailer.

HYATT HOTELS CORP.: has rolled out Hyatt Gift Cards, which can be used toward overnight stays and hotel services, including spa treatments, golf and restaurants. The gift card, which launched last week, can be loaded with up to $500. Starting today, Hyatt Gift Cards will be available for purchase online at Hyatt.com.

PETER PIPER PIZZA: is out with a new gift card program at participating restaurants in Arizona, San Diego and Los Angeles. The electronic cards can be reloaded at any time. The gift cards are available in nearly 40 restaurants, and may be purchased online at Peterpiperpizza.com. The company plans to extend the program chain wide in early 2006.

THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL: has reached 7,000 member companies, the highest in its history. This represents a 22% increase in three years, PPAI said.

MARRIOTT REWARDS: has launched a new Web site, Rewarding Weddings, which gives couples who book their wedding receptions at participating Marriott International, Inc. hotels details on how to earn enough rewards points for a free honeymoon. The Web site at Marriott.com/rewardingweddings also lets couples search for participating locations. To qualify, receptions must be booked on a Friday or Sunday between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, 2006. Couples receive rewards points based on receptions between $15,000 and $25,000.

TRIPREWARDS: members can now redeem loyalty points for free-night stays for international hotels. Members can use their points at for one single or double standard room for up to two guests at participating Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Super 8 and Ramada hotels. Redemption values for international stays range from 6,000 to 30,000 points per stay depending on the hotel brand and location.

PPAI: has voted to change the name of two of its most popular and prestigious awards. The PPAI Golden Pyramid Awards and PPAI Supplier Golden Achievement Awards will now be known as PPAI Pyramid Awards and PPAI Supplier Achievement Awards. PPAI will continue to recognize accomplishments at multiple levels with gold, silver and bronze Pyramid Awards, and gold and silver Supplier Achievement Awards.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP: has added Shanghai Airlines and Hainan Airlines as new partners under its guest loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards. To celebrate its new partners, Priority Club Rewards members can earn triple miles on Flying Crane, Shanghai Airlines loyalty program and Fortune Wings Club, Hainan Airlines loyalty program, through Dec. 16. In addition, members can earn triple miles with every qualifying stay, at any InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, or Holiday Inn Express worldwide.

CHEVRON: has put branded coffee kiosks in 45 gas stations in Seattle with loyalty-marketing support. Customers who visit the Van Houtte coffe kiosks can get free refills when they buy a Van Houtte-branded travel mug, and get a frequent-user card that gives a free cup of coffee after four purchases. Chevron launched the kiosks with 99-cent, 20-oz. cups in October, and outdoor boards headlined “Wake Up Seattle” through November.

AMERICAN AIRLINES: has rolled out a new gift card available in denominations of $50 and $100. The cards, which hit retail stores Nov. 1, replaces the company’s traditional paper gift certificates.

AMERICAN EXPRESS: has launched a new loyalty card, the IN:LA Card, which gives Los Angeles-area consumers exclusive rewards at some of the city’s hottest restaurants, exclusive clubs, entertainment venues and cultural institutions. Card holders earn INSIDE Rewards points by using the IN: LA Card— point for every $1 spent and double points on city essentials, including dining, movies, mobile phone service, cable service, Internet service, gym membership, and magazine/newspaper subscriptions. The card follows IN: CHICAGO and IN: NYC cards American Express rolled out over the last year.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: has teamed up with InterContinental Hotels Group to offer Rapid Rewards members who enroll in Priority Club Rewards and select the airline to create a preferred earning alliance a half credit in Rapid Rewards for each qualifying stay at any of the 3,500 IHG properties worldwide. The program, which kicked off Oct. 1, includes InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites.

UTIX GROUP, INC.: a provider of prepaid experience tickets, has inked a deal distribution and marketing agreement with Scrip Advantage, Inc., a direct marketing company that specializes in selling gift cards for 300 large U.S. merchant retailers and service providers. Scrip will offer its non-profit customers Utix prepaid experience tickets for fund-raising efforts. In a separate development, Utix signed deals with Points.com and Vertrue, Inc., who will offer Utix prepaid golf, ski, spa, movie and bowling tickets to their client bases.

PPAI: has relocated its Business Academy EXTRA! educational and networking event to the Millennium Hotel in downtown St. Louis on Oct 26-28. The event had been scheduled to take place in New Orleans. A portion of each registration fee is going to the Promotional Products Business Recovery Plan, designed to direct dollars, goods and services to distributors and suppliers whose businesses have been disrupted by Hurricane Katrina.

PROFORMA: Cleveland, OH, has four new owners and two owner acquisitions: The new owners are: Henry and Joan Dinneen, Proforma First, Tulsa, OK; Mark Losiak, Proforma Sonic Business Solutions, Minooka, IL; Greg Stefanowski, Proforma NS Print, Newtown, PA; and Peter Winger, Proforma Pac ‘N’ Ship, Minot, ND. The acquisitions are: Michael Baucom, owner of Proforma Print Source in Durham, NC, acquired Printing & Graphics, Inc., Statesville, NC; and Jeff Leuchi, owner of Proforma J.C.L. Print Associates in Pleasantown, CA, purchased Proforma PLUS of Danville, CA.

AMERICAN EXPRESS: has added a new Membership Rewards program benefit that allows card members to use their Membership Rewards points to book travel directly on the American Express travel Web site without blackout dates or restrictions. Card members can redeem Membership rewards points to cover all or part of their travel cost.

THE ATLANTA FALCONS: are offering branded gift cards and merchandise return credit cards. The gift cards are available now exclusively at the new retail store, Falcons 365 in Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, and on the new Web site Falcons365.com. Stored Value Systems is managing the gift cards.

LUFTHANSA WORLDSHOP: and Bedford Forum LLC, a New York-based luxury goods marketing group have tapped New Wine Logistics of Napa, CA, to launch a gourmet shopping program in which members of Lufthansa’s frequent flyer program, Miles & More, can redeem frequent flyer miles for wine, gourmet food, kitchen and other home products. The program offers a variety of wine, specialty foods from Dean & Deluca, Viking Range kitchen and home products, fine tea online at LH-Worldshop-Gourmet.com.

MCDONALD’S CORP.: will offer a special incentive this month to encourage trial of its new chicken menu offerings. From Aug. 11 to 14. The QSR will hand out Premium Chicken Sandwich menus featuring coupons for a free medium drink and a medium fry with the purchase of a new sandwich. McDonald’s rolled out its new chicken sandwiches, the Classic, Ranch BLT and Club, on Tuesday.

RUBY TUESDAY: has joined Vesdia Corp.’s “shop and save” rebate network. As part of the agreement, debit and credit cardholders participating in Vesdia-owned or managed programs will now earn a 3% rebate when they dine at any of Ruby Tuesday’s more than 800 company-owned and franchised restaurants.

ELECTRONICS RETAILER: Car Toys, Seattle, is launching a loyalty program for some of its 52 stores that sell mobile electronics, wireless phones and accessories. Shoppers who join the Car Toys Customer Rewards program get a $10 gift card for every $200 they spend; higher spending brings bigger rewards. Loyalty Lab, San Francisco, handles the program, which starts in Car Toys’ Washington state stores and may expand to Oregon, Colorado and Texas.

VELTEX CORP.: a manufacturing, import and distribution company for apparel and accessories, hopes to finalize the acquisition of 50% of John Daly Enterprises in the near future. In June, Veltex struck a deal with the professional golfer to market and license his branded golf products (PROMO P&I, June 22). The deal includes branded products such as sunglasses, baseball hats and other golf products and accessories to be marketed in the United States and Canada.

VERIZON: is giving a $20 credit to new and existing customers who sign up for paperless billing and pay their monthly bills online at Verizonwireless.com, or their bank’s Web site, through Sept. 10.

BATH & BODY WORKS: has added a DVD to its body care line. The Breathe DVD combines sound and visuals and sells for $19 in the chain’s 1,557 stores nationwide. A slate of menus lets users choose images, colors and music. Digital content studio Comchoice, Los Angeles, created the DVD.

DELTA AIRLINES: will donate 10 million miles to its SkyWish program to benefit 15 charitable organizations. The donation comes as a result of the SkyWish program receiving 1 billion miles since Delta launched the program 10 years ago. The program gives Delta SkyMiles members an outlet to donate miles to charitable organizations.

SHOPPERS CHARGE ACCOUNTS CO.: Mahwah, NJ, hired Jerry Arnold as VP-account executive for the Southwest, a new post at the private-label credit card company. Arnold will be based in Dallas; he had been director of operation support and implementation at Alliance Data Systems (formerly JCPenney Business Services).

ADVERTISING SPECIALTY INSTITUTE: said that Kaeser & Blair Inc., Summit Marketing and HALO/Lee Wayne are making significant investments in ASI products and services to support the sale of promotional products.

AIR FRANCE: has announced offers to its loyalty club members to celebrate the kickoff of service to and from Detroit. Members of the Flying Blue customer program get up to 10,000 bonus miles for each round-trip between Detroit and Paris through Sept. 30. Users of VoyageurRewards business program get an economy class reward ticket when a member flies round-trip in business class through Sept. 15. Members of either program also get 2,000 bonus miles when they travel round-trip to or from Detroit, within the U.S. with Air France partner Northwest Airlines.

WHITE CASTLE: is tapping into consumers’ late-night feeding frenzy, offering a free Coca-Cola Throttle energy drink with the purchase of a Crave Case (30 hamburgers) between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The limited time offering is the QSR’s latest addition to its late night menu. Full Throttle drinks can be purchased anytime during the promotion for $1.99.

SUBWAY: is out with new toy premiums featuring Scooby-Doo as part of its Kids’ Pak meals. The premiums include a Scooby-Doo Chute, the Scooby-Doo spray ‘n soar, the Scooby-Doo ski ‘n splash squeeze toy and a Scooby-Doo canine copter. The Scooby-Doo premiums are available through June 26 while supplies last. Mega Bloks Little farm toy premiums are available for toddlers 18 months and older.

THE NON-PROFIT INCENTIVE FEDERATION: has named Karen Renk as chairman. Renk is the executive director of the Incentive Marketing Association.

AVIS RENT A CAR: has launched a free child-safety seat promotion just in time for summer. Consumers who rent a minivan, SUV or 12-passenger van will receive up to three free child safety seats with each rental — a $150 value. Rentals must begin by Sept. 5 to qualify for the free child safety seat offer. In addition, Avis has created an informative brochure call the “Avis Safety Adventure,” which outlines tips on safe travel and entertaining kids while on the road.

GIFTCERTIFICATES.COM: has launched Communication Services, a suite of marketing tools to help corporations drive awareness, facilitate education and maximize participation in employee recognition, sales incentive, customer acquisition and appreciation gift programs.

INSTORECARD INC.: San Francisco, has changed its name to Loyalty Lab, Inc., to better communicate the company’s focus on retail loyalty and customer management systems.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP: has added a new feature to its customer loyalty program, allowing U.S. members to redeem points toward stays at more than 500,000 hotels worldwide, regardless of the brand affiliation. No blackout dates or capacity restrictions apply. Priority Club Rewards members can already redeem points at its 3,500 properties. To make it happen, the program is working with American Express Incentive Services so members can redeem points for an American Express prepaid lodging card valued between $100 and $250. The card can be used wherever American Express is welcome.

BRANSON TOURISM CENTER: is offering visitors to the “live entertainment capital of the world,” in Branson, MO, who book their trip before May 31 through the Branson Tourist Center, a 30-cents-per-gallon discount on 20 gallons of gasoline.

BD’S MONGOLIAN BARBEQUE: has teamed up with Gift Card Solutions to implement bd’s gift cards at 27 corporate and franchise-owned restaurants. The gift cards are available in any amount up to $500 and are rechargeable. Consumers can purchase the gift cards in restaurants or over the Internet. Based in Ferndale, MI, bd’s Mongolian barbeque is a privately owned chain that operates 27 restaurants in 10 states.

CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS: an online corporate gifts service in Valrico, FL, has debuted a Web site, AcorporateGift.com, featuring many of the company’s most popular upscale gift items, awards and food products, all which can be customized with imprints or corporate branding. The site is being supported by a print catalog of the same name.

LEGEND CREDIT, INC.: Ann Arbor, MI, is developing a Web site, Giftcardstoday.com, for the buying, trading and selling of gift cards. The site will be open to all brands of gift cards. Sellers will pay a transaction fee. The site is expected to go live within 60 days.

PROLINK MARKETING: Houston, will design and administer a customized loyalty rewards program for one interested party that has never before had such a program. Companies interested can visit Prolinkmarketing.com. ProLink will announce the recipient June 1.

DINERS CLUB: is attempting a comeback for its card created in 1950 as a way for executives to pay for meals when cash was not handy. The new card will enable customers to use the card at any merchant that accepts MasterCard, tripling the locations where Diners Club is accepted. Its rewards program offers more option including frequent flyer miles on any major U.S. airline. The card is owned by Citigroup.

BEST WESTERN: hotels in California, Nevada and Hawaii are offering baseball fans savings of up to 25% each time they request the special “Baseball Rate” at participating hotels. The offer began April 7 and runs through Sept. 15. With each stay, guests will also receive a limited-edition bobblehead doll of a major league star in his former minor league uniform.

HILTON GARDEN INN: has released a new premium to rescue consumers who left their cell phone chargers at home or who have little battery power remaining on their phones. The brand, part of the Hilton Hotels Corp., is making available the PowerMobile universal cell phone battery charger in every pavilion pantry across the country for guests’ use. The offering came as a result of Hilton Garden Inn’s first Ask the Traveler survey, in which 31% of respondents said cell phone chargers were the most forgotten item when traveling for business.

PARAMOUNT HOTEL NEW YORK: is giving guests a helping hand when it comes to soaring gasoline prices. Starting April 1, hotel officials will offer refunds up to $30 to guests who show their gasoline receipt upon check-in with a two-night stay. Gas receipts must be dated within the past 24 hours to qualify. To receive the offer, guests must ask for the gasoline package. The promotion runs through May 31.

THE U.S POSTAL SERVICE: has added nine new retailers to its NetPost CardStore Gift Card program. At the online store, combination giftcards/greeting cards can be customized by both consumers and businesses. The new retailers are: AMC Theaters, Blockbuster, Foot Locker, Marriott Hotels, Old Navy, Olive Garden, SpaWish, The Sharper Image and Toys ‘R’ Us. The program debuted last November.

HOLIDAY INN HOTELS AND RESORTS: is testing a full-service reception kiosk where guests can check in and out, change reservations and access airline systems to print boarding passes. The 90-day test is taking place at the Holiday Inn Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA.

DUANE READE: in New York has enhanced its Dollar Rewards Program. In addition to item discounts always offered to cardholders, the new program rewards customers every time they use their card to make a purchase. Shoppers will earn one Reward Point for each dollar spent at Duane Reade. For every 100 points accumulated, shoppers will get a $5 reward printed on their receipt, which can be used as cash for the next purchase. In addition, cardholders can earn bonus points and receive special offers through the mail, Internet and register receipts.

SMART TRANSACTION SYSTEMS: Boulder, CO, a provider of stored-value card systems has said that its gift card and customer loyalty programs are now compatible with the latest technology in smart cards, which need only to be passed in front of a card reader to complete a transaction.

STARBUCKS COFFEE CO: and RBC Royal Bank are out with a new hybrid card that blends an RBC Visa card with the re-loadable Starbucks Card. The Starbucks Duetto Visa Card, offered in Canada, gives customers the opportunity to pay, reload, earn point and redeem rewards with one card. Cardholders earn 1% of their purchases back in Duetto Dollars that can be used at Starbucks. Using the Duetto Dollars can earn additional rewards. A one-time preload of $10 is offered as an incentive to sign up and make their first purchase. Consumers can apply at Rbcroyalbank.com/duetto or at an RBC branch or Canadian Starbucks.

IBC WORLDWIDE: Lake Success, NY, is out with a catalog of promotional giftware and marketing tools as well as details on their custom capabilities. The catalog is a compilation of individual sheets that can be customized to customers’ requests.

THE CREATIVE GROUP: has found that 35% of employees surveyed believe their companies are very effective at acknowledging staff contributions, while 41% said their companies were somewhat effective. The survey, conducted through an independent research firm, queried 972 employees in the single question study. The Creative Group is a Menlo Park, CA-based staffing service.

UNIVERSAL EXPRESS, INC.: has announced that its Universal Cash Express division and Cardavenue have formed a partnership to allow consumers to sell or trade its “Send Roses” gift cards for free at Cardavenue.com. The card can be redeemed for one dozen roses and a vase for same-day delivery in the U.S.

SUNRISE IDENTITY: Woodinville, WA, has promoted Rick Knap to senior account manager from account manager. He has been with the promotional merchandise and marketing agency for six years.

SHOPPERS CHARGE ACCOUNTS CO.: Mahwah, NJ, promoted Robert Noren to senior VP-chief operations officer for the private-label credit card company. Noren had been senior VP-credit, customer service and collections. His promotion took effect Jan 20.

HÄAGEN-DAZS SHOPPE CO.: will switch from paper gift certificates to stored-value gift cards through an arrangement with Salt Lake City-based Gift Card Solutions. The electronic gift cards are customized to meet the look and feel of the store, and may be purchased at any participating Häagen-Dazs Shop. Gift Card Solutions currently has a paper gift certificate deal with 200 Häagen-Dazs stores.

DAVID LAGE AND RICHARD KAESER: both received Honorary Lifetime Member Awards during the opening session of the PPAI Expo last Wednesday. The awards were given in recognition of their enthusiastic, loyal and continual support to PPAI and the betterment of the industry.

CARD PRINTER: Arthur Blank & Co., Boston, has expanded its short-run capabilities to produce smaller batches of laminated plastic cards (including gift cards) more quickly. Blank’s minimum short-run order is 500 cards.

EURO RSCG RETAIL: a retail marketing communications’ agency, has launched a Customer Loyalty unit. Craig J. Staley has been named VP-director of database marketing responsible for developing integrated loyalty programs that drive incremental sales while attracting and retaining retailers’ very best customers.

TRILEGIANT LOYALTY SOLUTIONS: has partnered with Destination Rewards, Inc. to offer hotel reward cards and travel and entertainment cards to the financial services industry. TLS is a Richmond, VA-based provider of loyalty and incentive programs for a wide range of companies.

GIFTCERTIFICATES.COM: Seattle, signed deals with 22 merchants to distribute their gift certificates via its online clearinghouse. New participants include Harry & David, Reebok, Marshall Field’s, Avis Rent a Car, Budget Rent a Car and AMC Theatres. The site sells gift certificates from hundreds of retailers as well as a “SuperCertificate” that can be redeemed for any brand on its site. GiftCertificates.com came under new management last month (Dec. 8 PROMO P&I).

ALL STAR INCENTIVE MARKETING: Sturbridge, MA, hired Tara Linton as assistant sales manager working with All Star’s network of value-added resellers. She had been account director at Boston p.r. shop Bishoff Communications.

7-ELEVEN: has signed on as the latest retailer to offer America West Gift Cards at participating stores. The chain joins Valero/Diamond-Shamrock, Rite-Aid, Staples and Winn-Dixie as current sellers of the first airline gift card. America West is the first airline to offer customers the convenience and flexibility of buying future air travel through a gift card.

THE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS EDUCATION FOUNDATION: has hired Sara Keller as foundation manager, effective Dec. 27. She will be responsible for managing all operating areas of the foundation and will work directly with the PPEF board of trustees to develop strategies and programs to increase donations and build awareness. Her past experience includes director of giving for Stuhr Museum Foundation and foundation director for Howard County Hospital Foundation.

TELENATIONS: has launched a new division, MediaTree, which will develop, manufacture, market and distribute a new line of promotional stored value products to include music download and ringtone cards.

MUSIC MAGAZINE PASTE: put a DVD sampler in its December/January issue, with sponsored content including music videos, live-performance footage, theatrical trailers and short films. The independent magazine has put a CD sampler in every issue since it began publishing in July 2002. Paste will include a DVD and CD in each issue going forward. The magazine sells in book and music stores; PasteMusic.com sells CDs online.

THE INCENTIVE MARKETING ASSOCIATION: Naperville, IL, issued the first certification in its fledgling Certified Professional of Incentive Management program. Mark Sullivan, VP of SalesDriver, earned his certification in mid-December with a presentation titled “Online Incentive Programs: Mapping Your Journey for Better Results and a Positive ROI.” SalesDriver is the online sales incentive arm of Carlson Marketing Group, Minneapolis.

SEARS: is out with its newest gift card design: a gift card that doubles as a picture frame. Consumers can customize the card by inserting a family portrait or a picture of the gift intended for the recipient.

NAPSTER AND BLOCKBUSTER ONLINE: have entered into a co-marketing deal to package their music and movie services together in a “Digital Duo” gift card. The card costs $20 and is available at RadioShack retail outlets. Card holders get unlimited access to Napster’s music library and two free track downloads from that service, as well as a month of free movie rentals from Blockbuster’s DVD-by-mail offering.

BEST BUY: is giving is loyal customers Sweet Tracks, an exclusive CD featuring never-before-released songs from Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, Chris Isaak, Train, David Koz, Phantom Planet, Pete Yorn, Maroon 5 and Kenny Loggins. The CD is available free at retail to Best Buy Reward Zone members on Nov. 27.

THE FORUM FOR PEOPLE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT AND MEASUREMENT: has added the Promotion Marketing Association as a new trustee.

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL: has named its new officers for the 2005-2006 board of directors: Chairman of the Board, Danny Sirmon, MAS; Chairman-Elect of the Board, Carl Gerlach, MAS; Vice Chair Financial Services, Keith Olivit, CAS; Vice Chair Marketing Services, Barbara Gerlach, CAS; Vice Chair Program Services, Mike Burns; Vice Chair Membership Services, Carole Hill, CAS; Immediate Past Chairman, Carol D. Aastad, MAS.

CELEBRITY CRUISES: and MBNA America Bank have created a rewards credit card offering both cruise and non-cruise vacation benefits, including travel, merchandise and cash rewards. The Celebrity Rewards WorldPoints Visa card participants can redeem points for travel on major U.S. airlines with no blackout dates or for hotel and car rental arrangements as well as for brand-name merchandise and gift certificates and cash rewards for vacations.

PARAMAX: Red Bank, NJ, has debuted the Developer’s Edition for its suite of Web-based incentive management solutions. The edition allows incentive houses to create original, proprietary and customized recognition and reward applications.

AMERADA HESS: and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have launched the Hess Visa Platinum card, which earns consumers reward dollars every time they fill up or make a convenience store purchase. Hess retail sites are located in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

BLOCKBUSTER: has introduced its Party Card, to generate sales or reward employees. The card gets the recipient two movie rentals, two 20-oz. Coca-Cola beverages and a tub of microwave popcorn. The cards cost $11.50 each.

REWARDS NETWORK INC.: a provider of credit card-based loyalty and reward programs, has expanded its Hot Rewards program into Canada. In addition to more than 10,000 U.S. hotels, the Network members now have a choice or more than 600 hotels and resorts in Canada.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES: has revived its double-points promotion through a tie-in with Visa. Members of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program get double points when they book trips at southwest.com using a Visa card, and travel before Dec. 15. The program began in 1996 and last ran in December 2003. TV spots airing during national coverage of NFL games support via Gardner Nelson & Partners, New York. (Southwest’s agency of record, Austin, TX-based GSD&M, handles MasterCard.)

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP: will integrate its newest brand, Hotel Indigo, into its Priority Club Rewards program beginning Nov. 1. The hotel opened last week in Atlanta, and Priority Club Rewards members will earn 10 points or 2.5 miles for every dollar spent there, and they can redeem 25,000 points for a free Reward Night.

ESPRIT: a Hong-Kong-based apparel retailer, plans to expand its gift card program to the U.S. to coincide with the reopening of a flagship store in New York City last month and four new U.S. stores. The card’s design features the “spirit of Times Square.” The retailer also plans to offer its electronic gift cards at its 25 Canadian stores by the end of the year. Esprit offers gift cards in eight European countries.

SAGE TECHNOLOGIES: has added a searchable field for UPIC, the Universal Promotional Identification Code, to its flagship research tool SAGE-Online for the promotional products industry. The change allows users another way to locate suppliers and products. The database contains more than 500,000 products and listings of 4,000 suppliers.

MARITZ RESEARCH: St. Louis, has launched a tool to help companies better identify, retain and acquire customers. Maritz Loyalty Maximizer applies a proprietary research model with marketing research and analytics to help better understand consumer attitudes and behavior, the company said..

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM: of Buena Park, CA is giving Southern California fire and police personnel and one guest free admission from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12. The theme park is also offering additional tickets at a discounted rate.

SUMMIT PERFORMANCE GROUP: a San Diego-based provider of meeting planning, incentive and sports hospitality services, has named Kristin Judge as event manager. She will be responsible for providing administrative assistance and interfacing with clients and vendors of corporate meeting and incentive program development and management as well as database programs. Most recently, Judge was a human resources Web designer for Crystal Decisions.

EVIGNA: has become the largest minority-owned distributor in the promotion product industry, thanks to an acquisition earlier this month. Troy, MI-based CI Technology Group has bought the promotional merchandise management division of Beanstalk Group, and adopted its new name, Evigna. Minority certification was awarded by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council and the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

REWARDS NETWORK INC.: a provider of credit-card based loyalty and rewards programs has entered into an arrangement with RBC Royal Bank in Canada to provide bank Visa cardholders with the opportunity to earn additional rewards points when dining at restaurants throughout Canada and the United States.

GIVEFUN.COM: the travel, leisure and entertainment gift certificate and registry service, has added six entertainment-focused retailers to its list of participating merchants: Cabelas, Golden Tickets, My CruiseClub.com, Spa Finder, Touch of Romance Travel, Utix Universal Golf Ticket/Swing Pack and Utix Universal Spa Ticket.

JCPENNEY: offered 10 customers at the grand opening of its department store in Covington, LA, on Sept. 10, the chance to win $500 gift cards to be used toward any JCPenney purchase. Customers simply had to register for the chance to get the cards or a number of other prizes including a home theater package, a Vespa Motor Scooter or a desktop PC.