Q&As

Sprint Nextel is driving its sponsorship of a NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Michigan this month with a sweeps that gives the state’s residents a chance to win a trip to the event and receive racing merchandise.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Turner Network Television have teamed up for a one-of-a-kind sampling effort in which guest can get a sneak peek of the network’s second season premiere episode of The Closer days before it airs nationally this month.

For the second time in three years, Lillian Vernon Corp. has changed hands. Direct Holdings Worldwide, which bought the gifts and housewares cataloger in July 2003, has sold it to investment firm Sun Capital Partners. Sale terms were not announced.

Pitney Bowes Inc. has acquired Advertising Audit Service (AAS) and PMH Caramanning. AAS provides Web-based tools for customizing promotional mail and marketing collateral, and PMH Caramanning offers loyalty, incentive and certification solutions as well as collateral and reward fulfillment.

Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. reported a net loss of $35.6 million for first quarter 2006, compared with a net loss of $8.6 million a year ago. The company

Pontiac is reprising its role as task sponsor on The Apprentice, this time giving consumers a chance to donate to their favorite cause using the company’s money.

GM has unveiled a GM Fuel Price Protection Program that caps the per-gallon price consumers pay for gas at $1.99 when they purchase select 2006 and 2007 GM full-size utility and mid-size cars.

The “truth tour” has stockpiled a cache of hip premiums to spread its anti-smoking message to teens.

A growing number of small business travelers are turning toward travel loyalty programs thanks to increased benefits and options, a recent survey found.