Short Cuts

VentureDirect Worldwide, New York, has added 40 new sites to its Internet advertising network (http://www.adventure.com). The sites cover the topics of music, finance, travel, African-American and women.

Smith & Associates, a Houston-based distributor of electronic components, has promoted Aric N. Hooverstein to vice president of marketing. Hoverstein will be responsible for direct marketing, brand building, and the continued development of the company’s Internet site. He has been with the company since 1996, most recently as marketing manager.