In the July 13 issue of DMNews, we're focused on just one thing: CRM. Whether it be loyalty, engagement or customer relationships, CRM is at the forefront of the growth and innovation that the industry relies on during the downturn. This first-ever special issue of DMNews will take a closer look at every facet of the CRM and database space, including software, privacy, loyalty, retail, data collection, e-mail programs, social media and more.

The industry took a significant step in the behavioral targeting and privacy debate by releasing seven best practices principles for behavioral targeting on July 2.

Worldata has begun managing the 64,000-name list of auto race enthusiast available through the SportsFanReview.com. Races such as NASCAR, Indy 500, Busch series, stock car and dragster are discussed and attended by the consumers on this list. SportsFanReview.com highlights significant details about national and international games, college and professional teams and features blogs and opinions about sports, along with general news of wins, losses, championships and player information.

Commercial and nonprofit mailers of US Postal Service Standard Mail high-density flats, mail pieces delivered to each address on a delivery route, will enjoy new minimum per-piece price decreases of 0.1 cent. The decreases kick in on July 19. In addition, mailers will see decreases to the pound price element that match the Standard Mail Saturation rate. The Postal Regulatory Commission approved the rate on July 1, potentially setting a new precedent on how to address a rate decrease in a period of deflation.

The Direct Marketing Club of New York (DMCNY) has named its 2009 Silver Apple Awards winners. The Silver Apple Awards honor leaders in the direct and interactive marketing industry who have at least 25 years' experience, have shown a commitment to volunteerism and who have made significant contributions to the growth of the industry.

The New York Blade, a 22,000-circ gay and lesbian paper, has suspended publication. The Blade, sister title to the New England Blade — which shuttered its print edition in October 2008 — and HX Magazine, was distributed for free around New York City on a weekly and bi-weekly schedule, depending on time of year.

Sonny's Real Pit Bar-B-Q has signed Engauge as its new agency of record, replacing seven-year incumbent AdPartners Inc.

A group of marketing associations introduced seven best practices principles for behavioral targeting on July 2. The principles - a significant step in the behavorial targeting and privacy debate - are designed to make behavioral targeting more transparent to consumers and to educate consumers on the practices of online advertising and how behavioral data is used.

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has expanded its long-running b-to-c marketing partnership with Epsilon to include efforts aimed directly at healthcare professionals. Epsilon has been working with AstraZeneca on direct-to-consumer marketing, including e-mail and database efforts, since 2003.

Global health marketing and communications group Euro RSCG Life acquired UK-based medical agency Medicom Group on July 1. The company will be renamed EuroRSCG Life Medicom. EuroRSCG Life's client roster includes Glaxosmithkline, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, Schering-Plough and Wyeth. The merger with Medicom adds Eli Lilly to that list.