Starwood Hotels is conducting an under-the-radar pilot loyalty initiative targeting members of competing loyalty programs. The company is keeping the effort separate from its existing loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG).

Vinod Gupta, the founder and former chairman and CEO of recently sold database company Infogroup, has agreed to pay more than $7.4 million to settle Securities and Exchange Commission charges. The SEC alleged that Gupta fraudulently used almost $9.5 million in corporate funds for personal expenses, such as personal jet travel, a yacht, private club memberships and automobiles from 2003 to 2007.

The Web is a primary channel for driving sales, customer loyalty, and operational efficiencies. Building an effective Web presence is therefore business-critical. Web Experience Management (WEM) enables a business to manage its Web sites and online promotions to deliver a relevant, engaging Web experience that encourages browsers to become buyers. To ensure your company achieves its business goals online, however, it's important to determine the potential Return on Investment (ROI) when planning WEM projects.

CCMP Capital Advisors, which bought Infogroup for $635 million on March 8, plans to continue Omaha, NE-based Infogroup's transition from database company to full-service direct marketing firm. The acquisition, expected to close this summer, will result in Infogroup becoming a private company.

IHG's Sagan talks about how the hotel chain balances relevance with privacy in its segmentation strategy

Christopher & Banks, a women's clothing specialty retailer, has launched its "Friendship Rewards" multichannel loyalty program. The initiative, announced March 9, will span the company's more than 800 retail locations and two e-commerce sites.

The Web is a primary channel for driving sales, customer loyalty and operational efficiencies. Building an effective Web presence is therefore business-critical. Web Experience Management (WEM) enables a business to manage its Web sites and online promotions to deliver a relevant, engaging Web experience that encourages browsers to become buyers.

Festiva Hospitality Group will roll out benefit packages for its recently launched Adventure Club Loyalty Program on April 1.

Hoover's, a business database company, launched a Web platform with additional corporate data, as well as services for sales and marketing professionals, on March 8.

Valpak has launched two direct campaigns using augmented reality, including an effort with The Martha Stewart Show to build the two companies' databases.