Healthcare companies know an open dialogue with consumers can increase loyalty, so loyalty programs have been an effective tactic ever since pharma companies began marketing to consumers.

In an effort to attract the growing economic might of Hispanics living in the US, the NBA this month launched Éne-bé-a, a multichannel marketing campaign.

Toy manufacturer Mattel has launched MattelShop.com, which has, in addition to traditional e-commerce features, social shopping tools and real-time updated content. Previously, Mattel brands like American Girl, Fisher-Price and Barbie Collector had their own e-commerce portals. This is the first time all of Mattel's brands are sold on one e-commerce site.

Outdoor products multichannel retailer Cabela's has partnered with CHS, an energy, grains and food company, to launch a credit-card and loyalty program for CHS' Cenex brand, a wholesaler and retailer of refined fuels. This is the first card Cabela's credit card division, World's Foremost Bank, has created with another retailer. The companies announced the partnership on October 20.

In an effort to broaden its appeal to Hispanic audiences, The National Basketball Association launched Éne-bé-a, a multichannel marketing campaign. The league is using national TV, radio and online advertising, in addition to a Web site, events, merchandise promotion and grassroots programs. This is also the first time the NBA has launched a database-building initiative specifically for its Latino audience.

Eco-friendly furniture component manufacturer Hickory Springs launched its first social marketing campaign on October 20. The effort focuses on a nationwide search to find six contestants for its "EarthCare Challenge," an online video contest that urges consumers to lead more sustainable lifestyles.

Alliance Data-owned company LoyaltyOne has acquired a 29% stake in CBSM, Companhia Brasileria De Servicos De Marketing, which operates Brazil-based loyalty program Dotz. Terms of the agreement, which was signed in early October, were not disclosed.

Consumer intelligence solutions provider TargusInfo has extended its partnership with Telmetrics to provide clients expanded data on telephone-based responses. The service can monitor TV, print, radio, direct mail and online ad campaigns.

Westlake Ace Hardware has tapped Kansas City, MO-based agency Barkley to take on its CRM and database marketing. Consisting of 89 stores in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, Westlake is hoping to retain, grow and extend relationships with its consumer-base.

Diversified Information Technologies, a provider of document and information lifecycle solutions, has acquired Active Data Services (ADS), which outsources business processes. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.