Nathan Golia

Infogroup reported May 3 that its net income in the first quarter of 2010 was $7.3 million, up from a $9.4 million loss in the same period last year. Operating income was $12.3 million, compared to operating income of $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2009.

United Airlines and Continental Airlines promised customers "the industry's leading frequent flyer program, offering vast opportunities for customers to earn and redeem miles" when announcing their May 3 merger.

Tailored messaging is a core part of the National Hockey League's marketing strategy, says Perry Cooper, SVP of direct and digital marketing and fan analytics.

Weekday circulation at US daily newspapers fell 8.7% year-over-year for the six-month period ending March 2010, according to data from the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Sunday circulation dropped 6.5%, according to the statistics, which were released April 26.

E-commerce giant Amazon.com reported a 68% year-over-year increase in first quarter net income to $299 million from $177 million.

Customer relationship marketing agency Merkle appointed Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman its first VP of marketing, effective April 22, DMNews has learned.

Salesforce.com acquired business data company Jigsaw on April 21, in a bid to compete in the data services arena. The $142 million deal is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, which begins on May 1 of that year.

IShares, a provider of exchange-traded funds, launched a campaign on April 19 to raise awareness of its brand among investors. Created with McCann Erickson and MRM Worldwide in San Francisco, the push incorporates digital, mobile and television components. It is the company's first marketing effort since BlackRock acquired the firm last December.

The publishing industry is looking to the iPad to stanch the exodus of print subscribers - and the ad dollars that followed them.

Pharmacy chain Rite Aid launched the Wellness+ loyalty program nationwide on April 19 at the conclusion of a six-month pilot program in Buffalo, NY; Greensboro, NC; Harrisburg, PA; and San Diego. Rite Aid worked with Marc's Pittsburgh office on the initiative.