Credit card operations service GE Money said the personal and contact information for about 650,000 customers of up to 230 of its retail partners, including JCPenney, could be compromised due to a missing computer tape.

E-mail marketing will increase in 2008, according to Datran Media, which found that 82% of the marketers surveyed said that they plan to increase their use of e-mail marketing in 2008.

Melissa Data has released a new e-mail verification tool called Email Object. Email Object checks e-mail addresses in databases, address books and spreadsheets and can also check addresses pulled from Web site forms.

The Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, has hired Omniture, a provider of online business optimization software, to help improve its site's efficiency and effectiveness.

Founded out of Notre Dame University in 1982 by the Brownson Institute, Crisis is a Catholic magazine featuring opinion on contemporary and church issues. Its readers are generally conservative and orthodox.

This week's Expert Advice column on page 29 of our Jan. 21 print issue raises the question of whether college education matters when making hiring decisions. Our expert submits that experience trumps everything — but undergraduate candidates with analytically and/or mathematically focused degrees have strong appeal.

As the President and Con­gress are in talks over a $140 billion economic stimulus plan, the National Retail Federation board of directors is calling on these government officials to provide a relief package for retailers.

Good experience and the right skills for the job should trump even the most ivy-covered resume. When we are looking to hire marketing analysts, we're looking for people that know data — how to store it, retrieve it and analyze it.

NEW MANAGEMENT - Kroll Direct Marketing - Description: This file contains key decision-makers responsible for serving breakfast, lunch and after-school snacks in every public and private school and state institution in the US. According to the US Department of Agriculture, they purchase more than $12 billion in food annually.

E-MAIL - Worldata - Description: This file contains professionals who rely on Eli Journals for insider information on how to get the most out the Microsoft technology they use on a daily basis. This group includes networking and computer support professionals, application developers, executives and management, and office workers.

NEW LISTS - Specialists Marketing Services - Description: This file contains Frontgate and Grandin Road catalog buyers who have been combined into one large enhanced masterfile. The Frontgate Catalog customer has purchased upscale, high quality items for the home that make life more productive and enjoyable. The Grandin Road Catalog offers a diverse mix of home decor and accessories that allow customers to create a comfortable home that matches their individual style.

NEW LISTS - Complete Medical Lists - Description: This file contains nurses at office address and is compiled from more than 50 data sources. These nurses are excellent prospects for continuing education, journals and other professional literature, uniforms and seminars.

NEW LISTS - Mazzone Marketing Group LLC - Description: This file contains political donors who have donated a minimum of $250. This file is recommended for political offers, credit cards, investments, high-end catalogs and financial offers.

NEW LISTS - Infocore - Description: This file contains young families who spend big money decorating their homes and using the mail, the Internet, and retail stores to purchase kids' and adult merchandise as well as decor for their homes. Purchases include furniture, clothing and books. Many have recently moved, or are about to move. Others are about to have their first child or have just had their first child. Most purchases are in excess of $100 and all are on credit cards.