E-mail marketing firm Responsys has agreed to acquire digital marketing consultancy Smith-Harmon in a part-cash, part-stock deal. Financial terms of the agreement, which is expected to close next month, were not disclosed. For the near future, Smith-Harmon will continue to operate as an independent brand, known as "Smith-Harmon, a Responsys company."

IHoops, the official joint youth basketball initiative of the NBA and NCAA, has launched iHoops.com, the online hub for parents, players, coaches, officials and administrators of youth basketball programs nationwide.

Food- and animal-safety product maker Neogen will launch a business-to-business loyalty program for veterinarians next month. Specifically focused on its equine prescriptions, the program will give a rebate of up to 6% to vets who purchase those items. The program will run from November 1 through next February.

E-commerce services provider GSI Commerce has agreed to acquire Retail Convergence, operator of private sale e-commerce site RueLaLa.com, for up to $350 million. The transaction includes a $180 million pay out at the closing of the deal and an earn-out of up to $170 million based on Retail Convergence's performance in fiscal year 2012.

The Institute of Management Accountants awarded Infocus management of its member list October 27. The previous list manager was Aggressive List Management.

Welcome to "Patient Critical: Madison Avenue," where new and legacy media vehicles struggle to capture declining advertising dollars, deliver ROI and answer the question: What marketing media are worth saving? Digital media may have set the bar for sales-attribution reporting, but today, that's not enough. Delivering ROI requires an understanding of how all media work together and how spends should shift holistically to achieve the greatest net impact for a client.

The amended Telemarketer Sales Rule (TSR) from the Federal Trade Commission says that automated sales communications can be delivered only to recipients who have provided their "express written consent" to receive them. Having an existing business relationship will no longer be sufficient approval for organizations to attempt to sell goods or services via an automated phone call.

Omniture is a data company that works with hundreds of technology vendors, including ExactTarget and Silverpop to help combine data with digital channels. It recently partnered with ComScore to help media planners have better audience measurement tools. DMNews chats with Matt Langie, senior director of product marketing at Omniture, about data integration, behavioral targeting legislation and the new partnership

New list — Smart Shield Financial Protection Membership Buyers — Gnames Media Group — This file contains buyers of the Smart Shield Financial Protection Program, a financial, credit, and legal program designed to help consumers deal with financial challenges such as debt settlement, mortgage mitigation, credit counseling, legal issues and taxes. Members pay $19.95 each month and most payments are electronic withdrawal from either a checking or savings account. All buyers have filled out a short form on-line providing name, address and phone number.

New list — Grassroots Motorsports Magazine — Kroll Direct Marketing — This file contains hot rod enthusiasts who are well-educated with a large amount of disposable income. These subscribers purchase high-performance vehicles, tires and aftermarket parts often. The average age is 35. More than 87% have an annual income over $75,000 and 31% have an annual income over $125,000. More than 80% own three or more cars. These prospects are 95% male.

New list — Federal Financial Group Wealth Builders — Geon Media Group — This file contains individuals who use Federal Financial Group's 7-Step Plan for financial independence. Suggested usage includes business, real estate, investment opportunity, seminars, financial planning and insurance offers.