News Briefs

GENERAL MILLS TRADEMARK LICENSING:

has signed an agreement with gift and plush manufacturer Applause, Woodland Hills, CA, to create and distribute a new line of Pillsbury Doughboy merchandise to include vinyl dolls, key chains and magnets. The line rolls out this summer.

DRAFT: Chicago, has hired Lisa Penelton as senior VP-analytic services. She reports to CMO Tony Weisman and will focus on integrating data, statistical modeling and economic analysis into the marketing process.

DVC WORLDWIDE: has opened a Dallas office, to be headed by VP Warren White.

CHEERIOS: Spoonfuls of Stories youth reading initiative will be the title sponsor for the Minnesota Literacy Council's Fourth Annual Links to Literacy Golf Open. The event will be held Monday, July 7 at New Prague Golf Club in New Prague, MN.

PEPSI: Purchase, NY, has tapped comedian Drew Carey to host its reality game show Pepsi Play for a Billion (Promo Xtra, April 11). The show, which debuts in September on The WB, will give contestants a shot at $1 billion.


Correction

A News Brief (May 6, Xtra) misstated the title of Peter Blacklow. He is CMO at WorldWinner, a specialist in online games.