• March 21, 2005

The Direct Marketing Association announced last week that it absorbed the Association of Interactive Marketing, which it acquired in 1998. "Ever since the acquisition, we've been siloed from one another, each unable to benefit from the other," said Louis Mastria, a DMA representative. The newly integrated organization is forming an Interactive Marketing Advisory Board, which will focus on interactive marketing technology, research, and resources.

Scott Ferber, CEO of Advertising.com, will serve as incoming chairman. Michael Aronowitz, who headed AIM, will serve as the executive director of the new board known as the DMA IMAB. It comprises the chairs of the DMA's existing Marketing Technology and Interactive Council, as well as Emily Hackett, executive director of the Internet Alliance, a DMA subsidiary. The heads of task forces on search, e-mail, performance marketing, e-commerce, and online advertising will serve on the new council.

-- G.O.