Events

Grapevine, Texas -- Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Kerri Bear has joined the management team at Grapevine Mills as director of marketing and business development.

Bear will be responsible for managing marketing, advertising and public relations programs, as well as selling in-mall media, securing sponsorships, coordinating promotional events and driving tourism.

Lewisville, Texas -- New research indicates that rebate programs are rising in favor with consumers and continuing to grow as a strategic approach for marketers. According to Parago, the nation’s largest rebate provider, 47% of consumers submitted a rebate in the past 12 months, up from 37% in the prior year.

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- David Gregory, host of NBC's "Meet the Press," will deliver the keynote address at BNP Media's Food Safety Summit on April 20.

ITASCA, Ill. -- Jewel-Osco announced that it is partnering with the American Heart Association (AHA) to raise awareness and funds for the AHA's "Go Red For Women" campaign against heart disease, the leading cause of death for American women.

NEW YORK -- Banana Republic announced that as part of its spring 2011 marketing campaign, "Journey in Style," it will debut its first film trailer in select movie theaters and online. The campaign will also be featured in other media including print and store displays.

Developed with AR NEW YORK, Banana Republic's advertising agency of record, the campaign will appear in March publications, supplemented by print, outdoor, online and direct mail. The campaign will debut in store windows beginning Feb. 14.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it is offering 20,000 free tickets to the America I AM: The African-American Imprint tour, of which Walmart is a presenting sponsor. America I AM, a four-year touring exhibition that celebrates nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to this country, will make its Washington, D.C. debut at the National Geographic Museum on Feb. 2.

LOS ANGELES — Kroger banners Ralphs and Food 4 Less/Foods Co have kicked off their respective charitable campaigns to benefit children in the markets they serve.

MINNEAPOLIS – Target announced that on Feb. 2 it will celebrate the opening of the newly renovated library at the George Peabody Elementary School. The renovation was made possible with the help of The Heart of America Foundation and the NFL Players Association.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- Kmart announced that it is teaming up with comedian Steve Harvey for its Share the Word campaign celebrating Black History Month. According to the company, this year's installment of the Share the Word program was designed to spotlight the unique bonds found in black communities that have historically driven the progression of African-Americans.

If ever there were a case of turning lemons into lemonade, the Toys“R”Us exchange program is it. Billed as the “Great Trade-In” event, the program is positioned as a child safety initiative that enables customers to bring in used products in exchange for a 25% discount on a new item.