Today's number: $2 trillion

        Amount of assets invested in so-called ethical mutual funds — funds that avoid investments in such things as tobacco and nuclear energy and which have grown almost twice as fast as assets in all mutual funds since 1997.

Today's money tip

        Because there is no favorable treatment for long-term capital gains realized within an IRA, you do not have to be concerned about the holding period of stocks within your retirement account. From a tax perspective, separate your investments into taxable and tax-deferred (retirement) accounts. Include in your taxable account those investments that will generate income through long-term growth to take advantage of the favorable treatment for long-term capital gains. Tax-deferred accounts should include the investments that are more likely to produce current income in the form of interest or dividends or short-term capital gains.

Today's career advice

        Performance appraisals are usually dreaded by the giver and the receiver, writes Dottie Bruce Gandy in her book 30 Days to a Happy Employee.

        Don't forget to ask employees what would make them feel validated and valued for their work. Let them tell their supervisor what they're doing on a regular basis that is worthy of acknowledgment.

        “It is the common everyday tasks done well for which most people seek recognition,” Ms. Bruce Gandy determined.

Today's mover

        • David Dreisbach has been named creative director at Holland Communications. Mr. Dreisbach will be responsible for directing print, broadcast and interactive advertising. He is also responsible for managing client budgets, copy writing and art director projects. Before joining Holland, he was senior copywriter for WBK Marketing, Design & Internet. He has a master's degree in religion, culture and personality from Northwestern University in Chicago.

Today's Company: Summit Medical Group

        Medical Merger: Established in 1996, Summit is an association of primary care physicians in Northern Kentucky. The group's 14 locations serve patients in Kenton, Boone and Grant counties. Its physicians practice family medicine, pediatrics and internal medicine.

        Hospital Connections: While its physicians maintain privileges and see patients at a variety of area hospitals, Summit's strongest connection is with St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

        Expanding Patient Contact: A few of Summit's locations maintain evening hours. Some offices perform pre-employment physicals and handle workers' compensation exams. A Web site, www.summitmedical.org, provides an easy way for new patients to register and for existing patients to access several of Summit's services.

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