Today's number: 15 percent — How much of the nation's candy work force is in the Chicago area, home to Brach's Confections, Tootsie Roll Industries and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.

        Today's career advice: Workers facing dismissal should not be reluctant in pursuing a decent severance package.

        Career-counseling organization The Five O'Clock Club recommends these steps:

        Negotiate for one year of career counseling help instead of “space” to work out of. You probably already have a computer at home with fax service. Instead of asking for space that will no longer be available after one to three months, get the career counseling help you will need until you find a job. Although your firm may have a relationship with an outplacement firm, many companies allow you to select the service of your choice.

        Today's money tip: Some families could free up hundreds of dollars a month by refinancing. But it's important to know what to do with the savings, says Steve Rhode, president and co-founder of Myvesta.org. “Be sure to use extra money to build your future by paying down debt and putting money into savings,” he says. “The most important thing to do is keep new debt off credit cards.”

        Today's company: Cincinnati Equitable Insurance Co.

        • FIRE PROTECTION: Cincinnati Equitable was chartered in 1826, when fire was one of the biggest hazards faced by the community of 16,000. Only volunteer fire companies existed, and firefighting was the responsibility of all citizens. Cincinnati Equitable was the city's first local fire insurance company.

        • RETURNS ON DEPOSIT: Cincinnati Equitable began by issuing perpetual policies, a concept pioneered by Ben Franklin. The client paid a onetime deposit and was insured forever, or until the client requested the deposit back. To increase coverage, the client paid an additional deposit. One such policy has been in force continuously since 1837.

        • CHANGING NEEDS: From its original business of fire insurance, Cincinnati Equitable moved into other lines, notably auto insurance. In 1986, W.G. Alpaugh bought the company and expanded into four neighboring states and three other companies: Cincinnati Equitable Life Insurance Co., Lakeland Insurance Co. and Southern Michigan Insurance Co.

        Send tips and questions to Bill Ferguson at bferguson@enquirer.com

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