Today's Number: 55

        Percentage of infants' mothers who were in the work force in 2000, the first significant drop since the statistic was first kept in 1976, according to the Census Bureau.

        Joan M. Verchot, a partner of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP, has been appointed vice chairperson of the Ohio State Bar Association Worker's Compensation Committee. Ms. Verchot focuses her practice on workers' compensation, concentrating on litigation at the administrative and trial court levels.

        Wonder what your references for a new job said about you? You can find out, says Edward C. Andler, president of Certified Reference Checking in St. Louis. Checking references is considered a consumer report under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, then an applicant has a right to see the information gathered. Mr. Andler says that before this report can be obtained by an applicant, the employer must provide the applicant with a clear disclosure that a consumer report may be obtained for employment purposes, and obtain written authorization from the applicant. Further information on this is available in Mr. Andler's book, The Complete Reference Checking Handbook (Amacom, $29.95).

        When picking a financial adviser or choosing an investment that the adviser has suggested make sure you know how that adviser gets paid. Common methods include an hourly rate, a percentage of the assets he or she is handling for you, and commissions from what you invest in. Remember that just because a commission isn't visible to you doesn't mean one is not there.

        Growing With The Market: Chris Arnold, Todd Cassidy and Gregory Fail formed ACF Mortgage in 1999. The company's first office was in Middletown. An expansion office opened soon after in West Chester. In March of this year, ACF acquired a Cincinnati location.

        A Historic Home: The Cincinnati office is in Madisonville, in a 1890 structure that has been renovated by the partners.

        Dealmakers: ACF Mortgage is a full-service broker offering FHA, VA and conventional mortgage loans. The company's Web site, www.ohiobestloan.com, provides information on mortgage shopping along with rates.

        Positive Cash Flow: In 2000, ACF handled about $12 million in mortgage loans. The partners expect to exceed $30 million in loans this year.

Housing market now favors buyers
Attacks shook all business sectors
GE's Welch exudes charm
Chiquita reports third-quarter loss
Duramed merger with Barr finalized
Business Digest
Morning Memo
Tristate Summary
What's the Buzz?