Today's Number: $101.6 million - Value of U.S. pumpkin production in 2000, according to the Census Bureau

        Today's Career Advice: One of the most difficult parts of putting a resume together is deciding who you will list as references. Edward Andler, a national authority on reference checking and president of Certified Reference Checking in St. Louis, says a job applicant should contact possible references before an interview to get a feel for what that person might say. “You can even send your resume to these references and show them what you're going to be saying, and what job you're applying for,” Mr. Andler says. “Many references will blast someone if given the chance, because interviewers will be asking some hard questions. That's why you've got to try and control it as much as possible — it's just good business.”

        Today's Money Tip: When figuring how much life insurance you need, consider its main purpose: to replace your salary for your dependents in case you die. One rule of thumb is to buy 10 times your salary. That way, if the insurance proceeds are invested and earn a historical average of 10 percent a year, your salary is fully replaced. But also consider other expenses, such as paying off the mortgage and providing children's college funds. And finally, consider that if those needs are temporary, such as dependents growing up, then term life insurance might be better for you than whole life. Review your needs periodically.

        Today's Company: FACS Group

        BEHIND THE SCENES: This Mason-based subsidiary of Federated Department Stores provides the Financial, Administrative and Credit Services for its parent. Responsibilities include handling credit applications, processing new accounts and catalog sales, and handling payroll and benefits for Federated employees.

        MANY HANDS: Since FACS was established in 1989, its work force has grown from 125 to 5,000. The company has additional locations in Clearwater, Fla., and Tempe, Ariz.

        A CREDIT TO THEIR COMPANY: In 2000, FACS staff facilitated paperwork on credit purchases of more than 27 million customers at Federated's department stores.

        COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS: FACS prides itself on encouraging its employees to take an active role in their community. Recently, Mason employees contributed 1,300 items to the Warren County Abuse and Rape Crisis Center. During 2000, employees nationwide collected 23,893 pounds of food for the needy.

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

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