Today's Number: 894.9 million - How many pounds of pumpkin U.S. farmers produced in 2000, according to the Census Bureau.

        Today's Mover: Ann Nightingale has been appointed vice president, medical affairs, at Kendle International Inc. Ms. Nightingale has more than 15 years' experience in the pharmaceutical and clinical development industry. She joined Kendle in 1996 and was most recently director of strategic accounts, with global responsibility for key pharmaceutical customers. She has a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati and is a licensed pharmacist.

        Today's Career Advice­ If you're thinking about highlighting individual performers in your organization, you might want to think again, advises Jim Collison, author of No-How Coaching, which is based on the philosophy of Jim Gagliardi, coach of St. John's University. “Singling out top performers can actually hasten their departure while alienating other people,” the book suggests. “No playing favorites if you want all the people in your workplace working together as a team. When a success is a team's success, recognize everyone who shares in the success.”

        Today's Money Tip: Buy life, disability and health insurance when you are healthy and don't need the coverages. That insurance gets much more expensive — maybe even inaccessible — if something happens. And, an insurance policy may be canceled if you lied when you bought it.

        Today's Company: Rogers Ltd., Inc

        ALL THAT GLITTERS: This company, based in Middletown, was founded in 1920 by the Lazarow family, which continues as its owner. Ted Lazarow is chairman, and Jeffrey Lazarow is president and chief executive officer.

        REGIONAL FOCUS: In addition to their Rogers Jewelers and Andrews Jewelers stores, the company operates an outlet division known as Diamonds Unlimited. Stores are in 11 states but concentrated in the Midwest. Cincinnati-area stores are in Fairfield Commons, Eastgate Mall, Kenwood Towne Centre, Carew Tower Arcade, Tri-County Mall, Northgate Mall and Towne Mall in Middletown.

        INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS: Among the brands it carries is Rogers' own Andre Lazar line of jewelry. It imports gold jewelry from Italy and cut diamonds from Israel and maintains a custom design and repair shop.

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

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