Today's number: 0.2%

How much Germany's economy - Europe's biggest - shrank in the first quarter, putting it on the edge of recession, the Federal Statistics Office said.

The Associated Press

Today's mover

Kathy Huffman has been named vice president of operations services at Fifth Third Bank. Huffman is responsible for affiliate and business line relationships, conversion, the Fifth Third Queensgate service center's operations department as well as marketing and communications for the central operations group. She was executive director of the Longaberger Co. She received a bachelor's degree in sociology from Christopher Newport University.

Shirley Dees

Today's career talk

You will forget the names of people you meet, Honore McDonough Ervin and Lesley Carlin say in their book The Etiquette Grrls: More Thing You Need to be Told. When you draw a blank, do not hesitate to say the three most important words in human relations: I am sorry. "Then memorize the person's name so you never make the same mistake again," the two conclude.

John Eckberg

Today's money tip

Investing in tax-sheltered vehicles, especially annuities, in tax-sheltered retirement accounts such as IRAs, 401(k)s and 403(b)s is redundant and expensive. You could be paying extra fees, as well as sacrificing higher returns. Mutual funds and stocks are better suited for tax-favored retirement accounts.

Amy Higgins

Today's Company: Rixey-Berry Insurance Group Inc.

Blend Of New And Old: A year after founding his company, MEBCO Insurance Group, Mark E. Berry recently acquired the historic Eppa Rixey Agency. That agency was established in 1888 by Charles Meyers, whose son-in-law, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Eppa Rixey II, later joined the firm. The company's new name is the Rixey-Berry Insurance Group, and it is based in Terrace Park.

Group Numbers: The agency principals are Berry, CEO and president; Eppa Rixey IV, chartered property and casualty underwriter, chairman; Jeff McCauley, certified insurance counselor, vice president of sales; and Mike Momper, vice president of financial services. They employ 23 people, represent about 20 insurance carriers and have an annual premium volume of approximately $19 million.

Portfolio: Rixey-Berry specializes in property and casualty, life and health insurance.

Lefty Legacy: Eppa Rixey II, who played for Philadelphia and Cincinnati from 1912 to 1933, set the record for most victories by a left-handed pitcher.

Jenny Callison