Today's number: 1.1 billion

How many trips Americans take daily, averaging 40 miles a person, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics said.

The Associated Press

Today's mover

•John P. Owens has been appointed vice president, commercial real estate officer at Oak Hill Banks. Owens will have responsibility for business development in the Greater Cincinnati area. He has over 20 years of finance experience in the areas of business banking, credit production and administration and finance. Most recently, he was chief lending officer for the Ohio division of Ameriana Bank & Trust. His previous professional experience includes positions with Fidelity Federal Savings Bank and Brentwood Savings Association.

-Shirley Dees

Today's career talk

If you believe that you are indispensable, here's some news, says Dave Anderson in Up Your Business! Seven Steps to Fix, Build or Stretch Your Organization: "As Charles DeGaulle said, the graveyard is filled with indispensable men. One day they will put you in a box, lower you in the ground, shovel dirt and go back to the church to eat fried chicken and potato salad while they discuss the upcoming ball game. In other words, life goes on with or without you - so get over yourself."

John Eckberg

Today's money tip

Diversify, diversify, diversify has long been a Wall Street mantra.

A key strategy called asset allocation helps achieve this investment goal. A person's hard earned financial savings are distributed among a variety of investment options, such as bonds, equities and mutual funds. This approach helps reduce exposure to risk and the chances of a financial meltdown. How does asset allocation work? One site that can help is Bankrate.com. The site shows how to develop an investment strategy and allocate appropriately.

Knight Ridder News Service

Today's Company: Aurora Casket Co.

Building For Four Generations: This family business was started in 1890 by John Backman, who began building wooden caskets with a crew of 30 people. In the 1920s, he was joined by son William and son-in-law William Barrott. Currently, the company is run by descendants William E. Barrott III, William D. Backman III and Chris Barrott.

Products For All Tastes: Aurora continues to make hardwood caskets, but branched out in the 1950s to metal ones as well. Through a wholly-owned subsidiary the company offers cremation products such as urns, markers, tablets and plaques. The company's workforce now numbers more than 700 people and Aurora maintains 54 service centers throughout the US.

Hometown Tie: Aurora, Ind., has always been the company's base of operations and provided the inspiration for its name.

Winning Ways: Last month, the University of Cincinnati's Goering Center for Family & Private Business named Aurora as the 2003 Family Business of the Year for innovation. The company was selected for its business success, community/industry contributions and innovative practices, products and strategies.

Jenny Callison