Florence ZIP code 41042 added 15 branch banks from 2004 to 2008, the most of any ZIP code in Kentucky. West Chester wasn’t far behind in Ohio. Yet core cities are little served.

The biggest U.S. media companies and advertisers are in talks to develop a system that would challenge Nielsen Co.’s audience ratings, according to three people with knowledge of the situation.

Regular readers will recall a previous column about Baroness de Roodenbeke Carroll, a lovely lady who lives in Loveland, and whom I have befriended through Image Rules. Whenever I spend time with the baroness, I always know she will regale me with stories of her thrilling life.

Diane Barron has joined AXA Advisors in Norwood as a financial adviser.

As concrete foundations and twisted rebar rise from The Banks project site, a key question continues to dog planners: What will Cincinnati’s new riverfront development ultimately look like?

The sour economy has not stopped gifts from flowing to Crayons to Computers.

Here is a sampling of rates available at Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky banks, and savings and loans. Data were provided by each institution as of Thursday. Minimum deposits are $500 except where noted.

Here are some of the highest nationwide yields on five types of accounts, according to the 100 Highest Yields consumer-investor newsletter.

The most expensive commercial property transfers recorded recently in Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren counties in Ohio; and Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties in Kentucky, based on dollar values of $200,000 or more (data collected from county records):

The following are the leaders, based on one-year returns as of Thursday, for capital appreciation funds and small cap funds.