BUSINESS MEMOS: CBG RECEIVES HONOR

Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. has received Dun and Bradstreet's highest ranking of financial strength. The ranking was a part of Dun and Bradstreet's annual analysis of credit and financial information on companies throughout the United States. Consolidated was one of only a few U.S. agricultural companies to receive D&B's "1" ranking, indicating "strong" financial condition.

According to Dick Wilcox, president of Consolidated Grain and Barge, the ranking means a great deal to the farm community. "The grain industry is particularly susceptible to wide swings in financial condition. Our customers can feel confident that a trusted third party such as D&B has recognized us as one of the most financially stable companies in the entire agribusiness industry," said Wilcox. "This clearly establishes CGB as a company that will continue to grow and serve the farm communities are in."

Dun and Bradstreet maintains the largest business and financial information base in the world with information on more than 9 million businesses. CGB operates more than 65 facilities throughout the Midwest and the Inland River System. Its headquarters are in Covington, La. and the firm operates facilities at Cape Girardeau and Mound City, Ill.