The Ruan Neurology Clinic at Mercy Medical Center was recognized Thursday as an Affiliated Clinic by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Mercy clinic will be the 42nd such clinic in the nation and the first in Iowa. “This certification recognizes our team’s innovative approach, quality of treatments, early intervention and continuity-of-care, always keeping the individual patient’s needs foremost in our minds,” said Dr. Bruce Hughes of the Ruan Neurology Clinic in a statement. “Our clinic is also a leader in clinical trials and the latest MS research, which keeps us apprised of the latest breakthroughs to counter the disease.”

West Des Moines-based GuideOne Mutual Insurance Co. now holds an A financial strength rating from A.M. Best Co., the insurer announced Thursday. GuideOne had previously been rated A-, and Jim Wallace, GuideOne chairman, president and CEO, said in a statement that the company is the strongest it has ever been.

Some CEOs may have benefited from the 2009 financial crisis; the value of their bonuses in stock and benefits have risen as the economy turns around, according to an Equilar Inc. study. See the 20 CEOs who benefited the most.

William Murray, executive vice president and chief operating officer of EMC Insurance Group Inc., announced Wednesday that he will retire on Jan. 3, 2011, after 25 years with the company. Kevin Hovick, senior vice president for business development, will replace Murray.

Iowa was named as one of the top states in which to do business by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber Foundation on Thursday. Iowa ranked eighth in economic performance in a study by the organizations. “This is the latest in a series of indicators that Iowa’s economy is turning around,” said Gov. Chet Culver in a statement. “Our state’s fiscal house is in order, and I thank all hard-working Iowans and their employers for rebuilding Iowa’s economy as the national economic crisis comes to an end.”