Marsh & McLennan Cos. Inc. (MMC) today reported net income of $221 million, or 41 cents per share, for the third quarter, compared with a net loss of $8 million, or 2 cents per share, in the third quarter of 2008. In the third quarter of 2009, consolidated revenue was $2.5 billion, a decline of 11 percent from the prior year. “While the economic environment continues to be challenging, MMC’s results reflect the effective management actions taken by our business leaders over the past year, including significant expense reduction,” said Brian Duperreault, Marsh president and CEO. Approximately 1,700 of Marsh’s 55,000 employees work in Greater Des Moines.

Sen. Tom Harkin, chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Committee, yesterday announced that the committee will conduct an investigation into the pricing practices of health insurance companies in the small-group market. The committee has sent letters to Humana Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., WellPoint Inc. and Aetna Inc. requesting information regarding methods used to set rates and premiums, and on executive compensation that exceeds $5 million annually, by Nov. 17. According to a Harkin press release, small businesses in Iowa pay up to 18 percent more than large firms for the same health insurance coverage.

Phil Roeder, deputy chief of staff for communications for Gov. Chet Culver, will join the leadership team of the Iowa Department of Education, effective Nov. 10. In his new position, Roeder will focus on a variety of policy and communications issues, including state funding for K-12 education in the upcoming legislative session, overseeing implementation of the Iowa core curriculum and assisting the State Board of Education in promoting innovation in Iowa schools. Roeder is a former member and president of the board of the Des Moines Independent Community School District. He also served as director of community relations and legislative liaison for the district prior to joining the governor’s office. Erin Seidler, currently public information officer for the Iowa Department of Economic Development, will serve as the governor’s communications director.

The Chrysalis Foundation will hold its 2009 Insights event Thursday at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m.. The event marks the 20th anniversary of the Des Moines-based public foundation dedicated to girls and women. The fifth annual Insights event will feature Iowan Jackie Norris, senior adviser to the Corporation for National and Community Service in Washington, D.C., and former chief of staff to first lady Michelle Obama. As the foundation’s premier event, Insights raises funds to support Chrysalis programs in Central Iowa, including its signature program, Chrysalis After-School. Insights 2009 is open to the public and tickets are $65 per adult and $25 for youths under 18. To register, call the Chrysalis Foundation at 255-1853.