Meredith Corp. and ServiceMagic.com, a Web destination for homeowners looking for contractors and an operating company of IAC/Interactive Corp., announced a multi-media partnership today that combines Meredith’s home improvement content with ServiceMagic.com’s national database of 60,000 prescreened and customer-rated home service professionals. The partnership involves content and revenue sharing and pairs the Meredith Women’s Network of home-related Web sites with ServiceMagic.com’s network of service professionals. Meredith’s Web sites now feature a free find-a-pro tool powered by ServiceMagic.com. The arrangement also calls for the introduction of an 1-800 concierge telephone service that will provide Meredith audiences phone numbers they need for home services.

Howard R. Green Co. acquired Illinois-based SEC Group Inc. in an effort to strengthen its core services and broaden exposure in metropolitan markets such as Chicago, HR Green announced Monday. Management of SEC Group will take on significant leadership roles in the Illinois operations of the new firm, which will be known as SEC Group Inc. / An HR Green Co.

State Auto Financial Corp. reported a loss of $3.2 million today for its second quarter, ended June 30, compared with a loss of $3.3 million for the second quarter of 2008. Net written premiums increased 5.8 percent over the same quarter last year. State Auto’s book value was $19.64 a share, an increase of 43 cents per share from its first fiscal quarter, ended March 31. Return on shareholders’ equity for the 12 months ended June 30 was negative 4 percent, compared with positive 5.7 percent for the year ended June 30, 2008. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and has offices in Des Moines and elsewhere in Iowa.

EI DuPont de Nemours & Co. declared a third quarter common stock dividend of 41 cents per share today payable Sept. 11 to stockholders of record Aug. 14. The dividend is the same that was paid in the second quarter of 2009. This is the 420th consecutive quarterly dividend since the company’s first dividend in the fourth quarter of 1904. Regular quarterly dividends of $1.12.5 per share on the $4.50 series preferred stock and 87.5 cents per share on the $3.50 series preferred stock also were declared, both payable Oct. 23 to stockholders of record on Oct. 9. DuPont is the parent of Johnston-based Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.