In the limelight

Awards and achievements of area residents and companies:

BOARDMAN — Michael Kernan, president of Kernan Insurance Group, has been named to the 2007 All Star Team of Nationwide Mutual Insurance. The award is presented annually to 12 agents who have attained excellence in sales of insurance products. Kernan beat out more than 3,800 Nationwide Insurance agents. Starting with one office and a small book of business 14 years ago, Kernan has since built his agency into a thriving business with eight locations and 24 staff members.

POLAND — Duncan’s Bath and Kitchen Center has been named as one of the top 100 market leaders by Professional Remodeler Magazine for 2007. The magazine compiled the list through a combination of its own research and information provided by the companies. Not included were companies whose annual volume could not be verified and large national or regional remodelers that serve multiple markets.

BOARDMAN — Brian T. Bisson, vice president of engineering at Aqua Ohio in Boardman, has been awarded the Kenneth J. Miller Founders’ Award for Volunteer Service to Water for People. The award was presented by the Ohio Section of the American Water Works Association. Water for People was created as a North American response to the water, sanitation and health needs of millions of families living in the developing worlds. During his 25-year membership to OHAWWA, Bisson has held many leadership positions in the Ohio Section. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Maine at Orono.

CANFIELD — Two employees of Schroedel, Scullin & Bestic have been named to positions with the Ohio Society of CPAs. Janice Jasinski, a manager at the firm, has been named a member of the accounting and audit committee. Tracie Stephens, a supervisor at the firm, has been named a section leader for the society.

BOARDMAN — Diane Theis of Boardman was recognized by Premier Designs as its No. 9 retailer in the country from July 2006 to June 2007. Premier Designs, a direct sales company, has a sales force of 26,000 independent distributors. Theis has been with the company since January 2006.