LIMELIGHT Awards, achievements

John Smith was named Employee of the Year for Shepherd of the Valley-Poland. Smith has been with Shepherd of the Valley since October 2006. He joined the Poland staff in June 2007 as an assistant maintenance supervisor. Smith lives in Columbiana with his wife, Linda, who works as a residential assistant, also at Shepherd of the Valley-Poland.

Jamie Garwood, LPN, was named Employee of the Year for Shepherd of the Valley-Corporate Office/Home Health Care Services. Garwood has been a nurse with the company since March 2009. She resides in Leetonia with her husband and daughter.

Mary Johns was chosen Employee of the Year for Shepherd of the Valley-Howland. Johns has been part of the housekeeping staff at the company since 2005. She resides in the Cortland/Fowler area with her husband.

Dan Pecchia, a local public-relations consultant and former business editor for The Vindicator, was quoted extensively in a recent PR News article about PR strategies that support major corporate changes. Pecchia, president and founder of Pecchia Communications in Canfield, told the national weekly newsletter that clear language and employee input are critical to the success of such changes. Pecchia has served in communications lead roles for Whirlpool, Timken, AkzoNobel Paints and other large companies.

Eight representatives from various manufacturers in Lawrence and Mercer County were awarded certificates for having successfully completed the Lean Champion Certification Program sponsored by the Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing (AMDM) Industry Partners of the West Central Job Partnership (WCJP). Certificates were awarded to Michael Homick, Edwin Derr II and Walter Lucas from CCL Container, Hermitage; Doug Rhoades, Alec Moyer, Larry Stainbrook and David Rable from Roll Forming Corporation, Sharon; and Robin Barbour from Dairy Farmers of America, New Wilmington & West Middlesex.