LIMELIGHTS & CAREER PATHS

TOP RATING

Fireline Inc., a manufacturer of refractory components with facilities on Andrews Avenue in Youngstown and Foxwood Court in Boardman, has received the highest rating for quality from Advantage International Registrar in meeting all standards of ISO 9001:2008 for the second year in a row. The perfect score is a rarity but an annual audit and acceptable rating is required for both U.S. companies and European and most Asian countries.

Also, the Ohio Employee Ownership Center at Kent State University has congratulated and honored Fireline Inc. for 10 successful years as an Employee Stock Ownership Plan corporation. During these 10 years, the manufacturer has grown sales, has added production and warehouse space and has added new employees. The ESOP signifies that all employees, salaried and those in the bargaining unit, United Steelworkers, own stock in the company and all are paid the same dividend per shares owned.

AWARD

Local insurance agent Mark Cole with American National Insurance was recently awarded the company’s Personal Lines Property and Casualty Agent of the Year Gold Award, representing highest production in the country.

Cole was given the award at American National’s 2017 Professional Seminar last month in Galveston, Texas. Cole, a lifetime Austintown resident, joined American National in 2006 and is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is a multiple-line agent with American National, advising clients in life insurance, property and casualty insurance and company 401(k) benefit plans and retirement solutions.