DOCTOR AWARDED: Dr. James J. LaPolla Jr., podiatrist and owner of Northeast Ohio Foot, Ankle & Wound Centers, is a 2021 recipient of the International Aurora Award presented by the Kerecis Corporation to doctors who demonstrate outstanding case presentations and research papers pertaining to the science of dermatology, wound care and burn treatments.

The recipients are selected by an independent committee that represent the leaders in the science of dermatology and wound care.

LaPolla, affiliated with Steward Sharon Wound Care Center, was one of the 12 recipients of this award from more than several hundred submissions. His case presentation focused on a patient who was scheduled to have a below-knee amputation due to an extensive infection of the foot and ankle, secondary to complications of his diabetes. LaPolla was able to save the patient’s limb with wound care, patient compliance and the use of the Kerecis Xenograft.

He was provided with an educational stipend and was invited to present his abstract paper at a national or international wound meeting.

VALLEY COMPANY PRESENTS AT CONFERENCE: Youngstown-based Induction Professionals was selected to present its innovative 60Hz line frequency high efficiency billet heater at the 12th International Aluminum Extrusion Technology Seminar & Exposition last week in Orlando, Fla.

Induction Professionals’ President Thomas Kearney presented the heater developed by his company.

By redesigning the equipment used in the induction heating process, Induction Professionals has found a way to save a company at least 23 percent of the direct cost of electricity in their heating process.

In addition, the equipment offers enhanced capabilities for manufacturers to compete in the new greener energy-focused environment emerging today.

Induction Professionals, in business for more than 20 years, is at Ohio Works Industrial Park in Youngstown. The company builds and repairs induction heating and melting equipment for companies in the United States and Europe. In addition, the company offers design services and application specific consulting and engineering services.

VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS OFFERED: Credit Union of Ohio will offer three virtual workshops this week on homeownership and financial best practices. The virtual workshops are free to attend but advanced registration is required.

A workshop for homeowners will cover home equity loans noon Tuesday. A first-time homebuyers workshop will be 8 p.m. Wednesday and a financial health check-up session will be noon Thursday.

View the full schedule, including session descriptions and get registered at

PROMOTION AT MIDDLEFIELD: Middlefield Banc Corp. has promoted Michael C. Ranttila to vice president of finance for the company.

With the move, Ranttila also has become an executive officer of Middlefield Banc Corp., which is the holding company of The Middlefield Banking Company. He will continue to serve as executive vice president / chief financial officer of the bank, a position he has held since November 2019.

A certified public accountant, Ranttila joined the bank as controller in March 2011 and has extensive experience in financial reporting. He is a graduate of Youngstown State University with a degree in business administration, as well as a graduate of The Ohio State University with a masters degree in business administration.

iSYNERGY EXPANDS ROSTER: iSynergy, a digital marketing agency in Canfield, recently brought on Becky Bertuzzi as growth marketer for iSynergy and sister company, Lift Marketing.

In this role, Bertuzzi, a native of Warren, comes on with more than 10 years of experience in corporate and private marketing management.

Since graduating from Youngstown State University with a degree in advertising and public relations, she has operated her own digital marketing company, BSquared, LLC, producing website development, graphic design and social media management. She also has served as the director of marketing at VEC Inc. in Girard.

With Lift Marketing, she will serve as art director.

898 MARKETING ADDS STAFF: Alec Cole has been hired as video production editor at 898 Marketing, a Canfield-based strategic marketing and creative consulting firm.

Cole came to 898 Marketing from Advantage Video Productions, where he served as senior video editor. In his new capacity, Cole will plan and produce video shoots, edit video and add motion graphics to videos that will be implemented across a variety of media platforms.

Graduating in 2017, Cole attended Trumbull Career and Technical Center, studying interactive multimedia. He focused on motion graphics and cinematography, including in video production competitions locally and nationally.

DOCTOR JOINS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics recently welcomed Dr. Shannon Thompson to its Alliance office. The practice at 1826 S. Arch Ave. provides pediatric primary care for babies, children and teens.

Thompson earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency at Akron Children’s Hospital and has been practicing medicine since 2018. She is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.

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