The Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Chicago named John Stern, of Crown Point, of Dahme Mechanical Industries Inc., as the new president.

Amy Noble, of Hamlet, has joined La Porte Regional Health System as the director of medical/surgical/pediatrics on the fourth floor at La Porte Hospital. Previously, Noble worked as a resource nurse on the fourth floor at La Porte Hospital for more than two years.

lia sophia recently announced top honors for its Excellent Beginnings Program Achievers for their outstanding sales accomplishments and professionalism. Having just joined the fashion jewelry business, the following local Advisors have earned this accomplishment in their first 15 weeks: Geneve Terry, of Cedar Lake; Kimberly Miller, of Cedar Lake; Ann Sinal, of Crown Point; Janelle Mayer, of Highland; Rose Dillon, of Hobart; Amanda Levin, of Schererville; Amanda St. Clair, of Schererville; Yesenia Mendoza, of Whiting.

Rick Soria, program chair for mortuary science at Ivy Tech Community College's East Chicago Campus, recently was awarded the President's Award for Excellence in Instruction. Each year, Ivy Tech Community selects 14 instructors, one from each of the college's regions, as recipients.

Farmers Insurance agents Twianna Johnson, Hammond, and Lynette Leavy, Merrillville, have been inducted into the Farmers' Topper Club of Farmers' top sales producers.

Robert E. Swartz, CPA, of Swartz, Retson & Co., P.C., Merrillville, is returning to the board of directors for the Indiana CPA Society.

Kristie Blakenship, of Dyer, has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring gourmet products.

Barnes & Thornburg LLP partner Nelson Vogel has been elected a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel. Vogel, a partner resident in the South Bend office, divides his practice between business and tax matters. In the tax area, his practice includes income and transfer tax planning for businesses and individuals.

Doug Lewis and Michelle Graham of Edward Jones in Highland recently received the firm's Client Service Excellence award.

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