FARMERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Farmers National Bank has appointed Rochelle Baer to the role of director of private banking.

This is a newly created position within the organization and is a result of the continued growth and success of the Private Banking division of Farmers, the company said in a news release.

Baer brings 30 years of experience in retail and commercial banking and has been with Farmers for 17 years. Not only was Baer a founding member of the Farmers Private Bank team, she has also received numerous sales accolades during her tenure at Farmers.

“Since its inception, our private banking team has exceeded expectations,” said Mark Wenick, chief wealth management officer. “Rochelle has the vision, leadership skills and experience needed to lead us through this new chapter of private banking at Farmers.”

“I am incredibly honored to step into this new role and lead our private bank division. Having been a part of this team, I have seen the dedication and talent of my colleagues,” Baer said. “I am excited to build on that strong foundation, empower our private bankers and drive meaningful growth that supports both our clients and our bank.”

A resident of Salem, Baer also is a committee member for the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball.

CREDIT UNION PROMOTIONS: 7 17 Credit Union has announced the promotion of two team members.

Cali Shorts has been named assistant manager of the Cortland branch, bringing five years of experience with the credit union to her new role. Daniel Dudley has been promoted to assistant manager of the Ravenna branch, bringing seven years of experience with the Credit Union to his new role.

In their new positions, Shorts and Dudley will support branch managers by overseeing member service and ensuring smooth daily operations.

FEOLA JOINS CHAMBER: Jeff Feola has joined the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber as its new director of events.

In this role, Feola is charged with elevating the Chamber’s programming and delivering dynamic experiences that strengthen member engagement and community impact. Drawing on a blend of community development expertise and theatrical production experience, he will work closely with the Chamber’s events team to enhance how the Chamber designs and delivers its events.

Most recently, Feola served as director of community and economic development for the Sharon (Pa.) Community Development Corporation. There, he focused on downtown revitalization, supporting small businesses and creating signature events that drew visitors and generated economic activity.

Before moving into community development, Feola built a career in theatrical management. From 2022 to 2024, he toured to more than 60 U.S. cities as manager for

“TINA: The Tina Turner Musical.” His credits also include “Hamilton,” “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and posts at The Public Theater and Classic Stage Company.

“His unique background — from leading the management of Broadway productions to revitalizing communities through strategic, high-impact events — brings both creativity and operational strength to our organization,” said Kim Calvert, executive vice president of Membership, Events & MarComm for the Regional Chamber.

Feola began in the new role in early September.

AKRON’S CHILDREN SELECTED: Akron Children’s was ranked nationally in five pediatric specialties in U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the Best Children’s Hospitals for 2025-2026.

With locations in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, Akron Children’s improved its position in pediatric orthopedics and added rankings this year in the subspecialities of pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery and pediatric urology.

Akron Children’s ranked in the following specialties: pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, top 50; pediatric neurology and neurosurgery, No. 43; pediatric orthopedics, No. 16; pediatric pulmonology and lung surgery, No. 40; and pediatric urology, No. 46.

“Our caregivers and staff come to work each day focused on one goal — helping kids heal and return to the activities that bring them joy,” said Chris Gessner, president and CEO of Akron Children’s. “This honor from U.S. News & World Report speaks to their remarkable skill, empathy and commitment to our patients and their families.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, to rank nationally in a specialty, a hospital must excel in caring for the sickest, most medically complex patients.

TAX CREDITS: The Ohio Department of Development has announced that applications are open for the third round of tax credits aimed at lessening the financial burden on companies offering training for commercial drivers.

The Commercial Driver’s License Training Program gives employers the opportunity to upskill current and future employees to compete in this high-demand industry.

“From delivering groceries to transporting parts for new factories, CDL drivers literally keep Ohio moving,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “As more companies invest and grow here, the demand for skilled drivers rises. By helping cover training costs, we’re opening doors to good-paying careers for Ohioans and making sure our state is ready for the future.”

Employers of all sizes and industries registered to do business in Ohio and who employ Ohio resident W-2 employees are eligible to apply. Employers can earn tax credits for half of approved training costs, up to $25,000 in tax credits.

The current application round closes Dec. 1. Applications are reviewed and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

The tax credit applies to the credentialing of both current and prospective employees. Eligible training can be conducted by external training providers on the Ohio-approved CDL course provider list or internal qualified training instructors. Credentials must be for Class A or Class B state-issued CDLs and endorsements.

For more information, visit https://shorturl.at/VgLB1.