BURLINGTON, Ontario, Canada – Otto Bock HealthCare Canada was recently honoured with the Corporate Award from The Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons (www.cfpdp.com). The award, presented on Saturday, February 12, 2011, at the Great Valentine Gala in Toronto, recognizes companies who have made an outstanding contribution in assisting persons with disabilities, especially in the workplace.

“I am proud of the Otto Bock team in Canada and the work we do, and it is an honour to be recognized for our contributions to those with disabilities,” says Mark Agro, President and CEO of Otto Bock HealthCare Canada. “Helping to restore human independence and quality of life is rewarding each and every day, and I enjoyed the opportunity to share Otto Bock’s dedication to that mission with such a large audience.”

Nine hundred people enjoyed a special dinner and evening of entertainment which provided an enduring tribute to the achievements and aspirations of Canadians with disabilities. In its 27th year, a main objective of the Gala is to improve awareness in the business community, government and general public of the amazing contributions of persons with physical disabilities.

 Minneapolis, MN – Otto Bock HealthCare announced the new hire of Timothy Hendricks as Orthotics Business Development Director. In his new position, Hendricks manages a team of Orthotic Specialists that under his leadership works with Technical Orthopedics and Orthopedic Services to drive and achieve orthotic sales and growth goals in the U.S. market.

“Tim brings with him a wealth of experience in the orthotics industry,” said Brad Ruhl, President & CEO, Otto Bock US HealthCare. “His strong background includes exceptional customer support, including the professional orthotist. This is a valuable asset as Otto Bock continues to invest in the orthotic professional from R&D through clinical research and education, helping to build a robust orthotic business.”

Hendricks is a graduate of St. Mary’s University (Winona, MN) with a B.A. in Business Administration and an emphasis in Marketing. In addition to nearly ten years as a Sales Representative and Region Sales Manager for Orthofix Inc., Hendricks is a Founding and Managing Partner of OrthoMart, LLC. OrthoMart, LLC is a medical service provider with an emphasis on durable medical equipment billing and reimbursement solutions and a leading provider of reimbursement consulting services for medical companies, distributors, and physician practices (orthopaedic & spine).

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Otto Bock HealthCare has announced the hiring of Jeff Hancock as a Territory Sales Representative for Technical Orthopedics in the South Texas area. He brings to Otto Bock over 25 years experience in the health care industry and a proven record of turning underperforming territories into market leaders.

“Jeff’s strengths include his ability to form strong customer relationships and strategic partnerships,” said Brad Ruhl, CEO and President of Otto Bock US HealthCare. “Maximized sales and a competitive edge are a result of his consistently exceeding customer expectations.”

Hancock graduated from Texas A&M and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management. Most recently a Point of Care Sales Specialist for Abbott Labs, he looks forward to new opportunities at Otto Bock.

“Otto Bock is a company that makes a difference in peoples’ lives, and I’m extremely honored to be a part of that,” said Hancock. “The technology the company offers is second to none, and to be a part of giving someone back their independence and mobility is just amazing.”

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Andreas Kannenberg, MD, PhD, and director of medical affairs for Otto Bock was recently selected to receive the Thranhardt Award by the American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association National Assembly Clinical Sessions Workgroup.

The award is endowed by the Southeastern Hanger Companies in order to recognize individuals committed to advancing O&P education and research. The honor includes a cash award of $500 and the opportunity to present the report that earned the award at the AOPA National Assembly. Dr. Kannenberg presented his submission, “A New Shoulder Orthosis to Treat Painful Shoulder and Facilitate Gait Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients” at the 2010 Assembly in Orlando, FL.

“We recognize the Thranhardt Award is the most prestigious award given in the field of O&P in the U.S. for scientific and clinical presentations, and Andreas is well deserving of the honor,” said Brad Ruhl, President & CEO, Otto Bock US HealthCare. “Commitment to research to support the O&P profession is a priority at Otto Bock, and his work is an example of our dedication to that objective.”

Dr. Kannenberg earned his medical degree in 1989 from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany, and he was board certified as a general practitioner in 1995. His more than ten years of clinical experience includes work in general and family medicine, surgery, internal medicine, rheumatology, orthopedics and rehabilitation medicine.

As the director of medical affairs of Otto Bock HealthCare, Duderstadt, Germany,Dr. Kannenberg coordinates a global medical and research team and network to consult R&D, product management, and sales on medical backgrounds relevant to Otto Bock´s products and R&D projects. His team is responsible for researching and defining medical requirements for new products, initiation and management of clinical trials, and medical training as well as the medical support to negotiate with health care payers. The establishment of the Medical Affairs department he oversees has allowed Otto Bock to even more closely connect with the medical community, improve patient outcomes of new products, and accelerate the transfer of new technology to clinical practice.

“Otto Bock is deeply committed to performing research to develop state-of-the-art technology solutions for patients with limited mobility,” said Dr. Kannenberg. “It’s an honor both to be a part of those industry leading efforts and to receive recognition in the form of the respected Thranhardt Award.”

 MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Gaurav Mishra joins Otto Bock HealthCare as Vice President of Sales and will lead global sales initiatives at Otto Bock headquarters in Duderstadt, Germany.

Mishra holds a Masters Degree in Business studies (MBA) from the University of Edinburgh and is also a former fighter pilot for the Indian Air Force. He brings to Otto Bock a wealth of international sales experience, and prior to joining Otto Bock he was responsible for international business development for Touch Bionics UK.

“Gaurav’s extensive sales experience and his knowledge of the prosthetic industry make him ideal for the position of Vice President of Sales,” said Bert Harman, President and CEO of Otto Bock North America. “His attention to and emphasis on customer service is also significant, and we’re pleased to have him as part of the Otto Bock team.”

Company recognised as the Most Innovative Company of the Year in Europe

LIVINGSTON, UK – July 13, 2010 – Touch Bionics (www.touchbionics.com), developer of advanced upper-limb bionic technologies and clinical solutions, today announced that it has won the award for the Most Innovative Company of the Year in Europe in the 2010 International Business Awards. The International Business Awards are the only global, all-encompassing business awards program honouring great performances in business.

Nicknamed the Stevie® for the Greek word "crowned," the awards will be presented to winners at a gala dinner on Monday, 27 September in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.

In the application process for the award, Touch Bionics was assessed on its progress in innovation over the past year, which included the launches of both its ProDigits partial hand solution and its new prosthetic hand device, the i-LIMB Pulse. Honourees were selected through two rounds of judging by business professionals worldwide. More than 1,700 entries were received from organizations and individuals in more than 40 nations.

Other companies recognised as Distinguished Honourees in the same category topped by Touch Bionics included major brands like H&M, Nestle and SAP.

"Winning an International Business Award is a demonstration of Touch Bionics’ outstanding innovation and business success over the past year, and to win ahead of some of the biggest names in global business is a tremendous achievement," said Stuart Mead, Touch Bionics’ CEO. "Innovation is at the core of this company and, from the launch of our first product, the i-LIMB Hand, we have never stopped innovating to ensure we continue to lead the world in the field of commercial bionic technology."

"Despite the harsh economic climate, entries to the IBAs actually grew a bit this year, and that illustrates the increasing importance of The International Business Awards worldwide," said Michael Gallagher, president of The Stevie Awards, presenters of the IBAs. "We congratulate all of the Finalists and International Stevie Awards winners, and we look forward to honouring them for their achievements at our gala awards dinner in Istanbul on 27 September."

A complete list of all 2010 International Business Awards honorees is available at www.stevieawards.com/iba.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

About Touch Bionics

Touch Bionics is a leading developer of advanced upper-limb prosthetics. In late 2009, Touch Bionics brought to market ProDigits, the world’s first bionic fingers for partial hand amputees. This revolutionary product followed the 2007 launch of the i-LIMB Hand, a first-to-market prosthetic device with five individually powered digits. The acquisition of LIVINGSKIN in 2008 enabled the company to apply its commercial and technical expertise into new cosmesis solutions for multi-articulating hands and digits. Touch Bionics continues to develop leading-edge technologies for the treatment of patients with upper-limb deficiencies. For more information, visit www.touchbionics.com.

Company recognised as the Most Innovative Company of the Year in Europe

LIVINGSTON, UK – July 13, 2010 – Touch Bionics (www.touchbionics.com), developer of advanced upper-limb bionic technologies and clinical solutions, today announced that it has won the award for the Most Innovative Company of the Year in Europe in the 2010 International Business Awards. The International Business Awards are the only global, all-encompassing business awards program honouring great performances in business.

Nicknamed the Stevie® for the Greek word "crowned," the awards will be presented to winners at a gala dinner on Monday, 27 September in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey.

In the application process for the award, Touch Bionics was assessed on its progress in innovation over the past year, which included the launches of both its ProDigits partial hand solution and its new prosthetic hand device, the i-LIMB Pulse. Honourees were selected through two rounds of judging by business professionals worldwide. More than 1,700 entries were received from organizations and individuals in more than 40 nations.

Other companies recognised as Distinguished Honourees in the same category topped by Touch Bionics included major brands like H&M, Nestle and SAP.

"Winning an International Business Award is a demonstration of Touch Bionics’ outstanding innovation and business success over the past year, and to win ahead of some of the biggest names in global business is a tremendous achievement," said Stuart Mead, Touch Bionics’ CEO. "Innovation is at the core of this company and, from the launch of our first product, the i-LIMB Hand, we have never stopped innovating to ensure we continue to lead the world in the field of commercial bionic technology."

"Despite the harsh economic climate, entries to the IBAs actually grew a bit this year, and that illustrates the increasing importance of The International Business Awards worldwide," said Michael Gallagher, president of The Stevie Awards, presenters of the IBAs. "We congratulate all of the Finalists and International Stevie Awards winners, and we look forward to honouring them for their achievements at our gala awards dinner in Istanbul on 27 September."

A complete list of all 2010 International Business Awards honorees is available at www.stevieawards.com/iba.

About The Stevie Awards

Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring companies of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about The Stevie Awards at www.stevieawards.com.

About Touch Bionics

Touch Bionics is a leading developer of advanced upper-limb prosthetics. In late 2009, Touch Bionics brought to market ProDigits, the world’s first bionic fingers for partial hand amputees. This revolutionary product followed the 2007 launch of the i-LIMB Hand, a first-to-market prosthetic device with five individually powered digits. The acquisition of LIVINGSKIN in 2008 enabled the company to apply its commercial and technical expertise into new cosmesis solutions for multi-articulating hands and digits. Touch Bionics continues to develop leading-edge technologies for the treatment of patients with upper-limb deficiencies. For more information, visit www.touchbionics.com.

Perrysburg, OH, June 24, 2010 —Perry Prosthetics moved from a 2,000 square space to a 7,000 square foot building, which they renovated as a state-of-the-art prosthetics facility. In celebrating, Perry Prosthetics invites all to join them at their new facility on July 16, 2010 at 970 W. South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio. Food and beverages will be served from 11 AM – 8 PM.

One of the many new features of Perry Prosthetics’ state-of-the-art facility is the Amp-U-Fitness™ Center, an on-site gym equipped with weight machines, free weights, treadmills and many other exercise equipment. It is designed for their patients and others living with limb loss to stay fit. In addition, once a month, Perry Prosthetics invites amputees that want to improve their mobility skills or learn basic exercises to join them at the Amp-U-Fitness™ Walking Clinics (call for a schedule). The clinics are designed to a group setting where each individual interacts with healthcare professionals and focuses on their needs.

Diabetes and other vascular related diseases are the leading factors in limb loss today, especially among the geriatric population. The impact of losing a limb is life altering, whether you are young or old. Perry Prosthetics has been building lifelong relationships within our community by providing an important service. Over the past decade, they have chosen to provide strictly prosthetics, leaving orthotic braces and durable medical equipment for other facilities. This makes them a unique company in the Northwest Ohio area. Exclusively providing prosthetic limbs gives them a ‘leg up’ on the competition, which benefits their patients and contributes to their ten years of success.

Their clinical team is growing. Christopher Perry, Founder, says, “There is a need for quality care in prosthetics and I’m happy to say that we are creating a team that pursues excellence at all costs”. He further states, “the patient deserves the right amount of time from our clinicians and that varies with every individual. We thrive on making our patients happy. We not only make limbs for our patients, but we work with them and their Occupational and Physical Therapists to better use their limbs in their everyday lives.”

“The Open House is our way of saying thank you to the community for showing their support over the past decade,” stated Eric Robinson, Business Manager. 

PrimeCare Network has had numerous calls and inquiries over the past week regarding its Regional Scientific Symposium in Nashville, scheduled for June 4th and 5th, 2010.