AP Business

Kim Waters of Gainesville has assumed the volunteer post of Rotary International district governor for 2016-17.

The City of Cornelia has been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center.

Pinnacle Financial Corporation and Independence Bank of Georgia Friday announced plans to merge, with Pinnacle buying Independence for about $32.8 million. And, a Pinnacle official says the two offices of Independence Bank, one in Gainesville and one in Braselton, will remain open.

For the second consecutive year, Willis Investment Counsel has been recognized by The Financial Times of London as one of the United States’ top investment advisory firms.

The Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic is one of 200 physician group practices and 17 health insurance companies participating in a care delivery initiative.

A risk management firm plans to locate two of its subsidiaries in Flowery Branch with intentions to employ 150 people by the end of 2017.

Eighty tons of sand is being dumped into part of downtown Gainesville today for Beach Bash 2016.

Toccoa Clinic Medical Associates (The Toccoa Clinic) has extended its letter of intent with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group to continue exploring opportunities for formal alignment.

Later this year, during its inaugural event at Château Élan Winery & Resort in Braselton, The Atlanta Concours d’Elegance will honor South Hall pharmaceutical, technology and auto racing entrepreneur Don Panoz.

Three members of the Georgia Ports Authority, including one from Gainesville and one from Demorest, have been reappointed to that board.