Coldwell Banker RMR has opened a new office near Chateau Elan in Braselton. The office is serving the counties of Barrow, Jackson, Hall and Banks as a member of the Coldwell Banker RMR organization.

"The addition of the new Coldwell Banker RMR office will further strengthen the Coldwell Banker presence in the Northeast Georgia market," said Jim Gillespie, president and CEO, Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Founded in 1989, Coldwell Banker RMR is an independently owned and operated, full-service residential real estate organization serving the greater Atlanta area, with offices in Suwanee and Braselton.

"We are eager to give back to this community through honest, quality service and innovative ideas," said broker-owner Lisa Macy.

Coldwell Banker RMR is located at 2095 Highway 211 in Braselton.

The Silver Pear, a gift shop, has opened in Royal Lakes Market Place on Winder Highway in Flowery Branch.

"Customers expect our store to be expensive because of the quality they find here, but they are pleasantly surprised at how affordable our high quality is here," said Jan Reeves, one of the partners of The Silver Pear.

She and Lucy Sanders began working together four years ago at another shop they owned, and now they have moved to a new location.

"Our new shop is not only bigger, but also features a more extensive selection," Reeves said. The store carries a variety of items including gift books, silver jewelry, monogrammed luggage, wedding gifts, candles, personalized soaps and distinctive baby items. The store also carries a selection of University of Georgia Bulldog items.

The Longstreet Clinic recently received the top honor in the 2008 statewide e-Technology Awards for successfully developing and implementing an electronic medical records system. The clinic won in the category for a multi-specialty practice of 10 or more physicians.

The Physicians’ Institute for Excellence in Medicine created an e-Technology Award to recognize Georgia physicians who have implemented electronic medical record technology solutions in their private practice. The intent was to showcase replicable, innovative technology solutions that demonstrate a positive impact on clinical practice and quality care.

Implementation of electronic medical records at The Longstreet Clinic began in 2001 with the Center for Pediatrics, and by 2005 included all ambulatory practices. Electronic medical records create a seamless, permanent legible record that can be maintained easily and stored securely for immediate access at any time.

"In addition to clinical documentation, we also use our EMR for scheduling, to track orders for referrals, diagnostic testing and consults and for entering charges and making follow up appointments," said Dr. James Leigh, a general surgeon, founding shareholder and past president of The Longstreet Clinic. "The EMR has many teaching tools that are used with the patient during the visit."

The Longstreet Clinic is a multi-specialty medical group owned and managed by physicians.

Appalachian Community Enterprises, a nonprofit microlender serving Hall and 33 other counties in North Georgia has awarded its highest honor, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, to Sergio Moreria and Laura Estrada of Pueblos Mexican Cuisine.

"It’s unheard of in the restaurant industry — no employee turnover in four years. But Laura Estrada and her husband, Sergio Moreria, are accustomed to doing the impossible," said Grace Fricks, ACE president and chief executive. "In 2005, they wanted to buy their family restaurant in Dahlonega and approached BB&T who partnered with ACE to provide the needed funding."

With three locations, Gainesville, Dahlonega and Clarkesville, they now employee 75 employees.

"We offer our employees accounting and financial literacy education so they can better understand the business," said Laura Estrada.