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Newsmakers in business, July 12
0712BIZTony Nix
Anthony "Tony" Nix
The Times wants to know about promotions, new management hires and other newsworthy accomplishments involving local businesses. We'll publish the information each Sunday on the Business page and gainesvilletimes.com. Send information, including photos and contact information, to news@gainesvilletimes.com; please put Newsmakers in the subject line. You also may use regular mail at Newsmakers, The Times, P.O. Box 838, Gainesville, GA 30503.

Turner, Wood and Smith's Nix is Insurance Man of the Year
Anthony "Tony" Nix of Turner, Wood and Smith Insurance of Gainesville was named 2009 Insurance Man of the Year recently at the annual banquet of the Insurance Professionals of Gainesville Association.

Nix, vice president of the Benefits Division, has 23 years of experience in benefits consulting and brokerage expertise. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

Nix's professional activities include Northeast Georgia Life Underwriters, Hall County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Hall County, Girls' Club of Hall County and past president of the Gainesville Jaycees.

Two other professionals from the agency received honors at the banquet. Juanita Davidson of Commercial Accounts was chosen the 2009 Insurance Professional of the Year.

Commercial Account Assistant Kasey Carlisle was selected 2009 Rookie of the Year.

Norton merges with Otter, adds new VP
The Norton Agency and its partner, Norton Mountain Properties, have announced that they have merged with Otter Real Estate of Habersham County.

Danny Otter, principal of Otter, will join Norton as an associate vice president and will concentrate his efforts on commercial and investment brokerage.

The merger is expected to be completed this month, with the Otter staff and agents joining the Norton Mountain office.

Since 2007, Norton Mountain has expanded through four mergers. The agency has expanded three offices and opened three new insurance operations. It now operates more than 40 business units in 13 offices in two states.