Impulse Manufacturing, based in Dawsonville, Ga., has purchased the assets of MSM Holding Co., which includes Mid-State Machine at 2960 Corriher Grange Road in Mount Ulla.
The purchase also includes Bellwright Industries of Summerville, S.C.
Impulse Manufacturing is a metal fabrication company located just north of Atlanta. Go to www.impulsemfg.com . The three companies employ more than 400 people.
Mid-State Machine now operates under the company name Mid-State Manufacturing. It specializes in machined castings and machined bar stock. It has been in business for 50 years.
SALISBURY — The Ugly Duckling, a new vintage and antique home decor shop, will hold a grand opening from Tuesday through May 21.
The shop at 421 B N. Lee St. features antiques, furniture, vintage items, repurposed items, upcycling and folk art. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with new items at least three times a week.
Shane and Laura Benfield own and operate the shop. Reach them at 704-633-0102.

Interactive Health Therapies is adding occupational therapy to complement speech therapy services.
It is offering free speech and hearing screenings for children ages 3-8 in May, which is “Better Speech and Hearing Month.”
The office at 417 N. Main St., Suite F, will hold screenings Saturday and May 24 by appointment from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 704-762-9282 to schedule an appointment or contact Margaret Pashoian at margaret@ihtherapies.com

On Tuesday, Carolina Farm Credit will present a program focusing on specialty home loan products.
Information will be provided for horse owners interested in keeping their horses on their own property versus paying boarding fees. This meeting would also be ideal for a small, part-time farmer interested in acquiring land and a home for a hobby farm.
Carolina Farm Credit is unique in allowing for financing without an acreage limitation. Light refreshments will be provided. The program will begin at 7 p.m. at 2727 Old Concord Road, Salisbury. If you plan to attend, call 704-216-8970 to reserve your space by Monday.
Jennifer Graves of Central Carolina Insurance Agency in Salisbury has completed courses covering insurance risks and exposures to earn the designation of Certified Insurance Service Representative.
The designation is part of an annual continuing education requirement, which ensures agents stay current on policy changes and trends in the industry.
The Society of CISR, a not-for-profit organization and member of the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, runs the program.
Graves has worked in the insurance industry for 15 years and is commercial lines team leader at Central Carolina.
SALISBURY — Teri Miller, produce category manager at Delhaize America, will be the honoree and featured speaker at the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual reception honoring Women in Produce June 12 at United Fresh 2014 in Chicago.
Delhaize is the parent company of Food Lion, which is based in Salisbury.
The reception honors contributions of women working in the produce industry and selects one individual to share her personal experience of service.
“Teri is the personification of leadership and dedication in the produce industry,” United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel said.
Miller is a 25-year veteran at Delhaize America and was instrumental in the creation of Food Lion’s supply chain department.
Novant Health has been named one of the 2014 Top 10 Hospitals and Health Systems in the nation by Diversity Inc., the country’s leading source for advancing and recognizing excellence in diversity management.  
Novant Health debuts on this year’s list at No. 3. A total of 1,215 companies participated in the 2014 survey in 12 categories.
Initiatives at Novant Health are driven through the Executive Diversity Council chaired by Carl S. Armato, president and CEO, and a System Diversity Council chaired by Dr. Deborah P. Ashton, vice president and chief diversity officer.

MOORESVILLE — Homesley & Wingo Law Group will host its annual Business After Hours at 5 p.m. May 21 at the firm’s office in the historic Isaac Harris House, 330 South Main St.
Attendees will enjoy the musical entertainment of Gigi Dover & The Big Love and beer from Lake Norman Brewing Co. along with heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Epic Chophouse. Sherry Alexander will be “Setting the Scene” with her floral arrangements, and guests will have the opportunity to win door prizes. The law firm welcomes the public as well as chamber of commerce members and prospective members.
The event is sponsored by the MSI Chamber of Commerce. Call 704-664-2162 for more information.
STATESVILLE —  Nicole Greer, a life coach, will conduct the third in a series of retreats on Friday, May 16, at the Starrette Retreat House in Statesville.
This all-day retreat is for individuals who need help determining what they want to do with their lives, and how to start moving in the right direction.
For over 20 years, Greer has been a facilitator, speaker, life and business coach, conducting workshops around the country. She is the founder and president of The Vibrant Coach.
For more information or to register, contact Nicole Greer, PPCC at 704-502-4953 or visit: www.thevibrantcoach.com
SOUTHERN PINES — First Bancorp, the parent company of First Bank, announced net income available to common shareholders of $5.5 million, or 27 cents per diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, compared to $2.9 million, or 14 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2013.  The higher earnings were the result of a higher net interest margin, lower provision for loan losses and higher fee income.
Net interest income for the first quarter of 2014 amounted to $35.5 million, an 11.3 percent increase from the $31.9 million recorded in the first quarter of 2013. 
CHARLOTTE — CommunityOne Bancorp, the holding company for CommunityOne Bank, reported its third consecutive profitable quarter with net income of $1.3 million, up 5 percent from the fourth quarter of 2013, and $4 million higher than the first quarter of 2013.
“We made solid progress during the quarter in achieving the four key goals we established for 2014,” said Brian Simpson, CEO. “Both loan and deposit growth were broad based and slightly ahead of plan.”
CHARLOTTE — Beauty junkies in the Charlotte region can rejoice because Lush is opening a store in SouthPark Mall.
The store will be Lush’s second location in North Carolina. The first is in Raleigh.
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics makes products that use fresh ingredients for skin and hair with higher concentrations of beneficial vitamins, minerals and proteins. The retailer has more than 900 stores worldwide and specializes in fragranced soap, facemasks with raw ingredients that are kept in a refrigerator, skin care, hair products and bath bombs.
Lush products are 100 percent vegetarian, 82 percent vegan, 60 percent preservative-free and 38 percent free of extra packaging, with no animal testing on any product or ingredient.
Products are made with organic fruits and vegetables, essential oils and ingredients that are ethically and sustainably sourced from around the world.
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