Brian Walker, former owner of Peak Automotive in Apex, has started a company, BenzTech, that offers Mercedes-Benz owners in the area the option of mobile car repair and service. For more information, visit www.mobilebenztech.com.

Low Country Imports and Grape Expectations Wine Imports, both based in Raleigh, announced a merger of the two companies to form Low Country Imports. The administrative and warehousing operations will be based in Raleigh, with David Stallings, Tina Williford and Bess Lee as active principals in the organization. Amie Fields will continue in national sales.

Dominion Virginia Power chose Elster's EnergyAxis System Smart Grid Solution for use in the utility's energy conservation plans. Elster, which specializes in metering and grid system solutions, has offices in Raleigh.

Carolina Web Consultants in Raleigh has assumed responsibilities for servicing Web Design Studio's customer base and expanding its services in graphics and Web media.

Renaissance Computing Institute selected Infinera to support its research on an experimental network test that links the institute to sites at three universities in North Carolina. In addition, RENCI, Duke University and Infinera are collaborating on a proposal to the National Science Foundation for the GENI project, an effort to build a national networking testbed that would enable the exploration of technologies for a future Internet with enhanced security, stability and advanced features.

Gateway Bank & Trust opened for business at 152 Capcom Ave., Unit 101, Wake Forest.

Philanthropy

Six local students have been selected to receive scholarships toward degrees and certifications through the Pride Entrepreneur Education Program. The scholarships were made possible by a $20,000 donation from Fifth Third Bank. The bank also provided laptop computers to the recipients.

1st American Builders in Raleigh built two playhouses -- scaled-down replicas of its award-winning homes -- to be auctioned to raise money for cancer research. The first house was auctioned as part of the V Foundation for Cancer Research annual Golf Classic in Pinehurst, held Aug. 9-10. The second home will be used in a promotion during the Raleigh-Wake County Parade of Homes in October.

American Society for Quality, Raleigh section, donated $2,572 to the Durham Crisis Response Center and $2,572 to the Triangle YMCA. The donations came from ASQ Raleigh's Community Good Works program and money raised during its charity golf tournament. In addition, ASQ members worked with the Durham Crisis Response Center and the YMCA to use quality methodologies to improve the organizations.

Mark Allard, owner of New Balance stores in Raleigh and Durham, partnered with a local church to donate more than 20 pairs of running shoes for a six-week wellness program organized for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear explosion of 1986. The program is sponsored by the American Belarusian Relief Organization. In addition to the New Balance shoes, the children received medical, dental and eye care from facilities in the Triangle while staying with their host family.

Southern Energy Management, which provides solar power and energy efficiency services, donated a solar water heater and Energy Star verification to a Charlotte family selected as home makeover recipients by ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Addition." Southern Energy Management has offices in Raleigh and Charlotte.

EASTERN DIVISION

CHAPTER 11

Deepwater Development Co., 4315 S. Hesperides Drive, Nags Head, 27959; estimated assets, $1,000,001 to $10 million; estimated debts, $500,001 to $1 million; some creditors, Bank of America, Development Company of Columbia and Glenn E. Futrell; attorney, Jason L. Hendren; Case 08-05747-8-JRL, Aug. 26.

CHAPTER 12

Oak Ridge Enterprises, 2777 Miller Road, Tabor City, 28463; estimated assets, $100,001 to $500,000; estimated debts, $100,001 to $500,000; some creditors, GMAC, Horry County State Bank and IRS; attorney, David F. Mills, Case 08-05828-8-JRL, Aug. 28.

MIDDLE DIVISION

CHAPTER 7

Enmar, doing business as The Cooks Choice, Red Door and Steven Graves Design, P.O. Box 1861, Southern Pines, 28388; assets, $5,800; debts, $66,767.26; some creditors: American Express, Conair/Cuisnart, Harold Import Co. and Wusthof-Trident of America; attorney, Michael J. McCrann, Case 08-81260, Aug. 28.

Bullock Floor Sanding & Refinishing, c/o Bobby L. Bullock, 3688 Country Valley Road, Oxford, 27565; assets, $634; debts, $74,645.89; major creditor, Long Flooring, $71,203.97; attorney, William L. Yaeger, Case 08-81263, Aug. 28.

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