General Motors Co. has won approval from environmental authorities in central China for a new $1.1 billion assembly plant, though the company says it has not yet decided on the plan.

The go-ahead by the Hubei Environmental Protection Bureau, seen Friday in a notice posted on its website, is just one approval among many that would be required for such a large project.

GM’s office in Shanghai did not comment directly on the project Friday but issued a statement saying the company would make “sustainable plans” for expanding production capacity based on market conditions, and would share details “at a proper time.”

Local Chamber plans smartphone app

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce on Friday announced plans to launch a free smartphone app that will help users connect with local businesses and events.

The FortWayneChamber2Go smartphone app for iPhone, Android and mobile web for Blackberry and other devices will be available Feb. 24.

The application will feature an online directory of Chamber members with geo-location and mapping technology, touch-to-call option, calendars of community and Chamber events, a QR code scanner and more.

The Chamber will host a free informational session on the app from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 24. Lunch will be provided to those who preregister at fwchamber.org/events.

Mike Landram, Chamber president and CEO, said his non-profit organization is among the first Chambers in Indiana to offer an app to members, residents and visitors.

“The app will benefit the entire Fort Wayne community,” he said in a written statement.

First Federal parent’s annual net income flat

Northeast Indiana Bancorp Inc. on Friday reported flat 2011 annual net income of $2.04 million, or $1.65 per diluted common share, compared to $2.01 million, or $1.64 a share, reported for 2010.

The Huntington-based parent of First Federal Savings Bank ended the year on a high note, however, posting its largest profit for any quarter in the company’s 100-year history.

Fourth-quarter earnings were $743,000, or 60 cents per diluted common share, a 40 percent increase over the $530,000, or 43 cents a share, reported for the same three months of 2010.

Northeast Indiana Bancorp made a $2.2 million provision for bad loans last year, compared with $1.7 million put aside in 2010.

The company reported assets of almost $262 million as of Dec. 31.

Grant helps train AccuTemp employees

A supplier of steam-heated commercial cooking and warming equipment is praising its employees for reaching an industry standard.

AccuTemp Products Inc., 8415 N. Clinton Park Drive, announced Friday that 20 of its employees passed the Certified Foodservice Professional test.

The exams aims to raise the professional standards and quality of the food-service industry and encourage continuing education among professionals.

More than half of the AccuTemp workers scored better than 90 percent.

A $20,000 grant from WorkOne Northeast helped AccuTemp buy books and provide training for the exam.