Chart compares the past five quarters of financial results for MI-Connection. The third-quarter of fiscal 2012 (right column) showed improvement in all major areas. (SOURCE: MI-Connection quarterly reports, 2011-12)

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

The MI-Connection Communications System continued its gradual improvement over the past three months, reporting its highest-ever revenues and lower expenses, leading to a record operating income. Meanwhile, the state’s Local Government Commission remains has sent its annual letter expressing concern about MI-Connection’s long-term financial health, but this year’s was shorter, with fewer specific concerns than past years. Read the full story

The Town Board Tuesday night approved $276,140 in budget cuts that will help the town pay its share of a budget shortfall at the MI-Connection cable system. The board also approved a 2010 contract for its Washington lobbyist and endorsed a pair of regional trail projects – the Carolina Thread Trail and Lake Norman Regional Bicycle Plan. And it put off a vote on a proposed lease for offices at South Main Square that Read the full story

By DAVID BORAKS
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson’s Town Board on Tuesday approved an agreement to participate in a public-private business incubator project that aims to foster the development of “green” businesses and jobs in town.

Also Tuesday, the board also approved a positive review of the 2008-2009 budget from its auditors, Tinsley & Terry, and voted to extend its lease with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for use of the Ada Jenkins Center, on Gamble Street. Read the full story

Davidson is among eight designated “North Carolina Main Street” communities that will get federal Recovery Act money for energy efficiency projects, Gov. Beverly Perdue’s office announced Tuesday. The town has received two grants totaling more than $19,000 for two projects – one at town hall and one in partnership with the Business Center @ South Main Square. Read the full story

SOURCE: South Main Square/Project for Innovation, Energy & Sustainability press release

In Davidson, a local property owner and economic development consultant has conceived a Public – Private Partnership to create a unique business incubator that may serve as a model for other communities.

The initiative is called “Project for innovation, Energy and Sustainability (acronym “PiES”). Founder Kathleen Rose has formed an advisory board for PiES which includes local academic advisers for technical assistance and a local venture fund for financial assistance to member companies.
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