For Immediate Release:

February 11, 2013: Davidson, NC;

The Business Center @ South Main Square will host an open house on Tuesday, February 19th

The Business Center @ South Main Square will host an open house on Tuesday, February 19th 4:30pm -6:00pm to showcase its newly installed MI-Connection video conferencing technology. The only one of its kind in the Lake Norman area, the system offers dynamic, high quality audio and video and has the capability to connect up to three locations simultaneously.

“We’re thrilled to be able to partner with MI-Connection to provide video conferencing,” says Kathleen Rose, Manager of the Business Center @ South Main Square. “Research shows that more businesses than ever are working from satellite locations and that many key personnel are telecommuting. The purpose of The Business Center is to provide needed resources for the business community in the Lake Norman area and our new video conferencing facility is really helping us meet that objective.”

David Auger, President of MI-Connection agrees. “We are extremely pleased to be able to provide businesses and residents in the Lake Norman area with teleconferencing services. We recognize the demand and are happy to help address it in such a convenient location.”

Located in the in the heart of Davidson’s South Main Street Arts District, The Business Center offers a unique business membership that includes affordable office suites, hourly and daily rates on conference rooms and high speed internet access. Members also have access to an on site post office with a Main Street Davidson address, expanded concierge business services, use of common areas, work areas and services including the teleconferencing center, marketing, printing, packaging and shipping services.

The February 19 event is free and open to the public.

The Business Center @ South Main Square is located at 442 South Main Street in Davidson, within walking distance of restaurants, shops and Davidson’s Town Green. Learn more at

For more information:

Allison Elrod

Allison Elrod Marketing & Publicity

704.202.6977

MI-Connection Board of Directors Share Excellent Results and Product Updates

The MI-Connection Board of Directors met Thursday, January 24 at Davidson town hall to share their Q2 2013 results, new product and marketing campaign updates.

In comparing results of Q2 2012 to Q2 2013, revenues are up by 4.2% for the quarter. Expenses are down 4.4%. Earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (EBIDA), a key metric used by cable operators to measure performance, has increased by 85.3%. Q2 2012 shows the second highest Q2 net gain in total revenue generating units (RGUs) and customer relationships. “We are tracking really well and results look very healthy; we’ve seen an increase in customers over the past six quarters,” stated MI-Connection CEO David Auger during his presentation to the board. The cost of goods sold is increasing, but is well below the rate of programming increases.

MI-Connection upgraded their internet technology for all residential customers in Davidson, Cornelius and Mooresville. For no extra charge and with no modem rental fee, subscribers now receive enhanced download and upload speeds. MI-Connection is proud of their investment in technology and has launched the fastest available residential broadband product in this market, “Warp Speed Broadband,” a 60MB downstream and 10MB upstream offering.

In February 2013, subscribers will get TV Everywhere as a value-added component. TV Everywhere enables subscribers to view specific, archived programming on iPads and other mobile devices. Initial programming to be launched is still being determined.

In March 2013, customers will be able to access a new video-on-demand platform, which will enable viewers to select from a wider variety of pre-loaded programming, offering a better user-interface, increased reliability, and more high-definition choices.

MI-Connection has partnered with the Business Center at South Main Square located at 442 South Main Street in Davidson to offer video-conferencing services. There will be an open house on February 19 to showcase the product.

MI-Connection is currently re-negotiating their programming agreement with WCNC (an NBC affiliate), who is demanding a 161% increase in 2013 over 2012. “We may be forced to drop them,” commented Auger.

MI-Connection launched the second phase of their advertising campaign last week, emphasizing the community-owned, buy-local aspects of the business, in addition to the extensive and high-quality products the company offers. This campaign features testimonials from MI-Connection customers.

“Our customer service sets us apart,” said Chairman of the Board John Venzon, as he thanked the board and staff for their hard work. “Our technology improvements and offerings are very exciting.”

For more information on MI-Connection and services available, please visit: www.mi-connection.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2012

MI-Connection Increases Internet Speeds For All Residential Customers 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – MI-Connection, the cable and telecommunications system owned by Davidson and Mooresville, is increasing Internet speeds for all residential customers at no extra charge and with no modem fees. On December 10, 2012, the Internet download and upload speeds for residential subscribers increased an average of 80%.  In addition, MI-Connection launched the fastest residential broadband product available in the market -- a 60MB downstream and 10MB upstream product called Warp Speed Broadband.

The new speeds are listed below:

Current Speed                       New Speed

1 X 384                                   4 X 1              

3 X 1                                       4 X 2              

8 X 4                                       10 X 5            

12 X 4                                     15 X 5            

16 X 4                                     20 X 5            

20 X 4 and 20 X 5                  30 X 10          

50 X 5                                     60 X 10  (New Warp Speed Broadband Internet – fastest in the market – hands down!)

 “It’s like we’ll be going from four single-lane highways to one 4-lane super-highway to allow faster internet speeds for our customers,” said David Auger, CEO of MI-Connection.

 For more information on MI-Connection, please visit www.mi-connection.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 26, 2012

 Contact: Cristina Shaul

Public Information Officer

Office: 704 940-9602

Cell: 704 431-5283

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www.townofdavidson.org

MI-Connection Board of Directors Boast Excellent Results and

New Plans for Future 

 DAVIDSON, N.C. – The MI-Connection Board of Directors met Thursday, October 25 at Davidson’s town hall to share their external audit report, Q1 2013 results, new product launches and new marketing campaign.

 Auditors Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP, certified public accountants and advisors, completed their audit of MI-Connection’s 2012-2013 fiscal year. The report shows a good, clean audit. “This is the first year of having finance and accounting in-house, so I’m really proud of these positive results,” said CEO David Auger.

 In comparing results of Q1 2012 to Q1 2013, revenues are up by 6.5% for the quarter. Expenses are down 8.7%. Earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization (EBIDA), a key metric used by cable operators to measure performance, has increased by 148%. In Q1 2013 compared to Q1 2012, total revenue generating units (RGUs) are up by 4.3% and there is growth in customer relationships. “We have gained in every product category! Our competitors can’t say this,” stated Auger.

 MI-Connection plans to launch several new products to benefit its customers: a new video-on-demand platform, enhanced Internet Technology, and TV Everywhere. MI-Connection already offers video-on-demand, which is very popular with subscribers, and is investing in a new platform that offers more storage for programming, a better user-interface, increased reliability, and more high-definition offerings.

 In November 2011, MI-Connection upgraded technology for Davidson and Cornelius residents, and this year they are upgrading internet service for residents in Mooresville. In December, for no extra charge and with no modem rental fee, subscribers will receive enhanced download and upload speeds. MI-Connection is proud of their investment in technology. “It’s like we’ll be going from four single-lane highways to one 4-lane super-highway to allow faster internet speeds for our customers,” said Auger. Additionally, they will launch the fastest available residential broadband product in this market, a 60MB downstream and 10MB upstream offering.

 In January 2013, subscribers will get TV Everywhere as a value-added component. TV Everywhere enables subscribers to view specific, archived programming on iPads and other mobile devices. Initial programming will include Big Ten To Go, Speed 2, HBO Go, and Fox Broadcasting, and will be available based on each subscriber’s programming package.

 MI-Connection has reached an agreement with Langtree on the Lake to be the residential and commercial provider of video, voice and data services for Phase I near exit 31 off of Interstate 77. “We are very excited to be part of this unique development,” said Auger.

 MI-Connection launches their new “Straight Talk” advertising campaign today, emphasizing the community-owned, buy-local aspects of the business, in addition to the extensive and high-quality products the company offers. The campaign was created by Mooresville residents, Dave and Kelly Sopp, a marketing team whose talents include brand strategy, design, illustration, writing, advertising for print, TV, web and radio, and product and packaging design. They will be doing a targeted marketing campaign of advertising and direct mail to increase subscribers for MI-Connection.

 Chairman of the Board John Venzon thanked the board and staff for the great results and commented that they “are going from questions of why our towns got into this service to being the clear winner in the marketplace – we’ve got the fastest internet speeds in this footprint, our customer service is top-notch, we have better technology, better programming and better marketing. Our ship is sailing in the right direction and we’re full-steam ahead.”

 For more information on MI-Connection and services available, please visit: www.mi-connection.com.

For Immediate Release:

 November 9, 2012; Davidson, NC. The Business Center at South Main Square announces two strategic partnerships: MI-Connection and PostNet of Davidson add video-conferencing and concierge business services to the list of business tools available to small and home-based businesses at The Business Center.

South Main Square will extend its menu of services for small businesses this month, adding video-conferencing and on site shipping, printing and design services to a growing list of business amenities available at The Business Center on Main Street in Davidson.

“We’re thrilled to be able to partner with MI-Connection and PostNet of Davidson to provide these services for local small businesses,” says Kathleen Rose, Manager. “Research shows that more businesses than ever are working from satellite locations and that many key personnel are telecommuting. The Business Center was conceived to provide needed resources for the business community in the Lake Norman area and these new services will help us meet that objective.”

Located in the in the heart of Davidson’s South Main Street Arts District, The Business Center offers a unique business membership that includes affordable office suites, hourly and daily rates on conference rooms and high speed internet access. Members also have access to an on site post office with a Main Street Davidson address, expanded concierge business services, use of common areas, work areas and services including the teleconferencing center, marketing, printing, packaging and shipping services. 

PostNet has been proudly serving the Davidson community from our Davidson Commons location for over 4 years,” says PostNet owner Ken Rodes. “We’re excited to extend our service and convenience to support the small businesses at The Business Center at South Main Square.”

David Auger, President of MI-Communication agrees. “We are pleased to partner with Kathleen Rose in her South Main Square location and to provide businesses and residents in the region with teleconferencing services. We recognize the demand for these services and are happy to help fill that demand.” 

The Business Center at South Main Square is located at 442 South Main Street in Davidson, within walking distance of restaurants, shops and Davidson’s Town Green. Learn more at www.southmainsquare.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 16, 2012

Contact: David Auger              

CEO

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MI-Connection requests additional funding to continue year of unprecedented growth

March 16, 2012

DAVIDSON, N.C. – MI-Connection, Mooresville and Davidson’s state-of-the-art broadband system, has seen unprecedented customer growth in recent months. Costs associated with this growth, along with a number of other factors, will require the system to ask both towns for $1.1 million in additional funding this fiscal year.

The system’s growth in the first two quarters of this year has surpassed growth in all four quarters in the 2011 fiscal year (FY). The additional funding will allow continued customer gains and pay for several unusual expenses that are unique to the current year.

System officials discussed this additional funding at a board meeting on Thursday, March 15. MI-Connection board members also presented the system budget for FY 2013, which requests approximately $6.3 million from Mooresville and Davidson. That request is lower than the request for FY 2012. 

David Auger, MI-Connection’s CEO, said Thursday that MI-Connection has experienced four distinct challenges this year that have caused expenses to be higher and revenue lower than budgeted: 

• Tremendous customer growth, which meant higher up-front costs: MI-Connection has seen tremendous growth in its first, second and the beginning of the third quarters for the 2012 fiscal year. Total customer net gains for video and high-speed data for the first two quarters of this year far exceed the combined prior three-year period of 2008-2011. That growth points to the system’s long-term success, but in the short term, it comes with a cost. For example, a new triple-play customer takes approximately 8 months to pay back the costs to acquire that customer.

• A delayed transition from BVU control to MI-Connection control: The transition was originally scheduled to be complete on July 1, 2011, but it did not begin – and did so as a phased-in approach – until December 2011 because of an unavoidable delay in obtaining programming from a programming consortium. Obtaining the programming through a consortium was the most practical and cost-effective alternative compared to independently negotiating contracts with hundreds of channels. As a result of the delayed transition, the reduced BVU management fee was delayed by six months.

• Billing adjustments that resulted in lower per-customer revenue numbers: The budget that was prepared for FY 2012 was based on data through March of 2011. After the budget was presented and approved, BVU discovered significant adjustments, previously undetected, in the billing system, thereby impacting 2012 budgeted customer revenues. Therefore, the system’s original budget for revenue for the year had to be reduced.

• A 13^th month of expenses: As operator, BVU was paying many of the system’s bills to third-party vendors then billing the system for these costs. When MI-Connection took over paying vendors directly, it had to pay what it owed to BVU and also pay bills for the current month as well. In effect, the system had a 13^th month of expenses that had not been anticipated.

As a result, said Auger, MI-Connection is asking the towns of Mooresville and Davidson for an additional $1.1 million this fiscal year. None of this funding, said Auger, is being requested in order to cover growth deficits or operating and capital expenditures. In fact, the system is growing considerably faster than in previous years; in the first quarter of 2012, for example, the system gained more subscribers than it did during the entire previous year, and the second quarter and beginning of the third quarter results indicate that the growth trend is continuing.

Also at Thursday’s meeting, MI-Connection presented its budget for FY 2013, which includes funding requests from both Mooresville and Davidson: MI-Connection is asking for a total of $6,324,595 from both towns. Although this is more than the initial request from MI-Connection for FY 2012, which was $5,888,230, it is less than that initial request plus the secondary request of $1.1 million. 

Auger said Thursday that, despite this year’s significant challenges, MI-Connection’s new independence and its growth trends are very promising. “We are confident that this year’s unusual expenses are a one-time occurrence,” he said. “Our primary focus now is on offering value pricing, excellent customer service and a quality product, and we will work diligently to use these tools to provide for our customers and to grow our customer base so that the system can reach profitability as quickly as possible.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

The proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 for MI-Connection Communications System has been presented to the MI-Connection Board of Directors. Copies of the proposed budget are available for public inspection during normal business hours starting the 5th day of March, 2012 at 1:00 pm at MI-Connection’s Office located at 435 South Broad Street in Mooresville, at the Mooresville Town Hall located at 413 North Main Street in Mooresville, and at the Davidson Town Hall located at 216 South Main Street in Davidson.

A public hearing will be held on the 15th day of March, 2012 at 6:30 pm at the Davidson Town Hall located at 216 South Main Street, Davidson, North Carolina for the purpose of discussing the proposed budget. The public is invited to attend this public hearing.

Dawn Huston

51052.00002?8107.2

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 November 2, 2011

 Contact: David Auger                       

Transition Manager

704 360-1802

MI-Connection officials say system is in growth mode

Subscribers up; Revenue slightly down

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Officials for Mooresville and Davidson’s state-of-the-art Internet and cable system say the system’s first-quarter revenue numbers are down slightly, even though the subscriber numbers have improved dramatically. However, they expect the growth in customers will begin to have a positive impact on revenue as the year progresses.

At their monthly board meeting at Davidson’s Town Hall on October 27, MI-Connection Board of Directors Treasurer Brett Ellis said that the system’s total revenues for the first quarter of the 2011-2012 fiscal year were down 0.6 percent compared to Q4 last year. The slight revenue decline is not surprising since the company experienced a decline in video subscribers in Q4.

“Financial results always lag behind operational results in a subscription business,” he said.

The reason for the lag, said Ellis, is because the system saw dramatic customer growth in Q1 this year, which meant more truck rolls, more installations and more customers taking advantage of special offers. Those initial costs and promotional discounts, he said, are always shouldered on the front end. The revenue generated by the growing customer base will sometimes takes several months to have an impact on total revenue. “In the near future, we should start to see that,” he said.

Ellis also pointed out that expenses are down by $147,433 over last quarter and reiterated that the number of subscribers is up. Officials reported at last month’s meeting that the system gained more customers in the first quarter this year than it did during the entire fiscal year last year.

Chairman John Venzon said that there is still plenty of work to do, but that the growth is promising, “Revenues are essentially flat, but the underlying operational metrics are in a growth mode,” he said. “The financials don’t reflect that growth yet, but I am confident we are on the right track.”

Also at Thursday’s meeting, Aprille Bell of Dixon Hughes presented the system’s audit report, which, Bell said, found “no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.” It noted that the system’s cash from operating activities went from a negative balance in 2009 to $1.3 million in 2010 and to over $3 million in 2011.

 For more information on MI-Connection, visit www.mi-connection.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 28, 2011

 Contact: David Auger                       

Transition Manager

704 360-1802

MI-Connection reports dramatic customer growth in all services

Q1 numbers for fiscal year are higher than all of last year 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – Mooresville and Davidson’s state-of-the-art Internet and cable system has added more video, data and voice customers in the past three months than it did during the entire fiscal year last year.

At their monthly board meeting at Davidson’s Town Hall on September 22, Transition Manager David Auger said that, from July through September, the system has increased its voice customers by 48 percent over the first quarter last year, its video customers by 296 percent and its data customers by 2,248 percent.

The gains, he said, are higher than the gains the system saw for the entire fiscal year last year.

83 days of the gains, said Auger, are actual, and 9 are projected, since September is not yet over.

“These gains have far exceeded my expectations,” he said. “Hopefully we can keep this up and it’s sustainable.” The system’s employees, said Auger, are “very excited.”

 Auger said that the system’s customer retention rate is also higher, and that the system’s audit, which is working to identify and remove people who are using the system’s VOIP, cable and Internet without paying for it, is also going well.

 Board Chairman John Venzon said he is very pleased with the progress the system has made in such a short period of time.  

 “I’m very encouraged by the growth we’re seeing here, particularly the growth of video customers, because that’s a particularly challenging market,” he said. “We are definitely moving this system in the right direction.”

 For more information on MI-Connection, visit www.mi-connection.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2011

Contact: David Auger                       

Transition Manager

704 360-1802

MI-Connection Working to Restore Internet Outage

VPN, business customers already back online

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – MI-Connection staff and officials are working hard this morning to get Internet service back online for residential customers after a third-party Internet circuit provider discovered that a fiber cut led to a system-wide outage of Internet and voice services this morning.

 A MI-Connection official said Wednesday that at 8:50 this morning, two Internet circuits went down, which interrupted all residential and business Internet service, as well as the Virtual Private Network (VPN) between MI-Connection and Bristol Virginia Utilities, the vendor that currently manages the system. Video services have not been affected.

Staff quickly checked local equipment and confirmed that there were no physical issues on MI-Connection’s end.

Staff then took measures to bring up local service as quickly as possible, including bringing up an inactive Internet feed which restored all residential and business voice services by 10:20 a.m. and which enabled connectivity between MI-Connection and Bristol. Business Internet was restored for most customers by 10:50 a.m.

 Service has not yet been restored, however, for residential Internet customers, but MI-Connection officials received confirmation at around noon from the third-party Internet circuit provider that it had experienced a fiber cut and is working to restore service. The provider does not yet have an estimated time of completion.

 “All hands are on deck to make sure we’re up and running as quickly as possible,” said a company official.