MIDLAND -  It's one of the newest towns in our area, and right now, it's one of the few places showing significant economic growth and real potential. The town of Midland is in Cabarrus County, and today WBTV learned about surprising new projects coming to town that should benefit this whole area.

Midland is in the middle, near four other cities, but far from mediocre.

"Midland is open for business," said Mayor Kathy Kitts. "We are growing and we have the lowest combined tax rate in Cabarrus County."

That's the word from Kitts, talking on Tuesday to other mayors, business, and civic leaders from across Cabarrus County at the annual state of the region summit.

Kitts has a positive story to tell, and so do her constituents.

SALISBURY - From Rowan Public Library:

Language of Film: How we are Manipulated by Media

John Santa

September 18th, 6:00-7:30 pm

Rowan Public Library Headquarters (Salisbury)

Join us in the Stanback Auditorium of the Rowan Public Library for a special lecture, “Language of Film: How we are Manipulated by Media” by John Santa.  This project is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide nonprofit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

KANNAPOLIS - Last week WBTV featured a story about the Rowan County town of Spencer and its inclusion in North Carolina's Main Street program.

Civic and business leaders are excited because it means that the town will be able to get outside help from experts who can make recommendations about downtown revitalization.  The program is highly coveted by communities across the state, and now Kannapolis would like to benefit.

In response to the City of Kannapolis’ application to join the North Carolina Main Street Program, the NC Department of Commerce, Office of Urban Development has offered the City a year-long program of services to strengthen downtown revitalization efforts.

The services outlined in the proposal offer technical assistance, organizational development services and training opportunities designed to provide the foundation necessary for a strong downtown revitalization organization that will support a long-term, sustainable Main Street initiative in Kannapolis.

Recognizing Kannapolis’ unique history and “tremendous opportunities for downtown revitalization, infill development and innovative redevelopment,” the Office of Urban Development offered the year-long services with the possibility of Main Street designation in 2013.

“Downtowns are the heartbeat of many communities,” said Office of Urban Development and NC Main Street Director Liz Parham.  “We always want to be proactive in helping revitalization efforts as a way to create and retain jobs and to ensure the long-term economic success of downtowns.”