City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | September 2024
Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE)
The Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program, funded by a $6 million U.S. Economic Development Administration State Tourism Grant, was developed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division (REDD). CORE provides strategic planning and technical assistance to help rural communities leverage outdoor recreation assets for economic growth.
In Hickory, the CORE program involved collaboration with local stakeholders to identify and develop outdoor recreation opportunities. The plan focuses on leveraging outdoor recreation assets, encouraging small business development, enhancing residents’ quality of life, positioning communities to grow, and attracting outdoor gear manufacturing industries.
The plan proposes strategies, goals, objectives, and actions that Hickory can take to increase economic vitality by leveraging outdoor recreation. Furthermore, other community assets and economic institutions that benefit from or complement the outdoor recreation economy are addressed in the plan. You can check out the CORE Strategic Plan in more detail at the link below.
Seeking Nominations for 2024 Business. Well Crafted. Awards
The City of Hickory Business Development Committee (BDC) is currently accepting nominations for the 2024 Business. Well Crafted. Awards program.
The City of Hickory’s Vision for Economic Vitality is to establish a diversified and sustainable economy through the growth of business opportunities, jobs, tax base, and population, and to improve the quality of life for its citizens. The BDC’s Business. Well Crafted. Awards program seeks to recognize businesses and individuals that support and affirm this vision.
To nominate an individual, business, or organization, please complete the online nomination form, which can be found at the link below, by Sept. 27. Please direct any questions about the program to Business Development Coordinator Amy Le at ale@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2293.
Each month, we share resources vital to our communities and helpful for businesses. The feature of this month is The Chamber of Catawba County.
The Chamber of Catawba County is a non-profit business membership organization representing 825 business shareholders and investors in Catawba County, N.C. The organization executes critical economic and community development initiatives that lead the way for business competitiveness success, fostering the creation and filling of jobs, and developing community leaders at all levels in Catawba County. The Chamber supports businesses through a range of services and programs, such as networking opportunities, pro-business advocacy, ribbon cuttings, and more. To get to know more about The Chamber and their services, visit their website at the link below.
Please consider filling out a short 2024 North Carolina Manufacturing Challenges survey.
The purpose of this survey is to collect information on the challenges facing North Carolina's manufacturers in the next few years. This information will help the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP) and other state leaders to focus on solutions and programs to help manufacturers solve their challenges and remain successful as key contributors to the economy of the state. The data collected is confidential and will be shared only in aggregate. The survey ends September 13, 2024.
The City of Hickory is committed to promoting business and economic development and offers a range of incentives to new and expanding businesses.
For more information on available programs and incentives, visit Business Development websiteor contact Dave Leonetti in the Office of Business Development at 828-323-7422.
