City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | April 2026
2025 Business. Well Crafted. Awards
Presented by the City of Hickory’s Business Development Committee, the Business. Well Crafted. Awards annually honor businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs that support and affirm the City of Hickory's vision for economic vitality. Over the course of the year, the City will be releasing spotlight videos for each award recipient, showcasing what makes them a Business. Well Crafted. For more information, visit www.hickorync.gov/business-well-crafted-awards.
Jason Yates and Steven Lyerly are visionary serial entrepreneurs whose impact on Hickory, North Carolina, is both deep-rooted and far-reaching. As the founders of Olde Hickory Brewery, they transformed a passion for craft beer into a thriving business that has become a cornerstone of the local community. Since its founding in 1994, Olde Hickory Brewery has grown from a small operation in a historic downtown building into one of the most respected craft breweries in the Southeast. With a commitment to traditional brewing methods, quality ingredients, and innovation, Yates and Lyerly have created a brand that not only reflects the character of Hickory but also draws visitors from across the region seeking an authentic local experience.
Beyond the brewery, Yates and Lyerly have continued to shape Hickory’s culinary and cultural landscape through the development of several popular restaurants and gathering spaces. Their ventures have become go-to destinations for both residents and tourists, offering unique atmospheres, locally inspired menus, and a strong sense of place. Whether it’s enjoying a handcrafted beer at the brewery or dining at one of their establishments, patrons experience the entrepreneurial spirit and community pride that define their work. Through their dedication to quality, hospitality, and local investment, Jason Yates and Steven Lyerly have helped make Hickory a destination known for its flavor, creativity, and welcoming charm.
Ella Blu is a woman-owned contemporary women’s boutique founded by Courtney Lyons, proudly serving the Hickory community for over 22 years. Built on the belief that style should be both inspiring and attainable, Ella Blu empowers women through thoughtfully curated fashion that blends timeless elegance with modern flair. The boutique is known for its elevated shopping experience, exceptional customer service, and strong personal connections with its clientele. Beyond fashion, Ella Blu plays a vital role in the local economy by providing full- and part-time employment opportunities in sales, management, and marketing, while also driving foot traffic to downtown Hickory and supporting neighboring businesses.
In recent years, Ella Blu has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a single storefront into a franchise, with its first new location opening in Davidson, N.C.—making Hickory the proud home of the original Ella Blu. The boutique actively contributes to the vibrancy of the community through events like trunk shows, pop-ups, and upcoming collaborations, including a spring 2026 fashion show with a local women’s group and a fall 2025 trunk show featuring local designer Meraki. Ella Blu also supports local schools and charities, reinforcing its commitment to giving back. With its blend of fashion, community engagement, and entrepreneurial spirit, Ella Blu continues to be a shining example of local business success and female leadership.
Join us for the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) Lenoir-Rhyne Student Pitch Competition & Business Networking Event on Monday, April 20, at 5 p.m. at Lake Hickory Pub and Marina.
This event brings together local businesses, community leaders, and emerging student innovators, who will have 48 hours to develop and present ideas to support our first-ever water-based Run, Kayak, Run Event on Lake Hickory.
As part of the Office of Business Development's ongoing business outreach efforts, we'd value your input. Please take a few moments to complete our Business Outreach Survey and share how we can better support your business needs. Your feedback helps us shape resources and initiatives that strengthen our local business community. Thank you for helping us serve you better.
The Manufacturing Solutions Center offers several services for start-ups and manufacturers. There services range from testing for hosiery, textiles, furniture; business incubation opportunities; assistance for entrepreneurs and inventors; product development; training for hosiery knitting machines, M1 Stoll, and AutoCad; 3D printing and reverse engineering; hosiery 101/102; and marketing. For more information about the Manufacturing Solution Center, please visit their website.
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 Developmentor contact Dave Leonetti in the Office of Business Development at 828-323-7422.
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