City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | February 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, please visit www.hickorync.gov/business-well-crafted-awards.
This month, Hickory Community Theatre and Ideal Office Worx are in the spotlight.
Hickory Community Theatre
The Hickory Community Theatre (HCT) has been a cornerstone of the arts in Hickory since its founding in 1948, when Kay Johnson was hired by the Hickory Recreation Department to form a theatre group. What began as a series of radio dramas quickly evolved into live performances, with the first full-length production, “You Can’t Take It With You,” staged in 1949 at City Hall—a building that has remained HCT’s home ever since. Over the decades, the theatre expanded both its physical space and its artistic reach, adding two performance venues—the Firemen’s Kitchen and the Charles E. Jeffers Theatre—thanks to renovations and growing community support. HCT has become a year-round hub for local talent, offering musicals, dramas, and comedies that showcase the creativity and passion of volunteer performers.
Today, Hickory Community Theatre is not only a cultural institution but also a vital economic driver for downtown Hickory, attracting over 13,000 visitors annually and generating more than $1.25 million in local economic impact. With a growing staff and consistent year-over-year revenue growth, HCT continues to thrive through community engagement and collaboration. The theatre partners with local nonprofits, offering support through shared resources, fundraising assistance, and creative partnerships. Through its commitment to artistic excellence and community connection, HCT remains a vibrant and essential part of Hickory’s cultural landscape.
Ideal Office Worx, a veteran-owned business led by David Poston, is a modern contract office furniture dealer serving businesses across western North Carolina. Originally founded in 1923 as Bumbargers Inc., the company was rebranded in 2022 when Poston took the helm, bringing a fresh vision focused on innovation, growth, and community impact. Since the transition, Ideal Office Worx has expanded its reach, grown its vendor partnerships from 6 to over 40 on the NC State Contract, and acquired Carolina Office, further strengthening its local presence. With a commitment to helping businesses step into the 21st century with style, the company is also preparing for the future by investing in property for a permanent headquarters in Hickory.
Beyond business, Ideal Office Worx is deeply rooted in community values and service. The team is made up of individuals who are actively involved in giving back—whether through school board service, youth camps, missionary work, or church leadership. Poston himself serves as a youth leader, and the company supports nonprofits and public schools that align with its mission. With a family-like team culture and a focus on creating a positive, forward-thinking work environment, Ideal Office Worx is not only building better office spaces but also helping build a stronger, more connected community in Hickory and beyond.
Our Outdoor Business Networking Event is happening this week! The event is a great opportunity to build relationships with other businesses and supporters of the regional outdoor recreation economy, discuss next steps in building a regional chapter of the Outdoor Business Alliance, and contribute to the growth of our local outdoor scene.
Date: Wednesday, February 11th
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Entrepreneurship Center in Mauney Hall, Lenoir-Rhyne University (625 7th Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601).
For more information about the event, please contact Amy Le at ale@hickorync.gov.
Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Launches Run HKY
The Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department is excited to introduce Run HKY, a new initiative designed to promote running in Hickory through annual events and recreational amenities.
From popular races in the Hickory 5K Series—such as the Aviation 5K and the Lightning Bug Boogie Night Trail Run—to the Summer Track Series and the all-new HKY 100 endurance challenge, Run HKY brings together everything runners need in one convenient online hub. Visit www.runhky.com for up-to-date event details, registration links, and contact information.
For more information about Run HKY events and amenities, registration links, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.runhky.com or contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov.
The Community Appearance Grant program is financed by the Hickory City Council and administered by the Community Appearance Commission (CAC).
The purpose of the Community Appearance Grant is to improve the appearance of non-residential building facades in the Urban Revitalization Area, encourage investment in the Urban Revitalization Area, and promote the beautification of Hickory and the importance of the City’s history. Grants are given up to a 50-50 matching basis for a maximum amount of $7,500 per application.
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.
