City of Hickory Business e-Newsletter | March 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.
DeFeet is a North Carolina-based company that has been designing and manufacturing high-performance socks and accessories for cyclists, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts since 1992. Founded by Shane Cooper, DeFeet revolutionized the cycling industry with the Aireator®—the first open-mesh performance sock—and has since become a trusted name among professional athletes and teams worldwide. What makes DeFeet stand out is its unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and local craftsmanship. All products are made in the USA using locally sourced yarns and materials, supporting regional businesses and reducing environmental impact. DeFeet calls itself a “MicroSockery,” a nod to its small-scale, high-quality production model that has resisted the global shift to overseas manufacturing in favor of keeping jobs and innovation rooted in North Carolina.
Beyond its products, DeFeet is deeply embedded in both the local and global cycling communities. The company leads local road, mountain, and gravel rides, supports trail building, and provides a clubhouse for cyclists to gather and watch major races. DeFeet is a performance partner to elite teams like Visma-Lease a Bike, Trek Factory Racing, and Team Lotto, with its aerodynamic socks contributing to victories in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France Femmes, and Vuelta in 2025. DeFeet also supports youth cycling through NICA and advocates for cycling infrastructure and policy as a member of People for Bikes and the NBDA. With a mission to inspire movement, adventure, and sustainability, DeFeet continues to craft the world’s best socks—locally made, globally respected, and always well crafted.
Lilly Thomas Boutique is a vibrant women’s clothing store on Union Square in downtown Hickory, North Carolina, dedicated to empowering women of all ages through fashion and community. From young adults to the elderly, the boutique offers personalized styling and exceptional customer service, creating meaningful relationships with every woman who walks through its doors. Guided by the motto, “Give a woman the right outfit and she’ll conquer the world with grace and confidence,” Lilly Thomas is more than a boutique—it’s a space where women are celebrated, uplifted, and connected.
Since its humble beginnings as a one-woman operation with just 20 styles and a single fitting room, Lilly Thomas has grown into a thriving storefront with multiple employees, over 70 styles of clothing, expanded fitting rooms, and a curated selection of jewelry, candles, and accessories. The boutique plays an active role in the Hickory community, participating in events like sip-and-shops, fashion shows, and leadership conferences. Committed to helping make Hickory a destination for shopping, living, and working, Lilly Thomas Boutique continues to drive local growth while staying true to its mission of service, style, and sisterhood.
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 Hickory 5K Series is back this year with five themed 5K races from March through October. These races encourage runners to go outdoors and explore different parks and trail systems in Hickory. Each race is unique and poses its own challenges and triumphs. The link to register for all 2026 5K races is runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries.
Registration fees begin at $30 per race and include a themed t-shirt. Participants can sign up for as many or as few races as they would like. Those who sign up for at least four of the five races are eligible for series prizes. Please contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or via email for more information.
Did you know there are several resources for businesses and entrepreneurs at Hickory Public Library? From room reservation for meetings, printing services, and digital resources to tools and workshops for crafters, there are plenty of resources available for you to use.
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.
.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=LinkedIn%20Post%20(5).png)
