Hickory honors eight local businesses in 'Business Well Crafted' awards

City staff and members of the Business Development Committee presented the 2025 "Business Well Crafted" awards at the Dec. 16 council meeting, recognizing eight businesses and nonprofits for local economic and civic contributions.

Dave Leonetti, the city's business and community development manager, described the committee's role and introduced committee members and staff who assembled a video summarizing nominees. Amy Lee presented awards in the small-business categories, honoring Boundary Fencing and Lily Thomas Boutique for craftsmanship and community impact. Committee members recognized mid-size and specialty businesses including Defeat (represented by Shane Cooper), Ella Blue (Courtney Lyons) as a woman-owned business, and Bridal/Ideal Office Works (David and Shanda Poston) as a veteran-owned business.

The council and presenters also recognized Old Hickory Brewery (Jason Yates and Steven Lierly) for entrepreneurial leadership, Hickory Community Theatre for more than 75 years of arts programming, and WHKY (Tom Long Jr., Linda Long, Chris Long) with a legacy award noting the station’s civic role and emergency communications during Hurricane Helene.

Presenters emphasized local job creation, keeping production in North Carolina, community partnerships, and the economic and cultural benefits that these businesses provide to Downtown Hickory and the wider community. The council recessed briefly for photos and to allow recipients to depart.

No formal council vote was required to present the awards; city staff encouraged residents to support local businesses and attend related events.