The Business Development Committee (BDC) serves in an advisory role to Hickory City Council. The purpose is to support economic development in the City of Hickory for increased employment by identifying and assessing ideas and applying local economic development resources to determine the level of success of the project/proposal. Projects that receive a favorable recommendation will be forwarded to Hickory City Council for consideration and action. The committee typically meets once a month on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. (See event calendar for schedule)
 

Business Development Programs

The BDC works on various ways to increase economic development through the revitalization of vacant buildings and support for small businesses. The group reviews applications for the City's Urban Revitalization Area Programs, Microenterprise Grant Programs, Vacant Building Applications, Demolition Grant Applications, and the CDBG Microenterprise Grant Applications. All applications start with the City’s Office of Business Development before submission to the BDC for recommendation to City Council. Additionally, the group recognizes established businesses and individuals in the community through the Business. Well Crafted. and Legacy Award programs.

CDBG Microenterprise Grant Program Information   CDBG Small Business Loan Program Information
 

Business. Well Crafted. Awards

The BDC annually accepts nominations for its Business. Well Crafted. Awards program. The City’s Vision for Economic Development is to serve as a regional economic leader by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across key high-potential sectors to enhance the quality of life for all. The Business. Well Crafted. Awards honor businesses and individuals that support and affirm this vision. Awards may be presented in the following categories:

• Individual (Entrepreneur of the Year)
• Youth (Entrepreneur 25 years of age or younger)
• Woman-Owned Business 
• Veteran-Owned Business
• Historically Underutilized Business
• Business or Organization (10 or fewer employees)
• Business or Organization (11 to 50 employees)
• Business or Organization (51 or more employees)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2026 Business. Well Crafted. Awards. The deadline to submit nominations is Sept. 30, 2026. 

Business. Well Crafted. Awards 
 

Committee Members (All members are appointed at-large by the Hickory City Council)

Bianca Carter, Chair
Bill Roberts, Vice Chair
Jeff Gnaidek
Grace McLaurin
Jeff Neuville
Gina Shell
Alicia Wilfong
 

Other Attendees:

CVCC Small Business Center Director - Chris Reese
The Chamber of Catawba County President & CEO - Lindsay Keisler
Hickory Downtown Development Association - Amy Fauquet
Catawba County EDC - Nathan Huret and Kimberly Propst
Small Business Technology Development Center - Anna Jackson
 

City Staff Liaison

Business Development Director David Leonetti
dleonetti@hickorync.gov
(828) 323-7422 

Rules and Bylaws