Catawba County Economic Development Corp.

?? Big Moves for the Hickory Metro ?? ?? According to United Van Lines’ 48th Annual National Movers Study, the Hickory Metro ranked #9 nationally among all metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) for inbound moves. Even more impressive? We’re 2nd in North Carolina, just behind Wilmington! As Americans increasingly prioritize affordability, proximity to family, and quality of life when deciding where to move, the Hickory Metro's ranking speaks volumes about what makes our community and region special. Whether it’s the charm of our region, the welcoming atmosphere, or the opportunities for families and businesses, more people are choosing to call the Foothills of North Carolina home. ??? #HickoryMetro #PopulationGrowth #UnitedVanLines #TopMSA #QualityOfLife City of Hickory | Catawba County Government | The Chamber of Catawba County | City of Conover | City of Newton | City of Claremont, NC | Town of Maiden | Town of Catawba

?? Made in Catawba: Communications Technology – The Backbone of the Digital World ?? Did you know that Catawba County is home to some of the world's largest producers of fiber optic cables? In fact, two of our largest employers—CommScope (homegrown, by the way) and Corning Optical Communications—are global leaders in the industry, alongside Prysmian, Amphenol, and a powerhouse network of suppliers. ?? Fun Fact: The fiber optics made right here in Catawba County power your internet, streaming, video calls, and even that funny GIF you just sent your friend. But this isn’t just about keeping your Wi-Fi fast. Our local fiber cluster is helping drive: ?? Rural broadband expansion, connecting communities across the country ?? The surge of AI-driven data centers, supporting LLMs, generative AI & cutting edge research and analysis ?? The future of 5G, smart cities, and next-gen communications From your home office to cutting-edge tech hubs worldwide, Catawba County’s fiber industry is quite literally keeping the world connected. #MadeInCatawba #FiberOptics #5G #AI #ConnectedWorld #ManufacturingMatters #CatawbaCounty

In 2023, students across Catawba County’s three public school systems earned 6,375 Career & Technical Education (CTE) credentials and 1,001 concentrations, preparing them for high-demand careers. ? 1,190 industry-valued credentials earned – ensuring real-world skills for real-world jobs ? Top CTE concentrations: Health Science, Human Services, & Agriculture ?????? Catawba County continues to be a state leader in workforce readiness—bridging the gap between education and industry to build a stronger future! ?? #CTE #WorkforceReady #FutureLeaders #CatawbaCounty #CareerEducation #SkillsForSuccess Catawba County Schools | Newton-Conover City Schools | Hickory City Schools | Catawba Valley Community College

Catawba Valley Community College has officially opened the Valley Datacenter Academy, a game-changing initiative supported by Microsoft to train students in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and IT. This hands-on learning lab, equipped with real-world datacenter technology, will prepare the next generation of tech professionals for high-demand careers. This partnership comes as Microsoft continues its historic investment in Catawba County, developing four datacenter sites and bringing over $1 billion of investment into our community. ?? Learn more about this exciting milestone here: https://lnkd.in/e28kqAD4 #CVCC #Microsoft #DatacenterAcademy #TechEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #CatawbaCounty

Our own Nathan Huret has been in Washington, DC the past few days, swapping ideas with economic development pros from around the world. From housing and community marketing to (of course) plenty of federal policy talk, it’s been a deep dive into best practices and lessons learned. Staying sharp as a Certified Economic Developer isn’t just a title—it’s about bringing fresh insights back to our community. #CEcD #iedc International Economic Development Council

Real Impact. Real Progress. At a recent meeting, our Catawba County Economic Development Corp. team had the chance to chat with a #humanresources leader who’s been attending the HKY4Vets Green Zone Corporate Training Series—and it was great to hear how these sessions are helping shape her company’s approach to military and military spouse talent! She’s even moving forward with SHRM’s Veterans at Work Certification, taking her commitment to the next level. There’s still time to join the last two sessions and catch up on past recordings! Our next session (virtual) is Monday, March 3, 1:30-2:30PM, diving into how Affinity Groups/ERGs can help build a military-ready culture. ?? Registration closes Friday, Feb. 28! Sign up now: ?? https://lnkd.in/ezbUa-kP #militarytalent #hky4vets #hireavet #militaryspouse #affinitygroups #erg

Punxsutawney Phil, we need to talk... ????? Who else is ready for some warmer North Carolina weather and outdoor activities in Catawba County? ???? #GroundhogDay #SpringCantComeSoonEnough #MakingLivingBetter Catawba County Government

?? Research 1 (R1) Means… ?? World-class research that pushes boundaries and drives innovation. ?? Cutting-edge discoveries transforming industries and fueling economic growth. ?? Top-tier talent development preparing the workforce of tomorrow. ?? Global recognition as a hub for advancing ideas into real-world solutions. And now, North Carolina has two more! ?? Congratulations to University of North Carolina at Charlotte and East Carolina University on achieving the prestigious R1 status! ?? With UNC Charlotte just an hour from Catawba County, this means greater access to innovation, partnerships, and high-impact talent for our region’s businesses. This is more than a designation—it’s a game-changer for Charlotte's regional economy and future. Read more about this tremendous milestone ?? https://lnkd.in/ernbVQtg #Innovation #UNCCharlotte #ECU #CatawbaCounty #ResearchExcellence

As technology transforms ALL industries, manufacturers especially are embracing Industry 4.0 innovations to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality. From collaborative robots to AI-driven analytics, these advancements are shaping the next era of manufacturing. We want to hear from Hickory Metro manufacturers and industry professionals across the region—which of these technologies do you think will have the biggest impact in the next five years? Vote below, share your insights in the comments, or suggest another game-changing technology we might have missed! ?? #CatawbaCounty #Industry40 #ManufacturingInnovation #SmartManufacturing #Automation #FutureReady

Here are 5 rapid-fire reasons why Catawba County is the ideal spot for businesses looking to grow, expand, or relocate: 1?? Strategic Location & Connectivity – Easy access to 3 interstates, proximity to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (<1 hr), and fast connections to East Coast markets. 2?? Manufacturing Powerhouse – One of the largest concentrations of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., with 400+ manufacturers and growing base of international manufacturers. 3?? Skilled Workforce with Talent Pipelines – Home to Catawba Valley Community College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Appalachian State University, and Catawba Apprenticeship Network, plus programs like HKY4Vets, connecting veterans to local jobs. 4?? Pro-Business Environment – Competitive operating costs (among lowest in US year-in, year-out), business-friendly policies, and local governments known for moving at the speed of business and supporting #economicdevelopment. 5?? An Experienced Economic Development Team – Able to meet the demands of both the world’s largest companies and fast-growing startups (if we do say so ourselves). Why wait? Let’s make Catawba County the next chapter in your success story! Connect with our team today ?? Nathan Huret ([email protected]). #BusinessClimate #EconomicDevelopment #HickoryMetro #ManufacturingHub #SiteSelection