The Objectives of the Hickory Hound 2025

 

 

 

The original objectives of the Hickory Hound:

The Objectives of the Hickory Hound

In 2008, we kicked this off because Hickory deserved better—and we were tired of waiting for someone else to step up. We jumped on the internet early, trying to get people talking and working together, not just complaining. In Hickory, Seventeen years on, tech’s moved in and money’s been spent, but we’re not done. This isn’t about grand promises or picking fights; it’s about figuring out what works and getting it done for everybody. Here’s where we’re at now.

 

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The Objectives of the Hickory Hound – Evolved for 2025

 

1.  Democracy grows when everyone has a seat at the table—not just the loudest voices. In 2008, we saw the internet as a megaphone; now, it’s a network—X, facebook, forums, apps—where ideas can spark and spread. Let’s use it to connect Hickory’s diverse minds—tech workers, families, retirees—building a community that listens, shares, and comes together for solutions, not just debates.
2. To shape an economy that lifts everyone. Hickory’s tech boom—Google, Apple, Trivium—is a solid start, but growth shouldn’t leave gaps. We’ll push for a clear identity: a hub of innovation that trains workers for new jobs, nurtures startups alongside giants, and ties our location and affordability into a magnet for opportunity. Solutions mean practical steps—partnerships for skills programs, not just press releases.
3. To guide government toward efficiency and openness. The $40 million bond fueled trails and gateways—Hickory’s shown it can commit to projects. But downtown’s only a win if it becomes a true hub of tech, residences, and commerce—something we’ve chased for 50 years without fully landing. Maybe it’s starting now, but we can’t keep pouring funds there while blighted areas fester. Let’s push for schools ready for tomorrow, taxes that fuel growth without strain, and regulations that are streamlined. Transparency means showing where the money’s going and meetings that welcome real input—serving all of Hickory, not just the fortunate.
4. To design a functionally denser Hickory designed with flow and energy in mind. Sprawl slows us down—literally and figuratively. Downtown’s mixed-use projects and the Hickory Trail may end up being steps forward; but that depends on the follow through. We have the trails. Will people use them? Is there a reason for people to use them? Is it convenient to use them? Is there access to services, business, and commerce built into them? Have the trail network accommodate bikes and other alternative personal transit. Have people actually use the buses. It’s not about fantasy—it’s a bridge to alternatives, knowing gas, coal, and oil keep things running while we build towards new realities. Why not solar panels and small-scale wind turbines built into neighborhood infrastructure. Construction today shapes tomorrow; let’s make it practical and efficient.
5. To knit a stronger region with Hickory at the core. The MSA’s 368,000 people are a force—Hickory can lead without overshadowing. Coordinate with Lenoir and Morganton on shared wins: joint infrastructure grants, a regional pitch to businesses, a culture that draws folks in. Leadership isn’t dominance—it’s collaboration that makes us all bigger… The Foothills Corridor. Together Everyone Accomplishes More.
6. To secure Hickory’s fair share from the state. Raleigh’s still playing favorites—DOT funds and tier shifts prove it. We’ll shift from complaints to strategy: team up with county partners, pitch data-driven cases for road upgrades, and tap legal channels if needed. Progress means persistence, not just pointing fingers.
7. To raise the bar for every resident’s life. Tech jobs, art walks, and green spaces are gains—let’s spread them everywhere. Affordable housing that matches growth, schools that spark curiosity and critical thinking skills, and air that’s cleaner year by year. Quality of life is the goal; we’ll propose paths—explore housing co-ops, STEM grants—not just demand it.

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This evolution echoes Harry Hipps’s spark, with the reality of 2025’s nudge. Harry lit a fire in 2008. Sometimes a flame dies down for a while, but as long as a flickering ember remains, you can still rebuild the fire.

 From the start, The Hickory Hound worked to build—pioneering social media when it was new terrain. Facing us were skeptics and behind us were grumblers who never had our back. We pressed forward with tangible goals—economic growth, responsive government, a vibrant city—surrounded by folks who never saw the vision.

Now, we’ve seen Hickory shift: tech’s here, trails have been built... Leadership’s tried, with tools like Neighborhood College, yet ‘X’ hints that many still feel unheard. That’s not the point anymore. We’re not here to dwell on the past—we’re here to roll up our sleeves, spot what’s next, and make it happen. Are we better off than 17 years ago? Why ask? Yesterday’s gone. Why answer? The future is ahead. We can’t change yesterday, but we can change tomorrow.

This is about solutions, not showdowns. Share your ideas, challenge these, build on them—let’s move Hickory forward, together. My Pappaw and Great Grand Daddy were railmen… Get onboard… Let’s go for a ride!