The 2023 award recipients are: Brian Bixby, Tucker Cranford, Tanner Greene, Rachel Heck, Ashley Jones, Jesssica Ledford, Tracy Moss, Brandon Pope, Victoria Schronce & Jamie White. The Hickory Young Professionals (HYP) was established in 2008 to provide young professionals in the Greater Hickory Metro Area an opportunity to excel professionally, socially, and economically. This initiative was a recommendation of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber recognized the economic impact of engaged, young professionals on the region and the need to retain existing and attract new, young professionals to the area. Local business sponsors include Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs P.A., the City of Hickory and The Chamber of Catawba County. Nominees for the Top 10 Under 40 awards must be younger than 40. They must be employed in and live in Catawba, Caldwell, Burke or Alexander counties and must be involved in and showcase their leadership in community activities in addition to excelling in their career. The Selection Committee is comprised of non-eligible community leaders from various sectors in and around the Hickory Metro Region. Following the selection process, the Selection Committee releases the results to the Hickory Young Professionals organization. We are excited to welcome, Guest Speaker, Cody Hopper, who grew up in Catawba County, and has now become and accomplished Owner of Chick-Fil-A in Fayetteville. He provides local ownership of a meaningful brand and strives to become the most CARING company in Fayetteville by “Winning Hearts Everyday.” He is a true example of what it means to lead with heart, and we are happy to have him joining us for this event!

Back to Photo List

Home