City of Hickory and Lenoir Rhyne University host CORE Hackathon to advance outdoor recreation economy
The City of Hickory, in partnership with Lenoir‑Rhyne University, Alexander County, Lake Hickory Pub & Marina, and regional collaborators, hosted the inaugural Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) Hackathon on April 20. The event brought together students, community leaders, and industry partners to generate innovative concepts that support the continued growth of Hickory’s outdoor recreation economy.
Designed to connect student talent with real‑world opportunities, the CORE Hackathon challenged participants to apply skills in marketing, innovation, and strategy to issues that influence the region’s future. Students gained hands‑on experience while contributing ideas with potential long‑term impact.
The multi‑day event began April 17 with a kickoff session at the Broyhill Entrepreneurship Center on Lenoir‑Rhyne’s campus. Student teams collaborated over several days to refine their concepts before delivering final pitch presentations during a culminating competition and networking event on April 20 at Lake Hickory Pub & Marina. Finalists presented their proposals to a panel of judges and community stakeholders.
Participants focused on advancing opportunities within the outdoor recreation sector—a growing priority for economic development across Hickory and surrounding communities. The hackathon encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing students from business, marketing, and other fields to develop actionable, community‑centered ideas.
In addition to valuable practical experience, students produced portfolio‑ready work that can strengthen future internship and employment prospects.
The CORE Hackathon further reinforces the strong partnership between Lenoir‑Rhyne University and the City of Hickory while highlighting the importance of Alexander County and Lake Hickory within the region’s outdoor recreation ecosystem. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to aligning academic learning with community needs and regional economic goals.
CORE challenged teams to develop a marketing execution plan promoting Hickory’s October 2027 outdoor recreation event, which will showcase the area’s natural assets, including Lake Hickory, the Hickory Trail system, and the region’s expanding network of mountain biking trails.
Judges praised the depth and quality of the student proposals, noting that each presentation included concepts that could be integrated into the final event plan. One team mapped potential 5K and river‑float routes using existing infrastructure and developed a strategic alignment matrix connecting their proposal to both Hickory’s CORE plan and Alexander County’s 2045 goals. Another created a systems model aimed at sustaining repeat student engagement with outdoor recreation. A third team presented first‑year financial projections, phased marketing timelines, and diversified revenue strategies. These were not simply student projects—they were professional‑level business proposals.
Hackathon winner Lauren Arnold, an LR student-athlete studying business and corporate communications, captured the event’s intent succinctly, noting in her presentation, “The concept event turns Lake Hickory into more than a view. It turns it into an experience.” Her message reflects the value of providing students with opportunities to work on real challenges for real partners—experiences that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone.
Special thanks to the Lenoir-Rhyne University College of Business and Economics for hosting the hackathon and funding the prizes for competition winners.
CORE brings together local outdoor businesses and community partners to leverage recreation assets for tourism, small business growth, improved quality of life, and infrastructure development, while positioning the region to attract outdoor gear manufacturing. For more information about CORE, visit www.hickorync.gov/creating-outdoor-recreation-economies.