Burke Development, Inc.

05/27/2026

What was once the home of Drexel Furniture in Burke County, North Carolina, is now a 100-acre, pad-ready industrial site, which is positioned to help attract manufacturing, investment, and opportunity back to the heart of the Drexel community.

With Norfolk Southern rail access, utilities already in place, and immediate proximity to U.S. 70 and I-40, the site is uniquely positioned for modern manufacturing growth in Burke County.

This article highlights the vision and momentum behind the Drexel Industrial Park project, which has been the result of a collaborative partnership between Burke Development, Inc., and the Town of Drexel.

You can also learn more about the Drexel Industrial Site by visiting our website:

https://lnkd.in/eUgkFnYv

Now that grading has been completed at Drexel's 100-acre industrial site, Town Manager Bill Carroll and Burke Development Inc.'s Brandon Ruppe provide insight into how they will market the site

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms. Their courage, service, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

From our team at BDI, we wish you a meaningful and safe Memorial Day as we remember those who gave everything. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Big things are happening in Burke County. 👏

This is another great example of how Burke Works - - - supporting business growth at every level, from startups to major industries. 🧡

Developers Matt Schulte and Mike Folz broke ground on the Romarco Road Business Park in Morganton, a new development designed to provide affordable, flexible commercial space for small businesses and

05/19/2026

Few companies weave together innovation, artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship quite like Valdese Weavers. 🧵✨

Looking at all of these stunning textures, colors, and patterns feels like flipping through a world-class design gallery, yet it’s all being created right here in Burke County, NC. As a 100% employee-owned company founded in 1915 by Waldensian settlers from Northern Italy, Valdese Weavers has spent more than a century blending fine craftsmanship with bold innovation and global design leadership.

Today, their fabrics and designs reach products around the world through multiple brands, cutting-edge manufacturing, and one of the most prolific design studios anywhere; all while remaining committed to responsible manufacturing and minimizing their environmental impact.

We are incredibly grateful to have a company with this level of creativity, vision, and legacy calling Burke County home. 👏

05/18/2026

************************PLEASE READ***************

We thank everyone for the very kind comments that we have received on the new hangar! We learned a lot from the first weekend, and we will be constantly improving our operations to make the visitor experience as great as we can.

Hours:
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: 1pm - 5pm

Admission Charge:
12 and Under: Free
Seniors 65+: Free
Active Duty Military/Veterans: Free
Teens/Adults (13-64): $10.00

Tour Groups: MUST BE SCHEDULED IN ADVANCE. Visit the museum website, www.hickoryaviationmuseum.org and fill out a tour request form. There is no admission charge for pre-approved groups.

Restaurant: The Museum has NO association with the space that is available on the top floor of the building. The space remains available for a restauranteur to open up an eating establishment with the most spectacular view in Hickory! Please contact The City of Hickory.

General Aviation: There is no airport taxiway to the new building, we are just a tenant at the airfield and have no control over that. Aircraft have to park on the transient ramp at the former terminal building or at the FBO and ask for a ride over at the FBO. With our staffing, we are unable to provide ride service. Rideshare is also an alternative.

05/07/2026

BDI is proud to celebrate one of Burke County’s own during National Small Business Week!

Congratulations to J&M Memorials of Connelly Springs on being recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration North Carolina District Office as North Carolina’s Manufacturer of the Year!

This incredible recognition reflects the hard work, craftsmanship, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit of Matthew and Josephine Shoaf and the entire J&M Memorials team. Their commitment to excellence continues to make a lasting impact not only in Burke County, but across North Carolina.

Burke County is fortunate to be home to innovative manufacturers and small businesses like J&M Memorials that help drive our economy, create jobs, and strengthen our community every day.

Please join us in congratulating J&M Memorials on this well deserved honor! 👏🇺🇸

J&M Memorials U.S. Small Business Administration The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

04/30/2026

A “nacho average” opportunity to connect with careers in early childhood education.

Join WPCC on May 5 from 4–6 PM to meet local providers, explore programs, and learn more about this growing field.

04/22/2026

Help shape the next generation of Burke County’s workforce.

OPT-IN is looking for community mentors to support local students through hands-on, paid internships. It’s a simple commitment with a direct impact.

Sign up today.

04/14/2026

Innovative Outfitters is stepping up in a big way, and bringing statewide attention to Burke County manufacturing.

As the Charlotte Hornets push toward the playoffs, Innovative Outfitters is working around the clock to meet demand, demonstrating the speed, flexibility, and capability of our local industry.

Thanks, Business North Carolina for highlighting the work happening right here at home.

The Charlotte Hornets’ are playing in the NBA Play-in Tournament this week, providing a chaotic boost to a Burke County business that can make a lot of T-shirts in a hurry. Innovative Outfitters learned at 10 p.m. Sunday that it needed to print 21,000 T-shirts and have them ready before the Hornet...