Morganton, N.C., has a rich legacy in textile manufacturing and innovation. But like so many rural American communities, the manufacturing jobs that once sustained the local economy have waned, leaving many in the area challenged to find employment that offers a living wage.
In 2015, The Industrial Commons (TIC) was born in the heart of Morganton to help rebuild a working class and revitalize its textile economy. Founded by individuals who understood and appreciated the unique beauty of the region, TIC aimed to reinvigorate the local economy by fostering new business models to address the challenges of job loss and economic decline.