We’re working together to strengthen our community, our economy, and all the people who power it.
Charles Tanner Operating Polyester Ply Twister, 1955, Gastonia, North Carolina Digital Heritage Center
Our Mission in Morganton
The Industrial Commons (TIC) is based in Morganton, North Carolina, a vibrant town with a population of roughly 17,000 in Western North Carolina.
Like many rural American communities, ours faces significant challenges. The manufacturing jobs that once sustained our local economy have dwindled, leaving a gap. Despite the availability of jobs today, many in our area struggle to find employment that offers a livable wage.
However, we hold a deep-rooted optimism and a conviction that positive change is possible. We are driven by the vision of revitalizing our rural economy to be inclusive and supportive of families from all backgrounds. We are committed to a comprehensive strategy aimed at creating an economic ecosystem where businesses are interconnected and mutually supportive. As a nonprofit, we focus on launching and nurturing community-owned, for-profit businesses. These enterprises not only contribute to a vibrant local economy but also engage in a cycle of mutual support and reinvestment, enhancing the overall resilience and prosperity of our community.
Since our founding in 2015, we’ve launched four community-owned businesses, creating quality jobs in our community.
We’ve supported more than 2,500 workers through our collaborative, member-led network of textile manufacturers and workplace development programs. We’ve converted businesses to employee ownership, provided training and arts-based programming to thousands of youth, and managed and invested over $15 million worth of grants into our region’s economy. We’ve also developed a Rural Wealth Blueprint that is changing the face of our community and informing others.
Through our array of initiatives, we’re helping build democratic workplaces for the workers of today and equipping the next generation with the skills and opportunities needed to prosper—well beyond the factory floor.
Our Rural Wealth Blueprint
We’re advancing the power of workers to support a future for all. We reach workers strategically, based on our Theory of Change: Give. Teach. Own. Organize. Transform.
Our theory of change captured in the art below is by one of our staff members, Bob.
Give
We give workers high quality, well-paying jobs with voice, agency and dignity.
Teach
We teach workers how to be successful in their jobs.
Own
We incubate and support community-owned enterprises.
Organize
We organize industrial sectors to bring companies together for collective strength and resiliency.
Transform
We drive economic opportunity and spur locally rooted wealth to transform our community.
Our Story
We started with a clear vision: to improve workers’ livelihoods and root wealth in local communities.
Grounded in the firsthand knowledge of leadership from the factory floor, we've been at the forefront of cultivating community-owned ventures and initiatives tailored to enhance resilience, empowerment, and environmental stewardship in the business sector. Our method stands apart as it capitalizes on our regional strengths, orchestrating collaborations that lead to sustainable outcomes for all facets of industry.
Our journey since inception has been remarkable, marked by the successful establishment of community-owned enterprises and expansive support initiatives that have made a profound impact on our community. These efforts underscore our commitment to spearheading a cooperative economic model that revitalizes our region from the inside out, serving as an example for communities nationwide seeking sustainable and inclusive economic solutions.
What We Do
We bring our values to life by fostering the growth of community-owned businesses and cooperatives. Our approach includes financial support through the Capital for the Commons loan fund and the Land for the Commons development initiative. These resources provide start-up co-ops with the initial capital they need, setting in motion a cycle that supports new and existing projects within our ecosystem.
We further support these ventures, and others, with a comprehensive range of programs aligned with our core values, aimed at ensuring long-term success. Our initiatives extend to workforce development and training, offering opportunities for community members, students, and young workers to engage actively in shaping a promising future for labor. Our educational programs span traditional regional industries experiencing revival, such as sewing and upholstery, alongside essential skills like workplace management and bookkeeping. We also guide businesses through the transition to worker ownership, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive economic landscape.
Our Team
Our team is composed of many former frontline workers, each with a profound connection to our region.
Our optimism runs deep. We see ourselves as the architects of our future, and an example of the potential in rural communities. We believe in forging a just and equitable future for all workers, not just in our region but everywhere.
Our Funders and Partners
This work would not be possible without the support and sponsorship of our generous funding partners.
Many have been allies and collaborators along the way. We are so grateful for their support and friendship.
