INFO ABOUT THE WEEKEND
Realistically, making the next leap in your career is you and your family's first priority.
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​The Hickory Metro has an abundance of great career opportunities to consider as you and your family transition from active duty. We want to make sure you know about these opportunities.
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But along with the serious task of interviewing for your next opportunity, each "Welcome Home" Weekend always has to include some fun for you and your family to enjoy as well.​​​
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The agenda for the October 19-20th event is not set yet, but please see a previous agenda and information from our recent April 2018 event.
THE BASICS
Hotel Accomodations
Complimentary 1-night stay at
Hampton Inn-Hickory
(ROOM BLOCK WILL OPEN AUG. 15)
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*Your credit card will be necessary to hold a room, but Welcome Home will pay the final bill.
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Transportation
$50 Sheetz Gas Card (upon leaving) + transportation provided to all activities
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Child Care
Provided by the YMCA of Catawba Valley for the first 2 hours of the Hiring Event
(separate liability form will be provided)
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WEEKEND AGENDA (will August 30)
Friday, October 19
1:00 - 6:00PM
Welcome Packet Pickup @
Hampton Inn - Hickory
2:00 - 5:00PM
Optional Excursions (transportation provided)
Descriptions provided at bottom of page
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6:30 - 8:30PM
Welcome Celebration @
Rock Barn Country Club & Spa
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Saturday, October 20
7:00 - 9:00AM
Breakfast provided at hotel
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8:00 - 11:30AM
NC4ME Hiring Event @
Hickory Metro Convention Center
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8:00 -10:00AM
Childcare provided by YMCA @
Hickory Metro Convention Center
9:00 - 11:00AM
Local Resources Fair @
Hickory Metro Convention Center
10:00 - 12:00PM
Family Fun @
Catawba Science Center
For kids/spouses not participating in the Hiring Event
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12:00PM
Welcome Home-organized activities end,
participants may either stay or head home
Friday, October 19
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Craft Beer & Distillery Experience
(Limited to 25)
One thing we take very seriously in Western NC is craft beer. During this excursion, we'll tour and taste at 2 local brewers, Olde Hickory Brewery and Blowing Rock Brewing. Oh yeah, and who doesn't like bourbon? Our final stop will be Foothills Distillery, who manufactures, bottles and distributes Seventeen Twelve Southern Spirits.
Saturday, October 20
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Family Fun Excursion
(Limited to 50)
Enjoy some family time during this fun, yet educational visit to the Catawba Science Center. This unique science technology children's museum offers hands-on exhibits, salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater.
Sports Fanatics Excursion
(Limited to 25)
During this experience, guests will swing for the fences and take batting practice on the field of LP Frans Stadium, home of single A baseball team, the Hickory Crawdads. The tour will end with a look at a local hidden gem, Paramount Classic Cars Museum.
Aerial Adventures on the Lake Excursion
(At Capacity; must be 5 years old, minimum reach of 46", flat-footed)
Test your agility and balance enjoying 50 games and obstacles including Nepalese tightropes, crab walks, swinging logs and more at Treetop Adventures on Lake Hickory, one of the largest outdoor adventures courses in the entire state. Be sure to end your afternoon riding a zipline across a lake cove.