ACE: Accelerating Common Economies
Accelerating Common Economies (ACE) is our way of inviting communities to learn about our work! Whether you're a community leader, student, practitioner, or curious neighbor, our learning experiences offer a firsthand look at how communities can create shared prosperity through local ownership, workforce development, and economic collaboration.
Open House
Curious about The Industrial Commons? Join us for an Open House and learn how we're working to build a stronger, more locally rooted economy.
Choose the experience that works best for you:
Virtual Open House
Explore our work from anywhere through our online Open House experience. You can watch the video right here!
On-Site Open House
Visit the Hopewell Road Campus for a group conversation about our work, followed by a guided campus tour. We'll share an agenda and background materials before your visit so you arrive ready to engage.
Please RSVP ahead of time. One RSVP reserves one spot, and each member of a group should register individually.
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: Maximum of 25 people
Cost: Suggested donation of $25
Target Audience: Anyone interested in our work!
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November 11th, 2026
Tours
Spend a half-day exploring the people, places, and projects that make up The Industrial Commons ecosystem. Tours can be tailored to your group's interests, with opportunities to dive into Circular Economy, Employee Ownership, Hometown Walkabout (cultural organizing), Infrastructure & Development, or a combination of topics.
Through conversation, site visits, and firsthand examples, you'll gain insight into the work of building community wealth and strengthening local economies.
Tours must be scheduled at least three months in advance. Meals can be provided for an additional $15–25 per person, and we partner with local vendors to support small businesses in our community.
Duration: 4 Hours (½ Day)
Group Size: 5–30 People
Cost: Starting at $1,500 per group
Target Audience: Business leaders, workforce development professionals, and employee ownership practitioners.
Immersion Trips
Explore the textile industry through immersive, hands-on learning experiences rooted in circularity, place-based learning, and community wealth building. Through tours, workshops, and conversations with manufacturers, makers, and community leaders, students gain firsthand insight into building a more sustainable and equitable economy.
Each experience is customized to the age, interests, and learning goals of the group.
Immersion Trips must be scheduled at least three months in advance. Some meals/snacks are included with select packages. Additional meals may be added for $15–25 per person, and we partner with local vendors to support small businesses in our community.
Duration: 2-5 Days
Group Size: Up to 15 students
Cost: Starting at $3,500 per group
Target Audience: Middle school, high school, and college students.
ACE Institute
Designed for leaders shaping the future of their communities, the ACE Institute offers a deep dive into place-based economic development and community wealth building. Through site visits, conversations with practitioners, and collaborative learning, participants explore proven strategies for building resilient local economies and leave with practical tools to apply in their own regions. We’re proud to host the ACE Institute in partnership with PODER Emma, and offer simultaneous translation in English & Spanish.
Duration: 4 Days
Group Size: Up to 18 participants
Cost: $400 per person
Target Audience: Economic & community development leaders, policymakers, funders, and practitioners.
Questions? Contact savannah@theindustrialcommons.org.
Contact
Have a question? Looking for a custom event? Interested in learning more about our work or collaborating? Please get in touch through our contact form below. We look forward to connecting with you!
Mailing Address
The Industrial Commons
PO Box 71
Morganton, NC 28680-0071
Physical Location
647 Hopewell Road
Morganton, NC 28655
