Carolina Business Review

Business is booming in the Carolinas. Companies are investing here more than ever. So, how does record economic development factor square with recession fears? And why a salary boost might not be enough to keep teachers in the classroom. Insiders panel: Sara Fawcett, President & CEO, United Way of the Midlands Tony Mecia, Editor, The Charlotte Ledger Susie Shannon, President & CEO, SC Council on Competitiveness Patrick Woodie, President & CEO, NC Rural Center

CLT is undergoing a major transformation, but even after all of the projects are complete, construction could continue. Also, bleisure is the latest buzzword in travel, but what is it and why is it changing the way the airport operates?

Your favorite seaside restaurant could be closed a couple of days a week or your hotel room might not be cleaned every day on vacation because there are still so many open hospitality jobs in the Carolinas. Our tourism insiders also discuss 'over tourism' and how it is impacting our favorite places to visit.

As more businesses move toward making belonging a part of their framework for more reasons than compliance, we take a closer look at the evolution of diversity, equity and inclusion.

The episode unpacks an often overlooked and underutilized segment of the Carolina economy, our Veterans. We also talk about Fort Bragg, a post that has hosted millions of soldiers, being rebranded as Fort Liberty.

Beth Wood runs North Carolina’s watchdog agency. As the State Auditor, it’s her job to make sure our government is operating in an honest and transparent way. Wood holds herself accountable as well. In this episode, Wood speaks openly about the hit and run she pleaded guilty to earlier this year. We also talk about the benefits and risks that come with Medicaid expansion.

What does the future of education look like with artificial intelligence like ChatGpt? NC State Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson says A.I. will be a disruptor, but not in a bad way. In this episode, Dr. Woodson explains how students are already using the technology. He also believes that A.I. won’t replace human workers, but it will help them make more breakthroughs and fewer errors. Plus, NC State's new Artificial Intelligence Academy is among the first of its kind. Other topics: NC State’s strategic growth plan and how it aligns to the state’s critical workforce needs, why Dr. Woodson gave back nearly all of the $1.7 million bonus he got last year and the special efforts NC State makes to help veterans and their families with their education.

When Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank failed, it triggered fear, uncertainty and a lot of finger pointing. We gathered a panel of banking experts to talk through what happened, regulation and the impact of the Federal Reserve interest rate changes. Panelists: James Sills, President and CEO, M&F Bank Peter Gwaltney, President and CEO, NC Bankers Association Fred L. Green, III, President and CEO, SC Bankers Association Robert Hartwig, PhD, Director, Risk and Uncertainty Management Center, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Mental health issues are a bigger part of business conversations lately and for good reason. Since the pandemic, the number of people who say they have experienced mental and behavioral health issues has skyrocketed. In this episode, Tim Arnold talks about where he’s seeing the impact and how the business community can - and should - have in shaping solutions.

From museums and aquariums to state parks and symphonies, Reid Wilson manages many of the things we love most about North Carolina. As the Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, it’s his job to promote all of the wonderful things to do and see in our state. In this conversation, Wilson talks about how a thriving arts scene and connections to nature are also important parts of bringing business into North Carolina.

North Carolina’s treasurer says the state’s largest healthcare companies are cartels disguised as non-profits. Why is the state’s chief banker going after healthcare CEOs? Dale Folwell explains why he’s so passionate about the issue, especially when it comes to rural healthcare.

Visit most Carolina beaches and you’ll see Shibumi Shades billowing in the sea breeze. The company founded in North Carolina by two brothers and a friend has been a smashing success. Co-founder Dane Barnes says they're working on expanding the brand to enhance the beach experience. We also talk with him about why the Grand Strand is one of only two beach areas in the nation that don't allow Shibumi Shades.. yet.

To help underperforming schools we first need to change the way we define them. North Carolina’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Catherine Truitt explains why the current system isn’t a fair way to evaluate what our students need. She also says we don't have enough young people interested in education and the way we attract and compensate teachers needs to change.

High Point University bills itself as “The Premier Life Skills University,” but what exactly does that mean? HPU President Dr. Nido Qubein explains how his school’s approach to higher education prepares young people for success. He also pushes back against critics who say HPU is too posh. Dr. Qubein says his graduates are uniquely qualified to compete on the global stage.

We gathered our panel of insiders again for their vision on what's happening in businesses across the Carolinas. In this episode, we talk about distrust. It is now society’s default emotion. That’s what the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer found. How did we get here? And what can we do to get back to a place where we can give each other the benefit of the doubt? Panelists: Christopher Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Sara Fawcett, President and CEO, United Way of the Midlands Susie Shannon, President and CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness Donald Thompson, CEO and Founder, The Diversity Movement

We’ve gathered together our panel of insiders, leaders who know what’s happening in businesses across the Carolinas and who have insight on what’s coming down the pipeline. In this episode, we talk about child care issues keeping a big chunk of the workforce sitting on the sidelines. Why aren’t business leaders and politicians paying more attention to it? Also, the impact of inflation on giving. And, if there is a recession, could the Carolinas be protected from the worst of it? Panelists: Christopher Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Sara Fawcett, President and CEO, United Way of the Midlands Susie Shannon, President and CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness Donald Thompson, CEO and Founder, The Diversity Movement

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Kody Kinsley says the state is leaving $8 billion on the table by not expanding Medicaid. Is this the year it will finally get done? Also, the lessons learned from COVID-19 and the mental health crisis in our justice system.

Are we in a recession? Tom Barkin, the President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond says no. He says the actions that companies are taking do not indicate a recession is imminent. Barkin also takes a deep dive into how we reached this housing market and where we go from here. We spoke with Mr. Barkin before the blackout period when Federal Reserve staff does not speak publicly.

We asked our panel of economists what they predict for 2023. They agree the job market will get even tighter, the housing market will get increasingly difficult but they have different bottom line predictions on whether we will go into a recession.

The competition for skilled workers is fierce. Where are we going to find all of the talented people companies need to fill critical positions? The solution is part recruiting, part training, and South Carolina's Technical College System is a big part of it. Panelists: Brian Etheridge, President, Leadership North Carolina Carlos Phillips, President and CEO, Greenville Chamber of Commerce