Carolina Business Review

Whether we call it a recession or not, many Americans are certainly financially stressed due to sky high inflation. For this episode, we gathered a panel of economists to talk through what's happening and what's coming down the pipeline. They weigh in on whether companies in cities like Charlotte will ever get employees back into the office. Also, why aren't school districts addressing the serious learning loss our children suffered during the pandemic? Our panel says money is not the issue. Panelists: Nicholas J. Hill, PhD, (Dean) Professor of Economics, School of Business, Claflin University Laura Ulrich, PhD, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Joseph C. Von Nessen, Ph.D., Research Economist, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina John Connaughton, Ph.D., Professor of Financial Economics, Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

Should the government cancel some student loan debt? That’s been a hot topic since President Biden announced his proposal to forgive up to $20,000 for people who meet certain criteria. UNC Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz says something needs to be done, but there are many unanswered questions. Other topics include: inflation and how universities balance a diversity of viewpoints. Panelists: Sarah House, Senior Economist, Wells Fargo Terik Tidwell, Director of Inclusive Innovation, VentureWell, NC IDEA's Black Entrepreneurship Council

Covid-19 has been devastating but UNC Health CEO Dr. Wesley Burks says it has also pushed health care workers to achieve what we once thought was impossible. In this episode of Carolina Business Review, Dr. Burks talks about the lessons learned from the pandemic and why he believes Medicaid expansion is vital for North Carolina. Panelists: Kevin J. Price, President and CEO, National Institute of Minority Economic Development Joe Waters, Co-Founder and CEO, Capita

Many Gen Zers and younger millennials are looking to buy their first homes, but there are many factors working against them. Todd Hall, the President and CEO of Truliant Federal Credit Union says the younger generations are "shocked" at the obstacles that are keeping them from becoming homeowners. We also discuss how some people were not prepared for the price hikes caused by inflation, a possible recession on the horizon, the midterm elections and gun control. Panelists: Anna Beavon Gravely, Executive Director, NCFREE Antjuan Seawright, Founder, CEO, Blueprint Strategy

Gun violence is a problem that keeps our leaders up at night. It’s just one of the many topics we discussed with a panel of Carolina mayors. They talk about about engaging members of the community to solve some of our most divisive issues. And while some think our economy may be headed for a recession, our mayors say planning and economic diversity make us uniquely positioned to weather a downturn. Other topics include: affordable housing and growth. Panelists: Mayor Vi Lyles, Charlotte, NC Mayor Dan Rickenmann, Columbia, SC Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin, Raleigh, NC Mayor Teresa Myers Ervin, Florence, SC

Carolina Business Review was on location at the SC Ports Authority for a special episode on transportation and infrastructure. We talked to the new CEO Barbara Melvin and the newly retired CEO Jim Newsome about several issues facing the ports right now: the supply chain, the on-going labor dispute and cruise ship changes. Other panelists joining the dialogue: SC Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey SC Transportation Secretary Christy Hall SC Representative Bill Sandifer

South Carolina has a budget surplus like it has never seen: nearly $6 billion more than the state was expecting going into fiscal year 2022-2023. Other topics include: the deal that fell through between Carolina Panthers’ owner David Tepper and York County, South Carolina, inflation and its impact on consumer behavior, the budget surpluses in both Carolinas, as well as Medicaid expansion and potential tax cuts. Panelists: Bob Morgan, President and CEO, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Pat Kahle, President and CEO, Union County Chamber

Our panel of insiders talk about the debate around gun safety measures, and how the current labor shortage could lead to changes to the hiring process. Panelists: Christopher Chung, CEO, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Susie Shannon, President and CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness Donald Thompson, CEO and Founder, The Diversity Movement Sara Fawcett, President and CEO, United Way of the Midlands

The State Employees’ Credit Union operates in every single county in North Carolina, and its reach is only getting bigger. In this episode of Carolina Business Review, Jim Hayes, the President and CEO of the SECU talks about the future of credit unions including adding small business loans and possibly person-to-person payments.

Everyone is talking about the Federal Reserve recently raising its benchmark rate by a half-point. In this edition of the Carolina Business Review we discuss the delicate balance between trying to curb inflation and avoiding a recession. We also examine the Baby Boomer generation's connection to the labor shortage.

From affordable housing to flooding issues, racial equity and growth, we talk to the Mayor of one of South Carolina's fastest growing cities. Panelists: Patrick Woodie, President, NC Rural Center Karen Riordan, President and CEO, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

In this executive profile of former South Carolina Governor, David Beasley, we talk about winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the United Nations World Food Programme, the power of food in international negotiations and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In this special episode, we talk with the tourism chiefs for North Carolina and South Carolina about how high gas prices, Covid-19 and international issues could impact summer travel. Special guests: Duane Parrish, Director, SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism Wit Tuttell, Executive Director, Visit NC

How will rising inflation and interest rates affect us in the Carolinas? Other topics include consumer spending and the upcoming tourist season, geo-political issues and preparing our workforce for jobs of the future. Panelists: Peter Gwaltney, President and CEO, NC Bankers Association Ted Pitts, President and CEO, Wilson Kibler Commercial Real Estate

The pandemic has had a significant impact on health care. Dr. Tunde Sotunde, President and CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina joins us to talk about that and other issues including the racial disparity in health care and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. PANELISTS Leslie Boney, Director, Institute for Emerging Issues Carl Blackstone, President and CEO, Columbia Chamber

This executive panel examines the impact of social justice issues and how diversity, equity and inclusion is good for business. Panelists: Lynn Good, Duke Energy James Sills, M&F Bank Lou Kennedy, Nephron Ward Nye, Martin Marietta

Topics include: How HBCUs are connecting students with business, the cost of higher education, changes since COVID, the competitive advantage of Bennett's 'smallness' and changes in the region's urban cores. Panelists Holly Childs, President and CEO, Wilmington Downtown LLC John McDonough, City Manager, Greenville South Carolina

On this edition of Carolina Business Review topics include: inflation, supply chain, transparency in healthcare pricing, and the budget surplus. Panelists Tony Mecia, Editor, Charlotte Ledger Peter Brews, Dean, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

This Executive Profile looks at the new opportunities for South Carolina's business community. Topics include infrastructure, transportation, transparency, broadband and more.

In this Executive Profile with Tom Barkin, President and CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond we look at the economy now and in the future, from inflation and supply backlogs, to labor shortages and real estate.