Bottom Line: Triangle

It's election season, and North Carolina voters and business owners are focused on pocketbook issues. On this episode of the the Bottom Line Triangle podcast, Gary Salamido of the North Carolina Chamber and Jason Husser of the Elon Poll discuss what's topping the list of concerns across the state: inflation, housing and childcare, the property tax amendment on the November ballot, permitting reform, and why data centers have become one of the most contentious questions in economic development.

Then, Blue Cross NC Chief Strategy Officer Arif Khan joins TBJ's Zac Ezzone to talk about the insurer's plan to make healthcare easier for consumers to access and navigate.

Wealth is pouring into North Carolina as people flee the more expensive Northeast and West Coast. This episode, featuring TBJ editors and a special guest from the UNC Kenan Flagler Business School, will explain where in the Triangle that wealth is landing — and what it means for our growing economy.

As the Triangle grows, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is racing to stay ahead of it — replacing a runway, expanding Terminal 2 and chasing new international routes. In this episode, we hear from three transportation and tourism leaders about what's coming to RDU, how the airport lands new nonstop flights, and where North Carolina's record-setting tourism sector goes from here.

On May 1, WakeMed announced its intention to merge with Atrium Health of Charlotte. As health care grows more expensive and complex, WakeMed believes this is the right course of action to ensure its future. But not everyone is convinced. In this episode, we'll hear from two guests who will break down the deal and address both the timeline and concerns about a transaction that has major implications for health care in Wake County.

Raleigh's Dix Park is having a breakout year. Three local leaders — Dix Park Conservancy CEO Kate Pearce, Stacey Buescher, EVP of commercial operations for Kane Realty; and Raleigh City Council member Jonathan Lambert-Melton — unpack how the remake of the park is driving real estate development, attracting visitors and enhancing the downtown connection. Plus, Blue Cross NC Vice President Roy Watson explains Carolina HealthWorks, a chamber-backed plan aimed at bringing affordable coverage to small businesses statewide.

The impact of the Carolina Hurricanes' success extends beyond hotel occupancy reports and restaurant receipts. In this bonus episode of Bottom Line Triangle, the CEO of Hurricanes Holding, the North Carolina Secretary of Commerce and the former president of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce talk about the ripple effects of the Canes Stanley Cup run on the greater Triangle's brand as both an economic development destination and one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S.

Links:

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/06/02/carolina-hurricanes-raleigh-economic-impact.ht…

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/06/01/raleigh-carolina-hurricanes-polar-ice-hockey-r…

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/04/02/lenovo-center-renovation-updates-canes-wolfpac…

The latest episode of Bottom Line Triangle delves into a subject that should resonate not only with restaurants, retailers and those in the hospitality industry, but also with North Carolina consumers: the business of alcohol. Three guests join us as we chat about Triangle drinking trends, generational shifts and the latest local taste preferences — all of which are providing both challenges and opportunities for local establishments.

The spring selling season is in high gear across the Triangle. In this episode of Bottom Line Triangle, we offer a lively discussion with three residential real estate experts who share insights and forecasts on the trends that buyers, sellers and anyone interested in the local housing market should be watching in 2026.

In this episode of Bottom Line Triangle, three guests join Sougata Mukherjee in a wide-ranging discussion of the biggest sports topics in the region, including the state of the golf industry, the chances of Raleigh attracting Major League Baseball or Major League Soccer, and the impact of transfer portals and NIL dollars on university recruitment and success. The TBJ team also gives a behind-the-scenes look into how a small Wake County town put itself on the map as a pharmaceutical powerhouse.

For more on these stories:

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/07/10/raleigh-mlb-expansion-team-franchise-tom-dundon.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/subscriber-only/2025/04/25/here-are-the-triangles-priciest-private-golf-courses.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2025/11/04/nc-football-club-malik-raleigh-stadium-usl-league.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/02/05/holly-springs-biotech-hub-amgen-fujifilm-genentech.html

In this episode of Bottom Line Triangle, Kane Realty founder John Kane discusses what's on tap for the ever-expanding North Hills district in Raleigh, including the latest plans for density and connectivity. He also shares his vision and timeline for Downtown South, the major gateway project that includes a new stadium. The TBJ team also dives into data on Triangle area wages, including some surprising stats from outlying counties. Finally, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC Foundation president Colleen Briggs details programs and initiatives designed to reduce the downstream effects of chronic conditions impacting the state's rising health care costs.

For more on these stories:

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/02/05/kane-realty-cary-apartments-development-restaurant.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/01/20/kane-realty-north-hills-rezoning-building-height.html

https://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2026/01/08/north-carolina-wages-counties-economic-development.html