We explore the impact of Hurricane Helene on this season, federal policy on hospitality hiring, and foreign travel, new state parks and a deal that will bring more foodies to visit the Carolinas.

Special guests:

Wit Tuttell, Executive Director, Visit NC

Duane Parrish, Director, South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

A look at the biggest issues facing education from teacher pay to executive orders, funding, immigration and more

We talk with leaders from some of the most damaged area about the progress and challenges still ahead.

Jay Karen, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association by Carolina Business Review

Panelists

L. Dean Faile

President and CEO, York County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Vicki Lee Parker High

Executive Director, NC Sustainable Business Council

The Carolina Business Review Insiders tackle some of the most impactful issues facing this region in 2025.

Panelists

Donald Thompson

Founder and CEO, The Diversity Movement

Susie Shannon

President and CEO, SC Competitiveness Council

Sam Konduros

President and CEO, Greenville City Economic Development Corporation

Sarah Hall

Director, Institute for Emerging Issues, NC State University

Panelists

Sarah House

Managing Director, Senior Economist, Wells Fargo

Mark Vitner

Founder, Chief Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital

John Connaughton, Ph.D

Professor of Financial Economics, UNC Charlotte

Anders Persson, CFA,

Chief Investment Officer, Head of Global Fixed Income, Nuveen

Panelists

Sarah House

Managing Director, Senior Economist, Wells Fargo

Mark Vitner

Founder, Chief Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital

John Connaughton, Ph.D

Professor of Financial Economics, UNC Charlotte

Anders Persson, CFA,

Chief Investment Officer, Head of Global Fixed Income, Nuveen

Special Guest

Darren Spicer, Co-Founder, CEO, Clutch Coffee

Panelists

Jason Thomas, Executive Editor, SC Biz News

Tony Mecia, Editor, Charlotte Ledger

It does seem ironic even that an act of God or natural disaster can eviscerate a region so completely but eventually bring a community together. We have seen that over and over again since the devastation of the hurricanes in September. Such times also build leaders. We hear about the rebuilding effort from Duke Energy's newly named President, Harry Sedaris.

Panelists

Georgia Mjartan, President and CEO, Central Carolina Community Foundation

John Hood, President, John William Pope Foundation