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

North Carolina Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette joined us for a candid conversation about projects in the works, shifting priorities and why there's always a line at the DMV.

Panelists:

Patrick Woodie, President, NC Rural Center

James McQuilla, President, Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce

Both North Carolina and South Carolina scored some major wins in 2022, with big companies announcing big investments in the states. In this episode, we discuss what’s attracting businesses to come here and what we are doing to make sure we have the workforce to support them.

Our panelists are Bob Morgan, President and CEO, SC Chamber of Commerce and Gary Salamido, President and CEO, NC Chamber of Commerce.

Other topics include: designing the workforce of the future, mental health and what’s on the horizon for 2023.

Whether or not we call it a recession, many Americans are certainly financially stressed due to sky high inflation. We gathered a panel of economists to talk through what’s happening and what’s coming down the pipeline.

In this episode of Carolina Business Review, our panel weighs in on the learning loss our children suffered during the pandemic and what school districts can do about it.

Panelists

Dr. Nicholas J. Hill, Dean and Professor of Economics, School of Business, Claflin University

Dr. Laura Ullrich, Senior Regional Economist, The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Dr. Joseph C. Von Nessen, Research Economist, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina

Dr. John Connaughton, Professor of Financial Economics, Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

Charlotte-based AvidXChange has good timing. The software company went public just before the economy turned and it turns out, inflation actually is good for their business.

In this episode of Carolina Business Review, Co-Founder and CEO Michael Praeger talks about the three things that worry him.

We also talked to Praeger about how his company recruits in this tight labor market.

Panelists:

Karen Riordan, President and CEO, Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce

Thom Ruhe, President and CEO, NC IDEA Foundation

There’s a lot at stake in the upcoming midterm elections. Voters in North Carolina and South Carolina will play a big role in which party is in control of Congress with seats in the Senate and the House up for grabs.

Our panel of political insiders talk about the impact early and absentee voting could have on the outcome, the issues that will draw voters to the polls, a possible October surprise and the rising number of voters who are unaffiliated with a political party.

Panelists:

Anna Beavon Gravely, Executive Director, NCFREE

Andy Shain, Columbia/Myrtle Beach Managing Editor, Post and Courier

Dr. Susan Roberts, Professor of Political Science, Davidson College

Antjuan Seawright, Founder, CEO, Blueprint Strategy

Manufacturing is a critical part of the economy in the Carolinas. So how is inflation impacting the industry?

We asked Jay Timmons, the President and CEO of the National Associations of Manufacturers in this episode of Carolina Business Review.

Timmons weighs in on the Federal CHIPS and Science Act, talks about inflation, supply chain, labor challenges, and staying competitive.