Carolina Business Review

The role community colleges play in preparing workers for the jobs coming to the Carolinas, how students who attend community college have the potential to make a big impact on rural areas, and why veteran teachers are leaving education (and pay is only part of the problem).

Lynn Good says her entire business strategy rests on pivoting to cleaner energy. At the same time, Good says Duke Energy is building the infrastructure to provide reliable and affordable energy that will accommodate the exponential growth in the Carolinas.

RTI International is a billion dollar nonprofit whose mission is to provide scientific research that improves our lives. Tim Gabel explains how his company works to exist in today’s polarized political climate without getting caught up in it. Also, exploring the ethics of artificial intelligence, digital nomads who live where they want to and work all over the world, and how the war for talent is forcing companies to rethink forcing employees to go to the office.

The pandemic changed the way a lot of us think about indoor air quality. Did you know, circulating the same air not only helps viruses spread, but it can make you more tired and less productive at work? Bob Luddy from CaptiveAire explains how his company is helping schools, restaurants and businesses bring in fresh, outside air to everyone’s benefit. Also, Luddy, who has founded several schools, says he believes giving kids a classical education better prepares them to be successful.

Buying a home is more difficult now. Mortgage rates have doubled since last year, home prices are high and housing supply is low. We gathered a panel of housing experts to examine the problem and discuss solutions.

How Medicaid expansion will help North Carolina small businesses thrive, how the trauma of the last three years has exacerbated mental health issues and the simultaneous care and prevention that needs to happen now. Also, what's complicating the teacher shortage and the workforce that needs to grow to accommodate all of the retirees moving to the Carolinas.

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger says there is broad agreement in the state legislature, across party lines, on the number one priority: education. Sen. Berger discusses the plan to help students who fell behind during the pandemic. Also, why he changed his mind about Medicaid expansion, what can be done about the polarizing political climate and what's fueling the budget surplus.

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.