Business Playbook *New Event*

Ray Starling, General Counsel of the NC Chamber & President of the NC Chamber Legal Institute

Former Chair of the NC Chamber and current Chair of the NC Chamber Foundation Frank Holding, chairman and CEO of First Citizens Bank; and Chair of the NC Chamber Jule Smith, CEO of Construction Partners Inc., are two of North Carolina’s most respected business leaders. These native North Carolinians, who lead companies in sectors vital to our state’s economy, will share insights on leading through change and why long-term, business-driven strategies are essential to securing North Carolina’s future prosperity.

This timely conversation between two CEOs will underscore the need to rise above short-term political cycles and stay focused on a bold, business-led vision for our state’s long-term growth.

• Frank B. Holding, Jr., Chairman and CEO, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. & First Citizens Bank, and Chair, NC Chamber Foundation Board
• Jule Smith, President and CEO, Construction Partners, Inc. and Chair, NC Chamber Board
• Moderator: Gary Salamido, President and CEO, NC Chamber

Workforce isn’t one issue—it’s the issue. For ten straight years, North Carolina CEOs have named workforce as their #1 challenge. The question is: are we solving the root problems, or just reacting to the symptoms?

Hear from a powerhouse panel that will articulate how North Carolina leaders are attacking the talent crisis from both ends:

• By removing systemic barriers that keep too many North Carolinians from entering or staying in the workforce—including child care, housing, immigration, criminal justice, and labor mobility.
• And by building strong industry-specific pipelines that ensure key sectors—like healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing—get the skilled workers they need.

• • Marshall Cherry, President and CEO, Roanoke Electric Cooperative
  • Dr. Cheryl Richards, President and CEO, Catapult
  • Dr. Laura Ullrich, Director of Economic Research, Indeed Hiring Lab
  • Moderator: Debra Derr, Senior Director of Government Affairs, NC Chamber

In a time of divisive politics, it is more important now than ever that we find ways to engage positively to keep North Carolina on top. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger and Senator Dan Blue are no strangers to difficult conversations. Hear from them on how legislators put differences aside to advance North Carolina over the last decade – and what they expect to see on that front in the coming decade. President and CEO of the NC Chamber Gary Salamido, who enjoys a decades-long relationship with both leaders, will moderate the discussion.

• Senator Phil Berger, President Pro Tempore, North Carolina State Senate
• Senator Dan Blue, North Carolina State Senate
• Moderator: Gary Salamido, President and CEO, NC Chamber

Our state’s business community has long looked to the CNBC Top States for Business ranking when measuring our competitiveness. Special Correspondent Scott Cohn leads that effort for CNBC and will join us to share what the Top States environment looks like, what he sees when he looks at North Carolina’s history on the ranking, and his insights on competing and operating in today’s economy and environment.

• Scott Cohn, Special Correspondent, CNBC

Energy is the foundation of economic growth and access to reliable, affordable energy is a top factor as companies consider industry automation and growth in North Carolina. As both industry and population continue to expand rapidly, managing the energy needs of communities across the state is increasingly more challenging. Energy leaders and their customers will discuss expectations, needs, and what North Carolina must do now to maintain its competitive advantage in this space. President of the NC Chamber Foundation and Senior Vice President of External Affairs Meredith Archie will moderate this timely discussion.

• Kendal Bowman, State President, North Carolina, Duke Energy
• Ray Fakhoury, Manager, Energy Services, Amazon Web Services
• Dan O’Malley, Head of Manufacturing, JetZero
• Moderator: Meredith Archie, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, NC Chamber & President, NC Chamber Foundation

As both political parties become more populist and potentially hostile to business, employers and the interests of job creators must have a stronger voice during election season. This session led by experts presents the case for educating, influencing, and establishing accountability through political engagement and electioneering – and why business cannot afford to give up its seat.

• Ashlee Rich Stephenson, Senior Political Strategist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce & President, AxAdvocacy