January 12, 2026
The NC Chamber and the North Carolina Bankers Association proudly present the 24th Annual Economic Forecast Forum, a gathering of our state’s most influential leaders, to discuss how we can continue to lead in job retention, job creation, and quality of life.
Convene with industry leaders and key stakeholders from across North Carolina to network and gain unparalleled insights into the year’s economic trends.
Agenda
Monday, January 12
| 10:30 am | Registration and Networking |
| 11:45 am | Call to Order and Welcome |
| 12:15 pm | Fireside Chat Join former interim U.S. Speaker of the House and House Financial Services Chairman, Patrick McHenry as he reflects on how his experiences navigating major political and policy battles, budget negotiations, and economic legislation shaped his understanding of today’s fiscal landscape. He’ll share insights into how political dynamics influence economic outcomes and what lessons from his time in leadership can guide future planning and decision-making.
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| 12:45 pm | Fireside Chat Join Tom Barkin, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, for an engaging Fireside Chat exploring today’s economy and the trends shaping early 2026. This conversation will provide business and financial leaders with practical insights on navigating uncertainty, interpreting complex data, and planning for the future. Topics include:
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| 1:15 pm | Economic Forecast Panel Discussion North Carolina’s economy continues to lead—but the path ahead requires focused planning and informed decision-making. This session explores the economic forces shaping the state as we look toward 2026, including macroeconomic trends, consumer and capital market signals, and the rising cost of healthcare as a key factor in workforce and business competitiveness. With perspectives from economics, banking, and healthcare, attendees will gain actionable insights to support strategic planning and risk assessment in the year ahead.
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| 2:00 pm | Closing Remarks |