The global economy has changed the way companies in the Carolinas do business and the tactics of economic developers who work to recruit employers to our region. While automation and cheap overseas labor have greatly impacted domestic manufacturers, NC Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco believes the state offers unlimited possibilities for foreign investors and existing businesses looking to expand. We devote the entire program to our conversation with the state’s chief economic developer.

Regulatory uncertainty has surrounded the Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to by both political parties as “Obamacare”, from the moment Congress began drafting the legislation. While the nation’s highest court is expected to announce its ruling on the reform this summer, a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and UNC Health Care aims to change the way doctors coordinate the care of patients while improving care and reducing healthcare costs. On this program, BCBS of NC CEO Brad Wilson and UNC Health Care’s Dr. William Roper discuss the Supreme Court’s pending decision  and the Carolina Advanced Health partnership.

Political discourse among our elected leaders often mirrors the rhetoric of pundits on cable news channels. Meanwhile, religious leaders wonder if the important public policy issues of the day receive any thought from those who are in a position to effect change. Our discussion on the public conscience continues in the second part of our program with Dr. Tony Beam of the Christian Worldview Center, Dr. Bill Jeffries of Providence United Methodist Church, Rev. Pat Jobe of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greenville, Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El, and Dr. Doug Ottati of Davidson College.

Faith leaders are not always comfortable discussing topics of a political nature in a public setting. In fact, identifying clergy from all religions who were willing to participate in our televised discussion on faith and public policy was a challenge. In the first of our two-part special on the public conscience, we discuss why many religious leaders seem to be reluctant to discuss the issues of the day with their fellow faith leaders and, sometimes, their own congregations. Our discussion includes Dr. Tony Beam of the Christian Worldview Center, Dr. Bill Jeffries of Providence United Methodist Church, Rev. Pat Jobe of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Greenville, Rabbi Judy Schindler of Temple Beth El, and Dr. Douglas Ottati of Davidson College.

Signs of an economic recovery are evident in a recent increase in both corporate and individual tax receipts at the office of N.C. Treasurer Janet Cowell. However, the continuation of low interest rates present a challenge for managing the state’s pension fund and other investment programs. On this program, the state’s CFO discusses her role and government’s helping hand for rising entrepreneurs. Dr. Dirk Brown of the University of South Carolina and Charles Thomas of Queen City Forward join the conversation.

Decades before recycling became a public policy issue for most communities in the Carolinas, Sonoco was reclaiming discarded paper as part of its manufacturing process. The company now benefits from its heritage of environmental stewardship as it works to increase awareness of recycling as an economic engine. Sonoco CEO Harris DeLoach joins John Silvia of Wells Fargo and Debra Lyons of ACT in a discussion on “green” technology and a well-educated workforce.

While audiences become increasingly fragmented in a rapidly changing media landscape, Charleston-based Garden and Gun has found success in publishing what its founder calls an “old-fashioned” magazine. On this program, Rebecca Darwin discusses the national publication with a focus on the south and an interest in a sustainable food supply and land conservation. Dr. Allan Louden of Wake Forest University and Catawba Lands Conservancy Executive Director Tom Okel join the dialogue.

Lucrative incentives and tax breaks are not the only thing on the mind of prospective employers who are looking for new property in the Carolinas. Economic developers are also hearing questions from company planners about a sustainable workforce. On this program, South Carolina Chamber Chair Jim Reynolds discusses the return on investment when the business community contributes to early childhood education. Capstrat’s Ken Eudy and Mac Bennett of the United Way of the Midlands join the discussion.

The irony behind the region’s unsettling unemployment numbers is the number of companies who are still unable to find and hire qualified workers. Matching job skills with employers’ needs is a top priority for the Carolinas’ chambers of commerce. In this episode, we talk with Tom Dayvault of High Point, Ted Hall of the Montcross Area, Ben Haskew of Greenville and Ike McLeese of Columbia on education and maintaining the region’s critical transportation infrastructure.