Carolina Business Review

3 UNC Chapel Hill grads create the beach phenom of 2019. Now, as they prepare to leave full time jobs to support their new business, we sit down with them to talk about how the Shibumi Shade came to be, what they've learned in the process and the challenges presented by the escalating popularity of the product.

From business strategy to trade concerns and technology a rare interview with Lowe's Home Improvement CEO Marvin Ellison. Ellison also talks openly about his faith as his personal anchor in this Executive Profile.

A look at the political, economic, demographic, and geographical makeup of the region. Topics include urban-rural divide, immigration, and in-migration. Panelists include: Patrick Woodie, President, NC Rural Center, Carl Blackstone, President and CEO, Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Rebecca Tippett, Director, Carolina Demography and Julie Smithwick, Director, Community Health Worker Institute, Arnold School of Public Health.

Topics include: A global mindset, the complex cost of higher education and improving graduation rates. Panelists: Leslie Boney, Director, Institute for Emerging Issues, NC State and Sam Konduros, President and CEO, SCBIO

The affordable housing crunch is impacting the larger cities around the region. We look at the greatest challenges and possible solutions. Panelists: Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles, Columbia Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin, Brika Eklund, Director of Real Estate, Self Help Credit Union, and Michael Marsicano, Foundation for the Carolinas

We look at the growing Outdoor Recreation Industry in the Carolinas which rivals Colorado by the numbers in terms of economic impact. It offers a unique bipartisan opportunity and has some surprising factors driving the growth. Todd King, Vice President Marketing and Product, Confluence Outdoors. Thomas Dempsey, Founder, SylvanSport, Dr. Lee King, President, Lees-McRae College, Paul McCormack, Director, SC State Park Service, SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

From the impact of the cheating scandal that rocked higher education to serving the most at risk, we look at the many layers of economic mobility. Panelists: JoAnn Turnquist, President and CEO, Central Carolina Community Foundation and Dr. Mark Gabriel Little, Director, NC Growth.

RTP is one of the Carolina's most prestigious economic development centers. In this conversation you'll learn what's new, what's ahead and what's being done to foster growth. Plus learn how investment crowdfunding is helping birth new business in the region.

A one on one interview with the head of one of the nation's leading publicly traded utilities. Topics include: acquisitions and growth strategy, reducing the carbon footprint, talent recruitment, electrification of transportation, storm response.

From the current state of the CRE market to expected trends and affordable housing, we cover it all with panelists Andy Andrews, Dominion Realty Partners, Peter Pappas, Terwilliger Pappas, Don Williams, Medalist Capital and David Lockwood, Colliers International

An Executive Profile with the man who holds the purse strings for North Carolina. Among the topics: pension plans, healthcare transparency and ethics/civility.

The former CEO of Office Depot talks about his new life after retirement. Being the Co-Owner of Reverence Farms and Cafe certainly wasn't in his plan. What corporate expertise is he applying to this small family business and how is it driving the local economy. Panelists Ted Pitts, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and John Silvia, Dynamic Economic Strategy join us.

Topics include: real estate, labor markets, immigration, climate change. Our panelists Sarah House, Wells Fargo Securities, Matt Martin, The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, John Connaughton, UNC Charlotte, Doug Woodward, University of South Carolina.

Will Q4 retail line up with expectations? We ask the man who has an inside look at the online marketplace. Spitz shares his perspective on the fast-changing, dynamic landscape of e-commerce and building company culture. Hear how critical the university system in North Carolina is for recruiting talent.

How is the game of golf changing? Check out our candid conversation with Jay Karen. Topics include the challenge of OTTA's, land issues, player trends and the 'darling of golf.'

Our conversation with North Carolina's top cop covers everything from lawsuits, to politics, to gerrymandering and the opioid crisis.

Get to know the new Fed President in this revealing Executive Profile. Topics include: Interest rates, rural-urban divide, housing, commercial real estate, trade, and business investment trends.

We discuss a shift in the cultural mindset toward community college. Peter Hans shares his strategy for affordability, attainment and accountability. Panelists: Neal Robbins, North State Journal and Ted Pitts, South Carolina Chamber of Commerce

A look at the innovative ways small towns are not only surviving but thriving. Plus, our panel will make you rethink the rural-urban divide. Panelists: Brendon Barber, Mayor, City of Georgetown, South Carolina, Sam Bishop, Mayor of Elkin, North Carolina, Natalie Zeigler, City Manager, Hartsville, South Carolina, Merilyn Newell, Mayor of Roxboro, North Carolina. Other topics include: local vs. state government, creating an identity, creative funding, and affordable housing.

Visionary educator and economic development driver Nido Qubein has an interesting approach to educating the next generation of leaders. "Faithful courage drives life leaders," says Qubein. In this episode he talks about his approach, the rising financial costs of higher education and how this small school is making big waves across the country.