Honoring Dr. John Connaughton: A Regional Economic Forum & the Launch of the North Carolina Economic Impact Center

The Belk College of Business invites you to the North Carolina Economic Forum, hosted in honor of Dr. John Connaughton, whose 45 years of leadership as director of the North Carolina Economic Forecast helped guide generations of business and civic leaders across the region. This special event will bring together leading economists for a timely discussion on the state of the North Carolina and national economies, followed by the public unveiling of the North Carolina Economic Impact Center — a new initiative carrying forward Dr. Connaughton's legacy of data-driven insight and public dialogue about our region's economy. The panel presentation will be presented in hybrid format. Agenda 11:00 a.m. — Alumni Coffee 11:30 a.m. — Lunch 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. — Panel Presentation - hybrid Panelists: Patrick Schorno, Chief Economist, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission Mark Vitner, Chief Economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital James Labar, Chief Economic and Community Development Officer, Charlotte Center City Partners Craig Depken, Chair, Department of Economics, UNC Charlotte Moderated by Richard Buttimer, Dean, Belk College of Business In Person: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City Virtually: Via Zoom (Link provided upon registration) Please join us as we honor Dr. Connaughton's remarkable legacy and look ahead to the next chapter of economic insight for North Carolina.