September 21, 2026 – North Carolina Economic Forum to honor John Connaughton, introduce Economic Impact Center
MEDIA ADVISORY:
North Carolina Economic Forum to honor John Connaughton, introduce Economic Impact Center
About: The UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business will host the North Carolina Economic Forum, bringing together national and regional economists for a discussion on the state and U.S. economic outlook. The event also will formally introduce the North Carolina Economic Impact Center, a new initiative designed to provide rigorous, data-driven insight to business, civic and policy leaders across the state.
The forum will honor the legacy of John Connaughton, longtime professor of financial economics and director of the North Carolina Economic Forecast. For 45 years, Connaughton helped establish UNC Charlotte as a trusted source of economic analysis for North Carolina and the Carolinas. The new Economic Impact Center builds on that foundation while expanding the Belk College’s public-facing economic research and engagement efforts.
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, noon to 1 p.m
Where: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, 320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC
Who: Panelists include:
- Patrick Schorno, chief economist, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
- Mark Vitner, founder and chief economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital
- James LaBar, chief economic and community development officer, Charlotte Center City Partners
- Craig Depken, professor and chair, Department of Economics, UNC Charlotte
The discussion will be moderated by Richard Buttimer, dean of the Belk College of Business.
Media Information: Media interested in covering the event are asked to register in advance. Interview opportunities with panelists and Belk College leaders may be available upon request.