RALEIGH – The Raleigh Chamber of Commerce is shining a spotlight on the upcoming future of the Triangle region through a special 2019 Economic Forecast event, held tomorrow at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.

Two top economists and banking execs will take the stage to discuss recent trends and indicators for the next year’s economic development.

Thomas Barkin, the president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will deliver a talk covering national economic trends and growth patterns.

Barkin’s insight comes from several years of leadership in economic development strategy initiatives. Prior to joining the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond last January, he served as senior partner and chief risk officer of McKinsey & Company, delivering strategic consulting to the firm’s portfolio of clients. In the past year at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Barkin served as a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee, a body that assesses national economic policy solutions.

The Raleigh Chamber event will also host Charlie Dougherty, vice president and economist at Wells Fargo Securities. Based in Charlotte, Dougherty helps lead the production of Wells Fargo’s Weekly Economic and Financial Commentary reports, focusing on real estate, housing and construction industries.

A seasoned economist, Dougherty previously held business analyst and consulting positions for building materials manufacturer CertainTeed Corporation and information services provider IHS Markit.

Vernessa Roberts, Raleigh Chamber’s VP of communications, says around 500 people are expected to attend to hear the forecasts this pair of experts will offer.

“Our Economic Forecast is a concise analysis of the economic conditions and trends that may impact the business climate in Raleigh and the Triangle region,” Roberts said. “Barkin is new to the Federal Reserve of Richmond and will share his thoughts on national economic growth, [and] Dougherty will [provide] insight on conditions important to our region and local community.”

After their presentations, Barkin and Dougherty will take part in an interview session answering attendees’ pre-submitted questions.

Participants can follow along with the event hashtag #EcoForecast19.

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