Organizers hail new regional economic insight program

ASHEBORO — Local business and community leaders gathered on Jan. 27 for the inaugural Randolph Economic Outlook 2026 event, a new regional program designed to provide insight into economic trends shaping the future of Randolph County and the broader region.

The event was presented by the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, Randolph County Economic Development Corporation, and Bank of America, and brought together employers, professionals, investors, nonprofit leaders, educators and public-sector partners for an in-depth discussion of economic conditions at the global, national, regional and local levels.

In a press release by the EDC, Adam Deathe, president and CEO of the Asheboro Randolph Chamber of Commerce, noted, “We want this event to bring leaders and our community together to learn from key business figures in our state who keep North Carolina and our region a top destination for business growth.”

“Our goal is to make this a yearly event where we bring in a prominent speaker to address our growing business community here in Randolph County,” said Kevin Franklin, president of the EDC.

The evening featured a comprehensive economic briefing by James Reichard, Managing Director and Market Investment Executive at Bank of America. He shared expert analysis on macroeconomic and global trends, North Carolina and Southeast regional dynamics and the implications for local industries.

Key topics included reshoring activity, the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the business environment, inflation and interest rate expectations, tariffs and policy considerations, workforce development, affordable housing and the value of skilled labor. Reichard also highlighted factors that uniquely position Randolph County within the broader regional economy.

Following the keynote presentation, attendees participated in an open Q&A session, creating an interactive dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing businesses and communities.