Public Conversations

Next Tuesday, September 1, WFAE will host a Public Conversation on Charlotte's future. The event will also serve as a Charlotte Talks program. We're calling "Charlotte: On the way to becoming...?"

This panel discussion addressed the state of the economy in the Charlotte region. We also explored current conditions and the future outlook for the Charlotte area's real estate market, and how the housing market interacts with the region's overall economy. Panelists also addressed what a "post-recession" economy in the region might look like.

The economy has seen some encouraging signs lately. Home sales in the Charlotte region are starting to pick up and the DOW is now back over 9,000.

But some unsettling signs continue. Unemployment continues to rise. The Charlotte region is now at 12.4 percent unemployment.

WFAE's Public Conversation series addressed these issues last night at a forum that examined Charlotte's place in the economy and what a recovery might look like here.

WFAE's Lisa Miller has more:

LISTEN

WFAE's Public Conversations series hosted "The Dad Factor." It addressed the role of fathers in family and community life. And explored problems and challenges that can occur in homes and communities when dads are missing from the family structure. The Public Conversation also highlighted programs and services in the Charlotte area that are designed to strengthen the influence of fathers and provide mentoring for children whose fathers are absent from the home.

WFAE hosted a Public Conversation on Building a Biotech Economy. The panel discussion explored the economic aspects of the Charlotte region's emerging biotech sector including economic development strategies, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and the role of biotech research. Listen to the discussion and join the continuing online conversation at The Watercooler.