September 23rd event will bring together national and local economists to discuss the state and U.S. outlook

The UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business will host the North Carolina Economic Forum on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. The event will bring together national and local economists for a timely discussion of the North Carolina and U.S. economies.

The forum will also formally introduce the North Carolina Economic Impact Center, a new Belk College initiative created to deliver rigorous, data-driven insight to business and civic leaders across the state.

The event will honor the legacy of John Connaughton, who directed the North Carolina Economic Forecast for 45 years and became one of the region’s most trusted voices on state and national economic conditions. Connaughton joined the UNC Charlotte faculty in 1978 and died in June 2026.

Launched in May, the North Carolina Economic Impact Center builds on that foundation while expanding the College’s public-facing economic research, analysis and dialogue. The Sept. 23 forum will connect the longstanding Forecast community with this next chapter of economic insight for North Carolina.

Forum panel

Richard Buttimer, dean of the Belk College of Business, will moderate the discussion featuring:

Patrick Schorno

Chief economist, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission

Schorno leads the agency’s regulatory cost-benefit analysis and economic research. He previously served as deputy chief economist at the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and holds a Ph.D. in finance from UNC Charlotte.

Mark Vitner

Founder and chief economist, Piedmont Crescent Capital

Vitner has more than 30 years of experience analyzing U.S. and regional economic conditions, including previous roles with Wells Fargo and Wachovia.

Craig Depken

Professor and chair of the economics department at the Belk College of Business, UNC Charlotte

Depken’s research includes sports economics, applied public choice and regional economic development. He previously collaborated with Connaughton on research examining COVID-19’s economic impact in North Carolina.

Event schedule

Wednesday, September 23 | The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

• Noon-1 p.m.: Panel presentation
• 11 a.m.: Alumni Coffee
• 11:30 a.m.: Lunch