NCFREE Leadership Luncheon Convenes North Carolina Business And Political Leaders

This week, the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation (NCFREE) held its 2025 Leadership luncheon in Raleigh, bringing together top business and industry leaders from across North Carolina, for a candid conversation about North Carolinas economic competitiveness, workforce need, and legislative and political outlook for 2026 and beyond.  

Governor Stein Opens with Keynote Address 

Governor Josh Stein delivered the luncheon’s opening keynote, outlining his administration’s priorities for strengthening economic competitiveness, advancing workforce development, and taking real steps to maintain the state’s economic momentum. 

“Delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go – is job one,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to working with legislative and business leaders in the months and years ahead so that together we build a state that is safer, stronger, and more prosperous with real opportunity for every person.” 

Keynote Legislative Panel: Berger & Hall 

Following the governor’s remarks, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger and House Speaker Destin Hall joined Spectrum News anchor Tim Boyum for a keynote legislative panel examining pressing issues before the General Assembly in 2026, including growth pressures, infrastructure investment, workforce development, and continued efforts to create a competitive tax and regulatory environment. 

Senate Leader Berger discussed the importance of maintaining North Carolina’s pro-growth economic policies. “Our state’s strong fiscal position, competitive tax code, and smart regulatory reforms have made North Carolina the best state in the country to live, work, and build a business,” Senator Berger said. “Our goal is to keep that momentum going by maintaining our focus on workforce readiness and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.” 

Speaker Destin Hall echoed similar themes, emphasizing the General Assembly’s commitment to building and growing the workforce pipeline between education and employment.  

“We’re working to ensure students graduate with college and career-ready skills, so businesses can continue to find the employees they need,” Hall said. “Our collaboration between employers and policymakers keeps North Carolina competitive.” 

NCFREE’s annual event drew participation from every major industry across North Carolina. NCFREE Executive Director Alex Baltzegar said the turnout reflected a renewed alignment between policy makers and the private sector around sustaining North Carolina’s economic success.  

“NCFREE’s goal in hosting this event each year is to serve as a valued connector between our state’s business community and our top policymakers,” Baltzegar said. “The North Carolina Leadership Luncheon brings these voices together in a candid and constructive setting to discuss solutions that keep North Carolina as a top destination for jobs and investment.” 

The Presenting Sponsors for this event were Duke Energy, North State Bank, and Mountaire Farms, representing three key industries in North Carolina.  

The NCFREE Leadership Luncheon has become the state’s premier annual gathering for civically engaged business and industry leaders, offering exclusive insights into the issues shaping North Carolina’s future.