The First Power Breakfast of the year is here. The business community is invited to join the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal (GFBJ) at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden in the Ralph and Linda Huff Orangery on Feb. 27 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. 

To break in the new year, attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving economic landscape from a leading voice in monetary policy. Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, will share his perspective on key economic trends, challenges and opportunities in 2025. 

Barkin has held the position of president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond since 2018.

Barkin serves on the Fed’s chief monetary policy body, the Federal Open Market Committee and is responsible for the Richmond Fed’s bank supervision and the Federal Reserve’s technology organization. He is “on the ground” continually in the Fed’s Fifth District, which covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, D.C., West Virginia and Maryland. His engagement in the region has brought real attention to areas facing economic challenges. 

Prior to joining the Richmond Fed, Barkin was a senior partner and CFO at McKinsey & Company, a worldwide management consulting firm, where he also oversaw McKinsey’s offices in the southern United States. Barkin is passionate about engaging firsthand with business, civic and community leaders in the regions served by the Richmond Fed. 

Barkin earned his bachelor’s, MBA and law degrees from Harvard University. 

“We’re excited about teaming up with Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation to bring Tom Barkin to Fayetteville! Our next Power Breakfast’s title, “Economic Horizons,” is appropriate in that we believe bringing someone of Tom‘s caliber to our area will help us shorten the distance of what the current economy looks like on a national level,” shared Marty Cayton, Publisher of GFBJ. “It’s definitely a must attend event for business owners and executives.” 

The event will begin with a networking opportunity from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Following a delicious meal provided by Two Brothers Catering, Mr. Barkin will provide an informed analysis along with an expanded Q&A time from Greater Fayetteville Business Journal and the audience. 

Organizations across leading industries in the Fayetteville area will be providing questions to see what unique impact the economy may have on them in the new year. These questions will be featured in a new ‘fireside chat’ format hosted by Power Breakfast MC Faith Hatton. 

Following the fireside chat, the audience will be invited to ask questions live. 

“I think this will be another entertaining way to deliver information to our audience,” shared Hatton. “Our attendees have really enjoyed the more talk show interview style format we implemented last year. This is another way we’re working to keep the Power Breakfasts fresh and engaging.” 

Space is filling up fast. Get your tickets while they last!

Reserve your seat by going to fayettevillepowerbreakfast.com.