NCFREE’s 2024 Leadership Luncheon Recap

The North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation (NCFREE) held the 2024 Leadership Luncheon on November 20th at the Angus Barn Pavilion. Click here or on the video link above for highlights.

For the first time ever, Governor-elect Josh Stein, Senate Leader Phil Berger, and House Speaker-designate Destin Hall, gathered under one roof. Legendary WRAL anchor and PBS North Carolina CEO David Crabtree moderated a fascinating conversation between Berger and Hall, who shared their visions for 2025 and beyond to a sold out crowd.

The event also featured the best election analysis east of the Mississippi River by two of the state’s top political strategists, Morgan Jackson (Democratic strategist) and Jim Blaine (Republican strategist) and of course: the Angus Barn’s award-winning chocolate chess pie.  Though NCFREE is over 40 years old, attendees have been calling this year’s luncheon one of the best ever.

The event featured over 250 people and was closed to the press.

Governor-elect Stein (middle) talks with former House Speaker Harold Brubaker (left) and David Ferrell (right).

Governor-elect Stein kicked off the event, remarking on his recent trip to western North Carolina to talk with business and community leaders and urged the NCGA Republican caucus (many of whom were in the room) to prioritize disaster relief funding. Stein said that he intends to be a “willing ally” with Republicans in his upcoming administration.

David Crabtree (left) moderates a fireside chat with House Republican Speaker-designate Destin Hall (middle) and Senate Leader Phil Berger (right).

Next, a panel with Berger and Hall was moderated by legendary Triangle broadcaster David Crabtree. Both Berger and Hall emphasized the importance of rebuilding Western NC and finding government funding for infrastructure projects across the state. In a candid, off-script moment, Crabtree asked Berger what keeps him motivated after nearly 24 years in the Senate, Berger said, “I just can’t believe that I get to do this job.”

Alex Baltzegar (left) moderates a fireside chat with Democratic political strategist Morgan Jackson (middle) and Republican political strategist Jim Blaine (right).

Republican strategist Jim Blaine and Democratic strategist Morgan Jackson offered an analysis of the election results and what the future of both parties looks like at the state level.  Jackson said that Democrats had their best year in North Carolina in nearly 20 years, and both Blaine and Jackson agreed about the negative impact that gubernatorial hopeful Mark Robinson had in dragging down multiple losing Republican statewide and legislative candidates.

Alex Baltzegar highlights NCFREE’s work and mission.

NCFREE’s Executive Director, Alex Baltzegar, highlighted the work and products of the organization and its impact on business leaders.

NCFREE Board of Directors Chair Mike Rusher (left) awards NCFREE Director Bill Brown (right) with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his decades of service for NCFREE.

Finally, NCFREE Board of Directors Chair Mike Rusher awarded Bill Brown, who is also on the Board of Directors, a lifetime achievement award for his decades of service to NCFREE. Bill Brown helped guide the organization through successful times and difficult times, and he has been a key player in helping to foster a free enterprise environment in North Carolina.

If you were not able to join us this year, we hope to see you at another event very soon!