This podcast episode features Tom Barkin, the president and CEO of the Richmond Fed, as he engages in discussions with various businesses and community leaders during his research trips. Barkin's goal is to gather insights into the direction of the economy by exploring areas such as labor markets, supply chains, pricing, demand, and inflation. The episode sheds light on the challenges faced by industries such as carport manufacturing, textiles, and recycling, and emphasizes the importance of understanding the labor market and interacting with businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the economy. It also highlights the significance of data analysis, interactive discussions, and collaboration between businesses and financial institutions for sustained growth. Overall, this episode provides valuable observations on the current business landscape and showcases the complexity of the economic situation.
