MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — July 21, 2026 — Inflation, interest rates, hiring, consumer spending and economic uncertainty continue to influence decisions made by businesses of every size. To help local leaders better understand what is happening beyond the headlines, the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce will host Seeing the Big Picture: A National and Regional Economic Update on August 18 at the Shelton-Badgett Viticulture Center at Surry Community College. 

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The program will feature Matt Martin, regional executive with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, who will provide insight into current economic conditions at both the national and regional levels. Martin will also discuss the trends businesses should be watching and share perspectives gathered through the Richmond Fed’s ongoing conversations with business, banking and community leaders. 

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“The economy affects nearly every decision our businesses make—from hiring and expansion to pricing and long-term planning,” said Ashly Lancaster, president and CEO of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. “Our goal is to move beyond the headlines and give local leaders information they can actually use. We are pleased to welcome Matt Martin and provide our community with access to this timely conversation.” 

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Based in Charlotte, Martin leads the Richmond Fed’s outreach efforts across North Carolina and South Carolina. His work focuses on developing a real-time understanding of economic conditions and the challenges facing businesses and communities throughout the region. 

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Martin joined the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond as a regional economist in 2006 and became regional executive in 2009. Before joining the Richmond Fed, he worked as a senior economist with Moody’s Analytics and as an analyst with the Congressional Budget Office. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a doctorate in economics from the University of Delaware.