Speakers this evening during the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 63rd meeting focused on the slow recovery from the worst economic recession since the Great Depression.
Ricky Brown, senior executive vice president of community banking for BB&T told the audience to accentuate the positive things as the recovery continues. “Think of the things ahead of you. I think it’s critical for us to think about our successes.”
Banking, he said, still faces challenges. “We went through the worst recessions since the Great Depression. We have to work harder and harder. We’ve had five years of a difficult economy.”
Brown expects the economy to remain tepid through this year. “With a tepid economy we still have to work hard.”
He expects slow revenue growth and expects political turmoil to play a big part in how the economy recovers.
There is optimism, Brown said. “We have to learn to live and work in an environment that is challenging. The things we are doing right are the things that have made America successful.”
Leadership is crucial. “If you don’t think independently you’re not going to be able to lead. Perseverance is the key.”
Rick Niswander, vice chancellor for administration and finance at East Carolina University, said the recession was “very broad and deep.”
There has been some two years of job growth. “If you’re in a metro or in a military area the recovery has been very good.”
Niswander said the recovery continues to be slow. “You need to closely align yourself with the educational opportunities you have. The recovery will continue to be slow but it will continue.”
