A special live interview event featuring former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, kicking off the Chamber’s 2026 Coffee Club series.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Fayetteville, N.C. — January 7, 2026 — The Greater Fayetteville Chamber is pleased to announce a special live interview event featuring former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, kicking off the Chamber’s 2026 Coffee Club series.

The interview will be conducted by Nat Robertson, President and CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, and will focus on three key topics shaping the future of North Carolina’s business environment:

  • North Carolina’s economic development landscape
  • Predictions for the 2026 midterm elections
  • Pathways for Fayetteville to gain statewide recognition as a business destination

Governor McCrory, who served as North Carolina’s 74th Governor and previously as the longest-serving Mayor of Charlotte, will share insights on the state’s economic competitiveness, workforce development, and trends impacting business leaders in Cumberland County and across North Carolina. (Additional background on Governor McCrory follows.)

“As one of the most influential voices in North Carolina public policy, Governor McCrory brings a valuable statewide and national perspective,” said Nat Robertson, President and CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. “Our business community is ready to grow, innovate, and compete. We look forward to hearing his thoughts on how Fayetteville can accelerate its reputation as a progressive, business-friendly city that drives economic opportunity for the entire state.”

This event reflects the Chamber’s continued commitment to pro-business advocacy, education, and networking for its members. The conversation will highlight the region’s strengths, including its diverse workforce, strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the economic impact of Fort Liberty, one of the nation’s most valuable military installations.

Chamber Coffee Club Event Details

Location: Highland Country Club

Date: January 15, 2026 (held every third Thursday)

Time: 7:30 a.m.

Attendance: Limited seating, exclusively for Chamber members. Registration is required through the Chamber portal.

Members of the media are invited to attend. Interview and photo opportunities will be available immediately following the event.

For more information, please contact events@faybiz.com.

About Governor Pat McCrory

Patrick Lloyd McCrory (born October 17, 1956) served as the 74th Governor of North Carolina from 2013 to 2017 and previously served as the 53rd Mayor of Charlotte from 1995 to 2009, making him the city’s longest-serving mayor.

During his tenure as mayor, McCrory served on the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council from 2002 to 2006 under President George W. Bush. He became the first Mayor of Charlotte to be elected Governor of North Carolina and the first Republican to win the governorship since 1988.

Governor McCrory graduated from Ragsdale High School in Jamestown, North Carolina, and earned degrees in Political Science and Education from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was active in student government and campus leadership during his time at Catawba.

After a 28-year career with Duke Energy, McCrory retired in 2008 to pursue public office full-time. He later became a partner with McCrory & Company, a Charlotte-based sales consulting firm, and served as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives for the law firm Moore & Van Allen PLLC. He is also a 2014 Young Leader Alumni of the American Swiss Foundation.

McCrory began his political career in 1989 as an at-large Charlotte City Council member and later served as Mayor Pro Tem before being elected mayor at age 39—the youngest in the city’s history. He gained a reputation as a popular and approachable leader, winning reelection multiple times.

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A special live interview event featur...