Send us Fan MailIn this episode: Christi and Angela review May 2026 data showing the Carolinas outperforming national trends, with national steel prices up 7% while the region sees a 67% surge in healthcare and power projects, supported by a diverse economy, energy infrastructure, high-end healthcare facilities, and expanding data centers. The hosts discuss workforce and policy efforts, including monitoring North Carolina’s SB 986 Workforce Act to make credentials employer-driven and recognizing journey-level experience alongside four-year degrees, and closely watching South Carolina’s Wage Accountability Act to protect the merit shop, competitive open shop environment amid rapid growth. They highlight outreach to students through SkillsMobile and a gaming curriculum featuring electrical, HVAC, and BIM to improve awareness and retention. The conversation emphasizes mental health (May) and safety (June), urging daily mental health check-ins, “invisible PPE,” and STCKY critical-risk safety focused on high-energy hazards and job-stopping awareness.Support the show