In this episode of Trust Company Talks, hosts Burke Koonce and Bill Noble are joined by Trust Company's chief investment officer, Dan Tolomay, to discuss the current state of the markets. Together, the trio explores market conditions, the impact of the Federal Reserve and China’s role in the global economy.

Specifically, they discuss:

• Benefits of data-driven, long-term investing and the significant impact the top 10 S&P Index stocks had on its performance.
• The unpredictability and high valuations of large-cap growth stocks.
• The transformative role of the Federal Reserve in shaping investment landscapes and the potential effects of interest rate shifts and quantitative easing.
• Emerging markets and the potential consequences of China's economic bubble, especially in real estate.
• The enduring appeal of value investing and the delicate balance between risk and reward.

They discuss the importance of diversification amidst market volatility and why they prefer taking compensated risks as opposed to "putting all your eggs in one basket." Overall, Dan expressed confidence in Trust Company's investing approach and strategic positioning, underlining the importance of a thoughtful, well-diversified portfolio to preserve and grow wealth.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, and as always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In this festive edition of Trust Company Talks, hosts Bill Noble and Burke Koonce sit down with Ira David Wood III, executive director of Theatre in the Park, as he prepares for his final year of portraying Ebenezer Scrooge in his very own musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss David's childhood memories in Enfield, North Carolina. They also delve into his extensive career as an author, actor, and producer and his work with Theatre in the Park—an organization dedicated to providing a quality theatre experience to a diverse audience base in Raleigh and the surrounding area.

Theatre in the Park's iconic production of A Christmas Carol has been a community staple for over 50 years, and they dive into its iconic history and positive local impact. Here, David emphasizes the importance of humor in connecting with the audience and the overall transformative power of theater.

Additionally, the conversation touches upon the nostalgic elements of Christmas, its ability to bring out the inner child in us all, and the emotional resonance of holiday performances. David encourages people to embrace the bittersweet feelings that often accompany the season, acknowledging the Christmas blues and the power of art to uplift and bring joy. David also openly shares his thoughts on legacy, death and who may take over the infamous role of Scrooge.

Overall, this conversation highlights the communal environment and transformative power of theater, teaching all who are a part of it never to underestimate the strength of kindness, hugs and encouragement.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did, and as always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.

In this episode of Trust Company Talks, we sat down with Gavin Stevens, executive director at Alamance Community Foundation (ACF), an organization dedicated to strengthening Alamance County through inspired and collaborative giving. The foundation was established in 1991 in Burlington, North Carolina, and, as a long-term partner, Trust Company of the South has had the pleasure of witnessing the organization's impact on the Alamance community first-hand.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss ACF's history and role in collective giving and supporting community needs. The foundation serves as a hub for connecting donors with causes and providing support, including helping individuals who want to support the community but are unsure about specific needs. They also discuss Alamance County's unique position as a rapidly growing area with diverse economic development and how the foundation is crucial in addressing challenges arising from this growth, such as shortages in early childcare services.

Additionally, Gavin shares her thoughts on the transfer of wealth and the need for intentional, long-term planning in the non-profit community. She also shares the impact of inflation on charitable giving and ACF's strategies for navigating these economic challenges.

Community foundations play a vital role in fostering collaboration, addressing community needs and creating a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy. Here at Trust Company of the South, we encourage anyone who desires to make an authentic, tangible difference in your community to connect with a local community foundation, such as the Alamance Community Foundation. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Trust Company Talks is a production of Trust Company of the South, one of the premier wealth management firms in the Southeast. Trust Company is a privately held firm based in Greensboro, NC, with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. You can find more episodes of Trust Company Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Receive the episodes as soon as they premiere by subscribing today.