It looks like another growth year for North Carolina, according to economists. Economist Michael Walden from NC State University, predicts that North Carolina will continue to beat the nation in economic growth, with our state’s gross domestic product rising about 3.5 percent faster than the rate of national growth.

Economist Sarah House will go deeper into the local economy at the Business Today Newsmakers Breakfast Thursday Jan. 19 at The Peninsula Club. The Wells Fargo economist is frequently quoted on Bloomberg News and National Public Radio.

She was a research associate for the Federal Reserve Bank before joining Wells Fargo. Some economists say the streak of more than 70,000 statewide jobs created over the past four years may climb to 90,000, which could help to drop North Carolina’s unemployment rate from 5.5 percent to 5.1 percent by year’s end.

Higher prices—inflation—may be on deck for the new year however. “The broad strength in input prices suggests higher inflation is on its way,” House says.

The Newsmakers Breakfast with House gets under way at 7:30 a.m. with a Q&A and discussion beginning at 8 a.m. and concludes at 9 a.m. The cost to attend, $12, includes a full country breakfast. Reserve a seat at 704-895-1335 with Visa or MasterCard. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. for networking.

Sponsors include Aquesta Bank, Davidson Wealth Management, Donna Moffett Accountants and KS Audio Video.