Join us in New Bern at the Riverfront Convention Center for a listening session focused on the real-world impacts of tariffs on retailers and local businesses.

The event will begin at 11:30am with lunch, followed by a presentation and facilitated discussion from 12:00–1:00pm, and a Q&A from 1:00–1:30pm.

Attendees will also hear directly from the owner of Surf, Wind and Fire, a New Bern-based retailer experiencing these challenges firsthand. This session is an opportunity to share your perspective and help inform next steps for businesses navigating tariffs.

Speakers include:

  • Danny Batten, Owner of Surf, Wind and Fire Outdoor Lifestyle Store
  • Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation’s Senior Political Analyst
  • Brian Balfour, John Locke Foundation’s Senior Vice President of Research 
  • Jeff Moore, John Locke Foundation’s Vice President of Communications