Reynolds, Lorillard Merger Among "10 To Watch" Stories In 2015

Each year, the Triad Business Journal names an eclectic mix of business people from the region who the staff believes will have a real impact on the year to come.  Editor Mark Sutter joins Justin Catanoso to discuss the newspaper's 2015 “10 to Watch”.

“The number of people we think will be making news in the coming year and who bear watching is actually 11 this year, but only because we felt that there was one story line we'll be following that involves two key individuals,” says Mark Sutter, editor of the Triad Business Journal.

The business leaders featured in the article are from across the Triad and represent several industries, including manufacturing, education and economic development.

Sutter says one of the top stories his reporters will continue to follow this year is the $27.4 billion merger between Reynolds American and its long time Greensboro rival Lorillard. The article takes a closer look at the leaders behind the major tobacco deal.

Another story Sutter says to watch in 2015 is the growth of Greensboro-based Honda Jet.

“The company already employs about 1,200 people out of the Piedmont Triad International Airport and they are going to finally deliver their first Honda Jet sometime around the mid-year, at least that is the schedule, and the success of this going forward could be really crucial and the impact on the Piedmont and the Triad could be significant,” says Sutter.

The Business Report on 88.5 WFDD is a partnership with the Triad Business Journal. The “10 to Watch” list and more breaking business news at Triad.Bizjournals.com.

Justin Catanoso is director of the Journalism program at Wake Forest University and a regular contributor to 88.5 WFDD.