With the wildly gyrating stock market as our backdrop, we invited six thought leaders for dinner and discussion about the shaky economy and its significant impact on our consumer-driven culture. Hosted by RIGGS President and Creative Director Cathy Monetti, it was a night of good food and fascinating conversation. Enjoy an excerpt here.

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BEHAVIOR
Rhea Ann Merck, Ph.D.,
Licensed Psychologist and Director of Training for the Counseling and Human Development Center at the University of South Carolina

FINANCE
Mike Brenan
President of BB&T of South Carolina

MEDIA CONSUMPTION
Lynette Landers
Sales Manager, WIS TV

BUSINESS
C. Earl Loftis, Jr., O.D
Eye on Gervais, developer of The Lofts at Printers Square

CULTURE/NEWS
Mike Fitts
Columbia Regional Business Report

MARKETING
Karen L. Mallia
Assistant Professor, Advertising and Public Relations, University of South Carolina; copywriter/creative director TBWA Chiat/Day; Scali, McCabe, Sloves; Ogilvy

HOST
Cathy Monetti
President and Creative Director, RIGGS

FACILITATOR
Christopher Raper
Project X Consumer Insight Research & Discovery