Join us for a CPE-accredited session exploring how shifting tariffs, evolving tax landscapes, and talent challenges are shaping today’s business environment.
Our panel of finance and industry leaders will share practical insights on how organizations can adapt their strategies, protect margins, and attract the right talent amid global pressures. From trade policy shifts to workforce trends, we’ll discuss what’s coming next — and how to stay agile when global headwinds reach the local bottom line.
Agenda:
7:30 - 8:00 AM: Breakfast and networking
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM: Tariffs: Global Pressures, Local Impact
Panelists: Christian Langstein, MBA, CFO Americas for DRÄXLMAIER Group
Eric Hargraves, Senior Manager of Consulting with Elliott Davis
Melody Gaulden-Horton, CPA, International Tax Partner with Arc Advisors
Moderator: Cal Hurst, President of Southern First Bank
Tariffs continue to reshape cost structures, sourcing strategies, and financial forecasting for globally connected companies. For CFOs and CPAs, understanding how trade policy affects margin pressure, pricing decisions, and capital allocation has become essential. In this session, finance and operations leaders will share how their organizations are managing tariff exposure, rethinking supply chain and vendor diversification, and incorporating trade volatility into long-term financial planning and risk management.
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM: Competing for and Retaining Talent in a Changing Market
Speaker: Rhiannon Poore, CEO, Forge Search
Talent remains one of the defining challenges of the post-pandemic economy. In this practical, hands-on session, we’ll explore what’s driving candidate behavior in today’s market, why retention is becoming the new recruitment, and how leaders can build teams that last. Learn how a people-first approach to hiring and culture can strengthen performance, engagement, and long-term stability,
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: Federal and State Tax Updates Every Business Leader Should Know
Speaker: Jason Pritchard, Tax Partner, GreerWalker LLP
From proposed federal tax legislation to changing state-level incentives, 2025 promises another year of significant updates for business owners and finance executives. We will provide an overview of key changes impacting corporate and individual taxpayers, highlight planning opportunities for year-end, and offer practical strategies to stay compliant and proactive amid evolving regulations.
*3 hours of CPE credit will be offered. Complimentary to friends and clients of Forge.
bios-
Melody Gaulden-Horton, CPA is the founder of Arc Advisors, where she leads a highly skilled team with extensive experience in tax planning, consulting, and compliance. She concentrates on working with foreign owned U.S. companies and U.S. companies with foreign subsidiaries, advising on structuring their cross-border transactions in a manner that creates an efficient global effective tax rate while still mitigating risk. She counsels clients with global estate and trust issues. She also has considerable experience working with the offshore voluntary disclosure programs for clients that need to catch up their tax filing requirements.
With a strong background in the field, Melody previously served as a partner and led the international services practice for Elliott Davis. She earned her undergraduate degrees from Converse University, dual majoring in Accounting and Spanish. After graduating Converse, Melody went on to receive her Master of Professional Accountancy specializing in taxation from Clemson University. She specialized in international taxation, attending Moore Global’s International Tax School in Prague. She has been active in the community serving on the board for Greenville Literacy Association, Upstate International, and the Family Effect.
-
Eric Hargraves is a Senior Manager at Elliott Davis. He has more than 20 years of experience in supply chain, procurement and logistics and serves as the project lead and advisor guiding our customers in strategic decision-making to address supply chain disruptions and risks. He specializes in global trade advisory, offering solutions such as cost containment, end-to-end optimization, and risk assessment for trade compliance. Eric's extensive international experience, cultivated through partnerships across North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, underscores his leadership in enhancing supply-side functions to deliver value to both consumers and executive stakeholders.
-
Cal Hurst is the President of Southern First. He has worked in banking throughout South Carolina for over 16 years, helping clients grow their businesses and plan for their future. He is passionate about creating long-term relationships and positively impacting everyone he connects with. In addition to his work, Cal is an engaged member of the Upstate community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Greenville Chamber, United Way of Greenville County, and Greenville First Steps. Cal is also the Public Address Announcer for Furman Basketball and a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he serves as a Deacon and in the Ignite Worship Band. Cal is a proud husband and father of two children.
-
Christian Langstein, MBA is the President and Chief Financial Officer, Americas, for the DRÄXLMAIER Group, a global automotive supplier with major operations in the Southeastern United States. In his current role, Mr. Langstein oversees regional finance and supports the company’s growth and community engagement across the Americas. He has been with DRÄXLMAIER for more than two decades, progressing through commercial and management roles after starting with the company via internships and moving into a full-time role in 2003.
Mr. Langstein holds an MBA in International Finance from Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences. He also serves on the South Carolina Leadership Committee for the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC South). Outside of work, he is an avid marathoner and triathlete.
-
Jason Pritchard, CPA is a partner in the tax practice at GreerWalker LLP where he specializes in state and local taxation. Prior to joining the firm, Jason was most recently responsible for the oversight of state and local tax accounting and compliance at a global top five financial institution. In addition, Jason spent ten plus years at a Fortune 50 retail company where he was responsible for all aspects of federal, state and international taxation. He has approximately 20 years’ experience evaluating and resolving US federal and state audit issues, the financial evaluation of proposed mergers and acquisitions and in the development and implementation of strategic business technology.
Jason has extensive regulatory reporting experience with many domestic and international standard setting bodies including the Securities and Exchange Commission and Federal Reserve. Jason also works with clients to identify and implement federal, state and local tax, and development incentives. His focus is on providing practical, high value solutions for his clients. Jason’s extensive experience in multiple industries, as well as in public accounting, has provided him with invaluable experience in dealing with the complex tax issues faced by companies and their owners. -
Rhiannon Poore is the founder and CEO of Forge Search + Consulting, where she partners with companies to build resilient teams that thrive in an evolving world. Since its inception, Forge has grown into a multi-million dollar professional recruiting firm headquartered in Greenville, SC serving a nationwide client base. An award-winning recruiting leader, Rhiannon brings 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, business development, and talent development—along with a unique blend of strategic insight and real-world expertise.
Entrepreneurial at heart, Rhiannon has been recognized for her distinct ability to lead change and drive results throughout her career, including honors such as Greenville’s “Best and Brightest” and FGP’s “Top Biller of the Year.” Previously, Rhiannon led talent acquisition at a large public accounting firm and began her career working for an executive search firm. A believer in the power of relationships, Rhiannon founded Forge to transform talent acquisition with a people-first approach that equips companies and candidates for lasting success.
RegistrationPlease fill out the form below to reserve your spot for Forge’s upcoming CPE session. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation with event details. We appreciate your interest and look forward to seeing you there!
Registration is now closed. Please email info@forgesc.com for inquiring about last minute availability to join!