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swissbear information
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Downtown New Bern
… a success storyDeriving its name from the city's Swiss founders, the 501(c)(3) private nonprofit was established in 1979 to coordinate the revitalization of New Bern's downtown central business district and redevelopment of its waterfront.
Over the past 25 years, Swiss Bear brought together public officials and community leaders to expand tourism into a major industry, rehabilitate historic commercial buildings, and redevelop its waterfront. An organization with a staff of 3 and a 32-volunteer board of directors, its entrepreneurial approach for seizing opportunities, initiating projects, and taking the necessary risks to effect change, is widely recognized.
| Swiss
Bear Downtown Development Corporation A Private Nonprofits' Impact on New Bern, NC |
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| In 1979, city and
county officials and community leaders established the Swiss Bear Downtown
Development Corporation, a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit to spearhead and
coordinate the revitalization of the downtown and redevelopment of its
waterfront. Over the past 25 years, more than $70 million has been invested in the rehabilitation and new construction of 70 buildings, including four new waterfront hotels and three marinas. Property values increased on an average of 440%, approximately 200 businesses employ 2,300 people, and tourism, now a major industry, generated $70.4 million in 2000. Entrepreneurial in its approach, Swiss Bear's reputation for seizing opportunities, developing projects, and taking the necessary risks to affect change is widely recognized and respected. As stewards of the precious resources entrusted to this organization, its accomplishments clearly demonstrate the value of a nonprofits' service to the community
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mailto:events@downtownnewbern mailto:bruce@brucewise timeline-1981-82
