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Bringing new life to the waterfront - Sun Journal, June 16, 2013
The City of New Bern had tried unsuccessfully to redevelop the remaining 12.5-acre urban renewal vacant parcel on the Trent waterfront for 13 years. Many plans and efforts to redevelop the property never generated any productive proposals. Developing a high quality waterfront redevelopment project was needed to establish a new market of recreation and tourism, critical to downtown's revitalization effort. Click here for story
Modern downtown grew from Urban Renewal Project - Sun Journal, May 19, 2013
By the turn of the 20th century, the high level of business activity on the Trent waterfront ceased to exist. Post World War II suburban development, malls and less use of railroads and water as a means of transportation, left many of the downtown commercial buildings vacant as businesses relocated to areas outside the city limits. Click here for story.
Establishing the organization and defining its mission - Sun Journal, April 28, 2013
In June 1976, while serving as past president of the New Bern-Craven County Chamber of Commerce, Doug Davis conceived the idea and provided the leadership that led to the creation of the Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC), the forerunner of Swiss Bear. This small committee with a representative from the Chamber, Downtown Merchants Association, Redevelopment Commission, City of New Bern and a Craven County commissioner had gained broad-based community-wide support of people who had a vested interest in downtown. Click here for story
New Bern's branding efforts move into new phase - Sun Journal, Monday, April 1, 2013
New Bern is preparing to embark on the second phase of a plan to show off the city's attributes after partnering with four agencies to start the creative portion of a new community brand. Colleen Roberts, New Bern's public information officer, said the city has partnered with The Committee of 100, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. and the Tourism Development Authority to identify and establish a brand that will guide current and future marketing efforts for the greater New Bern area. Click here for story.
Establishing the Historic District Commission - Sun Journal, Sunday, March 31, 2013
In the 1960s and 1970s, significant residential and commercial structures in the downtown area were demolished, many were in a deteriorated state and the original facades of many buildings were covered with aluminum and other materials in an attempt to modernize them. With the establishment of the Historic Preservation Foundation in 1972 and Swiss Bear in 1979, the area was beginning to experience an active revitalization effort. Click here for story
Looking to the long term. NCSU professor advises Swiss Bear board on sustainability - Sun Journal, March 22, 2013
Keeping Downtown New Bern keeping on has been Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp.'s objective since it began in 1979, and now board members are looking at how the nonprofit can do that in the future. Click here for story
Municipal Services District: The funding mechanism - Sun Journal, Sunday, March 17, 2013
Among the 1977 Central Business District Revitalization Plan recommendations was development of mid-block pedestrian parks connecting with interior parking lots to supplement existing on-street parking and creation of a Municipal Service District (provided in the NC General Statutes) as a mechanism to fund a wide range of downtown revitalization projects. Click here for story
"A greater downtown will not merely be a dream" - Sun Journal, Sunday, March 3, 2013
On April 5, 1979, the Downtown Revitalization Committee officially transferred its responsibilities to the newly created organization, yet to be named and formally structured, at a public meeting in the Tryon Palace Auditorium. Its mission: to stimulate and coordinate the revitalization of the downtown and redevelopment of its waterfront Click here for story
A city moving ahead: Laying the foundation to revive downtown - Sun Journal, Sunday, February 17, 2013
In the l970's, the Central Business District (CBD) and city were at a critical junction. The new mall enticed merchants to the outskirts of the city, roadways and incompatible land uses fragmented the downtown area into many small and marginally useful pieces of land, and the downtown tax base continued to deteriorate as residents and businesses moved to the suburbs. Click here for story
North Carolina Main Street Champions Recognized - New Bern's Janet Francouer Among Those Honored
On Thursday, January 31, Janet Francouer was honored as a 2012 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Ceremony in Salisbury. Francouer was selected by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. for this special recognition in appreciation of her exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Click here for full Press Release
Swiss Bear: A catalyst for positive economic change - Sun Journal, Sunday February 3, 2012
In the post World War II years, the advent of the automobile, railways and improved roads led to the gradual deterioration of small towns across the nation. Suburbanization, a new phenomenon and development of shopping malls, enticed residents to leave the old established residential neighborhoods for the newly developing residential areas. click here for story
Swiss Bear, Chamber launch Sunrise Business Update - Sun Journal, January 22, 2013
Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation and the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce are happy to announce they are partnering to provide Sunrise Business Update, a new opportunity open to the business community.click here for story
Swiss Bear elects officers - Sun Journal,
At the December annual meeting of the Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation, the following directors were elected to serve as officers for 2013. click here for story
Mumfest beats 100k mark for visitors - Sun Journal, November 15, 2012
Mumfest, New Bern's premier street festival drew a record crowd this year, estimated by organizers at more than 100,000 visitors. click here for story
Mumfest draws record crowds - Sun Journal, October 19, 2012
Mumfest attracted its largest crowds this year as thousands of people strolled the streets, enjoying good food, entertainment, programs and arts and crafts, organizers said. click here for story
SeaFair draws sizeable crowd during arrival - Sun Journal, October 6, 2012
Crowds of people lined the edge of Union Point Park Friday afternoon watching something unique cruising up the Neuse River: SeaFair, a gleaming, white 228-foot megayacht. click here for story
Cunningham Bridge openings set during Mumfest weekend - Sun Journal, October 2, 2012
A modification of times for opening the Alfred A. Cunningham Bridge for boat traffic has been approved during Mumfest, which is Oct. 13 and 14. click here for story
New Bern Art Fest has 45 international artists for Mumfest - Sun Journal, September 27, 2012
During Mumfest, the mega-yacht SeaFair will unveil The SeaFair Collection, a traveling exhibition of contemporary works. It is presented by the Florida-based art fair organization firm, International Fine Art Expositions. click here for story
Public gets view of Gateway Renaissance plan - Sun Journal, September 7, 2012
A comprehensive plan to revitalize a large portion of New Bern around the downtown area, Five points and Duffyfield was presented to the public Thursday night. click here for story
Mumfest named a Top 20 event - Sun Journal, April 26, 2012
Mumfest has been selected by the Southeast Tourism Society as a Top 20 Event in the Southeastern United States for the month of October. click here for story
Main Street grant - Letter to the Editor - Sun Journal, April 15, 2012
Recently the city was awarded a $100,000 grant from the NC Main Street Solutions Fund from the Department of Commerce to assist with the renovation to the Bank of the Arts retail space and the old Pak-A-Sak building on East Front Street. In response to questions why the two projects were selected and submitted by the city, the fiscal agent for this project, and Swiss Bear, Susan Moffat-Thomas, Executive Director, offers the following. click here for story
New Bern accepts grant - Sun Journal, April 12, 2012
New Bern aldermen approved a resolution Tuesday night to accept a $100,000 Main Street Solutions Grant to assist two businesses downtown.click here for story
Grant to aid two downtown locations - Sun Journal, March 9, 2012
New Bern has received a $100,000 Main Street Solutions Grant that will be used to renovate the Bank of Arts shop and the former Pak-A-Sak store on East Front Street.click here for story
City aldermen approve outdoor alcohol permits - Sun Journal, March 1, 2012
New Bern aldermen changed the city ordinance Tuesday night to allow sidewalk cafe patrons and people assembled at special events to consume alcohol if cafe owners and event organizers have the proper permits.click here for story
Grant to aid two downtown locations - Sun Journal, March 9, 2011
New Bern has received a $100,000 Main Street Solutions Grant that will be used to renovate the Bank of Arts shop and the former Pak-A-Sak store on East Front Street. click here for story
Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation 2012 Officers and Directors - News Release December 22, 2011 click here
Elks Building draws interest - Sun Journal December 20, 2011
There is a renewed interest in the old Elks Building that has stood un-used for decades on Middle Street and was once the hub of downtown. click here for story
A symbol restored. Ceremony at Lawson Creek Park Sunday recognizes importance of F-11 Navy Jet - Sun Journal October 31, 2011
A theme ran through the dedication Sunday at Lawson Creek Park of the mighty, restored Grumman F-11 Tiger Jet. The theme was the close and enduring relationship New Bern has with the military. click here for story
F-11 jet dedication at Lawson Creek Park - Sun Journal October 23, 2011
New Bern's newest free tourist attraction - the F-11A Blue Angels jet - has been in place at Lawson Creek Park since mid-summer, but the official dedication is Sunday. click here for story
Opposition to post office move grows - Sun Journal July 17, 2011
Opposition to a possible consolidation of the downtown post office with the Neuse Forest Station Post Office branch continues to grow. click here for story
Downtown rally - Sun Journal July 16, 2011
The downtown New Bern post office has long served both the residential and business community as a convenient location for postal retail transactions and mailings. More importantly it has served as the hub of our downtown community, stimulating visits to downtown businesses, providing opportunities to greet friends and exchange information and creating a lively sense of community identity. click here for story
Aldermen opposed to losing downtown post office - Sun Journal July 13, 2011
New Bern aldermen passed a resolution Tuesday night opposing the possible move of the downtown post office. The postal service is doing a study to see if it is more feasible to consolidate the downtown post office with the Neuse Forest Post Office in the James city area. click here for story
Final flight - New Bern jet lands after turbulent journey - Sun Journal June 30,2011
New Bern's F-11 Blue Angels jet arrived home Wednesday after a turbulent final flight that included rain, threats of lightning and some precarious hours doing a balancing act. click here for story
New Bern F-11 Jet slated to be set on pedestal today - Sun Journal June 29, 2011
New Bern's F-11 Blue Angels jet goes for its last ride early this morning, when it is scheduled to be hoisted atop a pedestal in Lawson Creek Park. click here for story
New Bern jet set to go - Fundraising efforts continue to complete site work - Sun Journal June 9, 2011
New Bern's F-11A Tiger jet has a flight plan for landing atop a pedestal in Lawson Creek Park. The jet, which has been a fixture on the city landscape since the 1970's, has been refurbished and returned to its Blue Angels colors. It is tentatively scheduled to be hoisted by a crane on June 29 and secured to a 15-foot concrete pedestal, which sits atop a 10-foot earthen mound. click here for story
New Bern's Angel No. 5 - Former pilot happy with F-11 overhaul - Sun Journal May 30, 2011
When retired Navy Capt. Norman Gandia was passing through New Bern on his way to Florida about 15 years ago, something caught his eye off of U.S. 17 and made him turn around and stop. click here for story
New Bern's F-11 jet to return - Sun Journal May 13, 2011
New Bern's Grumman F-11A Tiger jet is coming home - to stay. The jet, which has been a city fixture since 1973, has been refurbished and returned to its Blue Angels colors at Fleet Readiness Center-East at Cherry Point air station. click here for story
New Bern's newest outdoor sculpture, a 28-foot Spider Lily, reached full bloom Friday morning. Sun Journal-April 15, 2011
New Bern's newest outdoor sculpture, a 28-foot Spider Lily, reached full bloom Friday morning. Not only is the spider lily a beautiful flower, but it also is historically significant to New Bern. click here for story and photos
New Bern's Spider Lily sculpture nearing bloom - Sun Journal April 13, 2011
New Bern's newest outdoor sculpture - a 28-foot Spider Lily - is nearing full bloom. California kinetic sculpture artist Susan Pascal Beran has been assembling the crown to the outdoor art since last week. click here for story
Work progresses toward return of city's F-11 Tiger jet - Sun Journal March 29, 2011
Site work is progressing at Lawson Creek Park for New Bern's refurbished Grumman F-11A Tiger display jet, which could be officially dedicated this summer. click here for story
Completion of flower sculpture now expected in spring - Sun Journal November 12, 2010
Construction is under way on the more than 28-foot spider lily sculpture at a site behind the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center by the Neuse River, but the metal flower sculpture won't be in full bloom until spring. Click here for story
Refurb complete, jet awaits new home - Sun Journal November 7, 2010
New Bern's Grumman F-11A Tiger display jet has returned to its Blue Angels glory. That is in spirit, anyway. Click here for story
MumFest totals 76,000 people, $2.8M, F-11A Tiger, spider lily sculpture projects nearly ready - Sun Journal October 13, 2010
When an estimated economic impact of $2.8 million,not including tax revenue to the city, organizers are calling last weekend's festival the most successful of all MumFest celebrations over the past 30 years. click here for story
Sculpture project may move behind convention center after first location becomes 'problematic'. Plan B -
Sun Journal September 4, 2010.
A gift from a private individual to the city for its 300th anniversary may have a location to display its artistic merit.Swiss Bear Downtown Revitalization Corp. representatives are working on details ... click here for story
Aldermen give informal nod for park, marina - Sun Journal August 18, 2010
By all indications, a Swiss Bear Downtown Revitalization Corp. public park and marina project will receive city support but not city cash. click here for story
Teamwork revives cemetery. Groups hope to complete restoration for fall dedication - Sun Journal
August 1, 2010.
Restoration work continues on the 1753 Bryan-Fordham Cemetery on Queen Street, a 300th anniversary project that looks toward a fall dedication click here for story
Jet 'cruises' safely to FRC-East - Sun Journal July 19, 2010
Alva Windham displayed a large grin as he pumped his right first into the air. Then he greeted Tom Braaten with the same big smile and a pat on the back. click here for story
Jet ready for trip to Cherry Point - Sun Journal July 16, 2010
In contrast to the days when it roared through the skies as a U.S. Navy Blue Angel, the city's F-11 Tiger display jet will inch down U.S. 70 early Sunday toward the place where it will be restored - at least cosmetically - to its former team condition. click here for story
Plans being made to move, refurbish F-11 jet - Sun Journal June 30, 2010
Tentative plans are under way to move the F-11 Tiger display jet on July 18 to Cherry Point air station, where Fleet Readines Center-East workers will restore it to its historic Blue Angels trim.click here for story
Program to make historical information about city buildings accessible - Sun Journal June 17, 2010
Robert Allen believes each one of the historic buildings in downtown New Bern has a story, and he wants to make them talk.Allen is a professor of American studies, history and communications at UNC who is leading a digital history mapping project that will, eventually, allow city residents to see the evolution of the city's downtown online. Click here for story
F11 makeover project gaining momentum - Sun Journal June 3, 2010
City officials and civic groups have completed the first steps toward the restoration and relocation of the F-11Tiger display jet by embarking on a dialogue with the Department of the Navy and each oher. click here for story
Swiss Bear feted at anniversary dinner - Sun Journal April 24, 2010
New Bern's downtown area isn't what it used to be, and that's a good thing. That was the sentiment Thursday night among guests and speakers at the Riverfront Convention Center, where city and state officials joined with community members to celebrate Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp.'s 30th anniversary.click here for story
Downtown Development's 30th Anniversary Celebrating the Transformation of Downtown New Bern 1980-2010 - Press Release, April 2010.
On April 22nd, Swiss Bear's 30th Anniversary banquet will be a very special evening...a time to celebrate measurable accomplishments, a time to celebrate the unlimited number of working partnerships among the private and public sector, a time to thank the many businesses, government officials, organizations and citizens at large who have worked and proven downtown revitalization is not only viable and achievable, but more importantly, it is the right thing to do.
Click here for Press Release
Swiss Bear celebrating its 30th anniversary. 'Heart and soul of the downtown' - Sun Journal April 4, 2010
Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp., a nonprofit that played a central role in resurrecting New Bern's downtown from its "very sad shape" to turn it into the heart of the community, is celebrating the 30-year anniversary of when its work began. Click here for story
Location for city's historic F-11A jet in holding pattern - Sun Journal March 31, 2010
Non-profit Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. got New Bern aldermen's blessings Tuesday night on proposed new city park on the waterfront and new downtown signage, but ran into a delay on the location of the city's historic Gruman F-11A aircraft after its planned restoration.Click here for story.
Swiss Bear sorting through new directive from city hall - Sun Journal: March 19, 2010
A concentrated effort to revitalize the Five Points and Duffyfield areas of New Bern will require cooperation between the city, business leaders and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation. Click here for story
City Leaders want Swiss Bear to revamp its mission - Sun Journal: March 16, 2010
New Bern’s elected leaders told Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation officials Tuesday night that the organization’s original mission is outdated and that the group should focus its future efforts on improving Five Points and Duffyfield, two of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.Click here for story
Giant flower likeness to be center of proposed park - Sun Journal March 14, 2010
A nature-made layer of New Bern's history is getting a bit of a modern twist: The spider lily, which made its U.S. debut in this city, may soon have a place of honor downtown, as the 26-foot steel centerpiece of a sculpture park near the Neuse River. click here for story
Swiss Bear hosts NC small town group conference - Sun Journal: January 25, 2010
The state organization that spearheads downtown revitalization in small North Carolina towns will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a three-day conference in New Bern beginning Wednesday. Click here for story
Swiss Bear receives 2009 National Trust Main Street Accreditation - Press Release: May 2009
Swiss Bear Downtown Development has been designated an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Press Release
North Carolina Main Street Champions Recognized - New Bern's Robert L. Mattocks II Among Those Honored - Press Release: January 2009
Robert L. Mattocks II was honored as a 2008 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Statesville, N.C. Mattocks was selected for this special recognition by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Press Release
New Bern's Swiss Bear Awarded $646,650 Grant - Press Release: April 13, 2009
Swiss Bear Downtown Development received an award of $646,650 on behalf of the City of New Bern, to be used specifically in creation of needed public transient boating facilities. BIG Press Release
Wayfinding sign system proposed - Sun Journal: March 17, 2009 by Nikie Mayo, Sun Journal Staff. Swiss Bear Downtown Development will seek partners to pay for a "wayfinding system" of signs - some of which could be in place in time for New Bern's 300th anniversary - guide tourists through the city. Click here for story.
Swiss Bear says it had a succcessful year - Sun Journal: December 19, 2008 by Nikie Mayo, Sun Journal Staff. Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation has had a successful year despite a difficult economy, its leader said Thursday. Click here for story.
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Swiss Bear sorting through new directive from city hall - Sun Journal: March 19, 2010
A concentrated effort to revitalize the Five Points and Duffyfield areas of New Bern will require cooperation between the city, business leaders and Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation. Click here for story
City Leaders want Swiss Bear to revamp its mission - Sun Journal: March 16, 2010
New Bern’s elected leaders told Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation officials Tuesday night that the organization’s original mission is outdated and that the group should focus its future efforts on improving Five Points and Duffyfield, two of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.Click here for story
Giant flower likeness to be center of proposed park - Sun Journal March 14, 2010
A nature-made layer of New Bern's history is getting a bit of a modern twist: The spider lily, which made its U.S. debut in this city, may soon have a place of honor downtown, as the 26-foot steel centerpiece of a sculpture park near the Neuse River. click here for story
Swiss Bear hosts NC small town group conference - Sun Journal: January 25, 2010
The state organization that spearheads downtown revitalization in small North Carolina towns will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a three-day conference in New Bern beginning Wednesday. Click here for story
Swiss Bear receives 2009 National Trust Main Street Accreditation - Press Release: May 2009
Swiss Bear Downtown Development has been designated an accredited National Main Street Program for meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street Center. Press Release
North Carolina Main Street Champions Recognized - New Bern's Robert L. Mattocks II Among Those Honored - Press Release: January 2009
Robert L. Mattocks II was honored as a 2008 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Statesville, N.C. Mattocks was selected for this special recognition by Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corp. in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Press Release
New Bern's Swiss Bear Awarded $646,650 Grant - Press Release: April 13, 2009
Swiss Bear Downtown Development received an award of $646,650 on behalf of the City of New Bern, to be used specifically in creation of needed public transient boating facilities. BIG Press Release
Wayfinding sign system proposed - Sun Journal: March 17, 2009 by Nikie Mayo, Sun Journal Staff. Swiss Bear Downtown Development will seek partners to pay for a "wayfinding system" of signs - some of which could be in place in time for New Bern's 300th anniversary - guide tourists through the city. Click here for story.
Swiss Bear says it had a succcessful year - Sun Journal: December 19, 2008 by Nikie Mayo, Sun Journal Staff. Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation has had a successful year despite a difficult economy, its leader said Thursday. Click here for story.
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