Swiss Bear Thanks our Local Sponsors for Their Support of the
2020 North Carolina Main Street Conference!
Greater Downtown New Bern . . .
it’s where shopping, dining, history and the arts come together.
Situated at the confluence of two scenic rivers, Greater Downtown New Bern is the center for vibrant lifestyle experiences in Eastern North Carolina. Pedestrian-friendly, it is home to historic Tryon Palace, the birthplace of Pepsi, as well as great shopping, dining, museums, concerts, galleries and parks. Discover North Carolina’s second oldest town located just off of US Highways 70 and 17.
It’s where everything has been coming together . . . for more than three hundred years.
Greg was known by all as ‘Mr. New Bern.’ He never knew a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel special. Because of this gift, most New Bernians considered him a friend. He loved the people who live here, our visitors and the organizations that serve these people. Because he believed so strongly in making New Bern a better place for all, he selflessly contributed his time, vision and efforts to our community.
Sadly, our friend died suddenly on January 29, 2018. We know the best way to honor him is to continue his efforts to make New Bern a place that is welcoming to all. But none of us want his story, the story of a remarkable man devoted to family and community, to be lost.
Local artist, Chris Richards, was commissioned to create a thoughtfully conceived sculpture depicting an image of the person we knew. Through discussions with Greg’s daughters, friends, and other local artists, Chris created a beautiful bronze sculpture that reflects strength, gentleness and a sense of nurturing. The sculpture will be placed on a granite base with engravings of Greg’s favorite sayings as well as a brief description of the man and his legacy.
We are asking you to support this piece of public art that will commemorate our friend for generations to come and will be placed in the heart of the downtown that Greg loved and served.
Upcoming Events
MumFest Oct. 10-11, 2020
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As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Swiss Bear, Inc. is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by the National Main Street Center.
Our Mission
Swiss Bear facilitates the development of the greater downtown area through leadership and planning that empowers community stakeholders to promote and enhance New Bern’s unique cultural and natural resources.
Other apps worthy of checking out are the New Bern app 
and the Nowait app 
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