New Bern, NC 1/31/2024
Everywhere you go in New Bern you can’t help bumping into one of the many bears in the city. Some are wearing a suit and others a uniform. The bear is a proud symbol of the Swiss Bear named after the capital city of Bern Switzerland. The name “bern” actually means bear in old Swiss (German) and legend has it the capital of Switzerland was named by its founder the Duke Berchtold around the 12th century. The Duke apparently declared the first animal to fall to his hunting prowess would be the name of the new town. The first animal to fall before him was a bear. Although there are competing versions of this legend, some say the name “bern” is older and dates back to the Celtic period.
Either way, the symbol of the bear is engrained in the Swiss Capital and found its way to North Carolina in 1710 with the arrival of a Swiss fellow by the name of Christoph von Graffenried. Graffenried founded the city of New Bern… and still to this day, the bear remains the symbol of New Bern North Carolina as well as the capital of Switzerland. As a matter of fact, the family name “Graffenried” is still involved in the Swiss capital’s politics today and direct descendants of the Graffenied who named New Bern North Carolina.
So why is New Bern a great place to do business? It has nothing to do with the name or a bear… but here are some great reasons to investigate doing business in Craven County (New Bern):
- Room to grow – the area has ample room to expand with very reasonable rates for construction and land.
- Location – The city of New Bern is in a prime area with lower cost for manufacturing. Close to the port of Wilmington to the south and Raliegh to the north, business have easy access to markets without being in a congested city. Plus, the city is located close to wildlife, fishing, hunting, beaches and offers a warm climate.
- The City and County are very welcoming to new businesses investing in the area. The office of economic development under Jeff Woods has done an excellent job of coordinating growth and development in the region. From the Chamber of Commerce to the city managers and economic development, the city works in unity to help business get up and running as fast as possible.
- Work force – The local community college cooperates with businesses to grow the local work force with required skills. From the VOLT Center to Craven Community College the town is focused on attracting workers looking for a bright future in a wonderful community.
- Low Taxes and friendly environment - The state of North Carolina is growing in double digits from year to year. New Bern is also growing fast. The Southern Charm/hospitality of the people and low taxes make the move/relocation easier.
- Proximity to Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune offers military supply chain companies’ close access to Marine bases. From aircraft, cleaning equipment to a myriad of other equipment/services these city sized bases are an important part of the region.
- The new highway – the new Interstate 42 will be completed shortly and access to Raleigh and surrounding areas will be shortened dramatically.
- Lifestyle – reduce stress and relish an area focused on enjoying life and work.
If you are interested in New Bern, please reach out to Jeff Woods of the New Bern Economic Development office or just visit New Bern and experience it for yourself. While you are in town, look out for all those bears and enjoy the culture and history waiting for you here.
