On Thursday morning more than 200 people showed up to give a round of applause to a visionary and economic development leader in New Bern.
Susan Moffat-Thomas who has served as Executive Director for Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation for almost 30 years.
During her time she’s been a leader in developing downtown New Bern.
“You know nothing happens by itself and this community is very special because we did work together to make it happen, and we have a wonderful city because of it,” Moffat-Thomas said.
When Moffat-Thomas started in 1985 she describes the downtown area of New Bern much differently. It was dying, didn’t have tourism and didn’t have many businesses downtown. She wanted to change that. People at her retirement celebration say Moffat-Thomas led people in the city to make it a better place.
“I wouldn’t have missed it you could not have kept me out of New Bern this morning to honor her and to celebrate her life,” said former North Carolina Governor, Beverly Perdue. “There was very little downtown, there was no commerce, there was no tourism, there was none of that. Susan Moffat-Thomas was one of the leaders who saw there could be better things happening for this Eastern Carolina town. And now we are the talk of the country– New Bern, North Carolina because of Susan’s leadership.”
The following are just some of the projects Moffat-Thomas has helped raise money for or had a hand in developing/creating in the New Bern area: The Alfred Cunningham Bridge, Baxter Street Clock, Bear Plaza, Belk Building Rehabilitation, Broad Street Improvements, Council Bluff Green, E-11 Jet Restoration, James Reed Lane, Mumfest, Neuse River Bridge, Sampson-Green Neighborhood Park, Ship Hauling Machine, Spider Lily Sculpture, Union Point Park and Wayfinding Sign System.
Moffat-Thomas says since the 1980s, Swiss Bear has raised around $200 million either directly or through lobbyist. All of this money going to invest in projects in downtown New Bern and surrounding areas.
“It just seemed that after 30 years it was a good time to end on a high note. I just thought it was the most fantastic thing that has ever happened to me,” said Moffat-Thomas. “To have so many people here that have been a part of the effort and then those wonderful comments.”
Leave a Reply