GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1989

H	Simple 
Resolution 
Adopted 

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2031*
Adopted 6/20/89

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Sponsors: Representatives Anderson, Lilley, and Perdue.
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Referred to:  
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June 20, 1989

A HOUSE RESOLUTION HONORING THE CITY OF NEW BERN FOR ITS RECOGNITION AS AN "ALL AMERICA CITY".
Whereas, the City of New Bern was founded in 1710 by the Swiss and was named for Bern, Switzerland; and
Whereas, the City of New Bern served as the first colonial capital and the first capital of the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, the City of New Bern thrived as a seaport and prospered with the coming of the railroad in 1850; and
Whereas, by the 1970s, the City of New Bern had begun to face economic hardships and other challenges; and
Whereas, the city suffered a loss of industry, tourism, and employment as a result of an interstate highway system that bypassed the city, a decline in the railroad's importance, a loss of air service, obsolete port areas, and the mechanization of farming; and
Whereas, out-migration and suburban flight coupled with human services that were not being met also plagued the city; and
Whereas, the citizens of the City of New Bern and Craven County sought to change these conditions; and
Whereas, city and county leaders began working with the Chamber of Commerce to form nonprofit organizations with professional staff to address the city's problems; and
Whereas, one of these nonprofit organizations, Swiss Bear, which has over 700 members today, was instrumental in a number of projects, including having oil tanks removed near the waterfront and enlisting the State and corporations to contribute funds to transform the oil storage depot into a park; and
Whereas, these nonprofit corporations, with the hard work of volunteers, have helped to renew the economic conditions of the City of New Bern and revitalize much of the downtown area, including the opening of 54 new businesses in the central business district that were once vacant stores, the addition of two new hotels, a 150 slip marina, a $185,000 farmers market, $200,000,000 in new investment, a new industrial park with five industries that have created 2,000 industrial jobs, and a countywide unemployment rate below 4%; and
Whereas, an aggressive industrial development program and an equally aggressive tourism promotion plan have helped to eliminate out-migration in Craven County and contributed towards a growth in population; and
Whereas, the New Bern Historic Foundation was formed to take on the responsibility of preserving and restoring many residential and commercial structures, many of which predated the Revolution; and 
Whereas, the New Bern Historic Foundation's efforts have resulted in the restoration of 157 residential structures and 35 commercial buildings; and
Whereas, the City of New Bern is proud to have two residential districts and an eight block area downtown placed on the National Register of Historic Places; and
Whereas, Religious Community Services, which began with 12 churches, representing different faiths and races and today has 28 churches, 500 volunteers, and five ministries, formed to address human services, such as providing shelter and emergency services and feeding the homeless and needy; and
Whereas, with a population just over 18,000, the City of New Bern's citizens have raised millions of dollars to contribute towards improving their city; and
Whereas, volunteers, monetary donations, and community cooperation have resulted in improving the community, human services, and the economic conditions of the City of New Bern; and
Whereas, this community spirit had a direct influence in helping the City of New Bern to receive the "All America City”award; and
Whereas, the National Civic League presented the City of New Bern with the "All America City”award on May 13, 1989, at a banquet held in Chicago for award recipients;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
Section 1.  The House of Representatives wishes to honor the City of New Bern and its citizens for receiving the National Civic League's "All America City”award on May 13, 1989.
Sec. 2.  The House of Representatives wishes to extend its pride to the City of New Bern and Craven County and to its citizens for bringing national recognition to the State of North Carolina.
Sec. 3.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor of the City of New Bern and to the President of the New Bern Chamber of Commerce.
Sec. 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.