CONTENT

Welcome and Board of Directors

Board of Directors Ex-Officio Seats

The future looks bright for New Bern

Mayor says local business growth important to New Bern’s future

City upgrades improve quality of life for New Bern residents

In broad terms, what’s going on at MCAS Cherry Point?

Airport expansion will offer improved features for travelers

NCDOT upgrading U.S. 70 for the new year

What’s Up With All The Construction?

New Bern
Area Chamber of Commerce

316 S Front St.,
New Bern, NC 28563

252. 637.3111

This is a MetroMedia, A Town Square Publications Company, publication created and produced for the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2023 MetroMedia, a company of Town Square Publications, LLC. 14300 Kenneth Rd., Ste. 210 Leawood, KS 66224
913-951-8413
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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and MetroMedia assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and MetroMedia is prohibited.

Managing Director
David Small

Director of Production
Ryan Moore

Editor
Bob Oswald

Account Executive
Tyler Busby

Design Project Manager
Katharene DeLorenzo

Welcome

On behalf of the staff and Board of Directors of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, welcome to the latest edition of the Chamber’s Insight Community & Business Magazine.

Thank you to all of our board members, ambassadors, and volunteers for the dedication of so much of your time and talents to ensuring the success of the Chamber.

Thank you to all of our Members. This Chamber is here to serve you with a mission to enhance the business, civic, and economic vitality of our New Bern Area community.

Our community is a treasured one – a place with unmatched natural resources, exceptional healthcare providers and a top-ranked hospital system, award-winning schools, and a thriving business community, all of which foster an environment that draws many people to visit, live, work, and retire here.

As a Member of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, I encourage you to take advantage of the unique opportunity we have to be part of an organization that has been a key partner in developing the rich fabric of this community for over 124 years. The Chamber offers countless opportunities for members to network, facilitate partnerships, advertise, and share your voice for the needs of your business. Please make the most of your membership.

I look forward to serving as your Chair for 2023 and wish you all much success for the coming year and beyond!

Kyle Dickerson, Chair

Sumrell Sugg, PA

New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Kyle Dickerson, Chair, Sumrell, Sugg

Jeff Medlin, Immediate Past Chair, First Citizens Bank

Ed Hughes, Incoming Chair, Individual

Dan Roberts, Treasurer, Edward Jones

Ray Staats, Craven Community College

Lindsay Sims, Mitchell Hardware

Jim Robinson, Robinson & Stith

Kevin Roberts, President & CEO, New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Term Expiring 2023

Shane Grant

Acquire Financial Associates, LLC

Ross Hardeman

Sumrell Sugg, Attorneys at Law

Sandra Phelps

United Way

Stuart Blount

Blount’s Landscaping & Maintenance, LLC

Greg Mize

New Bern Farm, Garden & Landscape

Grant Loftin

Hyundai of New Bern

Genesis of New Bern

Maureen Clayton

Coastal Concierge Services

Term Expiring 2024

Chris Hayter

International Paper Company

Zeb Hough

Religious Community Services

Mike Raines

Century 21 Zaytoun-Raines-Real Estate, Inc.

Derrick Remer

Duke Energy

Melissa Riggle

Craven County TDA

Andy Schneider

Chemac, Inc.

Phil Vernelson

You’ve Got Maids

Term Expiring 2025

Judy Pierce

CarolinaEast Health System

Cameron Stallings

TRUIST

Dean Quadir

Persimmons

Wendy McCoy

Union Home Mortgage

Tieghlor Melton

Thompson Home Group

Brad Poirier

Bear City Impact

Andy MacLaren

BSH

EX-OFFICIO SEATS

Voting: By Appointment

Andy Shorter

Director, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport

Jeff Wood

Director, Craven County Economic Development

Lynne Harakal

Executive Director, Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation

Voting: At-Large

Tarshi McCoy

New Bern Riverfront Convention Center

Dr. Wendy Miller

Superintendent, Craven County Schools

Dr. Dwight Carlblom

The Epiphany School of Global Studies

Nancy Alexander

Past Chair 2014

Tharesa Lee

Past Chair 2016

Tom Braaten

Past Chair 2013

Non-Voting

Foster Hughes

City Manager, City of New Bern

Rhonda Murray

MCAS Cherry Point, Community
Plans & Liaison

The future looks bright for New Bern

New Bern administration is behind an effort to support local businesses while expanding options for residents and improving the area’s quality of life.

“I want New Bern to be the best New Bern can be,” New Bern Mayor Jeffrey Odham said.

The city is looking at a new amphitheater and continued development of Martin Marietta Park, along with improved access to the New Bern City Hall.

Upgrades to U.S. 70 will help residents travel safely and smoothly while the surrounding area will see new design elements. And there are changes coming to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport.

New Bern’s Future

Mayor says local business growth important to New Bern’s future

By Ann Piccininni

More shopping opportunities, the construction of a new entertainment venue and continued support of the local business community are all on the 2023 horizon for New Bern, as New Bern Mayor Jeffrey Odham sees it.

Odham said the arrival of the New Bern Marketplace shopping center four years ago was just the start of a growing retail presence serving the area.

“It is a significant new development located within the ward I represented,” Odham said. “It’s continuing to grow.”

Odham served on the city council for eight and a half years before he was elected to the city’s mayoral post in July.

New Bern Marketplace tenants include HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, Ross Dress for Less and Academy Sports, in addition to a Harris Teeter supermarket. A Bath and Body Works store is a recent addition to the shopping area on New Bern’s west side. More retailers are expected to be added.

“One of the things that makes New Bern so special is we have a lot of locally-owned businesses and restaurants here,” Odham said. “We need a couple more chain stores, but we also don’t want to become just another city that has chains and big box stores. We always promote our locally-owned businesses. We do go out and recruit to get chains and big box stores. Filling the gaps is what I think is important.”

Odham said a new medical facility is planned for the city’s east side, where The Viridian, an independent and assisted living facility, opened its door in 2022. New housing starts on the east side will continue to expand the city’s residential offerings.

Odham said he looks forward to seeing plans for Martin Marietta Park, on the city’s northeast side, continue to develop in 2023 and come to fruition in 2024.

“We’re planning to build an amphitheater. That’s one of the goals for the new year. The city has done quite a lot of improvements on the site plans,” he said.

After several delays, Odham said he expects the project, which will host concerts and other performance events, to move forward in 2023.

“We want to ramp up on that,” he said. “My personal goal is to have it completed by the end of 2024. It’s going to be a regional draw.”

Odham said he would like to see growth at a moderate pace — not so fast that it overwhelms the ability to deliver essential city services.

“We try to take a strategic approach. You need to have the infrastructure in place to handle growth. I’d like for city leaders to help partner, where we can, with new businesses and business expansion. I want the board to get serious about adopting a strategic plan,” Odham said. “I want New Bern to be the best New Bern can be.”

City Upgrades

City upgrades improve quality of life for New Bern residents

By Ann Piccininni

This spring will see the unveiling of a new, long-anticipated amenity in New Bern — the addition of an elevator that will provide access to the New Bern City Hall at 300 Pollock St.

City Manager Foster Hughes said the elevator is the crowning achievement of a City Hall renovation that began in 2022 and will continue into 2023.

The elevator is being constructed in a new building going up adjacent to the existing City Hall. Its addition will bring the city into compliance with Americans With Disability Act requirements, making it possible for disabled people to visit the first and second floors of the City Hall, a historic structure that dates back to the late 1890s.

“This will allow City Hall to be accessible to all,” said Hughes.

Construction on the project began in May 2022. Hughes said the project is expected to be completed in May or June 2023.

“We’re excited about this coming to fruition,” Hughes said.

The city plans to embark on another major project in 2023. Plans call for moving forward with the building of a new Stanley White Recreation Center.

The original recreation center, located in a flood zone, was heavily damaged by Hurricane Florence in September 2018.

The new center will be located between Gaston Boulevard and Third Avenue, an area outside the flood zone.

“In 2023, we’ll be putting it out for bid and beginning construction shortly thereafter,” Hughes said.

He said the center is expected to open in 2024.

Recreation is a top priority for the city in 2023.

“In terms of quality of life, the goal is to implement the next phase of Martin Marietta Park,” he said.

Additional hiking trails are planned for the sprawling park on the city’s north side.

Retail options are growing in New Bern, too, and will continue to expand in 2023.

“There are several new businesses coming into town. We look forward to the retail area at the New Bern Marketplace shopping center to expand,” he said.

Hughes said New Bern’s population, as estimated by the most recent census, is 31,346.

“Our population has grown. We look forward to continued growth in the future,” he said, adding that new housing is being built on the west and south sides of New Bern.

The city is preparing to accommodate an influx of new residents.

“We’ll be looking at a variety of infrastructure projects throughout the city in 2023,” Hughes said.

Those include water and sewer projects as well as the addition of a third electric utility substation.

“The demand on the electric utility is growing. It’s essential to make these upgrades,” he said.

The city is also working with Internet access providers to bring better and faster internet service, via fiber optics, to New Bern residents.

“There really is a lot going on in New Bern,” Hughes said.

Air Station Cherry Point

In broad terms,
what’s going on at MCAS Cherry Point?

Initially constructed more than 80 years ago, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is in the midst of significant transformation and transition, from an installation that was commissioned during World War II into a modern air base that supports the next generation of Marine aviation and our Nation’s future fights.

Throughout the next decade, major military construction, totaling more than $1.6 billion and master installation planning will transform “America’s Air Station.”

Currently, seven military construction projects are underway at the main station in Havelock. Those include F-35-centric construction of the first aircraft maintenance hangar, a training and simulator facility and a lift fan test and processing facility, the first phase of utilities modernization, and two Hurricane Florence recovery projects.

The Flight Line Utility Modernization and F-35 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar projects were the first of the major military construction that started in December 2019.

The utility modernization project called for the complete replacement of all major utilities along one of the air station’s main corridors, and is in support of flight line operations and the overall F-35 program. The aircraft maintenance hangar is the first of three hangars that will be constructed, ultimately housing six F-35 squadrons.

The in-progress hurricane recovery projects include construction of an academic facility or auditorium and facilities to replace the provost marshal’s office and the support squadron headquarters for MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

The ongoing projects enables MCAS Cherry Point to support Force Design 2030 goals for adaptability, relevance and significantly contributing to the joint fight. The construction of state-of-the-art structures, modification of existing facilities, infrastructure upgrades and modernization of equipment enhances the air station’s capability for supporting the training and readiness of the nation’s naval expeditionary force.

The transformation aboard the air station is concurrent with North Carolina Department of Transportation’s construction of the U.S. Highway 70 bypass in Havelock. According to NCDOT, the four-lane, median-divided highway will provide a high-speed alternative to using U.S. 70 through Havelock, will help improve traffic and freight movement along the corridor and aid economic development in eastern North Carolina’s rural areas. By proximity, MCAS Cherry Point stands to benefit from the offerings of improved traffic safety, ease of movement for its personnel and families, and enhanced transportation of cargo and other logistics benefits, which inherently support the transient inclinations of the military community and its mission.

MCAS Cherry Point plays a critical role in the readiness of II Marine Expeditionary Force, as the home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing that has held a significant presence in eastern North Carolina for more than 80 years. It is also home to Fleet Readiness Center East that has played an important part in national defense for eight decades, earning the reputation of excellence in providing world-class maintenance, engineering and logistics support for Navy and Marine Corps aviation, as well as other armed services, federal agencies and foreign governments.

Airport

Airport expansion will offer improved features for travelers

Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) in New Bern is going through a major terminal expansion project that is part of a multi-faceted master plan designed to strengthen the airport’s long-term appeal and functionality for airlines and passengers alike.

“This will increase the size of the facility by about 20% and will have many new features including new gates and dedicated airplane boarding bridges, a new terminal entrance canopy and an enhanced security screening checkpoint area,” Airport Director Andrew Shorter said. “We’ll also have new modern restrooms, an extended baggage claim belt, an area for service animals, and many new energy efficient enhancements throughout.”

Work started in October and is scheduled for completion by late summer 2024.

The first phase of the project was to create a whole new temporary passenger screening and gate area to be used when the main construction is underway. That work is almost finished and is scheduled to be in service the first week of January.

“The terminal expansion is made possible through the FAA airport grant process, funding from the state of North Carolina, and local airport matching funds. We appreciate all of the strong support we receive from our local leaders, business stakeholders and the traveling public who choose to use EWN as their gateway to the world,” said Shorter.

Seasonal, non-stop flight on American Airlines between New Bern, N.C. (EWN) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., will start Saturday service again on June 3, 2023. Shorter said the return of the flight is a direct result of this past summer’s success with the route.

“The resumption of this route is a major vote of confidence from American Airlines, and we are pleased to have them as strong partners providing service for our community. We are proud to be an innovative airport partner for the airlines and the return of non-stop flights to DC next summer is just one example of the work we are doing to maintain and grow service for the region,” Shorter said.

The 75-minute, weekly flights will make the attractions of the nation’s capital easily accessible for local residents and will also give travelers in the D.C.-metro area a quick, convenient way to get to Historic New Bern, the Crystal Coast and North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

“Flights are already available to book, and booking early is highly encouraged in the current environment,” Shorter said.

For more information, visit www.flyewn.com.

Transportation

NCDOT upgrading U.S. 70 for the new year

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said every effort will be made to minimize delays and impacts to people who drive through the area’s work zones.

Construction underway to improve traffic on a 5.1-mile stretch of U.S. 70 from east of Thurman Road to the Neuse River Bridge in James City will continue through 2023.

During 2023, the NCDOT project will include upgrades to existing and building new service roads parallel to U.S. 70. Existing U.S. 70 will also be widened at the inside shoulder temporarily.

It is during this time that businesses may be most impacted, as existing service roads may need to be temporarily closed to complete work. However, access will be maintained to all businesses throughout construction, and businesses will be notified when detours are necessary.

Once the new service roads are opened to traffic, existing U.S. 70 will be permanently widened, and ramp construction will begin. Then traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed widening of U.S. 70 and the ramps.

When this traffic shift occurs, cross traffic will use reduced conflict intersections (https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/Transportation/safety-mobility/reduced-conflict-intersections/Pages/default.aspx) with temporary traffic signals to access either side of U.S. 70 as the median will be closed. Signage will be installed to direct motorists to cross streets.

Work may occur at different areas along U.S. 70, due to the phased approach to construction.

Members of the public can find the most up-to-date information at the project website, www.ncdot.gov/jamescity, and can also sign up to receive updates via email and text message by providing their contact information in the subscription tool located on the home page of the project website. The website also has past newsletters, fact sheets and videos that share important information about the project’s construction efforts and design.

Two lanes of traffic on U.S. 70 will be maintained during daily and seasonal peak travel times throughout construction.

Between now and May 2023, daytime lane closures on U.S. 70 may occur on the weekend, as well as night-time lane closures and periodic night-time detours during the week.

No weekday daytime lane closures will occur on U.S. 70.

All lane closures and detours will be announced via email and text to those that have subscribed to receive updates. People also may find updates on this NCDOT Twitter feed https://twitter.com/NCDOT_Scoast).

Some detours announcements will include detailed maps to provide a description of the most appropriate detour route that impacted travelers should use.

This is one of several projects along the U.S. 70 corridor to enhance regional mobility. This project will reconstruct U.S. 70, which is future Interstate 42, to interstate standards, improving traffic flow, safety and adding vehicle capacity.

It will also enhance the visual character of the area through design elements, as well as provide improved access to businesses along the new service roads.

As construction continues on the U.S. 70 in James City project, NCDOT’s project team is available to discuss concerns or answer questions anytime throughout the project.

The public may email the team at US 70-JamesCity@PublicInput.com or call to leave a voice message at 1-855-925-2801 and enter code 7872.

There is also a field office located at 118B Market St. in New Bern.

NCDOT reminds commuters to remember to drive smart and do their part while traveling through this active work zone.

Drivers should dedicate their full attention to the roadway, obey the posted speed limits, pay attention to signs and follow flaggers instructions. It’s also essential to keep an eye out for workers, their equipment, or possible road debris, and to turn on headlights so workers and other motorists can see vehicles.