Author: Lance
January 2022
It is my pleasure to report on the activities of Forward Brunswick since its inauguration in February of 2021. This marked the combination of New City Brunswick and Forward Brunswick into one non-profit community improvement organization.
Our first step as a newly appointed board was to ensure that we have daily direction from a qualified executive director. We are very fortunate to have found the right leader in Erin Granados. Her background was the right fit for our mission and she has been a very effective executive.
Another early decision was to expand the board from five members to eight with the addition of Don Myers, Bernard McCloud, and Michele Seals. We anticipate adding new members in 2022 as we assess the need for additional expertise and community representation.
Early in the year, we engaged the Georgia Conservancy to analyze 13 plans that have been developed over the years. These range from Blueprint Brunswick, Mary Ross Waterfront Park Master Plan and the RSVP Plan facilitated by the Carl Vinson Center at UGA. The Conservancy’s task was to identify common themes, challenges, priorities and gaps that should be addressed for future Forward Brunswick activities and goals. With Georgia Conservancy’s analysis and input from the community, we have categorized our goals as Amenities, Beautification, and Development.
A major objective for our first year was to provide financial stability by obtaining funding commitments for three years of operations. A Partnership program was developed providing an opportunity for local businesses and individuals to underwrite our mission. I’m pleased to report we are well on our way to obtaining these funds and should complete this effort by March 1, 2022.
Please take a look at our website, www.forwardbrunswick.org. This will give you a better understanding of the objectives that have been established through our partnerships with a wide variety of local businesses, agencies and the non-profit community. We are all about partnerships and a review of our strategic goals will reinforce this perception.
As ever, our board welcomes your ideas about how we can, as a community, recognize that Brunswick is the heart of the Golden Isles, and needs the enthusiastic support of every citizen in our wonderful coastal community.
-Ben Slade, Chair of the Board of Directors
Forward Brunswick moves to new office
As announced on Brunswick News’ Nov 13, 2021 front page, Forward Brunswick has set up shop in Downtown Brunswick. The Torras Properties offered space in its corporate office on Gloucester Street to help advance Forward Brunswick’s strategic plan and mission. Read more from Daren Pietsch – President of The Torras Properties, Erin Granados – executive director of Forward Brunswick, and Ben Slade – Chair of the Forward Brunswick Board of Directors here.
Forward Brunswick continues its mission to help city
Forward Brunswick has completed a 90-day facilitated strategic planning process. Its mission is to inspire community commitment and raise resources to accomplish Brunswick revitalization projects. Its vision is to foster economic vitality as Brunswick’s community partnership leader. There are three focus areas that will improve quality of life for Brunswick’s residents, visitors, and stakeholders: Amenities, Beautification, and Development. Read the full Brunswick News front page article here.
An Overview of Historic Brunswick: Our City by the Sea – Part 2 of 2
Coastal GeoLocal historian Buddy Sullivan is turning his focus on the City by the Sea in a special two-part lecture series presented at the downtown public library. Buddy will cover the history of Brunswick from the earliest colonial settlement of Georgia to the late 20th century.
The presentation will focus largely on the story of Brunswick’s growth and development as a commercial center and seaport. Brunswick’s transportation facilities, including the railroads and the port, saw their greatest growth in the late 19th century when the town became one of the leading producers and exporters of naval stores in the world. While the emphasis will be on economic history, the story of education in Brunswick will also be discussed, particularly that of African American schools that were established following the Civil War. In the 20th century, the lectures will cover Brunswick’s important contributions to the U.S. war effort in World War II with its major shipbuilding initiative, as well as the thriving commercial seafood industry that developed in Brunswick after the war with its large shrimp boat fleet. Dozens of historical images and Brunswick scenes from the last 200 years will illustrate the city’s rich history, making this a program not to be missed!
The cost for the pair of lectures is $35. Registration is required. The lectures will be held in the event rooms at the downtown Brunswick branch of the library at 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA.
To register for the lectures, see this link: Buddy Sullivan Brunswick Course Tickets.
This program is presented jointly by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and the Friends of the Brunswick-Glynn County Library
An Overview of Historic Brunswick: Our City by the Sea – Part 1 of 2
Coastal GeoLocal historian Buddy Sullivan is turning his focus on the City by the Sea in a special two-part lecture series presented at the downtown public library. Buddy will cover the history of Brunswick from the earliest colonial settlement of Georgia to the late 20th century.
The presentation will focus largely on the story of Brunswick’s growth and development as a commercial center and seaport. Brunswick’s transportation facilities, including the railroads and the port, saw their greatest growth in the late 19th century when the town became one of the leading producers and exporters of naval stores in the world. While the emphasis will be on economic history, the story of education in Brunswick will also be discussed, particularly that of African American schools that were established following the Civil War. In the 20th century, the lectures will cover Brunswick’s important contributions to the U.S. war effort in World War II with its major shipbuilding initiative, as well as the thriving commercial seafood industry that developed in Brunswick after the war with its large shrimp boat fleet. Dozens of historical images and Brunswick scenes from the last 200 years will illustrate the city’s rich history, making this a program not to be missed!
The cost for the pair of lectures is $35. Registration is required. The lectures will be held in the event rooms at the downtown Brunswick branch of the library at 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA.
To register for the lectures, see this link: Buddy Sullivan Brunswick Course Tickets.
This program is presented jointly by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and the Friends of the Brunswick-Glynn County Library
Beautification
Improve the aesthetic of Brunswick to encourage financial investment and community pride.
Development
Revitalize the core downtown portion of the Norwich Street Corridor to increase economic vitality for a diverse group of stakeholders.
Amenities
Transform Mary Ross Waterfront Park into an anchor for relaxation and recreation in order to attract residents and visitors.
FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT & COSTUME CONTEST
The Mel Brooks Classic Young Frankenstein will be the featured film at Machen Square, Saturday, October 23, beginning at 7:30 PM.
Join in on the fun with the costume contest too! Cash prizes for the best costumes: Men – $25, Women – $25, Overall – $30
For just $25.00 you can add even more to the fun with a Haunted Bike Tour by Brunswick Old Town Tours that includes a personal pizza and soft drink from Arte’s Pizza and a cupcake from Pam Pam’s Cupcake.
Check out the DDA’s event page on Facebook for additional details or Downtown Development Authority’s main page.
