Forge Greensboro Announces New Director; Stays in Downtown Greensboro, NC
GREENSBORO, NC – June 13, 2023 –
Forge Greensboro Community Makerspace, announces the renewal of its lease at 219 W Lewis Street, in the heart of downtown Greensboro. This decision comes following a reconsideration of potential relocation plans to the Steelhouse building, which was contingent upon funding from the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship as part of a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant effort which was not awarded.
The collaborative spirit between the two organizations has always been and continues to be a driving force behind the entrepreneurial and creative energy in the community. Forge Greensboro and the Nussbaum Center have mutually expressed their commitment to future collaborations and endeavors.
Dr. Lonnie Cockerham joined Forge Greensboro as the Executive Director in March following a productive seven-year term served by Mr. Joe Rotondi who saw the Forge grow from a primarily hobbyist organization to its current status as an organization involved in many community service projects that center on the creativity associated with making. Mr. Rotondi will likely continue to serve the Forge as a Board Member. Cockerham, formerly the Executive Director for Community Engagement at North Carolina A&T State University, has also served as an executive level or programmatic leader at GTCC, the City of Greensboro, and both the Greensboro and Davie County affiliates of Habitat for Humanity.
"Although the funding for the Steelhouse move did not come through, this does not dampen our ambition or our plans for the future," says Cockerham. "We are fully dedicated to enhancing the maker culture in Greensboro and providing our community with an even better makerspace." As part of its strategic growth vision, Forge Greensboro is exploring the possibility of purchasing a property to expand its facilities, further fostering the growth of the maker culture in the city.
The Forge’s continued evolution is a testament to its commitment to providing a cutting-edge, collaborative environment for Greensboro’s maker community that also provides opportunities for all those in the community who wish to create. Its goal remains steadfast: to inspire and facilitate innovation, entrepreneurship, and education for all in Greensboro, NC, and beyond.
About Forge Greensboro
Forge Greensboro, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is the largest community makerspace in the Southeast. The Forge provides members with equipment for woodworking, welding, sewing, 3D printing, laser engraving, 3D design, electronics and ceramics. The core program provides affordable access to tools, technology and a community of entrepreneurs, artists, artisans, inventors, students, skilled trades folk, engineers, hobbyists and tinkerers. Forge Greensboro is an inclusive environment where people can come and share their skills, experience, ideas, networks and curiosity. For more information visit, www.forgegreensboro.org.
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