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COMMERCE PINOVA
Patrick Grozier
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nvolvement runs deep
Pinova, the specialty rosins and polyterpene resins manufacturer, can trace its Brunswick roots back almost a century, to the Southern Naval Stores Construction Co. and Hercules Powder Co. “Beginning with our employees, many of whom were born and raised here – some for generations – to local small business owners, utility providers, city, county and state governments, all have played a key role in supporting our history and are vital to our future,” said Patrick Grozier, Pinova vice president. Pinova’s Brunswick plant creates numerous specialized products, services and raw materials for various industries worldwide. Grozier says many of these include resulting products that are used or seen by consumers every day – citrus sports drinks, adhesive bandages, warning signs at crosswalks, tapes and labels and asphalt roadways. While Pinova works on an interna-
tional scale, its location in Brunswick is dedicated to making a positive economic impact at home. Grozier says management meets regularly with a panel of community residents to share safety and environmental performance information and to discuss community expectations and concerns. With a commitment to sustainability and environmental care, the company is also able to provide skilled job opportunities while purchasing millions of dollars in local goods and services. Pinova has also created lasting relationships with many in the area to help the Golden Isles continue to grow, encouraging volunteer work to employees, among other things. “The site supports local schools through its partnership with the Communities in Schools programs and supports colleges through internships, scholarships and volunteer support,” Grozier said. —Sarah Lundgren
COMMERCE NED CASH JEWELERS
tore sees times change downtown
The large clock on the east side of Newcastle Street has for decades been a symbol of a company that makes being a part of the downtown community a priority. Ned Cash Jewelers has been a downtown Brunswick fixture since the 1940s, and its owners don’t see any of that changing. “We survived urban renewal and we’ll survive this,” said Ned Cash, co-owner of the company, referring to the business’s ability to hold its own throughout whatever the national economy throws at it. As the clock in front of the store turns through year after year, employees are seeing not only returning customers, but children of long-time customers shopping for engagement rings, wedding bands and jewelry. “We truly do have generations of customers,” said Peggy Parrish, co-owner. The owners like it that way. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. This area is so magical,” Parrish said. “We’re not only downtown merchants, we’re a family of merchants.” She is a resident of Old Town, the neighborhood adjacent to downtown, and board member of the Downtown Development Authority, and says the business is invested in making downtown a bigger attraction. “Our whole image fits into a downtown,” Parrish said. “Customers like being able to park and walk in and see familiar faces.” – Nikki Wiley
Ned Cash, Peggy Parrish and Mitch Parrish
The Brunswick News / Saturday, March 23, 2013 77