Jim Fair
Containers, empty and occupied, form a wall between the rubber tiered gantry cranes. Empty containers may be stacked eight high and filled containers are limited to seven.
The annual award recognizes a public or private sector project that strengthens the Upstate business climate and enhances the area's marketability to prospective industry, resulting in an overall positive impact to the economic development efforts of the region.
“The SC Ports Authority is honored to receive this award for the Inland Port,” said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. “The support of Upstate business leaders and elected officials was critical to the success of the facility, and I believe that together we have improved the logistics infrastructure of our state for years to come. The Upstate is home to a large concentration of port users who will benefit from using the Inland Port, and we look forward to seeing the positive economic impacts it will continue to bring to the region.”
“It’s great for the port to get this recognition,” said Reno Deaton, Executive Director of Greer Economic Development Corp. “It’s a testament to all the parties concerned.”
Greer Mayor Rick Danner, who has traveled to China twice and hosted a Chinese delegation with other city officials, cautions against taking the port for granted. “This (port) is like BMW, we can never underestimate the importance of having an Inland Port here,” Danner said.
SCIP opened in mid-October last year with limited service while construction was ongoing. The port is 212 miles inland from the Port of Charleston. Utilizing an existing overnight Norfolk Southern rail service, it links to Charleston's terminals.
“It’s not just another award. It’s another validation to its importance to the 10 counties of the Upstate,” Danner said.
"Our region's competitive advantage grows stronger with every train that departs the South Carolina Inland Port bound for the Port of Charleston,” said Jennifer Miller, interim President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.