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11 MEMBER BOARD PICKS STERN TO HEAD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
One of the key leaders in the tireless effort to revamp the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SPA) has been elected to a two-year term as chairman of the board.
On Tuesday, Bill Stern of Columbia was chosen by SPA’s 11 member board of directors to take over for outgoing chairman David Posek.
“With a Maersk contract in hand and the new leadership of Jim Newsome, our ports have great momentum and this slate of officers is the perfect complement to lead our port system forward,” said Posek, who has served as chairman of the SPA for the past two years.
Stern led the search committee that resulted in Newsome’s hiring as president of the SPA. Under their leadership, the SPA has achieved a number of major victories for South Carolina.
Last month, Maersk, the world’s largest container carrier, re-committed to doing business in the state. And in July, South Carolina-based biofuel producer Carolina-Pacific signed a 20 year contract at the under-used Port of Georgetown.
“South Carolina’s ports are economic engines for the state, and I greatly appreciate the Board’s confidence in electing me as chairman,” said Stern. “Improving our competitiveness, regaining business and expanding capacity will help us to better serve industries and our mission in the state.”
Stern, who is the owner and president of a commercial real estate development company doing work throughout the Southeast, previously served as chairman of the SPA in 2006 and 2007. He was appointed to the SPA Board in January 2002.
Ga. & SC need futuristic insight in completing agreements for the Jasper Port. The Board needs to make the Port a reality ASAP. Companies other than Boeing will be looking to SC and GA to escape Labor Unions, weather factors, shipping, and other costs considerations. Whatever it takes to compromise the expenses for dredging/construction etc. should be channeled into future Revenue division from the Port. Division of assets can provide committment for payment. Any other Country would make this happen as fast as possible. SC & GA have to be progressive/aggressive, in realizing the economic opportunity and potential investors that will watch your cooperative efforts to determine their interest in investments here. This is the best opportunity for sustainable jobs & economic growth in the US.