May 11, 2005

Charleston Welcomes New Japan Sales Representative

Charleston, SC - Yukio "Yogi" Doi has joined the South Carolina State Ports Authority as its new Japan sales representative. Based in Tokyo, he is responsible for marketing the Port of Charleston to shippers and ocean carriers throughout the country of Japan.

Doi previously served as executive director of Shosen Mitsui Ferry Co., a shipping line specializing in passenger travel and roll-on/roll-off cargo. Prior to that, Doi enjoyed a 30-year career with ocean carrier Mitsui O.S.K. Lines where he served as a marketing and sales executive and as general manager.

"We are thrilled to have Mr. Doi join our international sales team," says Fred Stribling, vice president of marketing and sales for the SPA. "His presence will be a tremendous asset as the Japanese marketplace and its world-class ocean carriers position themselves for strong trade growth with the U.S. East Coast."

Doi follows veteran sales executive Ryuzo 'Bob' Nakada, who is retiring after a successful career as a transportation and logistics consultant, including 17 years of service with the Port of Charleston. Nakada was instrumental in negotiating several key arrangements for South Carolina's ports, including contracts with Fuji Photo Film in Greenwood and Honda All-Terrain Vehicles in Timmonsville.

Doi will travel to Charleston in May for a welcoming at the SPA's home office and a personal orientation of local port facilities. He will also participate in the South Carolina International Trade Conference, which takes place in Charleston May 23-25 and attracts more than 400 international logistics, transportation and trade-assistance professionals each year.

The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston, Georgetown and Port Royal, handling international commerce valued at $46.5 billion annually.