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SC Ports gives more than $250,000 to community organizations

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Dec. 5, 2023 – South Carolina Ports awarded $253,000 to 116 South Carolina nonprofits and community organizations as part of its Community Giving program for fiscal year 2024, marking the highest number of grants awarded since the program began in 2013.

Awards were given in amounts of $7,500, $5,000, $2,500 and $1,000.

“Part of SC Ports mission is to support our state’s economy for the benefit of our state’s citizens,” SC Ports President & CEO Barbara Melvin said. “When we give back, we’re not only assisting these organizations’ efforts to make an impact on their communities, but we’re also investing in the wellbeing of all South Carolinians.”

Awards were given to organizations throughout the state whose missions focus on maritime commerce, economic development, environmental awareness or community outreach.

SC Ports has dedicated more than $1.1 million of its revenue to partnership projects since the program began in 2013.

Fiscal year 2024 recipients:

African American Settlement Historic Commission
Amazing Grace Park
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired SC
Audubon South Carolina
Avian Conservation Center
Beyond Our Walls, Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry
Bluffton Self Help
Boy Scouts of America- Coastal Carolina Council
Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton
Camp Discovery
Camp Happy Days
Camp Rise Above
Carolina Youth Development Center
Casual Crabbing with Tia
Cecil Williams South Carolina Civil Rights Museum
Charleston Area Senior Citizens
Charleston Area Urban League
Charleston Gaillard Center
Charleston Habitat for Humanity
Charleston Library Society
Charleston Parks Conservancy
Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas
City of Greer
Coaches for Character/CHAMP Awards
Columbia World Affairs Council
Communities In Schools of South Carolina
Creative Advancement Centers After School Program
Dillon County Chamber
Dillon County First Steps
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity
Early Learning Partnership of York County
East Cooper Community Outreach
Edisto Island Youth Recreation
Every1VoiceMatters
Feeding of the Multitudes
Film Dom Fete, A Backpack Journalist
First Tee - Aiken
First Tee - Greater Charleston
Fitness By Cory
Florence Crittenton Programs of South Carolina
Friends of Charleston National Parks
Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina
Golden Achievers Community Development Center Inc
Grace-based Grief Resources for Children
Greenville Drive
Greenville Tech Foundation
Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc.
HALOS
Healing Farms
HELP of Summerville
Help4Kids Florence
Helping Hands of Goose Creek
Historic Port Royal Foundation & Museum
Hopeful Horizons
House of Hope, North Charleston
Hub City Roots
Increasing H.O.P.E
James Island Outreach
Jasper County First Steps
Junior Achievement of Greater South Carolina
Kids On Point
Levi Pearson Scholarship Foundation
Lions Vision Services
LOVE FEEDS
Lowcountry Autism Foundation
Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy (LCC)
Lowcountry Legal Volunteers
Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN)
Lowcountry Maritime School
Lowcountry Orphan Relief
Meals on Wheels of Summerville, Inc.
Mount Pleasant Rotary
Multiplying Good
My Sister's House
Operation Home
Orangeburg County Community of Character
Palmetto Project
Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic-Sexual Assault
Project Cool Breeze
Public Education Partners
Reading Partners
Respite Care Charleston
Ridgeville Police Department
Rural Area Leadership Initiative, Dillon County
SC Economics
SC Future Makers
South Carolina Governor’s School for Math and Science Foundation
SC Operation Lifesaver
SC School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation
South Carolina Aquarium
Spartanburg Community College Foundation
St Matthew's Community Outreach Center
James Learning Center
Paul's Fire District
Sustaining Way
Teachers' Supply Closet
The Charleston Forum
The Green Heart Project
The Period Project
The Pink House, Seventh Day Baptist Community Development Center
The Village Group
Trent Hill Center for Children & Families
Tri-Community Center, Incorporated
Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative
TriCounty STEMersion
Trident Literacy Association
Turn90
United Fund of Dillon County
United Ministries
Upstate Workforce Futures Corporation
War Vets Charleston
Way Makers Community Center, Inc.
Wings for Kids
Winyah Rivers Alliance
YouthBASE

About South Carolina Ports

South Carolina Ports owns and operates marine terminals at the Port of Charleston and two rail-served inland ports in Greer and Dillon. As the 8th largest U.S. container port, SC Ports connects port-dependent businesses throughout the Southeast and beyond to global markets. SC Ports proactively invests in infrastructure ahead of demand to provide reliable service, efficient operations, cargo capacity, an expansive rail network and the deepest harbor on the East Coast at 52 feet. SC Ports is a vital economic engine for South Carolina, with port operations supporting 1 in 9 jobs statewide. Learn more: scspa.com.

SC Ports helps fight hunger with $25,000 donation

CHARLESTON, SC— NOV. 20, 2023 – SC Ports is giving back this holiday season with a $25,000 donation to Lowcountry Food Bank. The organization, which serves more than 200,000 people each year, can provide up to five meals per dollar donated.

“Creating an economic benefit for our state’s citizens means reaching beyond our daily operations and directly into the community,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “This donation will help the Lowcountry Food Bank in their mission to fight hunger and directly impact thousands of people in need.”

Last year, the food bank provided 33 million meals to more than 200,000 Lowcountry residents.

“We are thankful for SC Ports’ continued support of our work to provide equitable access to healthy food,” Lowcountry Food Bank President and CEO Nick Osborne said. “This gift helps to ensure our community’s most vulnerable residents won’t face hunger, even while facing economic hardships.”

This is the fourth consecutive year SC Ports has donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank.

About South Carolina Ports

SC Ports, maritime partners aim to fill shipping container with toys for SC children

CHARLESTON, SC – NOV. 15, 2023 – SC Ports is partnering with the International Longshoreman’s Association, Coalition 18, and the Maritime Association of South Carolina this year to fulfill the holiday wish lists of South Carolina foster children.

The maritime community is asking its partners, businesses and area residents to donate to the Maritime Toy Drive with the goal of filling an Evergreen shipping container with toys by Dec. 15. Donations will be distributed to foster children in South Carolina by the S.C. Department of Social Services.

“SC Ports is dedicated year-round to connecting with local communities in our state and giving back to our citizens, and the holidays are an especially impactful time to make a difference in the lives of those most in need,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “We are grateful for our maritime partners for teaming up with us again this year, and we are encouraging people and businesses to join us in supporting such a wonderful cause.”

“Last year nearly 2,000 toys were donated to fill the shipping container,” said Juan Gordon, president of trucking organization Coalition 18. “We want to inspire the community to go even bigger this year. Every little bit counts.”

“The International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422, Local 1422-A and Local 1771 believe in service and giving and back to our community,” said Yvette Flowers, the financial secretary treasurer of the ILA Local 1422. “We hope others in the Lowcountry will join us this holiday season in giving back to South Carolina children, along with our maritime partners.”

“Partnership and community service are an integral part of the maritime community,” said Taylor Jackson, President and CEO of the Maritime Association of South Carolina. “We are proud to join such a wonderful cause and encourage others in the community to join us in making a difference in the lives of South Carolina children during this season of giving.”

How to donate:

Bring unwrapped toys to SC Ports headquarters, located at 200 Ports Authority Drive, Mount Pleasant, S.C., or,

Purchase toys online through the wish lists below. When checking out, please make sure you select the gift registry shipping address.

SC Ports handles record cargo at Inland Port Greer

CHARLESTON, SC — NOV. 13, 2023 — SC Ports’ rail-served inland ports are speeding goods to market, with Inland Port Greer handling more cargo than ever before in October.

The team at Inland Port Greer loaded and unloaded 17,000 containers filled with goods last month, which is a 42% increase from last October. Inland Port Dillon also had a strong month, handling 3,148 containers in October, up 31% from last year.

South Carolina’s two rail-served inland ports provide quick access to inland markets, ensuring goods efficiently flow to and from the Port of Charleston. Customers benefit from supply chain efficiencies and reduced emissions by moving more cargo by rail.

SC Ports is currently expanding Inland Port Greer to double its cargo capacity and increase rail capabilities.

“The bustling logistics hub moves cargo 24/7 for many advanced manufacturers, tire producers, apparel companies and major retailers,” Melvin said. “This growth demanded an expansion to meet our customers’ needs.”

The new, rail-served Navy Base Intermodal Facility, which is currently under construction in North Charleston, will feed more cargo to the inland ports. Both CSX and Norfolk Southern will serve this near-port intermodal yard when it opens in 2025.

“As companies expand their operations and invest in new facilities in South Carolina and throughout the Southeast, SC Ports is investing in critical port infrastructure to support this growth,” Melvin said.

Overall, SC Ports handled 235,006 TEUs and 129,171 pier containers in October. Container volumes are down about 9% year-over-year, with empty volumes driving the decline. Loaded import and export TEUs were down 1%, while empty TEUs were down 27%.

Although the trends of a tempered global economy and overstocking continue, October showed a little relief with loaded TEUs near October 2022 highs.

October also showed signs of strength and optimism with SC Ports celebrating its highest monthly container volume ever at Wando Welch Terminal with 116,745 pier containers in October, surpassing the previous record set in March 2021.

“The Southeast continues to be a thriving market where people and businesses want to locate,” SC Ports’ Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller said. “South Carolina Ports is well-positioned through strategic investments to support this growth. We are a powerful alternative gateway on the U.S. East Coast for shippers wanting a reliable supply chain partner and access to a booming market.”

SC Ports handled 16,209 vehicles in October, down nearly 10% year-over-year, but up 9% fiscal-year-to-date with 79,116 vehicles handled since July. SC Ports accommodated 27,209 cruise passengers in October, up 11% year-over-year.

SC Ports also recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 15,000-square-foot community center in North Charleston.

SC Ports breaks ground on North Charleston community center

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC — NOV. 1, 2023 — Construction of a 15,000-square-foot community recreation center in North Charleston’s Chicora-Cherokee neighborhood is officially underway, following a ceremonial groundbreaking held today by SC Ports, community groups and local leaders.

The new facility is part of SC Port’s commitment to mitigate impacts from construction of the nearby Navy Base Intermodal Facility, and is the result of ongoing conversations with neighborhood leaders who expressed the need for a communal gathering space.

“In partnership with community groups and the city of North Charleston, we are so proud to move forward on building an important community asset for North Charleston residents,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “When we look at these renderings, we envision children playing and neighbors connecting. This will be a beautiful space for residents to enjoy for years to come.”

SC Ports has engaged extensively with the Chicora-Cherokee Neighborhood Association, Union Heights Community Council, Metanoia and the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities to hear directly from residents on what they wanted in their community.

SC Ports will construct and fully fund the facility, which is set to open in 2025 and includes meeting space, a gymnasium and fitness areas. It is located along Carner Avenue on land owned by the City of North Charleston. North Charleston’s Recreation Department will own and operate the new facility once it is completed.

“This engagement enabled us to listen to community leaders and residents on what they want to see developed in their community,” Melvin said. “We are simply the facilitators. They are the leaders and the visionaries behind this community.”

Preliminary and conceptual Community Center rendering.

Notable quotes:

“Our new community recreation center will be a place for Chicora-Cherokee residents to connect, work, play and exercise. It is designed to meet the needs of the people who live here. This is a tremendous asset for our community. We are grateful to SC Ports, our community partners and the City of North Charleston for making today a reality.” — Chicora-Cherokee Neighborhood Association President Anjene “AJ” Davis

“It means a lot to see a shovel in the ground today. Through partnership and conversation with SC Ports and our community partners, we are moving forward to provide a new community center and gathering place for the people who live here. We are proud to create a new space for our residents to enjoy.” — Union Heights Community Council President Gerard “Skip” Mikell

“Growing up here, I have a deep connection to this community and an understanding of our needs. This new community recreation center is important for our community and enhances quality of life for our residents. I am thrilled to see construction commence and greatly look forward to seeing the facility bustling with activity when it opens.” — North Charleston City Council Councilman Michael Brown

“The City of North Charleston is excited to add a new recreation and community center in the Chicora-Cherokee community, further enhancing the quality of life in our city. This new community center will provide another space in our city for health and wellness, social interaction and community building. The city looks forward to operating and maintaining this new facility for the benefit of our residents for decades to come.” — North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey

About South Carolina Ports

SC Ports drives big economic impact in Pee Dee region

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 23, 2023 — South Carolina Ports generates a $9.7 billion economic impact in the Pee Dee region by supporting port-dependent businesses, according to a new economic impact study.

“South Carolina Ports is a port system for the entire state, and you can see that impact in every region,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “In the Pee Dee, we move cargo for agricultural producers, advanced manufacturers and retailers. We are proud to connect their products to international markets, further supporting their growth.”

This economic impact correlates to supporting — both directly and indirectly — 29,000 jobs in the Pee Dee region, according to the study authored by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business.

Looking at South Carolina overall, port operations support 260,000 jobs, meaning 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina are tied directly or indirectly to SC Ports.

“Port operations attract port-dependent businesses to locate or expand throughout the state, generating billions in economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs for South Carolinians,” Von Nessen said. “Our state’s economic success is directly linked to SC Ports’ continued growth.”

SC Ports opened Inland Port Dillon in 2018 to provide importers and exporters with a direct connection to the Port of Charleston via CSX. The rail-served inland port has continued to grow this year with strong volumes.

“Having a well-run port system and rail-served inland ports in South Carolina attracts port-dependent businesses to invest in our state and create new jobs,” Melvin said. “We make bold investments with big impacts. SC Ports is proud to play a role in supporting the Pee Dee region’s economy and creating opportunities in our communities. We look forward to growing together for years to come.”

Read the full report here.

About South Carolina Ports

SC Ports makes an $87 billion annual economic impact on SC

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 17, 2023 — Having a world-class port in South Carolina generates a nearly $87 billion statewide economic impact on South Carolina each year, according to a new study authored by Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business.

In addition to being an economic engine for South Carolina, SC Ports supports 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina, according to the 2023 SC Ports’ Economic Impact Study.

This translates to 260,000 jobs in South Carolina that are tied — directly or indirectly — to port operations and port users. This accounts for jobs that are connected directly to the port, as well as for jobs at port-dependent business throughout the state — from the advanced manufacturers to the mega retailers, at small and big businesses alike.

“Having a top 10 U.S. container port in South Carolina makes a big economic impact across the state,” SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin said. “SC Ports is proud to play a role in supporting South Carolina’s economy and creating generational opportunities for South Carolinians.”

By supporting thousands of port-dependent businesses throughout the state, SC Ports drives economic growth and supports high-wage jobs for South Carolinians.

Port operations and related activities generate $17.6 billion in labor income for South Carolinians that would not exist otherwise, data show. This translates into an average annual income of nearly $68,000 for all jobs supported — either directly or indirectly — by SC Ports, which is approximately 23% higher than the average labor income in South Carolina.

“When new jobs are created, this economic impact can be felt in our communities as people buy homes, spend at local stores and build strong foundations for their families,” Melvin said. “When we invest in port infrastructure, we invest in South Carolina.”

SC Ports has operations in the Lowcountry, Pee Dee and Upstate, serving customers around the state by efficiently moving imports and exports so that they can run their businesses and reach their consumers. The Upstate accounts for the highest concentration due to its big manufacturing base.

“Our port system is truly a port for our entire state, and you can see that impact in every region,” Melvin said.

Read the full report here.

SC Ports CEO: SC Ports offers powerful alternative gateway on U.S. East Coast

Deepened harbor, enhanced terminal capacity driving growth

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 16, 2023 — During her second State of the Port address, South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin showcased how SC Ports is powerhouse port, serving as a powerful alternative gateway for cargo owners seeking a well-run port in the thriving Southeast market.

With more than $3 billion invested into port infrastructure, SC Ports is perfectly positioned to be the preferred port on the U.S. East Coast.

While addressing a packed room of more than 800 people, Melvin announced that SC Ports will add at least 2 million TEUs of additional capacity at the Port of Charleston by modernizing North Charleston Terminal, making it comparable to Wando Welch Terminal.

With upgraded cargo-handling equipment and an optimized terminal layout, the already-efficient container terminal offers future growth potential.

“We have the opportunity to enhance North Charleston Terminal and add capacity to an already-deepened asset to further support our customers’ supply chains,” Melvin said.

As part of the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, the Cooper River has already been deepened up to North Charleston Terminal. This depth, combined with the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s plans to replace the Don Holt Bridge on Interstate 526, sets the stage for the modernization of North Charleston Terminal.

“A taller bridge and deepened harbor can accommodate larger vessels, and enhanced terminal capacity will drive growth,” Melvin said. “The South Carolina Department of Transportation is playing a pivotal role in this vision. We are excited to see this critical highway infrastructure project benefit the people who live here, as well as the businesses that depend on the port. These investments will support SC companies’ growth well into the future.”

SC Ports has strategically invested in critical capacity and capabilities, while continuing to provide reliable service and efficient operations to keep freight moving in the supply chain.

“We are experts at quickly working ships for ocean carriers and efficiently moving cargo for the businesses who entrust us to expertly handle their goods,” Melvin said. “We provide the service, speed and connectivity that our customers depend on to thrive.”

Cargo continues to flow from the U.S. West Coast to the U.S. East Coast port market, as companies seek predictability, reliability and access to the Southeast.

The Southeast market is booming, with more people moving into the region and businesses investing in new or expanding operations. Even as manufacturing and retail imports have declined across the U.S., the Southeast market continues to thrive with an influx of new residents and industrial growth.

“Port-dependent companies are investing in new operations, including advanced manufacturers, EV and battery manufacturers, solar panel producers, retailers, e-commerce sellers and import distribution centers,” Melvin said. “We have capacity for your supply chain, and as an operating port, we provide unmatched service to propel your supply chain.”

Investing for the future

With the ongoing growth in the Southeast, SC Ports is actively building port capacity and rail capabilities with the new Navy Base Intermodal Facility in North Charleston.

Significant progress has been made over the past year to prepare the site for new cargo-handling equipment, buildings and rail tracks. The state-of-the-art cargo yard will be served by CSX and Norfolk Southern when it opens in July 2025.

This near-port intermodal operation will further speed goods to market, alongside a future barge operation that will transport containers between port terminals.

“These critical infrastructure projects are made possible by $550 million in state funding,” Melvin said. “The South Carolina Legislature and Governor McMaster understand the key role our port plays in driving our state’s economy. When our port grows, our state thrives.”

SC Ports is also expanding rail-served Inland Port Greer to handle the incredible customer growth in the Upstate over the past decade. The expansion involves doubling cargo capacity and enhancing rail capabilities.

In the Lowcountry, Charleston now boasts the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet, capable of seamlessly handling fully loaded vessels at any tide.

SC Ports has also invested in its bustling ro-ro and breakbulk operation and high-performing container terminals in Charleston.

The modernized Wando Welch Terminal offers 15 155-foot-tall ship-to-shore cranes, giving each berth five massive ship-to-shore cranes to quickly work three ships at one time. The state-of-the-art Leatherman Terminal stands ready with 700,000 TEUs of capacity to further support U.S. supply chains.

“As a state, this all makes us more competitive. When we build port capacity, we attract more businesses, investments and jobs to our communities,” Melvin said. “These strategic investments have generational impact across our entire state. SC Ports is proud to keep freight moving for South Carolina.”

Driving economic growth

Melvin highlighted how port investments drive economic growth in South Carolina, creating generational opportunities for South Carolinians.

A new study found that having a world-class port in South Carolina makes a nearly $87 billion statewide economic impact each year, according to Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist and professor at the University of South Carolina Darla Moore School of Business, who authored the study.

The 2023 SC Ports’ Economic Impact Study found that port activities support 1 in 9 jobs in South Carolina, meaning that 260,000 S.C. jobs are tied — directly or indirectly — to port operations and port users. These jobs account for both those employed by the port and maritime industry, and those working at port-dependent businesses around the state, like advanced manufacturers or retail distribution centers.

“We have remained incredibly competitive as the 8th largest port in the country, and when port-dependent businesses thrive, it creates opportunities in our communities,” Melvin said. “This growth is thanks to our best-in-class customers, industry partners, visionary state and elected leaders, strong supporters, incredible Board of Directors, and the most amazing port teammates and maritime community in the country.”

About South Carolina Ports

SC Ports welcomes 2023-2024 Port Ambassadors

CHARLESTON, SC — Oct. 9, 2023 — South Carolina Ports kicked off the 2023-2024 Port Ambassadors program, welcoming its largest class in the program’s six-year history.

Over the next year, 31 professionals from across the state will get a front row seat to the Port’s statewide operations. Monthly educational sessions will feature discussions with port leadership and state legislators, tours of marine and rail-served inland terminals, and an opportunity to visit manufacturing facilities dependent on port infrastructure.

Upon completion of the program, delegates will emerge with a thorough understanding of the Port’s vital role in supporting the Southeast supply chain and driving economic development in South Carolina.

“We are thrilled to have such a large group of leaders in this year’s program,” said Jordi Yarborough, SC Ports’ senior vice president of statewide stakeholders and local government engagement. “For these participants to be able to see firsthand how SC Ports’ operations directly benefit their communities is an invaluable experience.”

The class kicked off with a tour of Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant. This year’s class will be the first to participate in a session featuring rail-served Inland Port Dillon. Since operations began at the facility more than five years ago, Inland Port Dillon has continued to set new volume records, and now supports an estimated 25,000 jobs in the Pee Dee region.

Port Ambassador Tim Harper, who serves as Dillon County’s Administrator, says he looks forward to having his fellow ambassadors visit the region this year. Participants will also tour Harbor Freight Tools distribution facility and soybean transloading operations at C&M Farms during the visit.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact SC Ports’ investments have had on the Pee Dee region with Inland Port Dillon,” Harper said. “Connecting Dillon directly to Charleston by rail has brought tremendous economic growth to our region and allows farmers, manufacturers and retailers to reach customers more efficiently. I’m glad my fellow ambassadors will have an opportunity to see these successes for themselves, and I look forward to growing my network with such a tremendous group of leaders from our state.”

To date, approximately 175 participants have been accepted to the program.

2023-2024 Ambassadors:

Trent Acker, Duke Energy Carolinas
Tony Allen, S.C. Department of Commerce
Quinn Balderson, Choate Construction Company
Jessica Bright, Emerge South Carolina
George Druyos, Berkeley Habitat for Humanity
Barnwell Fishburne, Fishburne & Company Development Corporation, SC Department of Transportation
Edward Frazier, SC Treasurer’s Office
Anthony Gibson, Sumter City Council, Grace Cathedral Ministries
Hamilton Grant, Grant Business Advisors
Therese Griffin, Dominion Energy South Carolina
Liz Griffith, International Transportation Innovation Center
Taylor Grooms, Steinberg Law Firm
Natalie Ham, Charleston County
Mark Harmon, Maynard-Nexsen
Tim Harper, Dillon County
Rick Havekost, RDBP, Inc., Mickey Finn’s
Bill Hearn, Dorchester County, William Hearn Law Firm
Nikki Huber, Greenville Chamber of Commerce
Kristen Lanier, Terracon Consultants, Inc.
Rob Lapin, Trinity Partners
Amanda Loveday, NP Strategy
Kelly Moore, SC Department of Transportation
Ken Nagel, Thomas & Hutton
Mike Nickel, Choate Construction Company
Sergey Ponomarov, The Citadel
Alison Raffety, Mercedes-Benz Vans
Dawn Robinson, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Amy Sartain, SC Council for Competitiveness
Jessica Takach, United Community Bank
Dillon Swayngim, Colliers International
Eric Woods, Palmetto Grain Brokerage

About South Carolina Ports

SC Ports CEO Melvin named 2023 Leading Woman

CHARLESTON, SC — OCT. 3, 2023 — South Carolina Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin was named 2023 Leading Woman by SC Women in Leadership.

SC Women in Leadership celebrates South Carolina women who have blazed trails in civic leadership. Melvin received the Leading Woman award for her commitment to working across party lines and working to create more economic opportunities in South Carolina.

“I am honored to be recognized by SC Women in Leadership as a leader whose work helps to improve the quality of life for South Carolinians,” Melvin said. “Throughout my career, I have seen the importance of working toward a common goal and having a diverse group of decision makers at the table.”

Melvin was also recognized for her role leading the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project, in partnership with many elected leaders and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District.

For over a decade, Melvin navigated complex regulatory processes and worked to secure the $580 million in state and federal funding needed to complete the project.

Charleston now has the deepest harbor on the U.S. East Coast at 52 feet.

“Barbara Melvin is navigating uncharted waters as the first woman to lead a port of this size,” said Barbara Rackes, CEO and president of the SC Women in Leadership Board of Directors. “She has proved herself a capable captain, working collaboratively with state elected leaders, members of Congress, state and federal agencies, project partners, and business and maritime community leaders. We celebrate her achievements as a model our future women leaders can emulate.”

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