SCSPA Elects Stern Chairman

CHARLESTON, SC – November 18, 2009 – The South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board of Directors today elected Bill Stern of Columbia to a two-year term as chairman, beginning in January 2010. 

“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 David Posek, who has served as chairman of the SCSPA for 2008 and 2009. Posek also thanked his fellow board members for their support during the past two years.

“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 was appointed to the SCSPA Board in January 2002.  He is the owner and president of Stern & Stern and Associates, a commercial real estate development company doing work throughout the Southeast.  Stern previously served as chairman of the SCSPA Board for two years in 2006 and 2007 and chaired the search committee that resulted in the hiring of Jim Newsome as president & CEO of the SCSPA in June of this year.

Also elected to offices at today’s meeting were John Hassell of Charleston, vice chairman, Rich Hagins of Greenville, treasurer, and Colden Battey of Beaufort, secretary.

About the South Carolina State Ports Authority

The South Carolina State Ports Authority, established by the state’s General Assembly in 1942, owns and operates public seaport facilities in Charleston and Georgetown, handling international commerce valued at more than $62 billion annually while receiving no direct taxpayer subsidy.  An economic development engine for the state, port operations facilitate 260,800 jobs across South Carolina and nearly $45 billion in economic activity each year.  For more information, visit www.scspa.com.