New CEO Appointed at South Carolina State Ports Authority
This morning, the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to hire James I. (Jim) Newsome III as president and chief executive officer, effective September 1. Newsome, 53, brings more than 30 years of global shipping experience to the ports of Charleston and Georgetown. He is only the fifth leader of the SCSPA in its 67-year history.
"The selection of a strong leader to head one of our state's most powerful economic engines will ensure that South Carolina remains globally competitive," said Otis B. Rawl Jr., president and chief executive officer of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. "Our state's port system has numerous advantages that set us apart from other ports in the nation, including some of the deepest water on the East Coast. Today's annoucement is a step forward in creating a world-class port system that is second to none."
In related news, this past Tuesday, the General Assembly overrode Governor Mark Sanford's veto of S. 351, legislation restructuring the SCSPA. The legislation removes the governor's at-will power, calls for five and 20-year strategic plans, sets qualifications to serve on the port board and lowers the board terms from seven years to five years, giving the governor the opportunity to appoint more members. The bill also calls for the expeditious completion of the Charleston port expansion and the development of the Jasper port. It also allows the proceeds of the land sales at Daniel Island to revert back to the Ports Authority.
The business community strongly supported overriding the veto to allow the SCSPA to operate more like a business. The business community believes this legislation will now allow port board members to make good, long-term business decisions that are in the best interest of the port and economic development interests in South Carolina.
e-mail: Darrell Scott Phone: 803-255-2639
Last Chance to Register for Thursday's Lowcountry Membership Reception
This is your last chance to register for the Lowcountry Area Membership and Legislative Reception. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce will honor members June 25 during a reception from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Trident Technical College in North Charleston. All South Carolina Chamber members are invited to attend this free reception. Presenting sponsors include AT&T, Bank of America, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart P.C. (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston Offices). To view a list of all Lowcountry Area sponsors, click here (PDF). To register, please click here.
e-mail: Alexa Stillwell Phone: 803-255-2621
Reminder: E-Verify Compliance Deadline Next Week
If you are a private employer in South Carolina with 100 or more employees, don't forget compliance with the employment verification requirements of the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act (the Act) begins next Wednesday, July 1. The Act’s verification procedures apply only to employees hired on or after July 1, 2009.
According to Fisher & Phillips Partner C. Frederick Manning II, employers have a choice on how to comply with the Act. An employer can satisfy the requirements of the Act by filling out and maintaining an I-9 Form on newly hired employees and verifying their work status through the federal E-Verify program. Alternatively, employers can comply by filling out and maintaining an I-9 Form on the new employee and verifying that the employee possesses either a South Carolina driver's license or identification card, is qualified to obtain one, or has an out-of-state driver's license from a state having qualification requirements as strict as those in South Carolina.
e-mail: Darrell Scott Phone: 803-255-2639
HR Institute Special Stimulus Package
Just because you missed the first two modules of HR Institute doesn’t mean you can’t start with the third module and complete the series next year. There are still many timely and worthwhile topics that will be discussed, including workplace harassment, immigration, diversity, unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation and much more. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce is offering a special “stimulus package” for attendees registering for both modules 3 and 4. Click here for additional details or to register.
e-mail: Alexa Stillwell Phone: 803-255-2621
Chamber Welcomes New Pinnacle Members
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce members who desire to be more involved in advocacy work can join the Pinnacle of Leadership program. Pinnacle members receive a high level of recognition and exclusive opportunities as a return on their investment. The following companies joined at or upgraded to the Pinnacle level in the first quarter of this year:
The R.L. Bryan Company
Target Distribution Center
To learn more about how this program can help your business, click here. Click here for a list of Pinnacle members. To discuss how to get your company involved in the Pinnacle program, contact Steven Lyles.
e-mail: Steven Lyles Phone: 803-255-2546
Mark Your Calendar for the Annual Summit
The 30th Annual Summit is November 12, 2009 at Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms. This year’s Summit, South Carolina Business: Leading the Economic Evolution, will feature a new and budget-friendly format, which will be announced soon. We are currently seeking sponsors including an exclusive, presenting sponsor. If your business is interested in connecting with top-level CEOs and business leaders, please contact Tish Anderson immediately. Click here (PDF) to download a sponsorship form.
e-mail: Tish Anderson Phone: 803-255-2635
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