South Carolina Ports Authority recently celebrated the graduation of 31 professionals from the 2023-2024 Port Ambassadors program. These participants included Walterboro’s Barnwell Fishburne who engaged in day-long educational sessions throughout the year to gain an in-depth understanding of SC Ports’ operations and their critical role in the Southeast supply chain and South Carolina’s port-dependent businesses.
“When our Port Ambassadors witness cargo being loaded and unloaded at our terminals, and hear firsthand how South Carolina farmers, retailers, and manufacturers rely on our efficient port system to move their products globally, it underscores the vital importance of SC Ports to our state’s economy,” said SC Ports President and CEO Barbara Melvin.
Throughout the year, Port Ambassadors attended the annual State of the Port address, interacted with SC Ports leadership and customers, and toured SC Ports’ waterfront terminals and Inland Ports Greer and Dillon. This year’s class was the first to tour Inland Port Dillon, which has seen continuous growth in rail moves since its opening in 2018. Leaders from CSX, Harbor Freight Tools, C&M Grain, and Palmetto Grain Brokerage shared insights on how SC Ports’ presence in the Pee Dee region has facilitated business expansion and improved goods movement efficiency.
The Port Ambassadors Program aims to enhance public understanding of SC Ports’ economic contributions. Since its inception in 2016, the program has graduated over 190 participants.
“Our Port Ambassadors gain valuable knowledge of our port system, which they can share within their communities,” said Jordi Yarborough, SC Ports’ Vice President of Statewide Stakeholders and Local Government Engagement. “Even after graduation, we maintain communication with our ambassadors to keep them informed about our strategic plans and investments that support port growth.”
