Over six hundred-fifty maritime community leaders assembled Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Charleston Area Convention Center to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Maritime Association of SC, at which time its new Board of Directors was introduced and distinguished supporters honored.
 Governor Haley accepts the Christopher Gadsden Award
Governor Haley accepts the Christopher Gadsden Award
Governor Nikki Haley received the Christopher Gadsden Award, in recognition of her sustained and distinguished leadership in support of our state’s maritime community.  During Governor Haley’s tenure, the state has appropriated over $300 million for harbor deepening; more than 70,000 jobs have been announced; five years of record exports have been achieved; and SC leads the Southeast in manufacturing growth – all of which have led to unprecedented growth and prosperity within the maritime sector. Pam Zaresk, President of the Maritime Association of SC, lauded Governor Haley, saying, “I cannot think of a more deserving awardee.  Governor Haley’s leadership and focus on economic growth has been instrumental in the growth of our ports – both public and private – which of course has a multiplier effect across the entire maritime community.  Governor Haley has been a catalyst for growing an industry sector that has a $53 billion economic impact and facilitates over 187,000 jobs statewide.  We are proud and honored to recognize her with the Gadsden Award.” In accepting the award, Governor Haley touted the maritime sector, saying, “Our ports are the economic engine that keep our economy growing.”  The governor went on to cite a number of issues that have contributed to South Carolina’s success, including its ability to overcome disasters and tragedies.  "I am honored to represent you. I'm honored to represent a state that truly has the quality and the heart to keep going," Haley said. Also during the meeting portion of the event, 2015 Chairman Hal Burton of Premier Logistics Solutions passed the gavel to incoming Chairman Pat Barber of Superior Transportation.  Mr. Barber introduced his 2016 Executive Committee, which includes Vice Chairman Jon Archer (Moran Charleston), Treasurer Jessica Sage (Charleston’s Rigging and Marine Hardware) and Secretary Bratton Riley (Maybank Industries). New Directors to the Board include:  Paul Ferri (SSA Cooper), Pat Fosberry (John S. James), Jimmie Gianoukos (ATS Logistics), Margie Hardwick (OOCL), Dillard Stevens (Salmons Dredging), and Johnson Stevens (Stevens Towing). They join current Board members:  John Alvanos (ILA, Local 1771), Leonard Bailey (ILA, 1422-A), David Barber (Biehl & Co.), Bill Bean (Ports America), Richard Butts (Charleston Port Services – Georgetown), Kirk Darby (Huguenot Fuels), Liz Deaton (Argents Express), David Hearne (ServisFirst Bank), Sam Hines (K&L Gates), Jeff McWhorter (Palmetto Railways), Barbara Melvin (SC Ports Authority), David Northrup (Evergreen Shipping), John Perez (Terminal Shipping), Kenneth Riley (ILA, 1422), Whit Smith (Charleston Branch Pilots Assoc.), Miles Stalvey (HUB International), Andy Thomas (First Tennessee Bank), Coleman Thompson (Hunter Transportation), and Steve Young (Dockside Logistics). Closing the meeting, Chairman Barber surprised retiring President, Pam Zaresk, with the Association’s Beacon Award for a career of distinguished service to the maritime community.  Mr. Barber touted her 37 years in CBP and her “first” retirement as Charleston’s Area Port Director before taking the reins at the Maritime Association.  He then challenged the maritime community to keep the momentum going by bringing in more business, advocating for more infrastructure investment and working together to make maritime trade and transportation in South Carolina as efficient and effective as possible.