The SC Inland Port (SCIP) received the Economic Development Impact Award at the Upstate Alliance's annual meeting. The annual award recognizes a public or private sector project that strengthens the Upstate business climate and enhances the area's marketability to prospective industry, resulting in an overall positive impact to the economic development efforts of the region. "The SC Ports Authority is honored to receive this award for the Inland Port," said Jim Newsome, SCPA president and CEO. "The support of Upstate business leaders and elected officials was critical to the success of the facility, and I believe that together we have improved the logistics infrastructure of our state for years to come. The Upstate is home to a large concentration of port users who will benefit from using the Inland Port, and we look forward to seeing the positive economic impacts it will continue to bring to the region." SCIP opened in October 2013 in Greer, 212 miles inland from the Port of Charleston. Utilizing an existing overnight Norfolk Southern rail service, it links Charleston's deep-water container terminals with the rising import-export needs of the growing Southeast region. SCIP established a new rail ramp for intermodal freight in the Southeast, providing access to nearly 100 million consumers within 500 miles along the I-85 corridor. "Our region's competitive advantage grows stronger with every train that departs the South Carolina Inland Port bound for the Port of Charleston. The South Carolina Ports Authority plays a crucial role in fueling our global economy and we are most grateful for their continued investment and support of our economic development efforts," said Jennifer Miller, interim President and CEO of the Upstate SC Alliance.