Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III had the opportunity to serve as keynote speaker at the 96th annual Maritime Association of South Carolina Gala. The event, held on February 4 in Charleston, attracted around 600 attendees who are leaders in the maritime and supply chain communities. The gala also honored companies and individuals for their accomplishments in helping advance the maritime industry in S.C.
The maritime transportation industry is one of the largest economic drivers of South Carolina’s economy and rooted within the state’s history. And, for nearly 100 years, the Maritime Association of South Carolina has worked to advance, promote and protect the interests of maritime commerce statewide.
South Carolina is home to one of the nation's fastest-growing container ports – the Port of Charleston – two innovative inland ports, over 2,300 miles of rail lines and continuously improving interstate highway infrastructure. Because of this, S.C. is internationally known, not only for making things and making them well, but also for the ability to efficiently get those things where they need to go.