Senator Will Represent Upstate, Oversee Vital Economic Engine

SC Sen. Phillip Shoopman (R-Greenville).Columbia, SC – July 6, 2009 – South Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell announced today that he has appointed State Senator Phillip Shoopman (R-Greenville) to the South Carolina Port Advisory Committee. The port is one of our state’s most vital economic engines and Senator Shoopman’s appointment ensures Upstate representation on port matters.

South Carolina’s economic growth is directly linked to the success of our state’s ports. Unfortunately, while its competitors have seen consistent growth over the past several years, container traffic through the Port of Charleston has dropped precipitously. Once the largest port on the east coast, the Charleston port has dropped to the fourth ranking.

The legislative committee was recently created with the passage of the port-restructuring bill to help ensure stability and efficiency in state ports operations and to help draft a long-term plan with accountability measures.  Senate leader Glenn McConnell, who was also the lead sponsor of the port-restructuring bill, is appointing Senator Shoopman to the committee. Senator McConnell says that he is appointing the freshman Senator because of his hard work and proven knowledge on job creation issues.

“Senator Shoopman understands how important the port is to all South Carolinians. He will use his expertise to ensure that our state’s biggest economic asset grows and continues to fuel South Carolina’s economy,” said Senator McConnell.

McConnell continued, “He’s working tirelessly to connect with Senate leadership and to offer new ideas on how we can grow South Carolina’s economy. He’s the kind of thoughtful leader we need representing Upstate business on the port committee. I’m delighted to make this appointment.”

In receiving the appointment, Senator Shoopman said, “We are facing tough times and it’s more important than ever that we use every resource available to attract new jobs to our state. Our port business has declined rapidly in recent years as our competition’s has grown. To be competitive, we need a long-term plan with strict accountability.

“Many people think of the port as an economic engine for the lowcountry, but the truth is that products from all parts of South Carolina enter and exit through our ports. Upstate economic growth is dependent on a

successful port operation,” Shoopman said.

 

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