Buoyed by the strength of Charleston’s port and increased investment by international manufacturing companies, South Carolina has established itself as a prominent player in global trade and commerce.
And those who have worked to bring about these successes say that one segment of the economy in particular – the growing fields of logistics, transportation, and supply chain management – has the potential to become a major driver in South Carolina’s economy.
In 2013, the College of Charleston’s School of Business hosted the inaugural South Carolina Supply Chain Summit for leaders in business, higher education, and state government to identify potential areas for collaboration.
Based on positive feedback from attendees and panelists, organizers are planning the 2nd Annual South Carolina Supply Chain Summit for March 28, 2014. The event will take place in Wells Fargo Auditorium in the Beatty Center, 5 Liberty Street. For more information on the summit and to register, visit go.cofc.edu/summit.
“This year’s Summit builds on last year’s success in bringing industry and higher education together to strengthen supply chain capabilities and resources in South Carolina,” says South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Robert M. Hitt. “The line-up of topics and presenters from our corporate partners and universities is strong and will help shape the continued dialogue about the supply chain’s importance in our state.”
This year’s summit will be organized around three key issues: Managing supply chain risk and disruption; opportunities in supply chain education; and deepening the Charleston Harbor.
Featured speakers include Secretary Hitt and Jim Newsome, President and CEO of the South Carolina State Ports Authority, who will provide an update on Charleston’s harbor deepening project. The summit will be moderated by Post and Courier Business Editor John McDermott.
Faculty from the College of Charleston, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina will be on hand to discuss academic programs in supply chain management and related fields, while alumni from such programs will share their experiences in the job market.
[Related: CofC MBA graduate launches career in maritime industry.]
Alan Shao, dean of the College’s School of Business, says the timing and location for the summit couldn’t be better.
“With the continued energy and growth of manufacturing and exports in our state, Charleston is the ideal place to hold this year’s Summit,” Shao says. “We’re excited to work closely with the Department of Commerce, the Port, and corporate partners in raising awareness about supply chain opportunities between industry and higher education.”
