Three Things to Know: July 25th

This week's information compiled by your SC Chamber team includes: 
White House Releases AI Action Plan, SC Ports Close FY2025 with Growth in Container and Rail Volumes, 46th Annual Summit Agenda Revealed

 1. White House Releases AI Action Plan

This week, the White House unveiled “Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan”, a strategic plan designed to ensure the United States wins the race to achieve global dominance in artificial intelligence (AI). Per a White House press release, “Winning the AI race will usher in a new golden age of human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security for the American people.”

The plan outlines 90 policy actions the Trump Administration will soon be taking across three strategic pillars:

1. Accelerating Innovation
2. Building American AI Infrastructure, and
3. Leading in International Diplomacy and Security

Notable policy recommendations in the plan include:

• Enabling Innovation and Adoption by Removing Red Tape: Remove burdensome Federal regulations that hinder AI development and deployment and seek private sector input on rules to remove. States with burdensome AI laws could be barred from federal funding related to AI.
• Promoting Rapid Buildout of Data Centers: The government will expedite and modernize permitting for data centers and semiconductor fabs and create new national initiatives to increase high-demand occupations like electricians and HVAC technicians that are needed for the build-out of these projects and support training programs for workers who will be needed to staff the facilities long term.
• Exporting American AI: The Commerce and State Departments will partner with industry to deliver secure, full-stack AI export packages – including hardware, models, software, applications, and standards – to America’s friends and allies around the world.

The plan was met with praise from both the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

Read the full plan here and learn more at AI.gov.

2. SC Ports Close FY2025 with Growth in Container and Rail Volumes

The South Carolina Ports Authority (SC Ports) closed fiscal year 2025 with solid growth in both container and rail activity. The port system handled 2.6 million TEUs, a 3% increase over the previous year, while rail volumes grew by 4%. As the port and maritime sectors expand capacity, they are driving value across the supply chain—benefiting retailers, manufacturers, consumers, and businesses alike.

Railed cargo continues to be a standout growth area for SC Ports. Inland Port Greer set a new record with 205,523 rail moves, up 10% year-over-year, and exceeded 200,000 rail moves in a 12-month period for the first time. This milestone highlights the recent expansion project's importance and success – doubling cargo capacity and increasing rail capability.

Looking ahead, SC Ports remains committed to long-term growth and infrastructure development, including expanding the Port of Charleston’s capacity to 10 million TEUs and improving statewide intermodal connectivity. Key projects include the construction of a second berth at the Leatherman Terminal and the launch of a near-port rail facility, both set to enhance speed to market for customers and enhance cargo visibility. The new rail yard, opening in 2026, will offer 1 million rail lift capacity.

3. 46th Annual Summit Agenda Revealed 

This year's 46th Annual Summit will be held at the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, SC from October 28-30, 2025. This members-only event is the premier gathering for South Carolina’s business leaders, bringing together top professionals from across the state. During this influential Summit, we proudly recognize the recipients of our Business Leader and Public Servant of the Year awards, announce the Economic Engagement Award winners, present Business Week scholarships, and honor the Sergeant William Jasper Freedom Award recipients. With a series of timely program sessions and valuable networking opportunities, the Summit offers the ideal environment for conducting business and staying informed on critical issues shaping our state’s future. 

This year's panels will focus on the big 3 T's of current events in our state right now: Transportation, Taxation, and Tariffs, and there will be additional topics woven into the programming as well. Early bird pricing will end next week on July 31st, so click here to secure your spot today! Please see the released agenda below, and photos from the 45th Annual Summit may be found here.