Charleston businesses support cruise industry

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Charleston area businesses have formed a council to support South Carolina’s growing cruise industry even as some groups question State Ports Authority plans for a new cruise terminal.

The Historic Charleston Foundation announced Thursday it hired a consultant to assess how best to balance quality of life and the cruise business in Charleston.

Ports Authority President and CEO Jim Newsome says most people favor the $37 million industry that means jobs and money for the economy. He says the agency is moving ahead with plans to open a cruise terminal next year.

John Hassell is the president of the Maritime Association of South Carolina and a member of the new Cruise Business Council. He says cruises are important and businesses are ready to fight for it if necessary.
  
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)