Emerald Isle, N.C. (Feb. 17, 2020) — The Byrd Family Foundation made a gift of $100,000 to Carolina Museum of the Marine and Civic Institute on February 4, 2020, to assist in its $28M capital campaign.
Keith and Ginger Byrd, understanding the impact of a forecast funding delay, stepped up with the philanthropic gift. Keith Byrd and his father, Fred R. Byrd, served in the United States Marine Corps and, with their family, want to preserve the legacy of Carolina Marines and Sailors. Keith Byrd is co-founder and recently retired managing partner of Emerald Isle-based small parcel and freight spend management firm Transportation Impact.
“My time in the Marine Corps imbued me with the courage, determination, and fortitude to not quit. This early character formation has been instrumental in the achievements and successes of my life, both professional and personal, and it’s an integral part of how we go about our mission at Transportation Impact,” said Keith Byrd. “Ginger and I are thankful for the opportunity to stand in the gap for this important project, and we hope our faith in it inspires others to give as well.”
Museum Board member Gary S. McKissock, Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret), and executive director, Ashley Danielson, were on hand for the check presentation at the campaign’s completed Phase I: Reflection and Celebration Park. The Patriots Walkway at the Park and future museum site will be named for the Byrd Family Foundation in recognition of the gift. “The Byrds are a very generous and community-minded family,” said SgtMaj Joe Houle, operations director at Carolina Museum of the Marine. “It is an honor to have their name so strongly associated with our mission.”
Carolina Museum of the Marine and Civic Institute is being constructed in two phases. Phase I, Reflection and Celebration Park was completed in May 2016 and is a popular destination at Lejeune Memorial Gardens. The Park boasts the world’s largest Eagle, Globe and Anchor statue, which is consistently the most “Instagrammed” site in Onslow County. The Park and its Patriots Walkway, with EGA, reflecting pool, tribute bricks, and benches hosts numerous local events including promotion, retirement, and reenlistment ceremonies.
Phase II, the 40,000-square-foot Museum and Institute, will bring to life the many accomplishments and innovations of Carolina Marines and Sailors and their host communities.
“It is our greatest pleasure to help make this dream become a reality!” said Ginger Byrd.
Keith Byrd also co-founded TI’s sister firm, First Flight Solutions. He now serves as chairman of the board of directors for both companies. Ginger Byrd dedicated herself to a 30-year career as a hairdresser, before passing her Asheboro, NC, salon on to her daughter.
About Transportation Impact:
Transportation Impact, a 7-time Inc. 5000 honoree, leverages proprietary technology unique to the industry that ensures customers pay the lowest-possible small parcel and LTL rates. Founded in 2008, the company has grown from 0 to 84 employees and over 900 customers. Currently TI manages over a billion dollars in logistics spend and has helped its customers save more than $587 million. TI has won many awards, including three consecutive placements on the North Carolina Fast 40 and the North Carolina 125/Grant Thornton NC 100, 2-time BBB Torch Award and Business NC Best Employer, Entrepreneur 360 Best Company, CAI Ovation Award, and Inc. magazine Best Workplaces 2017–19. For more information, visit www.transportationimpact.com.
About First Flight Solutions:
First Flight Solutions is a sister company to Transportation Impact and a 6-time Inc. 5000 honoree, as well as the recipient of numerous other awards. FFS improves customers’ logistics operations through advanced TMS technology paired with an innovative “cost-based” negotiation strategy. Customers benefit from low small parcel and LTL rates, accurate invoice auditing, and optimized routing decisions on every shipment. The performance-based pricing model means customers only pay for actual savings realized. For more information, visit firstflightsolutions.com.
Media contact:
Jillian Farrington
252-424-8418
jillian.farrington@transimpact.com
Transportation Impact
8921 Crew Drive
Emerald Isle, NC 28594