Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas hosted its Annual Awards of Excellence Banquet on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium, recognizing employers, partners, and individuals making a meaningful impact on workforce and economic development across the Heart of Texas region.
During the awards luncheon, Big Brown Fly Ash (previously named Cinder Residuals) was honored as the Employer of Excellence for Freestone County. Headquartered in Fairfield, the company specialized in harvesting and refining coal ash to create high-quality coal combustion products and processed and marketed fly ash for beneficial use to ready-mix companies across Texas.
Big Brown Fly Ash contributed to economic development in Freestone County, with operations described as supportive of local efforts to expand the industrial park and create new manufacturing jobs. The company partnered with Workforce Solutions by participating in hiring fairs and connecting rural job seekers with opportunities at an employer that valued staff and career advancement.
The company invested in employee development through robust training models, including on-the-job training to build specialized skills such as monitoring plant equipment and systems, material sampling and identification, and record-keeping, as well as mentorship training for instrumentation and electrical apprentices guided by experienced staff.
Chandler Baggerly, Plant Manager at Big Brown Fly Ash stated, “In our first year, we’ve hired close to 40 employees, and Workforce Solutions has helped us make strong strides with the resources and support they provide. The community has welcomed us, and over the next five years we expect to bring many more jobs to the area. It’s an honor to receive this award, and we’re committed to continuing to make a positive impact here.”
About Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas
Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas provides comprehensive services for businesses and job seekers in its six-county service area, which includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties. Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas is one of 28 local workforce development boards under the direction of and funded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
