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.
