Element named Industry of Year

During its annual meeting last Thursday, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce presented the Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry of the Year award to Element Electronics. Representing Element, in photo at left, are Vice President of Finance Gabe Ellwein, President Daniel Lee and Vice president-Human Resources Carl D. Kennedy (holding award). | Photos: Barbara Ball

WINNSBORO – Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce’s new board chairman Bob Prather kicked off the Chamber’s 2019 annual meeting with the presentation of the Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry of the Year award to Element Electronics, and the Small Business of the Year award to Italian Garden.

Accepting the award for Element were Carl D. Kennedy, Vice president of Human Resources; President Daniel Lee and Vice-president of Finance Gabe Ellwein.

“In 2013, Element opened its 315,000 square foot plant in Winnsboro, making it the only major television company assembling TVs in the United States,” Prather said, addressing a large crowd of chamber members at the Old Armory. “The company debuted its first Ultra HD and Smart TVs in 2015, and it currently offers 25 different models in three series, with screen sizes from 19 to 65 inches with a sales price ranging from $100 to $1000.”

Italian Garden restaurant was named the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year. Accepting the award are owner Max El Bayoumi, company CEO Ahmed El Bayoumi, age 7, and restaurant manager Jennifer Myers.

Prather praised the company for producing meticulous hand-assembled and quality-checked TVs.

Element recently celebrated its five-year anniversary and employs over 80 percent of its workforce from Fairfield County.

Following the presentation, Prather announced that Element is currently looking to hire 40 more people.

Board member Lisa Kelly, with TruVista, presented the Small Business of the Year award to Max El Bayoumi, owner of Italian Garden restaurant located on the 321 bypass.

El Bayoumi accepted the award with his restaurant manager Jennifer Myers and CEO Ahmed El Bayoumi, age 7.

The family friendly restaurant opened eight years ago.

“It is blue collar supported, executive laid back and a downright wonderful place to eat,” Kelly said. “The menu has a variety of items that will satisfy anyone’s appetites and the staff will learn your name after your first order.

Chamber President Gene Stephens presented a letter of recognition to Valerie Clowney, co-manager of the Fairfield Farmer’s and Artisan’s market for the hard work and dedication of the market’s organizers.

Presenting sponsor for the event was Providence Health-Fairfield. Speaking on behalf of Providence, COO for Providence Health Joe Bernard presented an update on Providence’s new emergency room in Winnsboro as well as future plans for the ER’s expansion.

Members of Providence Health NE and Providence Health Fairfield were on hand at the Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. From left, Shawna McCardle, Samantha Giles, Mark Schrouder, Joe Bernard, COO of Fairfield Health, Mia Willhite and Antoine Ranson.