RIDGEWAY – The Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 annual meeting brought about 125 members and friends to The Farm at Ridgeway Wednesday night, July 24.
It was a night of dining, visiting, and dancing to the music of the Sherrie Cafaro Trio, with the presentation of the annual business awards being the highlight of the evening.
The event also marked almost a year for Dillon Pullen to serve as the new president of the chamber.
Small Business of the Year
The award for Small Business of the Year went to Peace on Earth Café and Consignment, located in downtown Winnsboro.
Owned by Mary and Domenic Nappa, Peace on Earth is a café, consignment shop and general store offering dine-in and take-out breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soup, baked goods and ice cream.
“As a ‘mom and pop shop’, Mary and Domenic put their love into their business, but as a two-person store, it takes everything they have,” said Shanta Lewis. “The Nappas praised their customers saying they are “always kind and patient as we serve everyone as if unto the Lord.”
The Small Business of the Year award is presented annually in honor of Terry Vickers, who was president of the Chamber for 22 years before retiring in 2018.
Industry Partner of the Year
The Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry Partner of the Year award went to Luck Companies.
Luck Companies is the parent company of Luck Stone, which has operations in Fairfield County. In business for over 100 years, Luck Stone is the nation’s largest family-owned and operated producer of crushed stone, sand, and gravel. In 2023, Luck Stone began production in Fairfield County along US Hwy 34, just 1 mile west of I-77 in Ridgeway.
“Since before plant operations began in 2023, Luck has proven to be a valued member of our industrial community with a heart to get involved,” presenter Kimberly Roberts said. ”Over the last several years, they have donated tens of thousands of dollars to local non-profit organizations to assist with bettering our community.”
The Fitz-John Creighton McMaster Industry Partner of the Year award is presented to a large business or industry that has shown its commitment and dedication to Fairfield County and the citizens who call it home.
Phillips-Edenfield Citizen of the Year
Patsy Palmer was named the Phillips- Edenfield Citizen of the Year. Palmer is a sixth generation Ridgeway native and the daughter of Patti Palmer and the late Bubba Palmer.
“Patsy has always had a love for Fairfield County, especially the senior citizens,” presenter Charlene Herring said. “After a few health crises, Patsy has devoted herself to being a kind and caring person and a responsible citizen who thinks of God’s wishes for her life throughout the day.”
Created in 2021, the award is named after Mrs. Hannah Phillips and Sam Edenfield, two Fairfield County citizens who have raised the bar for service in the county. The award is presented yearly to an individual who has dedicated themselves to enhancing the lives of the citizens of our county.
Tourism Partner of the Year
The Chamber’s newly established annual award – the Tourism Partner of the Year award – went to Carolina Adventure World.
A 3,000-acre off-road park located in Winnsboro, Carolina Adventure World boasts over 120 miles of trails, offering diverse terrains for enthusiasts, including mud bogs, speed tracks, and more. The park caters to various off-road vehicles, providing thrilling experiences for riders of all skill levels, including rentals and guided tours for those new to the sport. Beyond the excitement on the trails, Carolina Adventure World’s campus provides a range of camping amenities, including RV sites with water and electric hookups, cozy cabins, and dry-camping options. Guests can also enjoy the Park’s tavern and bar, along with numerous fun events and live music throughout the year, providing a vibrant and entertaining experience both on and off the trails.
Carolina Adventure World will host the inaugural Field & Stream Music Fest in October 2024. This outdoor lifestyle and country music festival will feature top artists and bands, such as Eric Church, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, ZZ Top, Bailey Zimmerman, and more. In addition to world-class musical performances, attendees can look forward to a variety of outdoor excursions and activities, making it a must-attend event for adventure and music enthusiasts alike.
Board Members
The evening also signaled the departure of some members from the board – Vanessa Reynolds, Robbie Martin, and Vickie Maass – and the introduction of new board members:
Elbony Belton-Ashford – Board Chair, MUSC Director of Nursing
Tina Johnson – Vice Chair, Pecan Hill Estate
Kimberly Roberts – Treasurer, Clerk to Fairfield County Council
Charlene Herring – Ex-Officio, The Ivy Veranda
Shanta Lewis, TruVista Communications
Chris Hill, Fairfield County Coroner
Deborah McCutchan, Edward Jones Financial Group
Sgt. Ron Mull, Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office
Mary Nappa, Peace on Earth Café and Consignment
Chamber President Dillon Pullen made closing remarks that included a review of a year that has brought growth to the chamber, a new office building, and new leadership.
The Retreat at Lake Wateree catered dinner.
Webb Yongue, Capstone Group, and FCSD Superintendent Dr. Tony Hemingway 
Caroline and Everett Stubbs, Republican candidate for State Senate District 17
