Paynter receives Spittal Community Award
Al Cumbie, left, chairman of the Central Area Business Council, presents Ken Paynter, manager of Main Street Deli, with the Dr. David Spittal Community Award, named for Southern Wesleyan University’s former president.
Ken Paynter, manager of Main Street Deli, is the 2013 recipient of the Dr. David Spittal Community Award, named for Southern Wesleyan University’s former president, who retired in 2011.
The award was presented by Al Cumbie, chairman of the Central Area Business Council during the 2013 Central State of the Community dinner, held April 16 at the Founders, located on the university’s campus in Central.
A native of South Africa, Paynter and his wife Mary came to the area in 2006 seeking to open a coffee house, which would be a ministry to students in the Clemson area connected with The Bridge Church of the Nazarene. After seeking locations in Clemson, they learned of an opportunity to purchase a business in downtown Central, the Main Street Deli and Coffeehouse.
Paynter was also recognized for his contributions to the community, including the Singing Christmas Tree and years of working as one of the organizers of the Central Railroad Festival, an event he now chairs.
The Dr. David Spittal Community Award is presented to an individual who makes significant contributions to the greater good of the Central community and the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, with an emphasis on citizenship and service; demonstrates enthusiasm, leadership, initiative, idealism, commitment, innovation and vision; consistently illustrates the ability to develop positive relationships and the skill to build consensus among community leaders; and effectively utilizes resources outside the scope of employment and responsibility. Recipients or their employers must be a member in good standing of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce.
Southern Wesleyan hosted community leaders, including area political leaders and representatives from area businesses at the dinner, organized by the Central Area Business Council and the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce. Southern Wesleyan was one of several community sponsors for the event.