Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 6 in Tyler

Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 29, 2024

Wednesday, November 6   | 10 AM - 1 PM   |  Tyler Rose Garden Center

Workforce Solutions East Texas will host its largest hiring event of the year – celebrating Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 13th annual Hiring Red, White & You! with 75+ employers on Wednesday, November 6. This statewide event connects employers with veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses. East Texas’ event will be held at the Rose Garden Center located at 420 Rose Park Drive in Tyler from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and is open to the public to attend.


Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in the local Hiring Red, White & You! event can be found at www.easttexasworkforce.org/hrwy. 


“East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors. Knowledge, skills and abilities, hard-won across the country and around the world, make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Please join us to share a valuable resource with our local employers – YOU! They need you and are anxious to enlist your talents. They just don’t know it yet,” said Doug Shryock, Lt Col USAF (ret), Executive Director, Workforce Solutions East Texas.


“Texas is home to 1.5 million veterans whose skills and experience are crucial contributors to the state's economic success,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC’s veterans’ programs, including Hiring Red, White & You!, provide Texas veterans with resources designed to enhance their success in the Texas workforce.”


During this year’s event, TWC and Texas Workforce Solutions will host more than 30 events across the state from November 1-22 in partnership with the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Veterans Commission, and the Texas Medical Center. Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 24,000 employers with 137,000 job seekers, including 47,000 veterans. Hiring Red, White and You! events have also resulted in more than 3,400 same-day hires.


“Hiring, Red, White & You! provides support and resources available to help our veterans obtain a high-demand career in our strong labor force and thriving Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Over the past 12 years, this event has helped thousands of veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment, and TWC is committed to continuing that work.”


Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows up to $9,600 in federal business income or payroll tax benefits. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC recognizes businesses where veterans comprise at least 10% of the workforce.


“Our veterans bring employers value through the extensive training, leadership, and a unique work ethic gained in service to our country,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “I’m proud to be among a growing population of our veteran workforce and I encourage Texas employers to participate in Hiring Red, White & You! events to open doors and opportunities for veterans and their families.”


Employers can find additional information on Hiring Red, White & You! events at twc.texas.gov/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit https://www.twc.texas.gov/services/veterans. 

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.

Welcome, New Board Officers! Chair Gene Keenon & Vice Chair Pam Pearson

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
Show More