"Building Together. Winning Together. Career Fair 2024" Highlights Exciting Career Opportunities in Marshall and East Texas

Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 18, 2024

The Marshall Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the City of Marshall, Workforce Solutions East Texas, and the Texas Workforce Commission's Jobs Y'all program, recently hosted an extraordinary event that illuminated the pathways to success for students, parents, businesses, and educators alike. The "Spring Training: Building Together, Winning Together Career Fair 2024" went far beyond the traditional job fair format, transforming into a dynamic platform for career exploration and discovery.

 

Held under one roof, the career fair provided a comprehensive overview of the myriad career opportunities thriving in Marshall and across East Texas. With over 700 students, representatives from 50 local companies, and multiple colleges in attendance, the event was a resounding success, sparking enthusiasm and igniting aspirations.

 

This immersive experience offered students invaluable insights into potential career paths and tailored educational opportunities. Through interactive demonstrations and engaging discussions, attendees directly engaged with industry professionals, gaining firsthand knowledge of the skills and qualifications required for various professions.

 

Executive Director of Marshall Economic Development, Rush Harris, CEcD, was enthusiastic about the participation across sectors. “We saw students from five ISDs come to Marshall, Texas, to visit with all kinds of businesses and educators and learn what their future jobs might look like. It’s not just for the students, though. The event also lets businesses and educators communicate about skills training demand and supply. Additionally, it connects all parties to Workforce Solutions East Texas. We could not do events like this without their partnership!”

 

The presence of local businesses underscored the vibrant economic landscape of Marshall, shedding light on the diverse job opportunities available within the community.

 

The "Spring Training: Building Together, Winning Together Career Fair 2024" exemplified the power of collaboration and collective effort in shaping the future workforce. By bringing together students, parents, businesses, educators, and workforce professionals, the event fostered a sense of community and shared purpose, laying the foundation for a thriving and prosperous future for Marshall and the East Texas region.

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.
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