Goodwill Industries Recognized at TWC Conference as Local Employer of Excellence

Workforce Solutions East Texas, Texas Workforce Commission • December 6, 2023

This year, several East Texas Workforce Board and staff members represented Workforce Solutions of East Texas at the annual Texas Workforce Commission Conference in Houston. The conference presented an opportunity to hear from economic development and workforce specialists about new grants, program updates, and new opportunities for training and development within our workforce industry. 


Gene Keenon, Vice-Chair of the East Texas Workforce Board, expressed his commitment to our region by representing East Texas at the conference.


"I'm proud to represent 14 East Texas counties at the Texas Workforce Commission Conference in Houston," said Keenon. "So many great topics affecting today's workforce. Panelists from Fortune 100 companies and education systems were in attendance."


In addition to workshop sessions, TWC, and local workforce boards recognize employers across Texas for excellence and innovation. Local Workforce Development Boards nominate employers whose partnership exemplifies the economic success that can be achieved through private-sector collaboration with the public sector. Through a highly competitive scoring system, a panel of TWC judges selects Employers of the Year who embody TWC’s mission to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals, and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity.


Goodwill Industries of East Texas Inc. was awarded by TWC as the Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) Board Local Employer of Excellence. Goodwill Industries is known for having a longstanding alliance serving persons with disabilities and unemployed and underemployed workers. They are a proven community partner and are always present when called upon to assist. They have partnered with WSET in multiple ways, participating in hiring events, and are a heavily involved participant in our Work Experience Programs and the GoodTech Academy Registered Apprenticeship program.


"We were honored to see Goodwill Industries of East Texas recognized as our East Texas Local Employer of Excellence at TWC’s 26th annual conference," said Workforce Executive Director Doug Shryock. "Goodwill is a strong and consistent partner, delivering various quality programs to our participants across the region. It was rewarding to see them receive well-earned appreciation for their work. We look forward to a continuing and mutually beneficial relationship with Goodwill for many years."


Along with Goodwill Industries, several East Texas employers were nominated for their involvement in the workforce. These companies represent the diversity of our local economy, contributing uniquely to our region's workforce success.


East Texas Nominees:

Large Employer of the Year: Eastman Chemical, Longview

Small Employer of the Year: Motor City Fasteners, Longview

Veteran-Friendly Employer of the Year: Camp V, Tyler

HireAbility Employer of the Year: Elijah’s Retreat, Jacksonville

Employer Driven Technical Training - Upskill Texas

September 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is currently accepting applications for the Upskill Texas grant program. This technical training initiative provides crucial funding for Texas businesses looking to enhance their workforce's skills and remain competitive in today's rapidly evolving economy. Upskill Texas offers financial support to employers that are: Expanding their operations Retooling their processes Introducing new services or product lines Experiencing organizational structure changes that could avert layoffs  Through Upskill Texas, employers may be reimbursed up to $3,000 per trainee for 100% technical training. The majority of the trainees must have been employed by the business for at least six months. To be eligible, businesses must have 100 or more employees located in Texas and provide a 50% employer match, which can include trainee wages and benefits. Private employers may appoint a designee for the grant, including community or technical colleges, third-party trainers, or workforce development boards. Projects can range from $150,000 to $500,000. Follow the link below to learn more: Upskill Texas - Texas Workforce Commission

Workforce Solutions East Texas Palestine Office Strengthens Local Workforce Connections

September 22, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas is strengthening its role as a workforce development leader in the Palestine area by bringing some of the region’s top employers directly to the community. Through a growing series of hiring events hosted at the Palestine office, local job seekers are gaining direct access to employers, career opportunities, and a dedicated team ready to help them take their next step. The events have already generated strong results. On August 14, Wayne Sanderson Farms brought 51 job seekers to the Palestine office for a hiring event. The response was so strong that the company was able to fill its entire first shift through the event, demonstrating the impact that direct connections between employers and job seekers can have. The momentum continued on September 4, when East Texas Beef Processors welcomed 50 job seekers to its hiring event at the Palestine office. The strong turnout provided the company with an opportunity to connect with local talent while giving residents a chance to learn more about available careers and employment opportunities. These events are doing more than filling positions. They are helping Workforce Solutions East Texas build stronger relationships with employers throughout the region while establishing the Palestine office as a convenient, trusted resource for businesses and job seekers alike. By creating opportunities for employers to recruit locally, Workforce Solutions East Texas is helping strengthen the connection between the region’s workforce and the businesses that drive its economy. And the opportunities are just getting started. The Palestine office has several upcoming hiring events scheduled: Wayne Sanderson Farms — September 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. East Texas Beef Processors — September 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Amer Technologies — September 22, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Residents looking for their next career opportunity are encouraged to stop by the Palestine Workforce Solutions East Texas office, meet with employers, explore available positions, and connect with the staff who are ready to provide guidance and support throughout their job search. As the Palestine office continues expanding its employer partnerships and hiring event offerings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is demonstrating what workforce development looks like in action: bringing employers and job seekers together, responding to the needs of the local economy, and creating pathways to opportunity right here in the community. 

Not Starting Over, but Moving Forward: Jessica Paul's Journey Through the RESEA Program

September 22, 2026
After 30 years with the same employer, Ms. Paul never imagined she would have to start over. Her career with a staffing company had been built over three decades of experience in customer service and payroll. Then, without warning, she was laid off. “It was nerve-wracking. I’m a single mom of two. How are we going to survive?” After such a long career with one employer, Ms. Paul wasn't sure where to begin. The job market had changed, and she worried about finding a position that valued her experience while meeting her salary needs. That's when she discovered Workforce Solutions East Texas and the RESEA program. Ms. Paul initially knew very little about RESEA. Through the program, she discovered the resources available through WorkInTexas.com, including the Virtual Recruiter, Resume Builder, job search tools, career exploration resources, and WIOA opportunities. But the greatest impact came from the personalized support of her Career Navigator, Cheryl Jackson. Cheryl helped Ms. Paul update her resume, explore new career possibilities, prepare for interviews, and regain confidence in a job market she hadn't navigated in 30 years. “Cheryl gave me the confidence to job search and interview. Thirty years ago was so different from now, so her guidance was very helpful.” Through career exploration and mock interviews, Ms. Paul discovered opportunities she had never considered and gained the confidence to present her skills to employers. “She gave me the confidence and support I needed.” Today, Ms. Paul is working in payroll and invoicing for a staffing company and will soon take on additional responsibilities in fleet management. What began as an unexpected and frightening transition became a new chapter filled with possibility. RESEA didn't just connect Ms. Paul with resource, it helped her recognize that after 30 years of experience, she wasn't starting over. She was moving forward with confidence. Her advice to others facing an unexpected job loss is simple: “Use all of your resources. You never know where a job will come from, so use everything.” 
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