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    Goodwill Industries Recognized at TWC Conference as Local Employer of Excellence

    Workforce Solutions East Texas, Texas Workforce Commission • Dec 06, 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

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