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

Veterans and Job Seekers Connect at Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair in Longview

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 7, 2025
On Wednesday, November 5, Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted the region’s largest hiring event of the year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s 14th annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide initiative. The event honored veterans with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. open to the public. About 70 employers participated, offering opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other job seekers. “East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors,” said Doug Shryock, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities—hard-won across the country and around the world—make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Our employers need these valuable resources.” This year’s event was part of a statewide effort to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Since its launch in 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected over 153,000 job seekers, including 52,000 veterans, with more than 26,000 employers across Texas. A representative from a participating employer, Stone Bridge Personnel Services, shared, " The Veteran Job Fair in Longview was a huge success! Sooo many people came out that we barely got a break the entire time! The best part was getting to know the personal stories of several decorated veterans and hearing their accomplishments and what they stand for. That's the spice of life right there. And we're about to fill heaps of new positions using all this new talent! Good times ahead." “ It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.” Event Highlights: Total job seekers served:438 Employers represented: 69 Workforce Solutions East Texas and ETCOG thank all participants, employers, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we continue to build a stronger workforce and honor the contributions of our 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) .
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