Judge Leward LaFleur Appointed to CEO - RTPO Executive Committee

ETCOG / Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 15, 2021

Workforce Solutions East Texas is pleased to announce the appointment of Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur to the Chief Elected Officials - Rural Transportation Planning Organization (CEO – RTPO) Board’s Executive Committee. 

 

The CEO - RTPO Board consists of the county judges from each of the 14-counties served by *ETCOG, the Mayors of Longview and Tyler, and the three Texas Department of Transportation District Engineers that serve the ETCOG region. The Board serves a dual function of shared oversight of the workforce programs with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board and working directly with TXDOT to ensure that transportation priorities are developed and solutions implemented for the rural communities of the region. 

 

“It is an honor to be selected by my esteemed colleagues to serve. This board is so very important for our region. Rural East Texas is well served by the members of the CEO - RPTO Board, and I look forward to the future of Rural East Texas,” said Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur.

 

Judge LaFleur joined the CEO – RTPO Board in 2018 and serves on its Executive Committee with Chairman Judge Robert Johnston of Anderson County, Vice-Chair Judge A.J. Mason of Camp County, Judge Chris Davis of Cherokee County, and Judge Joel Hale of Rusk County. The Board meets during the April, August, and December months to address the joint business agenda of the CEO – RTPO Board in a blended meeting format. The Executive Committee meets on behalf of the full board when needs arrive in between the aforementioned regularly scheduled meeting dates. 

 

“Judge LaFleur has established himself as a leader who cares about Marion County and the entire 14-county region in a very short amount of time,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “We are fortunate to have him as a valued member of our regional team!”

 

Under the Workforce Investment Act, the CEO Board is responsible for the leadership and board appointments to the local workforce development board. The CEOs partner with the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board to build a premier workforce in the region and are the primary source of local workforce policy.

 

ETCOG formed its RPO in 2009 to provide a forum for local elected officials to establish rural transportation project priorities and planning and provide direct input to TXDOT concerning those priorities for areas not included in a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Through the RPO, all fourteen of our counties and those cities that are not served by the Longview or Tyler MPOs can deliver a unified message to state and federal decision-makers concerning transportation needs and priorities. 

 

The full membership of the CEO – RTPO Board can be viewed at www.etcog.org/about#GoverningBoards. 


*Workforce Solutions East Texas is administered by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG).


Honoring Our Heroes: Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Veterans at Homeless Veterans Stand Down

November 20, 2025
In Tyler, Texas, veterans are never forgotten—and on November 13, 2025, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down hosted by CampV proved that in a powerful way. The event brought together community organizations, service providers, and volunteers to honor those who have served our country, offering a day of hope, resources, and connection for veterans experiencing homelessness. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was proud to be in attendance, providing veterans with guidance on employment opportunities, programs, and services, as well as explaining the priority of service available to every veteran we serve. Our staff met veterans where they are, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and helping them take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed purpose. The atmosphere was one of respect and gratitude. Each handshake, conversation, and shared smile reflected the deep appreciation our community has for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Veterans were able to connect with potential employers, learn about training programs, and explore the array of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Events like the Homeless Veterans Stand Down are more than outreach, they are a reminder that no veteran stands alone. They highlight the resilience, courage, and determination of those who have served, and the profound impact of a community willing to step up and support them. Workforce Solutions East Texas remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. By meeting veterans with empathy, respect, and actionable solutions, we help transform uncertainty into hope, and challenges into possibilities.  Through events like this, we are reminded that honoring our heroes is not just about words, it is about action, care, and unwavering support for those who have given so much for our nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: What does “Individualized Services” mean?

November 20, 2025
One key factor and benefit for individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services when seeking employment assistance. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? One of the key factors and benefits for individuals with disabilities in going through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program when seeking assistance with employment is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? Every person who comes to VR has a different goal, a different disability, and a different life experience. This means that two people with the same diagnosis (for instance, hearing loss) may receive vastly different services. If the first person to come in with hearing loss is in their 50s, has worked in a highly physical and loud environment their entire life, and is looking to get assistance so that they can keep their current job but hear over the radio or during safety meetings, they may receive counseling related to hearing aids, as well as how to protect their existing hearing and ensure that the hearing aids they do get are able to withstand high temperatures, won’t move around when they are sweating, and ensure that they are able to dry thoroughly at the end of each day. The second person may be attending school with the goal of going into the medical field. The challenges they face would be ensuring that they can hear their instructors and may require assistance from another student as a Note Taker, different styles of hearing aids that connect directly with medical equipment such as a specialized stethoscope, or even a microphone that can be clipped to the instructor or clinician to ensure the customer can hear them properly while learning. Even when looking into who is going to provide these services, whether it be Job Placement, Medical Assistance, Assistive Devices, or Education Assistance, each customer has the right to make an Informed Choice. Your counselor will review the recommended services, go over any pros and cons, and discuss the availability of providers that have existing contracts with the agency so that the person receiving the service or item is able to make the choice that suits them best with as much information as possible, rather than having no say in how their case will go. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!
Two women at a

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

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 7, 2025
On November 5, 2025, the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview became more than just a venue—it became a place of opportunity, gratitude, and hope. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) proudly hosted its local chapter of the statewide veteran-focused hiring event, Hiring Red, White & You!, bringing together veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, employers, and staffing professionals from across East Texas. In its 14th year, the event has grown into a vital bridge between the brave men and women who have served and the employers eager to welcome their unique skills and dedication. This year, 69 employers and 437 job seekers came together with purpose and determination. The morning began with a moving pre-event ceremony at 9:30 a.m., setting a tone of respect, honor, and inspiration. Highlighting the ceremony was a heartfelt performance by Workforce Solutions East Texas Outreach staff member Kendale Johnson, whose presence and talent captivated attendees and reminded everyone of the power of service, community, and perseverance. From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the convention center buzzed with energy and connection. Veterans and their spouses engaged with organizations ranging from American Electric Power and AshRoq Financial to Turner Industries and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. For many, the event wasn’t just a job fair—it was a turning point. On-the-spot interviews and same-day job offers underscored the immediate impact of bringing these communities together. Employers left inspired as well. Ben from Money Concepts remarked, “Thank you very much for inviting me out to the job fair yesterday. This was the most organized and professionally prepared event.” Stone Bridge Professional Services reflected on the deeper meaning of the day: “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.” These testimonials capture the heart of the event: fostering meaningful connections, honoring service, and celebrating the resilience of those who have dedicated their lives to our country. Events like Hiring Red, White & You! highlight the extraordinary value veterans and military spouses bring to the workforce—discipline, adaptability, leadership, and unwavering dedication. In turn, employers gain access to talented individuals ready to contribute in manufacturing, utilities, logistics, public service, and beyond. Since 2012, this statewide initiative has connected over 26,000 employers with more than 153,000 job seekers, resulting in 4,300 same-day hires—a testament to its lasting impact. The 2025 Longview event was more than a job fair; it was a celebration of service, a place where stories were shared, opportunities were realized, and futures were shaped. As Workforce Solutions East Texas looks ahead to next year’s event in the Tyler region, the promise is clear: the connections forged here will continue to empower veterans, honor their contributions, and inspire communities across East 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.
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