News Release: Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Hiring Fair to Take Place November 7
Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 31, 2019
East Texas Hiring Event to be Held in Longview
For the eighth year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, Nov. 7. TWC’s eighth annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair is a joint initiative supported by the Office of the Governor, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) and the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) to connect veterans and their spouses in Texas with employers who are seeking the exceptional skills of veterans and their spouses. Workforce Solutions East Texas will host the local hiring event in Longview at Maude Cobb Activity Center located at 100 Grand Blvd. from 9 AM – 1 PM. The event is veteran focused, but open to the public to attend.
“We’ve got 90 employers signed up who recognize employing veterans creates a dedicated workforce with employees who know how to lead, build teams, and accept and meet challenges – and the list is growing daily,” said Workforce Solutions East Texas director, Doug Shryock. “It is our privilege to host an event giving back to our veterans, and we are honored to have State Representative Jay Dean and Texas Workforce Commission’s Civil Rights Division Director, Bryan Snoddy, as guest speakers at our opening ceremony.”
“On behalf of the state of Texas, I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who have worn and still wear the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Today and every day, we must honor and serve veterans who have defended our freedom,” said Gov. Greg Abbott. “Over the last eight years, Hiring, Red, White & You! has made enormous strides in connecting our remarkable veterans with employment ensuring they achieve the same stability and peace of mind enjoyed by those they have fought so hard to protect. I encourage employers and veterans in Texas to attend a Hiring, Red, White & You! event this Nov. 7.”
The multi-city event is designed to assist veterans, service members and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity. Employers participate at no cost and are encouraged to contact their local Workforce Solutions Office for more information. Over the past seven years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 84,153 job seekers, including 35,485 Veterans and 48,668 spouses, to 14,420 employers and over 2,027 same-day hires.
“Veterans bring experience, skills and leadership abilities that will strengthen any Texas business,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Our veterans deserve the opportunity to experience the same pride and purpose they had while serving. I thank our partners, our 28 local workforce development boards and TVC for their valuable partnership in these events.”
The Texas Veterans Commission is preparing veterans for these hiring fairs by assisting them with applications and résumés, interviewing techniques, and one-on-one counseling services.
“Our brave and courageous veterans risked everything for our country, they deserve the opportunity to experience the pride they felt while serving when they return home,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairman Eliseo “Al” Cantu, Jr. “Hiring Red, White and You! events are essential to ensuring our veterans have the chances they deserve.”
The average national unemployment rate for nine months in 2019 for all veterans, is 3.0 percent1. In contrast, according to the Employment Situation of Veterans 2018 Report, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate is higher at 3.8 percent2. There are nearly 1.6 million3
total veterans throughout Texas, which is the 2nd highest state population of veterans in the country.
“Our nation’s heroes are skilled, determined and highly sought-after workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Julian Alvarez. “We applaud everyone participating in this year’s Hiring Red White and You! events and those who make a point to hire veterans all year long. You’re not only employing a hero but you’re building a future for their families and communities.”
Employers who hire veterans may be eligible for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows employers to receive up to $9,600 on federal business income or payroll tax benefits when they hire from certain qualified groups of veterans.
“Our military men and women exhibit valuable skills sets, including the ability to learn quickly on the job and unrivaled leadership experience that make them an excellent employee and team member, said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “I encourage our Texas employers to participate in the Hiring Red, White, & You! statewide hiring fair in order to meet, hire and work first-hand with our nation’s heroes. Let’s honor our Texas veterans by creating new opportunities for them to contribute to our great state after their service in uniform.”
Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fairs can be found at www.texasworkforce.org/hrwy. Please note that some job fair locations may have changed since last year. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.texasworkforce.org/veterans.
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 2018 Employment Situation of Veterans, veterans 18 and over, not seasonally adjusted. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 2018 Employment Situation of Veterans, Gulf War-era II veterans, not seasonally adjusted. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm
3. Bureau of Labor Statistics: 2018 Employment Situation of Veterans, veterans 18 and over, not seasonally adjusted. http://www.bls.gov/news.release/vet.nr0.htm
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
