Red, White & You Veterans Hiring Event To Take Place November 5
Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 28, 2020
For the ninth year, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with Workforce Solutions East Texas(WSET) and 27 other local workforce development boards, and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Thursday, November 5. This year for the first time, all events will be held virtually. Workforce Solutions East Texas will participate with its first-ever virtual hiring event allowing employers and job seekers to meet safely. The event is veteran-focused but open to the public.
East Texas employers and job seekers are encouraged to participate by registering for the event at www.easttexasworkforce.org/HRWY2020
and joining us from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 5. This online hiring event will connect employers and job seekers across our 14-county service area from the comfort of their home, office, smartphone, or tablet. WSET’s new online, cloud-based platform makes it easy and fun to explore the available information and opportunities and participate in 1-on-1 text-based chats with representatives from participating organizations.
“Since Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, veterans have stepped forward to defend America in times of peril. Today, in the midst of a national pandemic, East Texas has an opportunity to give back to those who have given so much. Join us as we honor those who have worn the uniform, to welcome them back into the communities they’ve defended so well. Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, allow us to help showcase your knowledge, skills and abilities, demonstrating to employers the force-multipliers you are,”
said Lt. Col. Doug Shryock, USAF (Ret.), WSET Executive Director.
The multi-city event is designed to assist veterans, service members, and their spouses seeking their next career opportunity. Over the past eight years, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected more than 98,600 job seekers, including 38,925 veterans and spouses, along with 16,650 employers and over 2,700 same-day hires. The Texas Veterans Commission is preparing veterans for these hiring fairs by assisting them with applications and résumés, interviewing techniques, as well as one-on-one counseling services.
The national unemployment rate in 2019 for all veterans was 3.1 percent1. In contrast, for those veterans who served in the military since September 2001, the unemployment rate was higher at 3.5 percent2. There are nearly 1.5 million3 total veterans throughout Texas, which is the 2nd highest state population of veterans in the country.
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.
TWC’s ninth 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. Information on how employers and job seekers can participate in other Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fairs across the state may be found at www.texasworkforce.org/hrwy. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit www.texasworkforce.org/veterans. To participate in the East Texas event, all employers and job seekers must register at www.easttexasworkforce.org/HRWY2020.
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.
