Rural, Set, Go! Employers and Community Members are Invited to our Rural Economic Development Forums
Workforce Solutions East Texas • January 16, 2020
Forums Scheduled for Gilmer, Jacksonville, and Canton
The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments, local elected officials, and new vendor - Career Team, LLC, will launch its first of a series of Rural Economic Development Forums next week. The Forums, titled Rural, Set, Go! have the objective to seek input from local employers, business, and community members on rural economic and workforce development issues.
“We recognize the value of rural economic development and the role employers play in developing and sustaining the local economy,” said WSET Board Chairman, Robert Haberle. “We ask the local employers, businesses, and community members to please join us to share your expertise and knowledge in developing a skilled workforce for the region.”
Rural, Set, Go! Rural Economic Development Forums are open to the public and will be held at the following dates and locations:
- January 21st in Gilmer, Texas, at the Open Range Restaurant, from 5 PM – 7 PM
- January 23rd in Jacksonville, Texas, at the Jacksonville College Student Activity Center, from 5 PM – 7 PM
- January 28th in Canton, Texas, at the Silver Spur Resort, from 5 PM – 7 PM
The program for the town hall style events will include local employers, chamber of commerce and economic development representatives coming together to discuss rural economic and workforce development issues. WSET staff will share local data on the labor market in each area, and conduct a panel discussion, facilitated by WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock. Forum attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussion with subject matter experts providing information on workforce training, child care services, and other useful resources.
“The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board has identified our rural communities as a vital resource for economic growth for the region,” said WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “The Board, together with Career Team, will be promoting these events across the region over the next several months. It is important for us to get close to the local needs of the employer and these town hall meetings will help us achieve this goal.”
“We are proud to be a part of this very important work which will help us to design a service delivery system that will benefit the region and bolster our job training programs,” stated Mary Ann Rojas, Regional Executive Director for Career Team. “We are equally pleased with the help of our partners: Baker Ripley, who manage subsidized child care services, the Texas Workforce Commission, our rural local employers and community leaders.”
Business, education and community partners are encouraged to attend, and seating is limited. For information, or to reserve a seat, contact Kim Stacy at 903-561-8131 or Terrance Mathis at 903-758-1783.
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
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) .
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
