Workforce Solutions East Texas Announces Second Year of Workforce Strategy Public Forums for Local Leaders in Rural Counties

Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 21, 2022

Rural, Set, Go: Boost! Forums to be Held March 22 – May 31

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET), in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments, and local elected officials, is proud to announce the second annual rural economic development forum series titled Rural, Set, Go: Boost! The forums will take place weekly, March through May, in East Texas rural counties. Events are open to local community and business leaders, employers, school districts, secondary schools, economic development corporations, and chambers.


Rural, Set, Go: Boost! is an intentional strategy to engage community leaders, business leaders, and community members in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs. At the Texas Workforce Commission Conference held in November, WSET was awarded a $200,000 grant for future excellence in innovation to expand the event series. WSET will utilize input from the 2021 event series in the upcoming forums to connect participants with program information, including work-based learning, entrepreneurial training, and child care services, to improve the economic impact and develop incumbent workers in the community.

 

"The Rural, Set, Go initiative is a collaborative effort that will help identify workforce issues by individual counties in the East Texas region. We at Workforce Solutions East Texas are 'rolling up our sleeves' to address the issues and deliver solutions," said Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Chairman Claude Figueroa.

 

"Workforce Solutions East Texas has been a secret far too long. We want and need all of our employers and educational institutions to know all of the available resources we have to offer. And then, they need to take advantage of them. Together, we can help each community within East Texas to 'grow their own workforce,'” said WSET Centers Director Angelia Snow.


The following dates have been confirmed for Rural, Set, Go: Boost! community forums:

  • March 22 in Palestine, Texas, at Trinity Valley Community College, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • March 29 in Gilmer, Texas, at the Open Range Restaurant, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • April 5 in Canton, Texas, at the Silver Spur, from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM


Dates for all eleven forums are available online at https://www.easttexasworkforce.org/ruralsetgo. Event details will be added as they are confirmed.

 

“One of the greatest resources East Texas employers offer employees is the chance to work in the towns and countryside of the Piney Woods, close enough to markets to conduct business, far enough to not spend hours commuting. Come tell us how to help you draw, support, and refine your talent base, taking your business to the next level,” said Doug Shryock, WSET Executive Director.

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
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).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
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.
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