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.

More Than 1,000 Job Opportunities Available at Hiring Red, White & You!

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 5, 2026
This event is open to the public!

East Texas Veterans and Public Invited to Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair November 10 in Tyler

November 4, 2026
TWC-led Statewide Initiative Connects Veterans and Employers

Texas Annual Growth Rate Outpaces Nation as Labor Force Adds 15,800

October 27, 2026
Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs after shedding 11,100 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 154,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 3,600 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.” The Manufacturing industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs over the month while Information added 1,400. “The 15.9 million Texans in our labor force drive our economy, and TWC is dedicated to fueling their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in September. It was followed by the Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, which registered at 3.5 percent. “TWC is focused on ensuring that every Texan can find a rewarding career that allows them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool.” 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 September is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
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