Thank You, Claude Figueroa, for Your Leadership

Workforce Solutions East Texas • September 22, 2025

Workforce Solutions East Texas extends its sincere gratitude to long-term board member Claude Figueroa for his dedicated service and leadership. Claude has been a member of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board since 2012 and recently completed his fourth and final year as chairman. Before serving as chair, he guided the board as vice-chair for four years.


Though he is stepping down from leadership, Claude will continue to share his knowledge and experience as a private sector business member of the board. His steady commitment has helped strengthen workforce development efforts across our region, ensuring East Texas businesses and job seekers are supported with the tools they need to succeed.


Doug Shryock, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas, noted one of Claude’s lasting contributions:
 “One of the most significant accomplishments during Claude’s tenure was securing long-term, professional facilities for both the Longview and Tyler Workforce Centers. These centers will serve East Texas participants well for decades to come. While it was a team effort, Claude was engaged throughout the process and quietly opened many doors that helped make it possible.”



The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board is a volunteer body appointed by the Chief Elected Officials of the region. With a majority of members representing the private sector, along with labor, education, and community organizations, the board plays a key role in shaping workforce policy.


We are proud to serve the 14 counties of Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood as one of 28 local Workforce Solutions Boards across Texas. Together, we provide no-cost recruitment and employment services that help connect employers with skilled workers and support job seekers in reaching their career goals.


Claude’s years of leadership reflect the spirit of service and community that drive our mission forward. We are grateful for his past and ongoing contributions to East Texas.

Veterans and Job Seekers Connect at Hiring Red, White & You! Job Fair in Longview

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • November 7, 2025
On Wednesday, November 5, Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted the region’s largest hiring event of the year at the Maude Cobb Convention Center in Longview, as part of the Texas Workforce Commission’s 14th annual Hiring Red, White & You! statewide initiative. The event honored veterans with an opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by a job fair from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. open to the public. About 70 employers participated, offering opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other job seekers. “East Texas is blessed to have so many vets to call our neighbors,” said Doug Shryock, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), Executive Director of Workforce Solutions East Texas. “Knowledge, skills, and abilities—hard-won across the country and around the world—make our communities stronger and more vibrant. Our employers need these valuable resources.” This year’s event was part of a statewide effort to support veterans in their transition to civilian careers. Since its launch in 2012, Hiring Red, White & You! has connected over 153,000 job seekers, including 52,000 veterans, with more than 26,000 employers across Texas. A representative from a participating employer, Stone Bridge Personnel Services, shared, " The Veteran Job Fair in Longview was a huge success! Sooo many people came out that we barely got a break the entire time! The best part was getting to know the personal stories of several decorated veterans and hearing their accomplishments and what they stand for. That's the spice of life right there. And we're about to fill heaps of new positions using all this new talent! Good times ahead." “ It’s important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Hiring Red, White & You! events make a difference in the lives of veterans across Texas.” Event Highlights: Total job seekers served:438 Employers represented: 69 Workforce Solutions East Texas and ETCOG thank all participants, employers, and partners who made this event a success. Together, we continue to build a stronger workforce and honor the contributions of our veterans.

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
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) .
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