Virtual Town Hall: ResET, Re-Employ East Texas Video Now Available
Workforce Solutions East Texas • May 15, 2020
Did you miss our Virtual Town Hall? Watch it on YouTube.
Workforce Solutions East Texas hosted a Virtual Town Hall: ResET, Re-Employ East Texas, on Thursday, May 14, 2020, for East Texas elected officials, economic developers, chambers, and business leaders. The event featured a panel of special guest speakers including Texas Workforce Commissioner, Aaron Demerson; State Comptroller, Glenn Hegar; Texas Economic Development Council President/CEO, Carlton Schwab; Longview Chamber President, Kelly Hall; and ETCOG Small Business Loan Manager, Chuck Vanderbilt. Texas Representative, Matt Schaefer, kicked off the event with welcome and introductory comments.
“East Texans, along with the state, nation, and world, have suffered a devastating blow to our thriving economy,” said Workforce Solutions East Texas’ Executive Director, Doug Shryock. “COVID-19 was a tsunami, sweeping out our record low unemployment levels and leaving behind a landscape of destruction. But a tsunami works in two directions; the initial hit, followed by a backlash. Join us as together we dig out and put our jobs and economy back on a stable foundation.”
Workforce Solutions East Texas Center Director, Mary Ann Rojas, welcomed the panelists and invited them to offer their perspectives and expertise on COVID-19 measures to ReSet the East Texas Workforce through:
• Jobs Availability
• Changes to Business Models
• Safety in the Workplace
• Virtual Learning and Working
“The human element always shines brightest in moments of uncertainty,” said Workforce Solutions East Texas Center Director, Mary Ann Rojas. “Through this crisis we have learned to be a little more patient, a little more caring and what it means to be kind. It has shined a light on our talents as workforce professionals and business leaders and has put a focus on workplace safety just as it has revealed the true value of work and the America worker. We are going to do our best to support our business partners and further develop the skills of our workforce.”
The discussion panel was moderated be ETCOG’s Director of Workforce & Economic Development, Doug Shryock. Approximately 90 attendees joined the virtual meeting hosted on Zoom.
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.
