West Fraser Wins Award at Texas Workforce Conference

December 16, 2025

Award Honors Local Employer of Excellence in Texas

Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to recognize West Fraser as the region's 2025 Local Employer of Excellence. West Fraser accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 28th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Dec. 3 - Dec. 5, 2025, in Corpus Christi. Local Workforce Development Boards nominate employers who make a positive impact on workers, the community, and the state through their partnerships with Texas Workforce Solutions.


West Fraser was selected for this award for its deep investment in East Texas people and places. From its Henderson mill, the company continues to strengthen the local economy through major reinvestment, including a $255 million modernization that will expand production, improve safety, and add long-term stability to the workforce. West Fraser is known for promoting from within, filling most salaried roles with current employees and backing that promise with hands-on training and leadership development. The company also works closely with Workforce Solutions East Texas and shows up at local job fairs to connect residents with good-paying careers close to home.


“In short, West Fraser builds more than lumber. They build opportunity, right here in East Texas,” said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock. “Their efforts not only help bolster our economy but also set a benchmark for responsible and impactful corporate citizenship, and we are thrilled to recognize them with this award.”

 

“The Employer of Excellence award is a well-earned recognition for outstanding contributions to both the community and the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “From job creation to workforce innovation, West Fraser is a model for a growing and thriving business in Texas.”
 

Workforce Solutions East Texas is among 28 Local Workforce Development Boards located throughout the state. The Board serves Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains, Wood, Upshur, Camp, Marion, Harrison, Panola, Gregg, Rusk, Cherokee, Anderson, and Smith counties. Through partnerships with TWC and their communities, Workforce Boards meet the needs of Texas employers and workers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers and individuals can take advantage of these services.
 
For more information about resources available to East Texas employers and job seekers, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org. 

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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