Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Honored with $200,000 Grant for Future Excellence in Innovation

Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 2, 2021

Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was awarded a grant for future excellence in innovation during the recent 24th annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awarded WSET and South Texas, Northeast Texas, Gulf Coast, and North Texas Workforce Development Boards, each a $200,000 award. These funds will allow each board to create permanent programs, building upon some best innovative practices initiated and implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.


WSET's award was received for a new program launched in 2020 entitled Rural, Set, Go!, which kicked off a series of rural economic development forums to seek input from local employers, businesses, and community members on rural economic and workforce development issues. This grant award will allow WSET to expand Rural, Set, Go! to further engage community and business leaders and the broader community in candid conversations about the factors that influence their local workforce and economic development needs, particularly in-demand skills as identified by employers.


"These awards recognize the importance of providing excellent customer service at a time when Texans needed our services the most," said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. "The spirit of innovation our boards display every day helps to strengthen the Texas economy."


"Workforce Solutions East Texas exists to supply talented and qualified workers to our regional employers when they're needed. To prepare the valuable individuals who comprise our inventory, we need employers' input as we build our inventory. Rural, Set, Go helps us engage employers to learn their requirements, both for today's and tomorrow's requirement," said WSET Executive Director Doug Shryock.


Since the program launch, WSET has held twelve Rural, Set, Go! events with local employers, chamber of commerce, and economic development representatives. The events have been well received by attendees, who were provided local data on the labor market in each area and the opportunity to engage in discussion with subject matter experts on available workforce training, child care services, and other useful resources.


Rural, Set, Go! events are scheduled to return in February 2022.

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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