Workforce Solutions East Texas Brings Home Performance Award and $75K from Texas Workforce Commission Annual Conference
Workforce Solutions East Texas • December 13, 2019
Left to right: WSET staff, Tassie Whitener; TWC Commissioner Aaron Demerson; WSET staff, ShaRhonda Miles; WSET staff, Monty Scroggins; WSET staff, Mary Jane Wagner; TWC Executive Director, Ed Serna; WSET Board member, Mary Berry; WSET Board member Claretta Allen; WSET Executive Director, Doug Shryock; WSET Board member, Claude Figueroa; WSET Board Chairman, Robert Haberle; WSET staff, Regina Allen; WSET staff, Keith Huddleston; WSET staff, Valerie Hatten; TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel; TWC Commissioner, Julian Alvarez III.
Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was recognized for outstanding performance with a Texas Rising Star Child Care Award and a $75,000 performance incentive grant at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 23rd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held December 4-6th in Grapevine. As one of the conference highlights, local workforce development boards are recognized for outstanding accomplishments with performance awards. The awards are presented by TWC Commissioners Bryan Daniel, Chairman, Commissioner Representing the Public; Aaron Demerson, Commissioner Representing Employers; and Julian Alvarez III, Commissioner Representing Labor.
WSET received a $75,000 performance incentive grant for the Texas Rising Star Child Care Award, designating it as one of the top three performing agencies in the State. This award originated in 2017, and the East Texas board has been an award recipient for each of the three years it has been available. The Award honors local boards having improved the quality of child care through the development of exemplary child care programs, that demonstrating positive outcomes for the population served. This year, WSET staff created “Recipes for Early Childhood Quality Education,” a 14-section book with 116 pages of objectives, “ingredients,” and directions for 99 quality education learning experiences. Activities in the book guided educators through quality experiences by providing future activities. A total of 1,100 books were distributed within East Texas: to each TRS educator and every regional child care provider.
"I am extremely proud of Workforce Solutions East Texas and all who played a role in our successes at the TWC Annual Conference in Grapevine...the Board, our Executive Director, our amazing staff and the system partners and operators. To try to name everyone individually would be impossible. It truly represents a team effort,” said board Chairman, Dr. Robert Haberle. “Bringing home to East Texas recognition by the Texas Workforce Commission and our peers is truly an honor that reinforces the dedication of our local region to workforce excellence."
The conference also recognizes an employer in each board region of the State with an Employer of Excellence Award. WSET nominated Times Square Grand Slam (TSGS), a family entertainment center located in Tyler, Texas, to be recognized with the award. TSGS employs 200+ employees and have partnered with WSET to offer on the job training and work experience programs as well as providing positive employment opportunities for struggling members of the community.
At Workforce Solutions East Texas, developing a skilled and prepared talent pipeline is at the heart of everything we do. Our staff are deeply committed to connecting with students and communities across the region, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. Recently, our team had the privilege of participating in two impactful events designed to equip East Texas students with essential workforce skills. Mock Interview Event – Westwood ISD In partnership with Westwood Independent School District, Workforce Solutions East Texas staff participated in a Mock Interview event that provided high school students with valuable, real-world experience. Our team, along with various local employers, assisted in conducting one-on-one interviews with students, offering feedback on their resumes, professional demeanor, and interview responses. The event served as a crucial stepping stone for students preparing to enter the job market, boosting their confidence and sharpening their skills. Students also had the opportunity to visit employer booths and ask questions about the industries and careers available at each company. This initiative is just one example of how we work closely with local schools to ensure students are ready for success after graduation. By simulating the interview process in a supportive environment, students gained critical insight into employer expectations and how to best present themselves for future opportunities. Adulting 101 – Carthage High School Another standout event took place at Carthage High School, where Workforce Solutions East Texas staff joined forces with educators for the school’s "Adulting 101" day. Designed to introduce students to essential life skills, the event featured sessions on job readiness, financial literacy, and career planning. Our team led workshops that helped students explore various career paths, understand the local labor market, and learn how to create effective resumes. We also provided guidance on workplace professionalism, soft skills, and setting long-term career goals—key components in preparing students for the transition from school to the workforce. Continuing the Mission These events underscore our ongoing mission to support youth education, career exploration, and workforce preparedness throughout East Texas. By engaging directly with students in school settings, Workforce Solutions East Texas is proud to play a role in developing a resilient, skilled, and adaptable future workforce. We extend our thanks to Westwood ISD and Carthage High School for their collaboration and dedication to student success. Together, we are building strong foundations that will empower the next generation of East Texas talent.
The Texas labor market reached record highs in both total jobs and the size of the civilian labor force in April. Texas added 37,700 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,320,100 nonfarm jobs. The state added 215,500 jobs over the year, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.5 percent, which outpaced the national growth rate by 0.3 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,814,400 after adding 35,900 people over the month and marking 58 of 60 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 292,400 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “The positive trends in the Texas labor market show the Lone Star State’s efforts to invest in the success of the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Focusing on things like skills development, innovation, and strategic partnerships, TWC continues our efforts to offer funding and support for both employers and job seekers.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in April after adding 10,900 jobs. Private Education and Health Services added 7,400 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,300. In addition, the Mining and Logging industry grew by 1.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 2.2 percentage points. “Texas’ strong focus on innovation and economic growth is driving a growing demand for skilled workers across many industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “At TWC, we’re committed to meeting that need through programs like ApprenticeshipTexas and Upskill Texas, which help Texans build the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce and in the careers of the future.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.6 percent in April, followed by the Amarillo and San Angelo MSAs at 2.7 percent. “The Texas labor market continues its strong upward trajectory, adding more than 37,000 jobs in April and building on months of growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide employers with the resources and support needed to grow their businesses and create more opportunities for Texans.” 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 May is scheduled to be released on Friday, June 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
Texas' economy continued its strong performance in March, with the labor market achieving record highs in both total jobs and the size of the civilian labor force. Texas added 26,500 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,282,600 nonfarm jobs. The state added 192,100 jobs over the year, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.4 percent which outpaced the national growth rate by 0.2 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force achieved another new record high of 15,778,500 after adding 8,400 people over the month, marking 57 of 59 months of growth. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 301,400 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “Texas continues to lead the nation and break records for economic growth,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “With 26,500 positions added in March, TWC continues to connect job seekers and employers to keep Texas working.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in March after adding 9,500 jobs. Construction added 8,500 jobs over the month, and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,100. In addition, the Construction industry grew by 3.4 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 1.6 percentage points. “The robust Texas economy continues to create opportunities for our workforce, as evidenced by over 544,000 job postings in March, despite record employment,” noted TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “TWC is committed to ensuring Texans can capitalize on this economic momentum by providing services like career counseling, job search assistance, and skills training, helping them develop a clear path to career success.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 2.9 percent in March, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.1 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.1 percent. “Texas is outpacing the nation in various industries, reinforcing the state’s reputation across the world as the best for doing business,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “TWC is committed to investing in innovative programs and partnerships that ensure Texas employers have the workforce to grow in today’s evolving market.” 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 April is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
