Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas recognized area employers, Board members and distinguished partners during the organization’s annual celebration on October 28 at the Mount Pleasant Civic Center. Two employers, one Board member, a staff member from Region VIII, a staff member from Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, three Economic Development Corporations, and 23 Texas Rising Star child care providers were recognized for their contributions to the Northeast Texas workforce system.
Express Employment Professionals was recognized as the Local Employer of Excellence. For nearly 30 years, Express Employment Professionals has helped people find jobs and assisted businesses in finding the personnel and human resource services they need. They have enabled various businesses and organizations in the Texarkana area to improve profitability through better use of their human resource and workforce development strategies and programs. Express utilizes Texas Workforce services and provides support to many workforce events. The company collaborates with Workforce Solutions staff to assist jobseekers and post job openings on the WorkInTexas website. The philosophy of the Express office is to provide exceptional people to exceptional companies. Express is an excellent partner with Workforce Solutions as both organizations strive to help local employers find quality employees.
This year Workforce Solutions recognized an employer with the designation of Employer of the Year. This employer was nominated for the statewide “Employer of the Year” designation awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and was selected as one of the five finalists. TWC will announce the winner of the statewide award during their annual conference on November 19, 2015.
The Employer of the Year was awarded to Campbell Soup Supply Company. Campbell Soup began operating its Paris facility in Lamar County in 1964. Campbell Soup effectively utilizes the local Workforce Solutions office for staffing needs by posting jobs on the WorkInTexas website, participating in all job fairs, and sponsoring Workforce Solutions events. The company is committed to its workforce, continuously searching for opportunities to upgrade workers’ skills. Since 2007, Campbell Soup has participated in three Skills Development Fund (SDF) grants for a total of $1.7 million, which was used to train 1500 workers. Campbell Soup is a regular participant in the annual industry tours provided by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. As a vital participant, Campbell Soup allows CTE teachers the opportunity to tour their facility and speak with industrial workers, in order to obtain a better understanding of the requirements and types of jobs available in the manufacturing industry.
Board Member Dr. Larry Dotin of Detroit, Texas, was recognized with the Board Member of the Year award. Dotin, Owner of L&B Cattle, served as the chair of the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas Board for 5 years. Dotin is committed to the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas organization, as noted in his nomination: “He is committed to our organization and is well informed on workforce issues both locally and nationally. He has been a great leader for our organization. Dr. Dotin is passionate about his role as a Board member and in particular as the Chair. He is present at Board meetings, committee meetings, advisory group meetings, and attends other meetings to represent Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. He is definitely our cheerleader and has sung our praises at community meetings and with other organizations.”
Workforce Solutions recognized the Mount Pleasant Economic Development Corporation, Paris Economic Development Corporation, and the Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County Economic Development Corporation with 2015 Partnership Awards for the development of and participation in the regional High Demand Job Training Grant. TWC developed the High Demand Job Training grant to enhance training opportunities for Texas job seekers. TWC made $75,000 grants available to Workforce Boards, with the requirement the grant be matched by funds from an Economic Development Corporation. Mount Pleasant, Paris, and Sulphur Springs all agreed to participate in this opportunity. Each EDC provided a $25,000 match which enabled Northeast Texas Community College and Paris Junior College to establish Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) training programs in Mount Pleasant, Paris, and Sulphur Springs.
Workforce Solutions recognized Ms. Kerri Bowles with Region VIII Education Service Center with the Outstanding Support of Youth Education award. Bowles, in partnership with Region VIII ESC, worked with Workforce Solutions to provide a Youth Career Success Initiative for 12th grade students, serves as a resource to the Board’s Executive Committee regarding House Bill 5, facilitates the partnership with Region VIII ESC to provide tours of local industries in the region for Career and Technology teachers, and is a member of the Board’s Education and Training Advisory group.
Workforce Solutions recognized the 21 Texas Rising Star child care providers in the nine county region for their efforts to provide high quality care to the children they serve. TWC established new Texas Rising Star criteria with higher standards and the Board approved a budget of $360,000 to help existing rising star providers meet the new standards. Those Texas Rising Star Providers are: Texarkana, All My Children, Callie’s Playskool, Children’s Beginnings, Henry’s Child Development Center, Little Pals Playskool, Morriss Tiger Learning Center, Nash Tiger Learning Center, Spring Lake Park Tiger Learning Center, and Wake Village Tiger Learning Center. Maud, Cardinal Academy. Mount Vernon, This Little Light Learning Center. Mount Pleasant, Little Rascals Daycare and Learning Center, Mount Pleasant Child Development Center. New Boston, Noah’s Ark and Happy Days. Paris, Trinity Christian Pre-School and Blossom’s Blooms Learning Center. Sulphur Springs, Little Acorn School and His Kids Learning Center. Wake Village, Little Learners. Workforce Solutions Contracted Service Provider staff Holly Zacharias was also recognized and presented with the Outstanding Support of Quality Child Care. Zacharias was an integral part of recruiting and supporting child care providers during the Texas Rising Star guideline revisions.
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is one of 28 workforce boards across the state providing assistance to employers and job seekers. The board’s mission is to be “a driving force” in the area to provide employers with workforce support for the economic benefit of the communities served. The organization serves a nine-county region in Northeast Texas including: Bowie, Cass, Delta, Franklin, Hopkins, Lamar, Morris, Red River and Titus counties.
Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.