SOLUTIONS Winter 2012 Vol. 9, No. 1

Building Community Partnerships cheese company doubles workforce, increases employee skills, and benefits local economy Inside Up Front Andres Alcantar Commissioner 3 | Hilmar Cheese Co. expands Representing the Public production, workforce Texas Workforce Solutions continues | to contribute to positive economic activ- 4  offers businesses the ity across Texas. The local workforce tools, resources for success boards are doing more with less, as they continue to build partnerships that respond to the challenges and opportu- 5 | Workforce Solutions South Plains nities in their communities. All partners have done a wonderful job of deploy- spotlights emerging occupations ing regional collaborations that bring together multiple boards, community col- 6 | Skills Development Fund grants build, leges, and other stakeholders to advance targeted industry economic growth. train local workforces Our partnerships with community and technical colleges continue to provide 8 | Students receive Smart Start at customized skills training to the Texas workforce – skills that meet the specific Texas State Technical College needs of employers. Texas community colleges also are demonstrating how we | honor our returning military heroes by 9 TWC hosts annual conference in developing and deploying strategies that Houston maximize military training and occupa- tional experience by awarding veterans with college credit. 10 | Workforce News Around the State Through a partnership with foster youth transition centers, a priority population receives training and skills to On the cover: A factory worker inventories products in a cold storage unit assist them as they transition into the at the Hilmar Cheese Co. facility in Dalhart, Texas. Photo courtesy Hilmar workforce. We continue our successful Cheese Co. collaboration with child support courts and the Texas Attorney General's Office to increase the employment of non- Texas Workforce Commission custodial parents and, as a result, child support collections. Tom Pauken We also continue to work with industry Chairman, Commissioner Representing Employers and educational institutions to educate Ronny Congleton and inspire students about the broad ar- ray of technical and professional careers Commissioner Representing Labor available in our growing industries. These Andres Alcantar actions sharpen our students’ focus on Commissioner Representing the Public science, technology, engineering, and math education and careers. Our indus- Editor/Writer Kate Hourin Submissions, suggestions and tries are diverse and technology contin- Designer/Writer Shannon Thomas address changes should be sent to: ues to transform the way they operate Writer Laura Ybarra Solutions Editor Writer Debbie Pitts and define the skills needed by employ- Writer Rachael Pierce Texas Workforce Commission ers. Our workforce development strate- Communications Dept. Email Solutions staff at [email protected] gies must align with these middle and 101 E. 15th St., Room 665 high skilled employment opportunities. The state of Texas complies with all state and federal laws relating to the Americans with Dis- Austin, TX 78778-0001 We will continue to lead through abilities Act. Auxiliary aids and services are avail- (512) 463-8199, phone partnerships as we move forward, able upon request to individuals with disabilities (512) 463-2710, fax and build on investments made by our Call (512) 463-2400 to obtain this publication in an alternative format. Solutions also is available partners to advance our mission. We will via the Internet at www.texasworkforce.org under deploy solutions that put Texans back to Publications. This publication is recyclable. work and help Texas employers succeed in the marketplace. ■

2 Solutions Winter 2012 Employer Focus Say Cheese! Hilmar Cheese Co. celebrates expansion with new products

By Laura Ybarra Hilmar Cheese Co. (Hilmar) first opened its plant in Dalhart in 2007 and has since grown its local workforce from 120 employees to more than 350. Following a $100 million expansion in 2011, the plant’s maximum capacity for production increased from 500,000 pounds of cheese a day to 1 million pounds. The expansion also allowed Hilmar to grow its line of whey products, which are sold worldwide for use in products such as frozen dinners, processed cheeses, baking ingredients, infant formulas, fast food, nutrition products, and for use in confectioneries. “Hilmar is a great employer that offers a quality compensation This aerial shot of Hilmar Cheese Co.'s factory in Dalhart, Texas shows the facility after its package to residents in a five-county $100 million expansion earlier this year. Photo courtesy Hilmar Cheese Co. area,” said Staunton Whiteaker, workforce development specialist we appreciate their hard work.” and skills development classes,” at Workforce Solutions Panhandle Along with competitive pay said Denise Skidmore, director of (Panhandle). “It is a great story and benefits, the company offers education and public relations at of success and growth through its employees opportunities Hilmar. “Along with providing us partnership with the community.” for additional training and with a well-rounded workforce, Panhandle assisted Hilmar with its advancement. All Hilmar employees these skills are transferable to other staffing needs by helping to promote receive essential training in safety employment opportunities in the job openings, assist job seekers and manufacturing practices. Panhandle.” with online applications, and screen Additionally, employees are Jarred Cox graduated from applicants. Between January and technically trained in each aspect of Dalhart High School and started September 2011, Panhandle helped production and in the specifics of with Hilmar in 2009. He has place 97 employees with Hilmar. equipment operation. advanced to a supervisory position “Many of the people who A $59,428 Texas Workforce and is developing skills to further started with us are now supervisors Commission Skills Development his career. and have been promoted to a Fund grant provided 3,372 hours “This is a great company and variety of different jobs,” said Jim of training to Hilmar employees in it’s probably the best thing that has McDaniel, Hilmar site director. cheese making, forklift operation ever happened to me,” said Cox. “We are very proud of our team and safety, among other courses at “One of our core values is ‘people and their accomplishments. We are both the plant and Frank Philips are our most valuable resource,’ and a family-oriented company with College. we don’t just say it to look good, we family picnics, swim nights at the “We are pleased to work with mean it. This is the reason why our community pool, and other activities Frank Phillips College, a valuable company is successful. I love my that show our employees how much partner in providing professional job.” ■

Winter 2012 Solutions 3 Education Focus Kilgore College center helps local businesses, start-ups succeed

By Rachael Pierce Tucked in the northeast corner of Texas, Kilgore College is providing local entrepreneurs with the resources and training to successfully start and maintain their own businesses. Kilgore’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) serves six counties locally – Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk, and Upshur. “At Kilgore, staffers provide small businesses with the practical assistance needed to survive, grow, and prosper through free business counseling, information, and low- cost business seminars,” said Brad Bunt, director of the Kilgore College SBDC. Over the fiscal year that ended in September 2011, Business owners like Linda Lawless, owner of Arabella Manor, Kilgore’s SBDC served approximately 450 clients and have access to a wide-range of services through Kilgore worked with more than 40 new businesses. College’s SBDC, including free one-on-one counseling and low- Professional chef Linda Lawless, owner of Arabella cost seminars. The SBDC aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools to build and maintain successful businesses. Photo by Justin Manor just outside of Longview, has used SBDC’s Baker/Longview News-Journal. Reprinted with permission. training and education classes to help her open her own event planning business. 4,000 individuals have taken this course since it began in “The center worked with us on building a business the early 1990s. plan, helped critique it, and then guided us through the Virgel Conner, a SBDC counselor, works with clients entire planning process,” said Lawless. “If we hadn’t taken to guide them through the proper steps needed to start advantage of the services available, we would never have their business, from determining the legal name to been able to succeed in our business as well as we have.” developing the business plan. Helping businesses succeed New and existing business owners are eligible to take is the most rewarding part for Conner. advantage of SBDC services. SBDC provides assistance “You drive by the building, you see them in business, to a wide range of clients, from retail and restaurants to and realize you played a part in getting them off the wholesale and manufacturing businesses. ground,” Conner said. Free one-on-one counseling allows business owners to Bunt sees the positive impact Kilgore’s SBDC has had discuss how to apply for a loan, expand their company, on the local workforce. find suppliers, and market their business. “In tough times, the creativity of entrepreneurs just A selection of low-cost workshops, seminars, and shines,” said Bunt. classes aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools needed Bunt said that businesses who take advantage of this for success. Whether business owners are looking for assistance often have a better chance of survival because classes on QuickBooks or online marketing, Kilgore’s SBDC takes the guesswork out of starting a new business. SBDC likely has something to offer them. One eight- “It’s a great free resource. I would suggest that anyone week course – How to Start and Operate a Business in take advantage of it to help ensure survivability,” said Bunt. East Texas – demonstrates entreprenuerial tasks such as Bunt noted that SBDCs exist throughout Texas, providing preparing a business plan and financing a business. Nearly assistance to business owners across the state. ■

4 Solutions Winter 2012 Youth Focus

South Plains Career Expo unlocks career, educational opportunities for students By Shannon Thomas Whether it be life as a ‘CSI’ investigator or the fast-paced career of a trauma doctor, Lubbock-area high school students were shown what it takes to build their future careers at the 10th annual South Plains Career Expo. Sponsored by Workforce Solutions South Plains (South Plains), the career expo allowed nearly 4,000 students to hear from professionals in various career fields, experience aspects of various careers through interactive demonstrations, learn about educational requirements and opportunities regarding specific industries, and develop a better understanding of the career options available to them throughout the region. “The overall goal was to expose area students to emerging occupations, One of the highlights of the South Plains Career Expo was a mock hospital set up by the and let them interact with employees Covenant School of Nursing, which allowed students to observe life inside an emergency room. Photo courtesy Workforce Solutions South Plains in those occupations, so they can get a first-hand look at what it takes to enter College EMS students explained how employees in Lubbock. these fields,” said Rocky Brown, chief to protect a crime scene and detect “Events like this are just a great operations officer for South Plains. evidence. A mock hospital also was opportunity for students to see More than 400 booths filled set up by the Covenant School of that what they learn in a classroom the exhibit hall and included Nursing, which allowed students to translates to their future careers,” representatives from area and regional observe life inside an emergency room. Miller said. “They see how math employers including the Lubbock Law enforcement displays included relates to engineering and architecture, County Sheriff ’s Office, engineering SWAT vehicles, and agriculture or how physics relates to building firms, banking institutions such as and technology booths offered airplanes.” American State Bank and Wells Fargo, information about specific industries For New Deal High School junior and city and county representatives. and career paths. Kyler Bean, the Expo helped him Officials from educational institutions, “I don’t think our students realized get a sense of what his future career such as South Plains College and just how many industries, including goals might look like. Bean said he was Texas Tech University, were on hand health care, education, retail, and impressed with the variety of careers to introduce students to their schools' military, are located in our area of showcased at the fair. He said he curriculums. the state,” said Cindy Miller, career hopes to become an athletic coach. Popular booths included a ‘Crime technical education coordinator for “It really helped open my eyes to all Scene Investigation’ setup where Frenship High School. Miller said the careers offered in this region,” said students witnessed a ‘live’ crime scene several Frenship teachers expanded Bean, who plans to attend Texas Tech while the Lubbock County Medical on the morning expo by taking once he graduates. “I think it’s good Examiner’s Office and South Plains their students to visit various local for all students to see that.” ■

Winter 2012 Solutions 5 Training Focus Showcasing a strong partnership Skills Development Fund grants benefit local Texas communities, businesses, and workforce

By Debbie Pitts on the latest technologies available in the areas of process As the Texas economy emerges from recession, having control, power distribution, motor and system controls, a ready and skilled workforce is critical for continued job programmable logic controllers, leadership, management, growth and prosperity. With the support of the Texas environmental protection, and safety. Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Skills Development Fund “The symbiotic relationship between PJC and Campbell (Skills) grants, many employers and communities are able to Soup provides a great model of a community working benefit from a workforce that is equipped with in-demand together to train and employ local Texans, stimulate knowledge and skills. local businesses, and produce a product that is enjoyed Since the program began in 1996, Skills grants have worldwide,” helped more than 3,800 employers create more than 86,000 said PJC jobs and upgrade the skills of approximately 180,000 President Dr. incumbent workers, for a total of nearly 266,000 workers Pamela Anglin. trained. Skills grants fund job training provided by local “Campbell community and technical colleges in partnership with private Soup is a employers. These colleges are the perfect providers for good friend this training because they can provide customized, flexible to the college, the city of Paris, and the Northeast Texas programs that meet the needs of employers within their economy.” communities. The $467,383 Skills grant awarded to PJC was used to “Our Skills grants have been very successful in ensuring custom train 374 Campbell Soup employees, providing them that Texas businesses have access to individuals trained in with new skills and opportunities for career advancement. the latest technologies and best practices for their industry,” “I can’t say enough about and the said TWC Chairman Tom Pauken. “These public-private state of Texas for partnering with us to make Campbell’s partnerships have proven to be beneficial to employers, Paris facility a success,” said John Decker, continuous workers, and local communities.” improvement and training manager for Campbell Soup Co. Paris, Texas was one community that benefited from a Another successful venture resulted from a recent Skills grant awarded in March 2011 to Paris Junior College $202,620 Skills grant partnership between Texas State (PJC) in collaboration with Campbell Soup Co. As the Technical College (TSTC) Marshall and Weatherford U.S. company sought to expand its operations and add new LP, which provided customized technical training for 200 product lines, it turned to PJC to deliver specialized training workers in the areas of oil and gas, first aid, and CPR.

Pictured left to right. (1) TWC Commissioner Andres Alcantar presents a Skills grant check to PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin and Campbell Soup Paris Plant Manager Michael Novak. Photo courtesy of PJC; (2) Campbell Soup employee, Dennis Bedford, works with a hydraulic trainer at PJC. Photo courtesy of PJC; (3) TWC Chairman Tom Pauken signs a skills grant check presented to TSTC Marshall President Randall Wooten. Photo courtesy of TSTC Marshall

6 Solutions Winter 2012 Training Focus

The training was designed to also enhance the critical thinking and analytical skills of workers in order to increase worker productivity and efficiency, decrease equipment malfunctions, and prevent workplace accidents in the oil and gas industry. “Many of these grants equip workers trained with expertise in the latest technologies and safety improvements, which help to make for a safer and more efficient working environment for Texas workers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. The TSTC Marshall/Weatherford Skills training program proved to be so successful that an additional $197,846 was added to the grant to train 180 more workers. In many cases, groups of employers will form consortiums that jointly work with the local college to develop a Skills training program that serves multiple employers across the region. These consortiums work well because employers in the same or similar industries often iStockphoto/Thinkstock need workers with the same skill sets. For example, a recent $872,774 Skills grant was awarded “The Skills grants deliver customized training solutions to Lamar State College-Orange to train workers for four that help Texas workers and our small and large employers manufacturing companies in the chemical and timber succeed in the marketplace,” said TWC Commissioner industries: Firestone Polymers, Webco Tube Inc., Temple Representing the Public Andres Alcantar. “This program Inland Inc., and Lanxess Corp. The training provided builds not only employee skills, but the capabilities of our through this grant focuses on emergency response and community colleges to the benefit of employers in the safety, heavy equipment operation, machine maintenance, community.” and increased quality production. The project will allow The Texas Legislature has allocated $48.5 million to fund Lamar State College-Orange to purchase equipment to Skills training grants over the next two years. Employers be used for training workers from other businesses after who wish to partner in a Skills grant should contact the completion of this project. Workforce Business Services Business Outreach and Project Firestone Polymers and Lanxess Corp. are now adding Development Team at TWC, who can connect them with jobs at their Orange facilities and have a need for advanced college partners, local workforce board representatives, and skills training, so the training contract has been expanded to economic development entities. These partners can help include additional workers. The incumbent workers trained with project development. To contact a Skills specialist, will obtain skills needed to move into higher level positions call 877-463-1777 or email [email protected]. More and new workers will be able to gain skills that meet industry information about Skills grants also is available online at standards. http://skills.texasworkforce.org. ■

(4) Vernon College students receive hands-on training. Photo courtesy of TWC staff; (5) TWC Commissioner Ronny Congleton presents a Skills grant check to Lamar Institute of Technology and a consortium of health care providers. Photo courtesy of Lamar Institute of Technology; (6) TWC Chairman Tom Pauken tours Vernon College facilities following Skills grant check presentation. Photo courtesy of TWC staff. Film strip: iStockphoto/Thinkstock.

Winter 2012 Solutions 7 Education Focus TSTC program gives students a Smart Start for their careers By Rachael Pierce Walking through the halls of a college campus for the first time and knowing which area of study fits your specific career goals can be challenging. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) designed the Smart Start program to help prospective students conquer their fears and make educated choices. Hosted on TSTC’s Abilene, Breckenridge, and Brownwood campuses, Smart Start was developed to help prospective students work through the enrollment process and find the particular educational track for their career goals. “We’re trying to get that perfect fit for the individual student,” said Janyth TSTC’s Smart Start program provides participants with career advice from counselors Ussery, associate vice president of and faculty members to help ensure students are in the right area of study for their enrollment management at TSTC’s interests. Participants also may participate in workshops and one-on-one tutoring. Abilene campus. “Smart Start helps Photo by Jack Hollingsworth/Digital Vision/Thinkstock the local community and workforce participant, is enrolled in TSTC's better able to do it.” by putting the right students in the Digital Signage Technology program. Smart Start participants receive right programs and producing the Cook noted he will utilize the career advisement from counselors, right graduates who go into the right knowledge he gains from his studies faculty, and other students to make professions.” to help address the push towards all sure they are in a program that fits For $100, students can enroll in digital signage in the future. their interests and goals. Workshops the six-week Smart Start program For Cook, Smart Start helped and one-on-one tutoring also are before enrolling at TSTC. Smart alleviate the stress of not knowing included in the $100 course fee. Start participants, many of whom what to do and where to start applying “Smart Start also takes students are non-traditional students, receive for school. Cook came into the Smart through a job skills course during their a personalized approach through the Start program after being laid off from final semester, which teaches students program, including ways to address the a job, and subsequently turned down how to build a résumé and obtain challenges faced by students. for other jobs due to his lack of a interviewing skills,” said Ussery. “We “The program’s goal is to work secondary education. also partner them with a placement with students on the front end, so that Cook came to TSTC with coordinator to assist in finding before students make the financial hesitation; he was not sure how to employment.” commitment, they know all of their apply to college. Smart Start provided An advocate for the program, Cook options,” said Julie Cromeens, director him with the tools he needed to start sees the benefits for other students. of marketing and communications at down a path to success. “You have six weeks to talk to TSTC-Abilene. “(People) have excuses about going people and make sure you are placed Since its inception in fall 2010, 565 back to school – ‘I can’t get in, or I in a program that is going to work individuals have participated in the can’t do it, or I don’t know how to do for you,” Cook said. “The program program. it’,” said Cook. “If you point someone is designed to put people in better Dana Cook, a fall 2010 Smart Start to Smart Start, in six weeks they will be jobs.” ■

8 Solutions Winter 2012 Agency Focus

Workforce Conference highlights partnerships By Kate Hourin Texas remains one of the best states in the nation for doing business, finding employment, and pursuing economic development projects due, in great part, to the partnerships formed among workforce professionals, economic development entities, educators, and employers. Many of these workforce allies came together at the 15th Annual Texas Workforce Conference – Leading Through Partnerships – held in Houston November 30-December 2. “For Texas to remain on the cutting edge of workforce and economic development practices, it is essential we forge these partnerships,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. “Together, we will ensure that Texas employers have access to the most highly skilled workforce available, and that Texas workers have the skills and support TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton (left), Chairman Tom Pauken (mid- needed to prosper in this economic dle) and Commissioner Andres Alcantar (right) present the 2011 Texas Workforce Employer of the Year Award to NorthGate Constructors representatives Jarod Johnson, human resources environment.” manager, and his assistant, Lillian Elizondo. The company, nominated by Workforce Solutions More than 1,100 Texas employers, Greater Dallas, has provided training opportunities for entry-level employees to improve their workforce professionals, and educators skills and increase their on-the-job responsibilities. This training has helped underserved listened to several keynote speeches populations gain access to long-term career opportunities. Photo courtesy of Lloyd Wright and attended conference workshops. Keynote speaker Tommy Spaulding, through a key regional transportation enhance board service programs in president of Spaulding Companies corridor. 2012. LLC, emphasized that professional “By working with TWC and the TWC Commissioner Representing and personal success can be achieved local workforce boards, NorthGate the Public Andres Alcantar praised by forming deeper, more authentic Constructors has empowered its the workforce boards’ partnerships relationships with customers, employees—many of whom are from with community colleges and small employees, and other key stakeholders. underserved populations—to build businesses. NorthGate Constructors won long-term careers to provide for “Community college partnerships the 2011 Workforce Solutions themselves and their families,” said continue to give individuals in the Employer of the Year award and TWC Commissioner Representing job market a competitive edge by also was recognized with a Local Labor Ronny Congleton. “I commend providing the local community with Employer of Excellence Award NorthGate Constructors for its skilled workers,” said Alcantar. “Small from Workforce Solutions Greater commitment to its workers and the business owners make tough decisions Dallas. A joint venture between community.” that enable them to grow and compete Kiewit Texas Construction LP A record 19 Texas Workforce in the global marketplace.” and Zachry Construction Corp., Solutions Boards won performance Next year’s conference is scheduled NorthGate Constructors leads the awards this year (see page 10 for a for November 28-30, in Grapevine, DFW Connector project, a $1.2 billion complete list of winners); the monetary Texas at the Gaylord Texan Hotel and effort to improve mobility and safety awards will be used to develop and Convention Center. ■

Winter 2012 Solutions 9 Workforce News Around the State

Lee College opens veterans hire staff for the center. The center Small Business Development also hosts a computer lab and student center as part of initiative lounge facilities that will provide Information Center opens held the grand open- meeting space for academic success Workforce Solutions Middle Rio ing of its Veteran Student Center in workshops and Campus Veterans Grande now houses the new Small November in Baytown. Student Group meetings. Business Development The center provides a As part of the College Credit Information Center in space for student vet- for Heroes program, Lee College Carrizo Springs, which erans and active service is developing individualized educa- helps area businesses members to receive tion plans for veterans and service connect to oil and gas assistance with their benefits, Depart- members which will identify, develop, companies in the Eagle Ford Shale ment of Veterans Affairs certifica- and support methods to maximize region. tion, academic advice and referrals, college credit and expedite entry Opened in November, the mentoring, tutoring, financial aid, de- into the Texas workforce using prior center is the result of a partnership gree planning and career counseling, learning assessments and credits by among the University of Texas-San priority registration, admissions and examination. Lee College is develop- Antonio Institute for Economic transferring, and other vital resources. ing this pilot project with the intent Development’s Small Business Lee College received funds from of creating a model that may be easily Development Center (SBDC) Rural the Texas Workforce Commission’s replicated at other colleges in the Business Program, the South-West College Credit for Heroes program to state. Texas Border SBDC Network, and repurpose existing building space and the Sul-Ross State University-Rio

2011 TWC Award Winners The following awards were presented during the 15th Annual Texas Workforce Conference in Houston. Employer and Board Awards Choices Participation Performance Workforce Solutions Alamo Employer of the Year Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend NorthGate Constructors – nominated by Workforce Solutions for South Texas Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent

Service to Business Award Lowest Percent of Child Care Expenditures on Workforce Solutions Heart of Texas Administrative/Operations Costs Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Service to Workers Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend Workforce Solutions Upper Rio Grande Workforce Solutions South Plains Workforce Solutions Texoma Service to Community Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County Most Improvement in Percent of Child Care Expenditures on Administrative/Operations Costs Industry Sector Outreach Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions for Central Texas Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley Performance Incentive Awards

Claimant Reemployment WIA Exemplary Workforce Solutions Alamo & Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Workforce Solutions Permian Basin Workforce Solutions Concho Valley Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Workforce Solutions Capital Area Workforce Solutions North Texas

10 Solutions Winter 2012 Workforce News Around the State

Getting the Most for You and Your Business.” The business workshop was for 1 East Texas employers dealing with employment-related issues including new disability rules and social media. Approximately 130 employers and 2 3 25 7 community leaders were in atten- 4 dance. 9 5 6 11 8 Valley boards partner for regional job fair in Hidalgo 10 13 26 17 12 Employers and job seekers from 16 15 across the Valley came together in 14 18 November at the State 27 28 Farm Arena in Hidalgo 20 19 for a job fair – the Eco- nomic Resource & Ca- reer Fair 2011 – hosted by Workforce Solutions Lower Rio 22 21 Grande Valley (Lower Rio Grande) and Workforce Solutions Cameron (Cameron). 23 Approximately 4,000 job seekers 24 attended the fair. More than 100 em- ployers from the four-county region (Hidalgo, Willacy, Starr, and Cam- Grande College SBDC. Tyler Chamber of Commerce eron) were in attendance with 3,000 Resources available at the SBDC job openings ranging from entry-level Information Center include consult- highlights TWC programs to management positions. Participat- ing for small businesses, workshops The Texas Workforce Commis- ing companies included CBS affiliate for area communities, and a Bid2Biz sion’s (TWC) Scott Eychner was a KGBT News Channel 4, T-Mobile, Pipeline initiative to connect oil and keynote speaker at the and Time Warner Cable. gas companies to area small busi- recent Tyler Chamber Job seekers had access to a wide nesses. of Commerce’s 2011 variety of resources, including access In addition, TWC recently Business Workshop to more than 30 community and hosted the Eagle Ford Symposium “Sink or Swim: Surviv- grassroots organizations. A dedicated at Northeast Lakeview College in ing Employment Issues.” Eychner, “Heroes Corner” was reserved for Universal City. The event provided manager of employment services and veterans and comprised of specific information on assistance with unemployment insurance policy and veteran-affiliated organizations that recruiting, hiring, and training for WorkInTexas.com, spoke at the Small provide resources to military mem- jobs in the Eagle Ford Shale region. Business Breakfast on the topic “Un- bers and their families in the areas of Workforce Solutions staff provided derstanding Workforce Programs and health, benefits, and education. an overview of services to employ- Both Lower Rio Grande and ers, including online job search Cameron have received overwhelm- engines and training grant opportu- ingly positive feedback about the fair nities. from employers, job seekers, and the Right: Scott Eychner, the Texas Workforce community. Employers have reported Commission’s manager of employment ser- filling a number of positions with ap- vices and unemployment insurance policy plicants from the job fair. and WorkInTexas.com, spoke at the Tyler Chamber of Commerce Small Business Breakfast about the agency’s workforce programs. Photo courtesy of TWC staff

Winter 2012 Solutions 11 Texas Workforce Commission Concho Valley Lower Rio Grande Valley Southeast Texas (512) 463-2222 (325) 653-2321 (956) 928-5000 (409) 719-4750 www.texasworkforce.org www.cvworkforce.org www.wfsolutions.com www.setworks.org

Alamo Greater Dallas Middle Rio Grande South Plains (210) 272-3260 (214) 290-1000 (830) 591-0141 (806) 744-1987 www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org www.wfsdallas.com www.mrgwb.org www.spworkforce.org

Brazos Valley Deep East Texas North Central South Texas (979) 595-2800 (936) 639-8898 (817) 695-9184 (956) 722-3973 www.bvjobs.org www.detwork.org www.dfwjobs.com www.southtexasworkforce.org

Cameron County East Texas North East Texas Tarrant County (956) 548-6700 (903) 984-8641 (903) 794-9490 (817) 413-4400 www.wfscameron.org www.easttexasworkforce.org www.netxworkforce.org www.workforcesolutions.net

Capital Area Golden Crescent North Texas Texoma (512) 597-7100 (361) 576-5872 (940) 767-1432 (903) 957-7408 www.wfscapitalarea.com www.gcworkforce.org www.ntxworksolutions.org www.workforcesolutionstexoma.com

Central Texas Gulf Coast Panhandle Upper Rio Grande (254) 939-3771 (713) 627-3200 (806) 372-3381 (915) 772-2002 www.workforcelink.com (888) 469-5627 www.wspanhandle.com www.urgjobs.com www.wrksolutions.com Coastal Bend Permian Basin West Central (361) 885-3016 Heart of Texas (432) 563-5239 (325) 795-4200 www.workforcesolutionscb.org (254) 296-5300 www.workforcepb.org (800) 457-5633 www.hotworkforce.com www.workforcesystem.org Rural Capital Area (512) 244-7966 www.workforcesolutionsrca.com

The Texas Workforce Commission, in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards, forms Texas Workforce Solutions.

Texas Workforce Commission 101 E. 15th St., Room 665 Austin, TX 78778-0001