NOVEMBER 19, 2015 EMPLOYER AWARDStawb.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/151019-2015...Chevron Phillips Chemical also donated $50,000 in 2014 and in 2015 to sponsor a Junior Achievement

NOVEMBER 19, 2015

EMPLOYER AWARDS

19TH ANNUAL

TEXAS WORKFORCE CONFERENCECo-Hosted with the Texas Chapter of The International Association of Workforce Professionals

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November 19, 2015

Greetings!

Welcome to the 19th Annual Texas Workforce Conference Employer Awards ceremony. The Texas economy is moving forward, driven toward tomorrow by nearly 500,000 Texas employers. Each year we are pleased to honor those employers, whose innovation, hard work, and investment in the Texas workforce contribute to the state’s thriving economy and its more than 13 million workers.

Several weeks ago, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the five outstanding employer finalists. To exemplify the tremendous results that are possible when public and private entities collaborate to put people to work and enhance the skills of the Texas workforce, one of the five finalists will be declared the 2015 Texas Workforce Solutions Employer of the Year.

These outstanding employers show how successful Texas Workforce Solutions can be when we work together. Their commitment to engage with the community, job seekers, and workforce partners yields achievements through a shared vision of workforce and economic development. Each nominee embodies TWC’s mission to promote and support a workforce system that creates value and offers employers, individuals, and communities the opportunity to achieve and sustain economic prosperity.

Additionally, the Local Workforce Development Boards across our state recognize a Local Employer of Excellence, a private sector employer that has successfully used the workforce system to impact its community significantly.

We are indebted to the team of workforce professionals who served as judges in the always highly competitive Employer of the Year Award process.

And, finally, we commend all of the employers nominated for the many contributions and best practices shared as a result of their achievements.

Andres Alcantar, ChairmanCommissioner Representing the Public

Ronald G. CongletonCommissioner Representing Labor

Ruth R. HughsCommissioner Representing Employers

PUSHING BEYOND LIMITS

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The Employer of the Year Award recognizes a private sector employer or employer consortium that is actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and, as a result, has benefited other employers, workers, and the community.

Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards) nominate employers whose partnership with the Boards exemplifies the economic success that can be achieved through private sector collaboration with the public sector. This year, five finalists are recognized for excellence, operational results, and the benefits gained by employers, workers, and the local community. Additionally, the award recognizes the partnership, involvement, and successful use of Texas workforce system services.

From these five exemplary finalists, the 2015 Employer of the Year has been selected. The nominated employers support the Texas workforce system’s goal of ensuring that both employers and workers have the resources and skills that Texas needs to remain competitive in the 21st century.

TEXAS WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

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Campbell Soup Supply CompanyNominated by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas

Campbell Soup Supply Company (Campbell) has been operating in Lamar County since 1964 and recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Paris plant. A workforce of approximately 900 employees at the 1.5-million-square-foot facility produces a variety of products from the Campbell line.

Campbell collaborates directly with Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas (Northeast Texas) through recruitment, job postings, job fair participation, annual industry tours, and Skills Development Fund grants. Additionally, in partnership with Paris Junior College and Northeast Texas, Campbell participates in the ACT Work Ready Certification program.

Continuously improving employee skills, Campbell has participated in several Skills Development Fund grants. Most recently, a Skills Development Fund grant assisted Campbell in producing two new product lines, upgrading equipment, and creating 100 new jobs. Campbell employees have improved their job skills through training programs, resulting in increased wages or promotions.

Campbell is more than just a major employer of the Paris community; it encourages volunteerism, growth, and support of the local community through hundreds of volunteer hours and thousands of dollars in donations to local charities. Campbell supports the Paris Community Theatre, Leadership Lamar County, Northeast Texas job fairs, local independent school districts, and the United Way.

2015 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR TOP FIVE FINALISTS

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Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPNominated by Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast

Headquartered in The Woodlands, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP (Chevron Phillips Chemical) has eight manufacturing facilities and one research and technology center in Texas. Chevron Phillips Chemical is building its $6 billion U.S. Gulf Coast Petrochemicals Project. This expansion project will support 10,000 temporary construction and engineering jobs and 400 long-term jobs in Baytown and Old Ocean.

In response to an increasing need for a highly- trained workforce, Chevron Phillips Chemical donated $75,000 to Lee College in Baytown to begin a workforce development scholarship program for students pursuing a two-year degree in Process Technology, Instrumentation Technology or Electrical Technology. The program recently extended to additional community colleges and dual-credit enrolled high school students in East Harris, Chambers, Liberty, Brazoria and Jefferson counties.

Together with its 50 percent owner company Phillips 66, Chevron Phillips Chemical with Sweeny Independent School District developed a petrochemical academy in Brazoria County in 2014. With an initial combined contribution of $1.6 million, the educational academy allows high school students to take dual-credit technical college-level courses while attending high school.

Chevron Phillips Chemical also donated $50,000 in 2014 and in 2015 to sponsor a Junior Achievement Inspire event, a series of all-day career education assemblies attended by nearly 19,000 eighth-grade students in the greater Houston area.


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Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center Nominated by Workforce Rural Capital Area

Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center (Embassy Suites) facilitates workforce development throughout Hays County by working with local school districts to create programs and internships. By partnering with Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (Rural Capital Area), Embassy Suites can easily facilitate larger recruitment events.

Working closely with the San Marcos and Hays County Independent School Districts, Embassy Suites provides students with internship opportunities to gain real-life experience. Students work alongside professionals in every department of the hotel, with an emphasis on culinary development, and receive supplemental instruction on résumé writing, interviewing, and professionalism in the workplace. With event space limiting participation at local job fairs, Embassy Suites stepped in to bolster recruitment efforts in Hays County by offering its facilities and a corporate partnership to Rural Capital Area, at no cost—actions that have raised awareness of these events in the community.

From partnerships with local school districts that have spawned the development of curriculum and internship opportunities for students, to a strategic partnership with Rural Capital Area that has doubled and tripled job fair participation by employers and job seekers, respectively, Embassy Suites is providing career solutions today while developing tomorrow’s workforce.


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Lockheed Martin Lufkin OperationsNominated by Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

For 20 years, Lockheed Martin Lufkin Operations (Lockheed Martin) has been an integral part of the Lufkin community. Lockheed Martin’s success is due in large part to its close relationship with such community partners as the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas (Deep East), local education institutions, and nonprofits.

Lockheed Martin provides specialized training and career advancement opportunities to its 250 employees, including tuition reimbursement and mentoring. It partners with Angelina College on TWC Skills Development Fund grants to enhance and strengthen employee skills to help them reach their fullest potential. It participates in job fairs hosted by Deep East to recruit new employees.

Lockheed Martin encourages employees to volunteer in the community. Working with local community colleges and universities, volunteers actively participate in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) outreach by supporting high school and college career fairs and offering STEM presentations to science and engineering departments. Lockheed Martin is also a corporate sponsor of the Lufkin High School Robotics Team. Its employees are also active in and contributes to area nonprofits, including Habitat for Humanity, the Annual Alzheimer’s Walk, Adopt-a-Highway, and Hazardous Waste Collection Day.


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Providence Healthcare NetworkNominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas

Providence Healthcare Network (Providence) delivers health care to Central Texans through a compassionate and innovative medical system of 2,397 employees. In keeping with their mission and vision of providing compassionate care, Providence uses innovative approaches in seeking skilled health care professionals.

Providence is a lead partner in Greater Waco Advance Healthcare Academy, designed to educate future health care personnel. Additionally, Providence exposes youth to high-demand occupations in the medical field during the Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas YES! Expo career event. Along with participating in 99 percent of Heart of Texas job fairs for the past four years, Providence recruits through social media, employee referrals and WorkInTexas.com.

Demonstrating a commitment to stay at the forefront of current health care trends and training, Providence has partnered with McLennan Community College (MCC), for multiple Skills Development Fund grants from TWC.

Providence’s passion and innovative leadership in the Waco community goes beyond job growth and skills training in the health care arena. Providence partners with and participates in numerous nonprofit activities in the Waco area, such as Prosper Waco, which aims to reduce poverty within the community. The Providence team is heavily involved with organizations in the area through volunteerism and participation in community events.


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H-E-BNominated by Workforce Solutions Alamo

Tenet Healthcare–The Hospitals of ProvidenceNominated by Workforce Solutions Borderplex

Employer Consortium of Teacher Externship InitiativeNominated by Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley

Trailboss Enterprises Inc.Nominated by Workforce Solutions Cameron

Cornerstone Hospital of Austin Nominated by Workforce Solutions Capital Area

White Lodging Services CorporationNominated by Workforce Solutions Capital Area

Hilton Worldwide Inc.Nominated by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas

Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Corpus Christi and VictoriaNominated by Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend

Terrill Manufacturing Company, Inc.Nominated by Workforce Solutions Concho Valley

Lockheed Martin Lufkin OperationsNominated by Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas

Sanderson Farms Inc. Nominated by Workforce Solutions East Texas

K & S Machine Company Nominated by Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent

AT&T Nominated by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

2015 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

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The Kraft Heinz Food Company Nominated by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPNominated by Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast

Waste Management Inc. Nominated by Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast

Providence Healthcare Network Nominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas

Pilot Travel Center–Store 1026Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande

Transit Management of Denton County Nominated by Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas

Campbell Soup Supply Company Nominated by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas

H-E-B Nominated by Workforce Solutions Permian Basin

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center Nominated by Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Burlington Coat FactoryNominated by Workforce Solutions for South Texas

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas Nominated by Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas

Community Health Center of Lubbock Inc. Nominated by Workforce Solutions South Plains

United States Gypsum Company – Sweetwater PlantNominated by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas

2015 EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

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The Employer Award of Excellence honors one private sector employer in each local workforce development area that is actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions. This award recognizes an employer that, as a customer and collaborator with the Local Workforce Development Board (Board), has created and used innovative approaches that have impacted the local economy and workforce significantly. These employers were chosen from the many with whom Boards connect annually to prepare today’s workforce for tomorrow’s Texas.

The following pages describe how each honoree supports the goal of ensuring that Texas remains competitive in the 21st century.

TEXAS WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS EMPLOYER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

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Workforce Solutions AlamoHOLT Cat

HOLT Cat sells, rents, and services Caterpillar machines, engines, generator sets, and trucks in a 118-county Texas territory spanning from the Red River to the Rio Grande. HOLT Cat partnered with Workforce Solutions Alamo and the Alamo Colleges to provide training in the construction industry to East Side Promise Zone residents, transitioning military personnel, and veterans to fill the high-demand jobs in this field.

As part of the training program, HOLT Cat has provided the use of the LEED Silver ProTech Training Center, complete with instructors, curriculum, heavy equipment, and 60 acres for a hands-on learning environment. Over the next five years, approximately 150 participants will be trained on five different pieces of heavy machinery and will receive an OSHA 10-hour certification and continuing education units through the Alamo Colleges.

Workforce Solutions BorderplexWalgreens Boots Alliance

Walgreens is the largest drugstore chain in the United States, with more than 8,200 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens strives to promote diversity and has earned a 100 rating in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Human Equality Index.

Walgreens partners with Workforce Solutions Borderplex to recruit through WorkInTexas.com, to hire Choices participants and implement training programs to maximize retention. Additionally, Walgreens is diligent about diversity and including individuals with disabilities. Building on this commitment, Walgreens has partnered with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services to create leadership opportunities through the Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative. During the summer, Walgreens also participates in Breaking Barriers, an employment program for youth with disabilities.


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Workforce Solutions Brazos ValleyCommunity and Business Leaders Partnership

The Community and Business Leaders Partnership (CBLP) is a consortium of regional businesses formed in 2013 to address regional labor issues. Through ongoing communication with Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley (Brazos Valley), local manufacturing business partners, community colleges, and independent school districts, CBLP identified a skill gap and shortage of skilled labor in the current manufacturing labor force.

CBLP’s vision is to provide career pathways for new and returning workers so they are able to acquire skills to meet the demands of regional employers. CBLP and Brazos Valley partnered to develop the Teacher Externship project, which allows teachers and counselors to contextualize the connections between academic skills and the workplace. During this project, teachers visit regional employers, who provide teachers and counselors with valuable input in developing lesson plans that accurately reflect the employers’ needs.

Workforce Solutions CameronBechtel Construction Services

Bechtel is one of the most respected engineering, construction, and project management companies in the world and is considered to be a cornerstone of innovation in the industry. Bechtel has completed more than 25,000 extraordinary projects—many first-of-a-kind—in 160 countries on all seven continents serving numerous industries, including energy delivery; defense; environmental cleanup; mining and metals; oil, gas, and chemicals; infrastructure and transportation; and telecommunications.

After establishing a partnership with the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) in 2014, Bechtel opened a regional office in Harlingen and quickly established local partnerships. Last summer, Bechtel announced plans to build a power plant in the Harlingen area—a $600-million investment creating up to 600 jobs. In an effort to leverage local expertise and resources, Bechtel is coordinating with Workforce Solutions Cameron, HEDC, and Texas State Technical College to establish customized training and recruitment needs for the proposed project.


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Workforce Solutions Capital AreaCornerstone Hospital of Austin

As a licensed long-term acute care hospital, Cornerstone Hospital of Austin (Cornerstone) serves as a bridge in the continuum of care for medically complex patients who require individualized, interdisciplinary care for an extended recovery time.

Cornerstone uses the services of Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Capital Area) to find and retain the talent it needs to meet the requirements of its high-demand and challenging workplace. Over a two-year period, Cornerstone hired 20 applicants through WorkInTexas.com and has used the database as the primary source for job posting and recruitment. Cornerstone also participates in the Subsidized Employment Program to provide opportunities for career growth and permanent employment. Cornerstone hired a former Choices client who was attending school to obtain an LVN license; the client was able to continue earning an education while gaining invaluable on-the-job training.

Workforce Solutions of Central TexasHilton Worldwide Inc.

Hilton Worldwide (Hilton) is one of the largest and fastest-growing hospitality companies in the world, with more than 4,300 hotels, resorts, and timeshare properties comprising more than 715,000 rooms in 94 countries and territories. Hilton is an active participant in the White House Joining Forces initiative, which targets employment for veterans and military spouses.

Workforce Solutions of Central Texas (Central Texas) welcomed the opportunity to partner with Hilton to develop a military spouse recruitment focus. Through this partnership, Hilton and Central Texas designed an efficient system for identifying, training, and employing military spouses to become Hilton Work From Home Consultants. Military spouses are offered the unique opportunity to work from home and maintain continuous employment with Hilton from anywhere in the world after their spouses have been deployed. Hilton has trained and hired 90 military spouses and has plans to expand and replicate this work model in El Paso.


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Workforce Solutions of the Coastal BendPepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Corpus Christi and Victoria

The Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Corpus Christi and Victoria (Pepsi) has been in the beverage business for over 100 years and is the only independent Pepsi-Cola bottler in Texas and New Mexico. Family owned and operated, this small business employs 150 people in the Coastal Bend area. Pepsi’s Everest Water division is the only water bottling facility south of Houston and has been a lifesaver during several disaster relief operations by donating and shipping water to Texans in affected areas.

Pepsi proactively seeks opportunities to collaborate with Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend (Coastal Bend) by participating in monthly career development activities, employer events, and career center programs. As a growing company, Pepsi uses Coastal Bend resources for recruitment and is committed to hiring veterans through its Hiring Veterans First campaign and is a strong supporter of the annual Hiring Red, White & You! hiring fair.

Workforce Solutions Concho ValleyTerrill Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Terrill Manufacturing, a nationally known supplier of architecture woodwork and casework products, provides custom-designed turnkey solutions supporting projects across Texas and the nation, including schools, hospitals, office buildings, hospitality buildings, churches, banks, municipal buildings, and other commercial construction.

When Terrill Manufacturing struggled with high turnover rate, reduced business, and low profits, it turned to Workforce Solutions Concho Valley (Concho Valley) for help. As Terrill Manufacturing embraced the workforce solutions initiatives, the company’s turnover rate essentially stopped; the number of employees grew from 38 to 59 full-time and 20 temporary workers, earning wages 20 percent above the local average pay, while the company more than doubled production and profits. By building a close partnership with Concho Valley and the city’s economic partners, Terrill Manufacturing is now planning for the future.


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Workforce Solutions Deep East TexasNIBCO INC.

NIBCO Nacogdoches (NIBCO) is the longest-running manufacturing facility in the NIBCO family, producing valves and fittings used in industrial and residential construction. NIBCO is an integral part of the Nacogdoches community and is active in the community, working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas, CASA, United Way, Stephen F. Austin State University, the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce, and Fredonia Elementary School.

After the city of Nacogdoches identified a need for a technical training center, NIBCO worked with Nacogdoches County, Nacogdoches Independent School District, Angelina College, and Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas to provide the county with a new center. Classes at the Nacogdoches County Technical Training Center align with local business needs to develop a pipeline of workers, predominantly in the manufacturing field. NIBCO’s contribution to Nacogdoches will ensure that its future workforce has the opportunity to learn and enhance skills, thereby becoming an asset to local employers.

Workforce Solutions East TexasWalmart Neighborhood Market

Walmart Neighborhood Market stores are a chain of grocery stores designed to be the opposite of Walmart’s vastly larger superstores. These neighborhood stores offer fresh produce, meats, and dairy, as well as a pharmacy and gasoline in most locations, but on a more abbreviated scale. Walmart Neighborhood Market stores were launched in the East Texas market in 2014.

With eight locations throughout East Texas, Walmart Neighborhood Market stores partnered with Workforce Solutions East Texas (East Texas) to execute recruitment and hiring for positions. With the opening of these markets, up to 140 new positions were added to the community, many filled by local residents. Walmart and East Texas collaborated to recruit people with barriers to employment through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Workforce Investment Act programs. Program participants were able to gain work experience through subsidized employment, with many acquiring long-term employment. The Walmart Neighborhood Market stores were also active in hiring individuals with disabilities, offering first-time employment and the ability to work toward self-sufficiency.


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Workforce Solutions Golden CrescentEddy Packing Co.

Eddy Packing Co. in Yoakum has grown to become the largest private sector employer in the tri-county area, with over 500 workers. Eddy Packing officials reaffirmed their commitment to their family of employees by increasing the services offered to them at no charge. Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent (Golden Crescent) representatives contacted Eddy Packing and provided information on Adult Basic Education programs, including Texas Industry Specific English as a Second Language and Family Literacy in Practice, among other literacy programs.

As a result of those meetings, Eddy Packing began scheduling a variety of on-site instructional classes—ranging from GED and related tutorials to multilingual classes—and provided employees time to participate during work hours. Eddy Packing has also partnered with the local hospital to provide an on-site wellness clinic for employees and their children. Eddy Packing regularly engages the services of Golden Crescent through job fairs.

Workforce Solutions Greater DallasThe Kraft Heinz Food Company

The Kraft Heinz Food Company (Kraft Heinz) participates in hiring initiatives, job postings, job fairs, online assessments, skills development grants, veteran training activities, prescreening candidates, and virtual hiring events throughout the Dallas area. In 2015, the Texas workforce system referred over 2,000 applicants to Kraft Heinz, which hired 150 employees. In July 2015, the first of four Lunchables production lines started up, bringing 400–500 jobs to Garland. With this expansion, current workers require skills within production and electromechanical positions.

Kraft Heinz engaged the Texas workforce system for training initiatives by receiving $416,515 in Skills Development funds for industrial maintenance technicians. Kraft Heinz is working with the Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas’ Garland workforce center in collaboration with the Dallas County Community College District to train military veterans—Military to Manufacturing—to take on lead production and electromechanical positions. The program offers industrial and electrical maintenance training with four-week Kraft-sponsored internships leading to permanent employment opportunities.


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Workforce Solutions Gulf CoastWaste Management Inc.

Waste Management is dedicated to helping veterans transition into civilian life, and in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, Waste Management helps numerous veterans and their families find jobs and advance their careers. The company has created several initiatives that ensure individuals have the skills, tools, and resources needed by local employers to simplify and expedite the job search process for veterans. Initiatives include working with veterans for skills upgrades and training, job search training and assistance, and résumé-writing workshops.

With veterans as its focus, Waste Management works with veterans’ organizations and Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast) to assist the veteran population in finding employment. This year Waste Management has hired 65 veterans locally, of which 12 are veterans with disabilities. Waste Management is working with Gulf Coast to fill entry-level to upper management jobs, and it continues to participate in local job fairs throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Workforce Solutions for the Heart of TexasProvidence Healthcare Network

Providence Healthcare Network (Providence) is a leading medical facility serving over 200,000 Central Texans and offering high-quality health care. Through its continued growth and expansion in the health care industry, Providence continues to support employers and job seekers within the Texas workforce system. The company partners and sponsors many events, including events held by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and local colleges. Providence’s commitment to Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas’ YES! Expo for high school students was evident through a live exhibition of its multimillion-dollar robotic surgery platform.

Between job fairs, recruiting events, and job postings, a high volume of job seeker traffic has been driven to Providence’s human resources department. Providence demonstrates its commitment to the Texas workforce system by continuously keeping its employees trained in the targeted industry of health care and through its relationship with Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas, which impacts the local economy through job growth.


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Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande ValleyTeleTech

TeleTech is a leading global provider of analytic-driven, technology-enabled customer experience business solutions. The company offers an integrated platform that combines consulting, technology, care, and growth services to simply personalize interactions that build deep engagement between people and brands. This holistic, multichannel approach has improved customer satisfaction by increasing customer loyalty and driving long-term profitability and growth.

This past fall, TeleTech expanded its business and opened a new 35,000-square-foot facility in McAllen. In collaboration with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley assisted TeleTech with its recruitment needs for the following positions: customer service representatives, team leads, trainers, recruiters, technical assistance and IT specialists, operations managers, and facilities staff. After receiving successful exposure by participating in the Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair and through WorkInTexas.com, TeleTech has hired over 150 individuals and continues to work together with Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley to help meet its recruitment needs.

Workforce Solutions Middle Rio GrandePilot Travel Centers–Store 1026

Pilot Travel Centers (PTC) is the nation’s largest operator of travel centers and the nation’s tenth-largest restaurant franchisee. PTC offers its employees financial stability and personal development. PTC partners with Workforce Solutions Middle Rio Grande (Middle Rio Grande) in its hiring process and provides on-site application assistance and interviews as well as employee orientation and training.

Using Middle Rio Grande as an extension to PTC’s human resources department enables PTC to meet all of its hiring needs for its new operation in Carrizo Springs. PTC provides orientations and also recruits employees nationwide, including the Middle Rio Grande region, through WorkInTexas.com. PTC has hired 120 workers with Middle Rio Grande’s assistance. PTC’s total annual payroll is approximately $2.2 million. PTC anticipates an increase in sales contributing to the local community’s economic growth.


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Workforce Solutions North TexasTexoma Heating & Air Inc.

Texoma Heating & Air (THA) partnered with Workforce Solutions North Texas to provide on-the-job training and encourage new trainees in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) training classes at Vernon College. THA is not only involved in the college’s technical training program, but also supports and hires two-year certified technicians and makes veteran hiring a priority in its workforce. The HVAC program at Vernon College includes many trainees who are Trade Act Adjustment and Workforce Investment Act participants.

THA is also an active member of the community and provides all HVAC systems for Habitat for Humanity homes in Wichita County, assists a local church by installing systems for indigent members, and is a major sponsor of the YMCA in the annual Soapbox Derby event.

Workforce Solutions for North Central TexasNebraska Furniture Mart of Texas

Grandscape, a mixed-use development in Denton County, is an estimated investment of $1.5 billion, with a three- to five-year development plan. The anchor store of this development is Nebraska Furniture Mart (NFM), which features the largest selection of furniture, electronics, appliances, and flooring and employs more than 2,000 full-time staff.

NFM partnered with Workforce Solutions for North Central (North Central) Texas in January 2014 to develop a recruiting strategy. North Central provided regional labor market information to assist with competitive pay and radio advertising, WorkInTexas.com job postings, job seeker e-blasts, the Mobile Workforce Unit, and on-site/off-site hiring events. North Central offices in Denton, McKinney, and Plano conducted 22 hiring events and distributed 17 e-mail blasts, resulting in 819 WorkInTexas.com hires to date.


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Workforce Solutions Northeast TexasExpress Employment Professionals

Located in Texarkana, Express Employment Professionals (Express) assists future and current job seekers and businesses in finding people and offering human resource services. Since 1998, Express provides staffing services, including evaluation hire, recruiting, direct hire, and temporary service for professional, clerical, and light industrial work. Express collaborates with Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas (Northeast Texas) to provide exceptional people to exceptional companies.

Express sponsors and participates in the annual Texarkana Career and Community Resources Expo and the L.E.A.P. Youth Expo, a career fair for 8th grade students, hosted by Northeast Texas. In 2014, Express partnered with Texarkana College and Texas A&M University–Texarkana in the creation of the Compass Career, which offers students career services and consultation. Express committed funds to the Board’s Office of Economic Adjustment grant initiative to offset the impact of job losses experienced by the region’s largest employer.

Workforce Solutions PanhandleXcel Energy Inc.

Xcel Energy generates, transmits, and sells electricity in the Texas Panhandle and New Mexico regions and has approximately 386,000 retail customers. Employing over 1,700 highly skilled individuals in the region, the company recognizes people as its greatest asset and collaborates with the region’s workforce. With an aging population and a large percentage becoming eligible for retirement in the near future, there is a need for recruiting talent for their business.

Xcel attends many youth job fairs and events that include high school juniors and seniors. Recognized by G.I. Jobs magazine as being among the nation’s 100 most military-friendly employers, Xcel participates in the Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring event. Xcel also posts jobs through WorkInTexas.com as part of its recruitment efforts and has listed over 300 positions in the last year through this statewide online job-matching system.


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Workforce Solutions Permian BasinDollar General Corp.

The Dollar General Corp. has partnered with the Permian Basin Workforce Solutions to serve the 39 local stores in the Permian Basin. With approximately 260 employees, Dollar General Management works closely with Workforce Solutions and offers weekly hiring events in order to staff these stores.

Dollar General holds training sessions for new employees and managers in order to compete with higher wages and other jobs available in the area. There have been 20 job seekers hired through local hiring events in conjunction with Workforce Solutions.

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital AreaEmbassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Marcos Hotel, Spa & Conference Center helps facilitate workforce development in Hays County by partnering with local school districts and Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. Hotel management offers career-focused programs and semester-based internships and facilitates recruitment events that offer career solutions today while developing tomorrow’s workforce.

Embassy Suites provides Hays Consolidated School District with hospitality industry curriculum, while providing an opportunity for students to work alongside various professionals in the hotel, with an emphasis toward culinary development. During 2014–2015, 24 interns from five schools and four students from local vocational training programs were permanently placed through this program. Of these placements, six students encountered economic or academic adversity, and many were students with a disability. During the first quarter of 2015, five participants were promoted to first-time supervisory positions based on their excellent job performance.


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Workforce Solutions for South TexasMercy Kids Rehab Services Inc.

Mercy Kids Rehab Services is a Medicare-certified comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility offering physical, occupational, and speech therapy for children. Mercy Kids Rehab provides child-friendly approaches to the individualized care of patients. Expanding that commitment into the community, Mercy Kids Rehab has participated in local job fairs, Youth Career Expo 2015, and Project Growing Regional Opportunities for the Workforce (GROW). Project GROW allows employer participants to provide input about curriculum, employment opportunities, and job requirements with identified occupations.

As part of the program, Mercy Kids Rehab provided mock interviews, worksite tours, and work experience in the physical therapy profession. Project GROW participants from the South Texas area learn techniques and necessary skills designed to reach their career goals. Trainees have a sense of accomplishment and greater self-esteem after working with Mercy Kids Rehab staff. Mercy Kids Rehab has hired seven full-time employees through its participation in Project GROW.

Workforce Solutions Southeast TexasBaptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas

Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas has more than 1,700 employees providing patient care in Beaumont since 1949. The facility provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency programs at locations from Houston to New Orleans. To meet the training needs for its expanding workforce, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas implemented an on-the-job training (OJT) for new employees.

The OJT enables the hospital to hire individuals with basic entry-level skills for psychiatric patient care. The comprehensive training program improved health care technician skills, creating numerous career advancement opportunities within the health care field. The program also provided several underemployed individuals the opportunity to gain employment with the hospital. Once employed, the OJT program provided a pathway to upgrade their skills and retain employment.


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Workforce Solutions South PlainsMcLane Co., Inc.

Founded in Temple, McLane recently celebrated 120 years of providing grocery and food service supplies throughout the United States. The company operates more than 80 distribution centers and has a workforce of more than 15,000 employees. As an active member of the Lubbock community, McLane partners with Workforce Solutions South Plains to recruit and hire veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Employee engagement is an important aspect of the company’s training programs. Specifically, McLane adopted the SPARK Initiative, which increases and recognizes diversity in the workplace. McLane works closely with local community organizations that support disability inclusion, such as the local United Way, and raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Additionally, McLane provides awareness training and has increased recruiting efforts targeting individuals and veterans with disabilities.

Workforce Solutions for Tarrant CountySIMOS Insourcing Solutions

SIMOS Insourcing Solutions (SIMOS) is a customer-focused, results-oriented labor management firm. SIMOS specializes in streamlining the way organizations work with the contingent workforce. SIMOS partnered with Workforce Solutions Tarrant County (Tarrant) to assist Walmart in recruiting numerous qualified candidates for the manufacturing and distribution center.

In developing career pathways with Walmart, SIMOS posted jobs on WorkInTexas.com and assisted in screening qualified candidates for a large number of jobs. SIMOS participated in a local job fair and conducted weekly hiring events to assist Walmart in hiring 195 distribution workers. In addition to participating in job fairs, SIMOS worked with Tarrant to help prospective employees overcome job barriers and challenges to gaining employment. Partnering with Tarrant, Walmart, and the community, SIMOS provides outreach efforts and employment opportunities for local residents.


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Workforce Solutions TexomaKwik Chek Food Stores/McCraw Oil

McCraw Oil, with its retail subsidiary, Kwik Chek Food Stores, is a tenured board member and partner of Workforce Solutions Texoma and has operated a business in the community for the past 43 years. McCraw Oil also serves the community through gifts of time, volunteerism, and financial resources. One way of giving back to the community is sponsoring educational programs.

McCraw Oil supports the Business Education for Teacher project, which offers 23 teachers from the surrounding area the opportunity to experience the daily routines in local industries and understand local business needs. In return, the teachers can take the skills learned and show their students how to apply classroom experiences to the real world. The project provides a career path for many students and transforms how educators teach their students. As a community partner, McCraw Oil and Kwik Chek Food Stores hosted a teacher during the summer program.

Workforce Solutions of West Central TexasUnited States Gypsum Company – Sweetwater Plant

United States Gypsum Company – Sweetwater Plant (USG) has been a major employer in the Sweetwater area for the past 90 years. USG is North America’s leading producer and distributor of gypsum wallboard and joint compounds. Employing more than 200 employees, USG is the fifth-largest employer in the area, forging a strong partnership with Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas for recruitment, screening, hiring workers, and more.

Through a cooperative educational exchange, USG’s internship program gives university engineering students an opportunity to become permanent employees once the program is completed. USG recruiters visit local campuses and career fairs to help college students with career objectives. Within the company, the Operator Rate System provides mentoring, training, and encouragement for employees to learn new skills. USG’s employees are rewarded with promotions and/or pay increases while developing their career with USG. USG’s sponsorship of training programs and ongoing educational assistance has resulted in a more knowledgeable workforce with a higher employee satisfaction rate.


Documents

NOVEMBER 19, 2015 EMPLOYER AWARDStawb.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/151019-2015...Chevron Phillips Chemical also donated $50,000 in 2014 and in 2015 to sponsor a Junior Achievement