During the 27th Annual Texas Workforce Conference, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and regional partners honored Texas firms who are exceptional at providing opportunities for employees. Limitless: Empowering the Workforce for the Future was the theme of this year’s conference, which took place in Grapevine from December 4–6, 2024.
Employers who are striving to support their staff members’ personal development, innovation, and contribution to the Lone Star State’s prosperity are recognized by TWC. Over 653,000 Texas firms are contributing to the prosperity of the state’s 15.4 million-strong civilian workforce.
Awards for Large Employer of the YearOut of three exceptional private-sector business contenders, Walmart Inc., nominated by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, was selected as Texas Large business of the Year. Walmart hired 15 seasoned maintenance specialists to work at its automated grocery distribution center in collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission, Dallas College, the Southern Dallas County Inland Port Transportation Management Association, and its local workforce board. Walmart regularly hosts hiring events that draw hundreds of applicants. The company promotes community members’ ongoing skill development and partners with educational institutions to host workshops on job preparedness.
Packing Corporation of America (PCA), nominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas, and Schreiber Foods, submitted by Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas, were the runners-up for Large Employer of the Year. PCA promotes job openings on WorkInTexas.com, visits hiring fairs, and collaborates with the Business Solutions team to identify qualified applicants. Through teacher externships, welding internships for students, and investments in the future workforce, PCA supports the Texas workforce system. Through TWC’s Skills Development Fund, Schreiber Foods consistently makes investments in training and upskilling opportunities for its employees. Additionally, Schreiber Foods is a key partner in the Stephenville Career Club, a partnership between local manufacturers, Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas, and the Stephenville Economic Development Authority. The goal of the career club is to help high school students get ready for careers after graduation by introducing new product lines that have the potential to hire 200 more people.
“At TWC, we acknowledge that employers are responsible for creating all jobs in Texas,” stated TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. The vital role that Texas employers play in creating a dynamic workforce system is highlighted by our Employer of the Year honors.
Awards for Small Employer of the YearThe Texas Small Employer of the Year Award went to Lil Cats Daycare and Little Indians Daycare, which was nominated by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas. When Lil Cats Daycare first opened in 2016, it could accommodate 30 kids. To expand the availability of child care in their neighborhood, Lil Cats earned a $72,324 expansion grant from TWC in collaboration with Texas Workforce Solutions and the Coleman Economic Development Corporation. The proprietors of Lil Indians Daycare grew their business when the town of Haskell was losing its sole daycare center.
Zinc Resources LLC, sponsored by Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, and Revolution Greens, recommended by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, were the runner-up finalists for Small Employer of the Year. In order to reach a variety of talent pools, including veterans, those on public assistance, and people with limited English proficiency, Revol Greens collaborates with Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Revol Greens employs more than 80 people and trains and hires qualified personnel for its facilities through training grants from Workforce Solutions of Central Texas. Zinc Resources actively interacts with a number of stakeholders, including the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, the Victoria Economic Development Corporation, Workforce Solutions Golden Crescent, nearby schools, and other community members. Through these collaborations, Zinc Resources is able to promote workforce training initiatives, stimulate local economic growth, and interact with its community to accomplish shared goals.
According to TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Trevi o III, Texas continues to be the greatest state in the nation for both employment and living, and our booming economy draws skilled individuals to satisfy the demands of employers throughout the state. Kudos to these employers for their beneficial effects on the state as a whole as well as on local communities.
Employer of the Year for VeteransFor their efforts to hire and recruit veterans, TWC named Air Force Turbine Service (ATS) the Veteran-Friendly Employer of the Year. Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend nominated ATS, a full-service airplane service center with over 30 years of experience that has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. With a work atmosphere and culture that mimic military procedures, ATS takes pride in being a veteran-friendly company. Additionally, ATS provides specific accommodations for veterans with impairments and second-chance veterans.
Employer of the Year from HireAbilityBar-B-Q was recognized as the HireAbility Employer of the Year, together with Rudy’s Country Store. By making sure that its own workforce represents the characteristics of the larger community, Rudy’s Country Store—which was nominated by Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley—has aided in the integration of people with disabilities into the Texas workforce. Rudy’s Country Store has modified its infrastructure to make it more accessible and has a special training program that is intended to capitalize on the distinctive qualities that people with disabilities possess.
TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza commended these Texas employers for their efforts to create a more dynamic workforce system in their areas. They serve as an example of how the 650,000 employers in the state may collaborate with nearby Workforce Solutions offices and other neighborhood groups to provide Texans with access to new resources and opportunities.
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