Jett Bowl North Honored at Texas Workforce Conference

Workforce Solutions for South Texas December 19, 2018

AUSTIN – Jett Bowl North received the Employer Award of Excellence for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas (South Texas) area at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 22nd Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Nov. 28–30 in Houston. The award honors private sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and have made a positive impact on employers, workers, and the community.

“The state’s job market is constantly expanding with steady employment gains for workers within local and regional communities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Collaborative partnerships like the one of Jett Bowl North and South Texas are drivers of the economic activity in Texas and are reflective of our vow to providing career opportunities for all job seekers.”

Jett Bowl North and South Texas’ Business Services Unit worked together to bring a hiring event on-site at the opening of the new Pla-Mor Entertainment Center. Owner Roque Vela, Jr. took part in Facebook Live videos to promote the hiring event, which brought 193 job seekers, of which 80 were hired. Jett Bowl North participated in the Workforce Solutions for South Texas work experience program, giving students with disabilities a part-time position for a six-week period. Jett Bowl North opened its doors to local residents who were impacted by a blackout and provided food and shelter. Owners Roque and Cookie Vela also have supported veterans in raising funds for Combat Marine Outdoors.

“My family and I have been working very hard to build this business and provide our community a great place to work as well as a fun family-friendly entertainment venue,” Vela Jr. said.

Jett Bowl North /Pla-Mor Entertainment Center also received the 2018 Employer of Excellence Award during the Annual Employer Awards Banquet hosted by the Workforce Solutions for South Texas Board on December 13th.

“Our number one priority is to ensure that our local employers have a trained and skilled workforce. We are extremely grateful for the partnership and support our employers provide us in helping them find and hire skilled, trained, and productive employees,” said Rogelio Trevino, Executive Director for the Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “As we close out this very successful year we are proud to recognize those businesses and partners that excelled in helping employ our local labor force.”

AWARD

South Texas was recognized by TWC for outstanding board performance, receiving a $30,000 Performance Incentive award for Foster Youth. TWC Performance Incentive awards recognize boards that display increased accountability and improved efficiencies. Monetary awards for achievement in these categories will be used to enhance workforce service programs during the next year.

South Texas is among 28 local workforce boards located throughout the state. The board serves Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata counties. The primary goal of TWC and the workforce boards is to meet the needs of Texas employers and workers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services.