Workforce Solutions for South Texas wins state award

Workforce Solutions for South Texas December 27, 2022

Jorge A. Vela
LMTonline.com / Laredo Morning Times
Dec. 27, 2022

One local employment search agency made sure to recognize the locals making a big impact at the community and statewide levels while also using the opportunity to learn more about the importance of these agencies and the role they play in maintaining a strong Texas economy.

The Texas Workforce Commission recently held its 25th annual Texas Workforce Conference. The event ran from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2022, in Dallas, Texas and brought special recognition to the work done by the South Texas Workforce Board, including the efforts performed in Laredo.

Laredoans who participated in the conference stated that it was important for learning more about their roles locally and also for being able to recognize those making a major impact seen not just in the area but also at the state level.

In fact, the Workforce Solutions for South Texas local office received the Board Partnership first-place award for the Child Care Employment and Training Connections Award category. The Partnership Award highlights the vital work of community partners integral to providing a skilled workforce.

According to Melva Lavin, a spokesperson for WSST, the Child Care Employment and Training Connections Award recognizes the work done to assist “at-risk childcare parents who were placed in the initial job search at eligibility, were enrolled in WIOA training and that remained eligible for childcare after their three-month initial job search period because they obtained employment sufficient to meet their work requirement.”

During the conference, WSST also provided their own distinctions as well to locals. One of these was the recognition of the De La Fuente Insurance Group as the region’s 2022 Local Employer of Excellence.

“The Local Employer of Excellence Award highlights the importance of partnerships between Workforce Solutions and Texas employers,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These employers exemplify innovation and commitment to their communities by expanding opportunities to the local workforce as they grow their businesses.”

From the local company, Melina De La Fuente accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Conference. The award bestowed to the DLF honors private-sector employers that are actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and make a positive impact on workers, the community and the state as a whole.

According to Lavin, the local company was an ideal choice. DLF is a community-oriented business whose initiative to conduct private events at the One-Stop Center has built a strong relationship with WSST. DLF has had a positive effect on the community and other employers because it has continuously created awareness and passed the word around about the location and services offered at WSST.

The De La Fuente Insurance Group also has collaborated with WSST by donating food, snacks and gift cards to highlight multiple events during the year. Their efforts have increased the participants during job fairs, and the number of employers registered in WorkInTexas. Overall DLF’s network is a key factor in promoting WSST’s resources, the employment search agency states.

“More people than ever are working in Texas, thanks to businesses like this Employer of Excellence, supported by Workforce Solutions for South Texas,” TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez said. “From apprenticeships to using job training resources, Workforce Solutions provides exemplary services for individuals looking to turn a job into a career so Texas employers and employees can succeed.”

Another of the commissioners from the Texas Workforce Commission expressed that it is thanks to local businesses that the economy of Texas continues to be one of the most vibrant and thriving in the country. Therefore, they applaud the recognition of locals making a big impact at the state level.

“The Lone Star State is big, and Texas employers like De La Fuente Insurance Group keep building it with career opportunities that keep Texas and Texans in the fast lane for growth,” TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson said. “With many excellent employers making Texas home, this Employer of Excellence Award speaks to De La Fuente’s monumental contributions to Texas and their local community.”

According to Lavin, the local Workforce Solutions for South Texas is among 28 local Texas Workforce Development Boards located throughout the state. The Board serves Jim Hogg, Webb and Zapata counties.

Through partnerships with TWC and their communities, workforce boards meet the needs of Texas employers and workers through locally-designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers and individuals can take advantage of these services.

For more information about resources available to Texas employers and job seekers, visit www.southtexasworkforce.org.