Your Workforce Connection is, our digital newsletter, designed to keep our partners, employers, and community members informed about programs, services, and opportunities that strengthen our regional workforce. Each issue highlights important updates, success stories, upcoming events, and resources to support businesses, job seekers, and educators. By sharing this information, we aim to promote partnerships, celebrate achievements, and ensure our region remains strong, skilled, and ready for the future.

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas hosted its annual awards celebration, Together We Rise: A Heroic Celebration of Partnership & Progress, recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on the workforce system across Northeast Texas. The event brought together employers, educators, workforce partners, elected officials, and community leaders and was held at Region 8 Education Service Center. The celebration featured remarks from Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza.

The annual event honored workforce “heroes” from across the region, including employers investing in people, customers overcoming barriers to employment, educators building career pathways for students, and staff members who deliver workforce services every day.

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas Executive Director Bart Spivey reflected on the collective accomplishments made possible through collaboration. “It is with great pride that I share the story of another remarkable year for Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas,” said Spivey. “The past year has been defined by commitment, partnerships, and the everyday heroes who make our region a great place to live and work.”

Employer Awards

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas recognized three employers for their outstanding investment in people, training, and long-term workforce success.

Large Employer of the Year: Graphic Packaging InternationalGraphic Packaging International (GPI) was named Large Employer of the Year for its significant economic impact and deep commitment to workforce development in Northeast Texas. Employing more than 800 people in Queen City, GPI partners closely with Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, Texarkana College, and Texas A&M University–Texarkana to support employee training, education, and career advancement. Through Skills Development Fund–supported training, structured onboarding programs, and innovative applicant preparation workshops, GPI helps job seekers overcome barriers and build long-term careers while remaining an active partner in regional job fairs and youth career exploration initiatives.

Small Employer of the Year: Huhtamaki, Inc.Huhtamaki, Inc. was recognized as Small Employer of the Year for its exceptional commitment to workforce development and economic growth in the Paris community. A global leader in sustainable food packaging, Huhtamaki recently completed an $85 million expansion at its Paris facility, creating 85 high-skill jobs and retaining 190 existing positions. The company is a valued partner of Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, participating in job fairs, youth career exploration programs, and educator industry tours. Huhtamaki also supports internships, technical training, and curriculum alignment through partnerships with Paris Junior College and Texas A&M University–Commerce while investing in employee development and community organizations.

Local Employer of Excellence: Edgewood Manor

Edgewood Manor was honored as Local Employer of Excellence for its continued partnership with Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas and its commitment to inclusive workforce development in the healthcare sector. As a respected long-term care provider in Texarkana, Edgewood Manor regularly participates in regional job fairs to address critical workforce needs. The organization also supports youth workforce development by hosting a participant through the Summer Earn and Learn program, providing students with disabilities meaningful hands-on experience in a supportive work environment.

Customer Success Story Awards

Eight individuals and families were recognized for achieving success through workforce programs:

• Melissa Mathes – Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult
• Jamondre Odie – WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker
• Shelby Crawford – WIOA Youth
• Sarah Garcia – Career Coach Program
• Latonya Davis – Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)
• Rachel Kerby – SNAP Employment & Training
• Savannah and Aaron Carroll – Child Care Services
• Owen Bray – Summer Earn and Learn

Child Care Teacher of the Year

Four early childhood educators were recognized for excellence in the classroom and commitment to children and families:

• Brittany Collins – Lollipop Kid Stop
• Elisa Woodside – Stepping Stones Academy
• Brandy Copeland – Blossom’s Blooms Learning Center
• Kailee Deal – Little Rascals Daycare and Learning Center

Award of Excellence

Outstanding staff performance and dedication were recognized through the Award of Excellence:

• Child Care Department
• Kay Beatty
• Ethan Borders

Partnership Awards

Two partners were recognized for their support of workforce and student initiatives:

• Texas A&M University–Texarkana
• Red River Credit Union

Educator of Excellence

Two educators were honored for leadership in career readiness:

• Katherine Belew – Mt. Vernon ISD
• Angie Ayers – Daingerfield ISD

Pathway to Success Award

The Pathway to Success Award recognized leaders and organizations supporting career pathways and workforce training:

• Dr. Michael Erny – Paris Junior College
• Tasha Blagg – Rivercrest ISD
• Ledwell

Service Anniversaries and Board Recognition

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas also recognized staff members for long-term service:

• Sharon Davis – 25 years of service
• Debra Burkhalter – 15 years of service

Outgoing Board Members

Five outgoing Board members were honored for their leadership and service:

• Eric Bryant
• Dr. Ron Clinton
• Lisa Jones
• Terry Scoggin
• Mark Stanley

Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas extends its sincere gratitude to event sponsors Huhtamaki, Ledwell, and CHRISTUS Health for their generous support, and to Region 8 Education Service Center for hosting the annual celebration.