2025 TWC Annual Conference Recognizes Exemplary Texas Employers

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and local partners recognized employers in Texas that excel in creating opportunities for workers during the 28th Annual Texas Workforce Conference. This year’s conference was held in Corpus Christi from Dec. 3 – 5 and included events to celebrate the theme of “The Journey Ahead: A Shared Vision.” 

TWC honors employers who are working to help their employees grow, learn new skills, and contribute to the success of the Lone Star State. There are more than 15.8 million people in Texas’ civilian labor force, and more than 660,000 Texas employers are helping drive that success. 

Large Employer of the Year Awards 

DHR Health nominated by Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley was chosen as Texas’ Large Employer of the Year among three outstanding private-sector employer finalists. In the past 12 months, DHR Health created more than 1,100 new positions, significantly contributing to job growth in healthcare and allied fields. The employer supports approximately 6,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs, spanning industries such as construction, maintenance, medical supply chains, retail, and food service. Through the Skills Development Fund, DHR Health successfully upskilled more than 3,300 staff members. This initiative resulted in an 86 percent completion rate of training deliverables and has positively influenced employee satisfaction, retention, and promotion opportunities, reducing reliance on external recruitment for critical roles.  

The Large Employer of the Year runner-up finalists were Georgia-Pacific, nominated by Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas, and Knauf, nominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas. Through Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas–hosted hiring events at Georgia-Pacific’s Corrigan, Jasper, Diboll, Camden, and Pineland facilities, the employer has filled more than 1,200 jobs in the last year. Georgia-Pacific has created hundreds of local jobs, enhanced technical skills training, improved new-hire retention, and bolstered regional economic and social infrastructure. Knauf’s new fiberglass insulation manufacturing and distribution facility in McGregor, Texas, has created more than 160 new jobs to date and supports an additional 300 positions among local vendors, contractors, and suppliers. Knauf continuously works to upskill its workforce and is actively pursuing training grants and apprenticeship programs, fostering job enrichment and future career growth.  

“I commend all the exemplary employers recognized at the TWC Annual Conference for reinforcing Texas’ reputation across the world as the best for doing business,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “By investing in talent pipelines and innovative training partnerships, they are developing a stronger workforce system that will continue to attract businesses to Texas.” 
 

Small Employer of the Year Awards 

Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital, nominated by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, won Texas’ Small Employer of the Year Award. During the 2024–2025 school year, Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital supported more than 30 students with hands-on learning and dedicated more than $48,000 in staff time and resources to work-based learning efforts. This flexible, student-centered approach allows for career exploration across multiple departments, helping students see themselves in health care beyond traditional roles. Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital welcomed interns interested in marketing, culinary arts, and social work and gave them meaningful projects to develop core skills. Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital also works closely with postsecondary institutions to provide clinical placements that are in high demand.  

The Small Employer of the Year runner-up finalist was Mason Construction, nominated by Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. Mason Construction actively partners with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and posts all job openings on WorkInTexas.com, ensuring equitable access to employment for job seekers. Mason Construction also invests heavily in in-house training and upskilling. In the last year, Mason Construction has trained more than 80 employees, supported more than a dozen in earning new credentials, and facilitated career advancement for numerous staff into supervisory roles.  

“These employers will strengthen Texas's future workforce for generations through skills training and career opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. 

Veteran-Friendly Employer of the Year  

TWC recognized Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages as Veteran-Friendly Employer of the Year for their efforts to recruit and hire veterans. Nominated by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages employs a significant proportion of veterans—more than 900 individuals during 2024, accounting for over 10% of its workforce—with more than 200 veterans hired at self-sustaining wages just last year. Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages has a dedicated veteran recruiting team, led by a former service member, that specializes in connecting with veterans and aligning their military skills to company roles. Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages offers several internal resources and activities designed to support and benefit employed veterans.  

HireAbility Employer of the Year 

Kearney Park Compounding Pharmacy was honored as the HireAbility Employer of the Year. Nominated by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, Kearney Park Compounding Pharmacy has provided meaningful work experiences to students with disabilities for two consecutive years. In 2024, the pharmacy welcomed six Summer Earn and Learn participants, and in 2025, it continued its commitment with one student placement. Currently, the pharmacy employs six individuals, with approximately 25 percent of the workforce identifying as individuals with disabilities. This level of representation highlights the employer’s inclusive hiring philosophy and commitment to creating opportunities for all Texans, regardless of ability. 

“These award-winning employers exemplify what can be achieved when business and community work together toward a shared vision,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Their partnerships with local workforce boards contribute to a powerful statewide network that supports economic growth and strengthens the foundation of our communities.” 

You can watch videos featuring the winners and finalists for the Large, Small, Veteran-Friendly Employer, and HireAbility Employer Awards on the TWC YouTube channel. 

The 28 Local Workforce Development Boards each recognized a Local Employer of Excellence at the conference. The award honors employers actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions that have positively impacted employers, workers, and the community. 

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Texas Workforce Commission is a state agency dedicated to helping Texas employers, workers, and communities prosper economically. For details on TWC and its services in coordination with its local workforce development boards network, call 800-628-5115 or visit https://twc.texas.gov. Subscribe to email updates to receive notifications about TWC programs and services.