For many of us in Southeast Texas, 2018 will be remembered as a time of ongoing recovery and rebuilding from Tropical storm Harvey. Still, the local economy continues its growth due to new businesses moving into the area and on-going industrial and manufacturing expansions. Our labor force has more employment opportunity than ever before as the number of available jobs increases to historical levels. Unemployment trends for our metropolitan statistical area (Jefferson, Orange and Hardin counties) have been exceptionally positive, 5.2 % and 5.9%, for October and September respectively.

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KAT Excavation and Construction, Inc., Sour Lake, was honored as the Local Employer of Excellence for Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas at the 22nd Annual Texas Workforce Conference, held November 27 - 30, in Houston. The award honors private sector businesses that are actively involved with workforce development.

KAT has continually partnered with Workforce Solutions to hire skilled, experienced workers, including Veterans. The company also created a positive environment in the workplace to help reduce employee turnover through training, advancement, and recognition for job performance.

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Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas was awarded first place for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Exemplary Performance Recognition and received a $30,000 Performance Incentive award for WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker Training-Related Employment at the Texas Workforce Commission 2018 Annual Conference (TWC).

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.