Governor Greg Abbott is calling on the veterans of Texas to mark their calendars for the upcoming 2025 Hiring Red, White & You! statewide hiring fair. Set to kick off on November 4 and run until November 20, the fair is designed to connect veterans, transitioning military members, and their spouses with job opportunities across the state. In a recent announcement, Gov. Abbott highlighted the valued skills veterans bring to the workforce, saying, "The talent of our brave veterans who answered the call to serve our nation is a large part of the Texas economic engine," as reported by the Texas Governor's Office.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), along with Texas Workforce Solutions, is spearheading the effort in collaboration with the Texas Veterans Commission and the Texas Medical Center. The importance of this event is underlined by TWC Chairman Joe Esparza's statement, "It's important that we continue to serve those who served, and do so with priority, resources, and commitment." These hiring fairs are not just meet-and-greets; they have historically led to substantial employment, facilitating over 4,300 same-day hires amongst the thousands of connections made since it began in 2012, as per the Texas Governor's Office press release.
For interested companies, the invitation to the hiring fairs comes at no cost. Employers are encouraged to get in touch with their local Workforce Solutions Office for further details. They can also benefit financially through the Work Opportunity Tax Credit—a federal tax benefit that could yield up to $9,600 for employers who hire veterans. Additionally, TWC lauds businesses where veterans comprise at least 10% of their workforce through its WeHireVets program.
According to the Texas Governor's Office, TWC Commissioners have been vocal about the value veterans add not just to the economy, but to the community at large. This sentiment was echoed by TWC Commissioner Representing the Public, Brent Connett, when he pointed out, "Texas recognizes the invaluable skills and experience that veterans bring, not only to the workforce but to every aspect of our community.” Interested participants and businesses alike can find more information about the Hiring Red, White & You! events on the TWC website, where details on all veteran workforce services in Texas are also available.
