Seguin Economic Development Corporation Receives Two 2023 Workforce Excellence Awards from the Texas Economic Development Council

The Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) recognized the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) as a recipient for two of its prestigious Workforce Excellence Awards. The SEDC earned the 2023 Workforce Excellence Award in the Population (15,0001 to 40,000) Category and in the Regional Category alongside the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC). The awards were presented on Thursday, June 22nd, during the TEDC’s 2023 Mid-Year Conference in Allen, Texas.

The SEDC earned the 2023 Workforce Excellence Award in the Population (15,0001 to 40,000) Category for the creation of the Seguin Youth Career Expo event. The Seguin Youth Career Expo was held in January 2023 and was a full-day event that highlighted Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and facilitated connections between more than 800 8th grade students from Seguin ISD, Navarro ISD, Marion ISD, and local businesses representing various industries. Participating businesses set up tradeshow like exhibits that created interactive experiences for the students utilizing audio/video, hands-on activities, technology, equipment, and much more. These interactive exhibits helped highlight to the students the company and their local operations, potential career pathways, and the educational attainment and skill sets that are required for success in that company's industry. 

The Seguin Youth Career Expo allowed for students to learn more about our local businesses, and encouraged students to explore their interests while providing them the opportunity to learn how they can apply those interests to future professional endeavors. The ultimate goal of the event is to inspire these students as they get set to choose their CTE pathways before their freshman year of high school.  

The SEDC and NBEDC earned the 2023 Workforce Excellence Award in the Regional Category for the creation of the Texas Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (TX FAME) Lone Star Chapter. Together the SEDC and the NBEDC created and helped fund the creation of the TX FAME Lone Star Chapter now located at the Central Texas Technology Center located in New Braunfels, Texas. TX FAME Lone Star is an educational opportunity through a paid, apprenticeship-style program provided by FAME USA as an initiative of the Manufacturing Institute (MI) that serves the communities of Seguin, New Braunfels, and other cities in between San Antonio and Austin. The TX FAME Lone Star Chapter is partnering with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) to provide the critical educational component for the program. With a large manufacturing base and the cities of New Braunfels and Seguin continuing to attract new manufacturers, dual needs converged for high demand careers and the training to land those jobs.

The Workforce Excellence Award program recognizes exceptional contributions by a Texas community or region that has implemented successful workforce initiatives. Members of the TEDC’s Workforce Development Committee reviewed and scored the applications from the nominees based on five criteria: innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measured objectives, and secondary benefits.

Communities nominated included: Population Less than 15,000 – Tomball; Population 15,001 to 40,000 –Seguin and Terrell; Population 40,001 to 100,000 – Pflugerville and Weslaco; Population 100,001 to 250,000 – Frisco and San Angelo; Population 250,001 and Above: Lubbock; Regional – Greater San Antonio and New Braunfels/Seguin; Workforce Boards - Alamo/Capital/Rural Capital Areas, Central Texas, Coastal Bend, Greater Dallas and Lower Rio Grande Valley.

“Our TEDC’s Workforce Excellence Award is one of the ways in which our organization honors the outstanding work done by our communities and regions, their leaders, and their economic development professionals in the area of workforce development,” noted Carlton Schwab, President/CEO of the TEDC.”

Both the Seguin Youth Career Expo and the TX FAME Lone Star Chapter were implemented by the SEDC as part of their workforce development program that aims to enhance the skills and employability of the local workforce, attract businesses, and foster economic growth. By investing in education, training, and partnerships, Seguin strives to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that can thrive in the evolving job market.

“We are tremendously honored to receive not just one, but two Workforce Excellence Awards from the Texas Economic Development Council. The recognition in both the Population and Regional categories highlights the significant impact of our initiatives in Seguin,” said SEDC Executive Director Josh Schneuker. “Economic development is a team sport, and the success we’ve achieved in Seguin is a testament to the strong relationships we’ve cultivated with our existing businesses and economic development stakeholders. Together, we are committed to continuing our work, propelling Seguin’s growth and prosperity. We are grateful to the TEDC for this state-level recognition, which further motivates us to excel in our mission. Follow us on social media platforms to stay updated on our endeavors and join us in shaping Seguin’s bright future.”

You can follow the Seguin Economic Development Corporation on the SEDC’s Facebook Page at facebook.com/seguinedc, on Twitter at twitter.com/SeguinEDC, and on our LinkedIn Page at  linkedin.com/company/seguin-economic-development-corporation.

About The Seguin Economic Development Corporation
The Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) drives sustainable economic growth, fosters business development, and enhances prosperity in Seguin, Texas. Through strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, we attract and retain businesses, create job opportunities, and cultivate a vibrant community. With a focus on key industries, we empower businesses to flourish through comprehensive support and a business-friendly environment. Transparency, collaboration, and community engagement shape our work as we advance Seguin’s economic potential and create a sustainable future.

About the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC) 
The TEDC was organized in 1961 and provides information, education and legislative services to its members to foster the expansion of existing businesses, the location of new firms and the development of strategies that promote a positive business climate in Texas. With over 980 members, the TEDC is the largest state economic development association in the nation.