Workforce Solutions of Central Texas Announces 35th Annual Torch Awards to Honor Excellence in Central Texas

CENTRAL TEXAS — Workforce Solutions of Central Texas is thrilled to announce its 35th Annual Torch Awards Luncheon, a celebration that recognizes and honors outstanding individuals, businesses, and community organizations making a significant impact in the Central Texas community. The event will take place at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on Thursday, October 26th, 2023, and is expected to bring together hundreds of attendees from across the State.

In the past year, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas demonstrated its commitment to the community by providing 5,365 services that directly benefited 2,135 Central Texas employers. Additionally, it offered 243,366 employment and training services to 82,537 local job seekers. The organization’s emphasis on the unique needs of out-of-school youth resulted in connecting 119 young adults with valuable work experiences and education opportunities. Workforce Solutions of Central Texas also played a pivotal role in supporting low-income working families, providing child care services to more than 3,301 children on average every day.

The Torch Awards will recognize excellence in multiple categories, showcasing the remarkable contributions of individuals and businesses in Central Texas. The Torch Bearer Award, one of the prestigious categories, celebrates outstanding individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to skill development, finding employment, and maintaining a job.

Employer of the Year Awards will be presented to four distinguished organizations: Academy Sports, Baylor Scott & White Health, H-E-B Distribution Center, and H-E-B Gatesville. These organizations have been selected for their exceptional engagement with Workforce System Services, their commitment to hiring veterans, their dedication to training persons with disabilities, as well as their competitive wages and comprehensive benefits packages.

One of the highlights of the event will be the presentation of the Leadership Award, an honor reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in the community. This year, the prestigious Leadership Award will be presented to Mr. Rod Henry, the President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Central Texas community.