DuPont Sabine River Works received the Local Employer of Excellence Award for the Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas area at the recent Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 18th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held earlier this month. The Local Employer of Excellence Award honors private-sector employers that are actively involved with their local workforce board and have made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.

DuPont operates in Orange. The refinery produces ethylene copolymers for packing and industrial applications and continually works with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas to recruit and hire skilled workers, including veterans, for its high-growth, high-skilled jobs. This year, DuPont collaborated with Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas and Lamar State College–Orange to develop customized training for 458 incumbent workers and 61 new employees through TWC’s Skills Development Fund program. The training incorporated best health and safety industry practices and training in computer software applications and technical writing.

The company is active in several community projects, including educating children about industry-related occupations through its Take your Sons and Daughters to Work initiative and providing hands-on education experiences for students through the Science Super Star Program. DuPont subsidizes attendance to the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) convention for local science teachers. Additionally, DuPont sponsors educational sessions at the NSTA convention regarding the importance of environmental stewardship for more than 35,000 students and teachers

“It’s through partnerships with community-minded employers such as DuPont Sabine River Works that we are able to help prepare local workers for today’s job market and provide the skills needed for tomorrow’s workplace,” said Marilyn Smith, executive director of Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas. “We appreciate and applaud their efforts and those of other employers who support workforce development efforts in our area.”

Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas also was recognized for outstanding board performance, receiving a $30,000 Performance Incentive Award for Claimant Reemployment. 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.

Photo: DuPont Sabine River Works Honored at Texas Workforce Conference. Standing: Imogene Chargois, Lois Cornwell, Myrna Harris, and Mary Hammon. Seated: Pamela Wise, Dannie Prosperie, Sally Barrett, Carey Georgas, and Veda Butler.