Focus on Women In the Workforce

The La Grange Area Chamber of Commerce held the annual National Women’s Small Business Seminar and Workshop at Casino Hall on Friday, Oct. 27.

Distinguished guests included Texas Workforce Commissioner Aaron Demerson, La Grange Mayor Jan Dockery and Destinee Vargas from U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul’s office.

“(Women) run their own businesses, take charge of the boardroom, build upon last year’s successes while juggling personal responsibilities related to childcare and family life,” said La Grange Chamber Chairwoman Deokie Jamjohn during the opening remarks.

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area Chief Operations Officer Diane Tackett spoke about the various programs Workforce Solutions offers that support employers and employees in Texas, such as childcare assistance and legal guidance.

“Nearly half of our working population are women supporting all these different industries,” said Demerson, who will soon transition into a new role as President of the Texas Economic Development Corporation. “Tap into that pipeline of talent.”

The seminar a workshop on employment law led by Mario Hernandez of the Texas Workforce Commission, a session on entrepreneurship with Annie Hudspeth of the Small Business Administration, a discussion on education and business ownership by Becky Garlick of Blinn College and a class on situational awareness and identifying threats from police officer and defense instructor Tammy Jo McCleney.