Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas Honors Businesses and Individuals at 2026 Awards of Excellence Banquet

Mary York, Division Director of Workforce Development, Texas Workforce Commission

WACO, TEXAS — Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas hosted its 2026 Annual Awards of Excellence Banquet on Thursday, January 15, at the Baylor Club at McLane Stadium. The event celebrated individuals, businesses, and organizations from across the Heart of Texas region, which includes Bosque, Falls, Freestone, Hill, Limestone, and McLennan counties.

This event recognized outstanding contributions to workforce and economic development, highlighting the exceptional efforts of local leaders and businesses that drive progress and opportunity throughout the region.

Award Recipients:

Outstanding Youth Participant: Sarah Sperling

Outstanding Program Participant: Tilmon Fenske

Outstanding Child Care Provider: Future Minds Childcare

Employer of Excellence for Bosque County: Lutheran Sunset Ministries

Employer of Excellence for Falls County: Shrieve Chemicals

Employer of Excellence for Freestone County: Big Brown Fly Ash

Employer of Excellence for Hill County: Wells

Employer of Excellence for Limestone County: Walmart Mexia

Employer of Excellence for McLennan County: Chaparral Insulation Co.

David K. Stanford HireAbility Employer: Caterpillar

Outstanding Small Employer: Himes Service Company, Inc.

Outstanding Large Employer: Knauf

Employer of the Year: Chaparral Insulation Co.

Partner of the Year: Mexia Economic Development Corporation

The Réne Clayton Outstanding Workforce Professional: Ashi’sa Laki Jones

Honorable Elenor Holmes Service to Community: Honorable Scott M. Felton