Press Release – Brownwood Regional Medical Center (BRMC) was named Large Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 21st Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 in Dallas. BRMC was nominated by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas (West Central) and chosen as the Large Employer of the Year from among three exemplary finalists, out of 22 large, private-sector employers nominated. All nominees were recognized for contributions to their community’s workforce through innovation and collaboration with their local Texas Workforce Solutions partner.
BRMC has been providing health care to the Brown County area since 1969. BRMC employs a diverse group of health care professionals, including those with extensive clinical degrees to those in nonclinical and support positions. The medical center proudly employs five veterans among its approximately 500-member staff.
“l congratulate this year’s Large Employer of the Year Award winner, Brownwood Regional Medical Center, for their demonstrated commitment to partner with local workforce and education partners in support of the local workforce and economy,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “Preparing our future healthcare workforce is crucial work and I commend BRMC for their innovative and valuable work.”
BRMC is actively involved with West Central by means of a regional health care industry partnership, participation on the West Central Texas Workforce Development Board, support of workforce initiatives such as career days, and use of WorkInTexas.com for recruiting and hiring new employees. BRMC also is an active community partner with various civic and community organizations and has made donations, sponsorships and has provided $18.2 million in health care services to the area’s most in-need residents at no cost.
“Congratulations to Brownwood Regional Medical Center on being an exemplary employer in their contributions to their community, local workforce and the Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Ruth R. Hughs. “I commend them on their strong community partnerships, and their investment in the development of skilled workers for the high-demand healthcare industry.”
As a member of the West Central Board, BRMC’s support of the Texas workforce system aligns with its mission to provide safe and quality care. BRMC’s CEO serves as one of the industry champions for the recently launched West Texas Healthcare Sector Partnership. The hospital uses West Central services for recruiting, screening and hiring workers. BRMC has also volunteered to serve as a “mini-residency” site for staff from smaller hospitals to gain valuable hands-on experience in specialty areas, such as obstetrics, delivery, IV, emergency room and trauma care.
“Each year we recognize a large employer who demonstrates a commitment to Texas’ workforce by hiring and retaining skilled staff,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Brownwood Medical Center is a deserving recipient of our Large Employer of the Year award because the medical center serves Texans through its generous community and philanthropic endeavors.”
BRMC has entered agreements with area high schools to host the Health Occupations Students of America program during the school year. The medical center also hosts a junior volunteer program during the summer. For many students, the experience is their first formal job, and professionalism is stressed by stating expectations for their behavior and work ethic. Additionally, BRMC participates in the annual area career fair for high school students, with approximately 750 students in attendance.
“Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas identified the employees that we need and assisted with providing them access to training an education,” said BRMC CEO Chip Camp. “We’re all about helping our employees advance and improving their satisfaction with our company. Being named Large Employer of the Year highlights our commitment to our employees. To maintain and offer high-level quality service, we need to always focus on our employees.”
Additionally, two other exemplary employers were finalists for Texas Workforce Solutions Large Employer of the Year. Domtar Personal Care (Domtar), was nominated by Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas. A contractor in the Heart of Texas region, Domtar designs and produces high-quality branded and partner-branded briefs, protective underwear, pads, baby diapers, training pants and bed mats. Shannon Health (Shannon) was nominated by Workforce Solutions of the Concho Valley. Caring for West Texans for more than 85 years, Shannon is the largest locally based health care provider for the Concho Valley and surrounding region. As the largest employer in the region, Shannon’s workforce consists of more than 3,200 employees.
Each of the 28 local workforce development boards recognized a Local Employer of Excellence at the conference. The award honors an employer that is actively involved with Texas Workforce Solutions and has made a positive impact on employers, workers and the community.
Awards also were granted to local workforce development boards that provided outstanding services to Texas employers, workers, job-seekers and local communities. Additionally, monetary awards were given to the boards that were recognized for outstanding performance. Monetary awards will be used to enhance board service programs during the next year. The primary goal of TWC and its Workforce Solutions board partners is to respond to the needs of Texas employers through locally-designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services.
Photo from the Texas Workforce Commission Facebook Page.
