Get Skills To Work

Are you having trouble filling your manufacturing position? Looking to hir veterans? We have a solution for you. Get Skills to Work unites manufacturers and educators to prepare and place veterans in manufacturing careers. With an estimated 600,000 advanced manufacturing job openings across America, this program is committed to closing the gap and creating a new future for those who endeavored to make things better.

Get Skills to Work is a two-pronged approach to help build a sustainable model:

1. Provide veterans with a virtual badge that translates their Military Occupational Speciatly ( MOS ) to civilian jobs in the mamufacturing industry and indentifies them as skilled for those jobs

2. Help veterans obtain the additional akills they need in an accelerated pathway to acquire nationally reconized industry certifications

We are spearheading this program to get as many service men and women with qualifications for your positions with badges and generate the supply that local manufacturers require. To find out more about the program and how you can benefit,join us on May 7th, 9:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m. at the Houston -Galveston Area Council building located at :

3555 Timmons, 2nd floor Conference Room
Houston, TX 77027

For more information call 979-245-4808 ext. 2619

Texas Senate

Earlier this week the Senate voted 31-0 for Senate Joint Resolution which would ask Texas voters to appove taking $5.7 billion out of the state's Rainy Day Fund. Of that amount, $2.9 billion would go to transportation, $2.billion for water infrastructure projects and $800 million to public education. The measure apporved yesterday will put $2.9 billion directly into the state highway fund, which TxDOT will use instead of issuing that much new debt. This will leave $6 billion in the fund and the Governor said he is more comfortable with $7 billion in the fund. The House has not yet taken action on the Joint Resolution.

New Merchant on Monterey Square

Matrtess Discounters of Texas is now open on the Square next door to Razzmatazz Hair Salon.There prices can't be beat. Come and ckeck out this great addition to Montrery Square, in downtown Wharton.

ISO Rating

From checking hydrants to improving emergency communications, City of Wharton officials are doing what it takes to lower the area's fire insurance premuims. The area's Insurance Service office ratings has improved significantly, this year dropping from a class 6 to a class4. The rating is a number based on the community's ability to provide adequate fire protection.The ISO's Protection Dept. based in Austin,said the City should be proud of its accomplishment .The public will see benefits in what they're paying. Good Job!

Town Meeting / Brown Bag Lunch

U.S. Representative Congressman Blake Fernthold will host a Town Meeting on Tuesday, March 26th, at 12:00, at the Wharton Civic Center,1924 N. Fulton Street in Wharton.Please come and join us.

Gathering Place for Children

A new business to give children more activites ,from batting cages to bounce houses to a Disney- themed toddler play land , Moonwalks -n - more plans to offer something for all ages  at its Wharton facility, which will break ground next month. Providing a local place for all area kids to get  together is the point , behind the project.

Annual Chocolate Walk

Monterey Square Merchants will host their Annual Chocolate Walk from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23rd. Follow the yellow ribbons to play Chocolate Bingo, register to win a 100.00 shopping spree and Art Show. The Easter Bunny is also coming.

Starting and Running Your Business Seminar

On Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 10:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m.at the Bay City Civic Center, 201 7th St Bay City Tx.A  seminar on Starting and Running Your Business.The fee is $30.00 and that includes coffee and lunch.Register now and save.Contact: bethhouston@scorehouston.org or call 713-487-6565

Free USDA Rual Development Housing Seminar

USDA Rual Development will be hosting free Housing Seminar Wednsday, March 13,2013 at the Wharton Civic Center Meeting Room B, 1924 N.Fulton St. Wharton, Texas at 10:00a.m. Representatives of USDA Rual Development will review eligibilty requirements and process for applying for a housing assistance loan with interestrd  applicants. The public is invited, a
nd all interested individuals are encouraged to attend to find out how they can become home owners with the assistance of USDA Rual Development.

REAP SEMINAR

USDA Rual Development will hold a commuity - wide discussion for those interested in the Rual Energy for America Program, which provides finanical assistance to rual businesses and agricultural producers interested in pursuing renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. The meeting will take place March 13,2013, at 10:00 a.m. in Meeting Room A at the Wharton Civic Center, 1924 N.Fulton St.
Wharton,Texas,

One of many outstanding Wharton High School Students

Congratulation to Wharton High School senior Bartee Grissom. Bartee has honored his school, community and parents. He was awarded an Athleadership Grant.Receiving this prestigious award is an honor, one that is only given to a selected number of student athletes throughout the country in all sports from football to track. Thank you Bartee you have made all of us proud.

2013 Wharton County Job Fair

The annual Wharton County Job Fair will be held this Tuesday, Feb.12th from 9:00a.m. until 2:00p.m. at the El Campo Civic Center. Job seeker are strongly encouraged to be perpared for an interview with prospective employers. Please come with copies of your resume in hand and dressed to impress.

A new twist this year features Frannet, a franchising firm, represented by Dianne Trondsen. She will meet with attendees potentially interested in opening a franchise business ( which is listed with her firm ) to learn the details and specifics of how to get it done. Individuals interested in knowing more prior to the event can visit her website at www.frannet.com to see which companies are in her repertoire. FranNet is Nort America's leader in matching individuals with franchise opportunites. Based in Louisville, Ky.

Seminar Set for Business Owners

The State will host this month's events in Houston and Victoria. During the month of January, the comptroller's Office will conduct 18 free taxpayers seminars across the State. Houston: Tuesday January 8th,  6 to 8:00 p.m.at the Southwest Field Office, 7011 Harwin Drive. Suite 186, 713-738-1665

Happy New Year

The WEDC.Staff would like to wish you a Happy and Prosperous New Year