Texas has long led the nation in job creation, business relocations, and economic growth. But what’s behind that success? In the inaugural episode of Another Week of Available Work, hosts Joe Esparza, Commissioner at the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and Bonnie Downs, Director of Communications at Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC), pull back the curtain on what makes Texas tick—and how employers can take advantage of it.

At its heart, this show is about partnership. The name itself, Another Week of Available Work, is more than a catchy phrase—it’s a reflection of Texas’s deep commitment to keeping jobs open, businesses thriving, and communities working together to solve challenges. Whether it’s workforce development, education alignment, or innovative employer programs, it all starts with one key idea: we do things differently here.

What Makes Texas #1 for Business?

Texas doesn’t just attract headlines for its booming economy—it consistently ranks as one of the best places to do business in the U.S. That’s no accident. Joe and Bonnie make it clear that the state’s success is rooted in a few core principles:

• Pro-business policies that lower barriers to growth.
• Regional partnerships that solve problems at the local level.
• Workforce-first mindset that aligns training with real business needs.

Texas leaders understand that jobs don’t grow in isolation. It takes coordination between employers, workforce boards, schools, and local communities to create an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. And that’s what this podcast aims to highlight—real conversations with real leaders working together to ensure another week of available work is always within reach.

The Power of Collaboration

The episode dives into how this collaboration works in practice. Take economic development, for example. A company might be looking to expand or relocate. In Texas, they don’t just get incentives—they get connected. Local workforce boards are brought in early to help identify the skills that will be needed and the talent pool available. Educational institutions are tapped to shape curriculum or fast-track training programs. Economic developers ensure the infrastructure is ready to go.

It’s not just talk. It’s execution.

Joe and Bonnie both emphasize that this model isn’t top-down—it’s local-first. Regions across Texas are empowered to solve problems their way, while still having access to state-level support and resources. That flexibility allows communities to innovate while staying aligned with broader goals.

Why It Matters to Employers

If you’re an employer in Texas, or thinking about becoming one, this episode sets the stage for how you can benefit from the Texas way of doing business.

You’ll hear about:

• Training programs and grants available through the Texas Workforce Commission.
• Regional workforce boards that provide tailored hiring and training support.
• Connections to local education partners to develop pipelines of skilled talent.

This isn’t just a feel-good intro—it’s a blueprint for action. Whether you’re trying to fill 5 roles or 500, the state has infrastructure in place to support your goals.

What’s Ahead

This episode is the foundation for everything that follows. In future weeks, the podcast will spotlight business leaders, nonprofit changemakers, and government innovators—each offering insight into how they’re keeping Texas working.

And while the stories will span industries and regions, the message will stay the same: When we work together, Texas wins.

Hear the full inaugural episode here on Another Week of Available Work.