Brownwood resident Ann Jones was awarded a “Yellow Rose of Texas” on Friday from Texas Governor Rick Perry’s office.

The award, given only through the Office of the Governor, recognizes Texas women for their significant contributions to their communities and to Texas in the preservation of history, the accomplishments of the present, and the building of the future.

Jones has been very active in the community over the years and is the chairperson of the Workforce Education Committee.  The committee works to bring together public schools, higher education, and major employers in Brown County to help strengthen the local workforce.

Through the committee’s efforts, several programs have been implemented to help educate local students to join the workforce in good paying local jobs.   As a result of the committee’s work, Brown County has been invited to join a pilot program which is using the same workforce education concept in several cities across the state. Michael Brown of SkillsNet made a presentation of the pilot program to local businesses at the monthly Brownwood Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Friday.  Brown also presented Jones with the award (pictured).