Community Is The Heart Of Texas Businesses

We all know Texas businesses are known for being innovative and driving our economy. But there’s another side to the story that’s always been part of our identity. As Houstonians we know that whatever is best for the community is also good for business.

Even though they are not Texans, a brand like Ben & Jerry’s have built their whole identity around mixing the best dessert ever with a serious social mission, focusing on stuff like fair trade, climate action, and justice. They call it “linked prosperity,” meaning they believe their success is tied to everyone else’s – from the farmers growing their ingredients to the communities buying their pints.

But Let’s Focus Back on Texas

Well, let me tell you, Texas businesses are not sitting on the sidelines. I was looking into this, and it’s inspiring to see the sheer variety of ways companies here are stepping up.

Big players like Texas Instruments are investing heavily in education, while companies like Reliant Energy and ABC Home & Commercial Services encourage employee volunteering and support tons of local causes.

And we can’t leave big retailers like Walmart and H-E-B out of the equation either. They do so much, it’s hard to list it all, but their food bank initiatives as well as their constant support for education are a BIG part of their community work.

So, here’s a few tips of things you can do to focus on giving back to the community.

1. Give Strategically: Donate funds or resources (in-kind donations are super valuable!) to non-profits whose missions align with your company values. Think about matching employee donations, too!
2. Weave in Sustainability: Look at your operations. Can you reduce waste? Conserve energy or water? Switch to greener packaging? Source materials more ethically? Every little bit helps protect our beautiful Texas environment.
3. Team Up: Partner with local non-profits. They know the needs, and you can provide resources, volunteers, or visibility. Organizations like Communities Foundation of Texas or your local Chamber of Commerce can help connect you.
4. Think About Your Structure: For some, becoming a certified B Corp (like Ben & Jerry’s) or a Public Benefit Corporation, it makes sense to formally bake purpose into your business model. For others, it’s about embedding that mission right into your daily culture.

It’s clear that Texas businesses have a huge heart and are finding creative, impactful ways to give back. Remember that building a brand that benefits society strengthens your reputation, attracts amazing employees and loyal customers, and honestly, just makes our state an even better place to live and work.