San Diego, CA – The Ӱɴý’ bestowed its 2025 John Lex Premier Achievement Award on H-E-B, a Texas-based supermarket chain. In previous years, this award has been given to a particular individual, but this year, for the first time, the award was received by an Ӱɴý member company and its employees.
“In the immediate aftermath of this summer’s catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, H-E-B sprang into action with such impressive speed and commitment to those in need, it earned itself the nickname ‘FEMA of Texas,’” said Ӱɴý President & CEO Chris Spear. “This humanitarian mission was the most recent example of H-E-B’s generosity in action, a defining characteristic for this company with deep roots in the community that date back to 1905. We applaud H-E-B and its employees for their selflessness, passion, and dedication to deliver hope where it is needed most.”
“At H-E-B, providing aid in times of disaster is a cornerstone of our ‘Helping Here’ philosophy, which promises to stand by and uplift communities during times of need,” said H-E-B Senior Vice President of Transportation Logistics Todd Wright. “I’m so proud of how H-E-B partners from across the company rallied together to support the impacted areas in any and every way that they could. The road to recovery will be long, but H-E-B remains committed to providing the support for as long as it’s needed. On behalf of our H-E-B family, I want to thank the Ӱɴý for recognizing the efforts of our amazing H-E-B partners and for their support to help us continue to put our spirit of giving work into action.”
In the early morning hours of Independence Day, Central Texas was hit with a deluge of rainfall, triggering catastrophic flash flooding that claimed the lives of at least 135 people.
In response, H-E-B’s legendary disaster response team swiftly deployed three disaster relief sites in Central Texas to distribute water, ice, snacks, cleaning kits, gift cards, shelter support, and even a Mobile Kitchen to serve hot meals staffed by H-E-B partners. The Butt family, H-E-B, and the H.E. Butt Foundation had committed $5 million to help fund nonprofits providing aid and recovery support to communities most in need.
In addition to honoring H-E-B with the 2025 John Lex Premier Achievement Award, TCF will be making a $5,000 donation to the charitable organization on H-E-B’s behalf. The charity H-E-B selected is the West Kerr Public School Foundation to help meet their healing needs through support for their district’s teachers and counselors.