March Member of the Month: H-E-B

Each month, the Austin Young Chamber will highlight a member who is doing extraordinary work to strengthen our businesses, our community…or both! Showcasing their achievements is just one way we can put a spotlight on the talented, collaborative, and community-focused workforce we have here in Central Texas.
This month we recognize Corporate Member, H-E-B.
H-E-B is a strong community partner and above all, values people. From interacting with customers, connecting with local nonprofits, and taking care of their H-E-B Partners (employees), it is important for them to build meaningful relationships. H-E-B wants our communities to know that they are there to support them no matter what. They’re in the people business, they just happen to sell groceries.
H-E-B has implemented many initiatives over the past 12 months. Three they happen to be very proud of are:
- Hunger Relief – In the wake of the winter storm, H-E-B donated $1 million to Texas food banks to provide support to communities in need after severe winter weather.
- Partner Support – H-E-B awarded $500 to over 12,000 full-time and part-time partners for their hard work and exceptional service.
- E-commerce Innovation – H-E-B Curbside and Home Delivery began to accept SNAP EBT payments to digitally pay for their orders.
They’ve really focused on growth development at H-E-B for our young professional workforce. In their ongoing efforts of diversity and inclusion, they recently launched their Partner Resource Group program where partners (their employees) are able to connect and have a safe space for meaningful conversation. One of their groups is the My H-E-B Gen – multigenerational mentorship & networking, where the focus is to enable their young leads to continue to grow and foster the culture of H-E-B. They’ve encouraged their partners to join in on great networking opportunities with AYC to not only get to know themselves better, but the community they’re in.
Leaning on their experience in crisis management, one thing they advised businesses can do to be better prepared for the future was “to focus on having a plan and truly communicating their plan to their team so that everyone knows what best next steps will be in any situation.”