In response to the recent severe flooding that has impacted the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas, local businesses have played a significant role in providing relief and support. The aftermath of these floods has seen a range of community efforts, from neighbors assisting each other to companies offering direct aid and resources.
Companies such as H-E-B deployed their disaster response teams, including mobile kitchens, to help affected families. Local restaurants like P. Terry’s and Kerbey Lane contributed by donating proceeds to flood relief initiatives. Additionally, contributions have been made to organizations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation, both of which are focusing on long-term recovery efforts.
Jeremiah Bentley, vice president of marketing and community affairs at Texas Mutual Insurance Company, and Justen Noakes, executive director of BeforeDuringAfter, highlighted the importance of ongoing corporate support beyond initial donations. They stated: “This is the kind of community spirit we’ve come to expect in Texas—but as cleanup has transitioned to long-term recovery, the road ahead requires continued and intentional support from every corner of the state.”
They emphasized that recovery should be viewed as a continuous process rather than a single event: “But this kind of corporate giving can’t stop when the camera crews leave. Recovery isn’t a moment; it’s a process.”
The statement also pointed out concerning statistics about business recovery after disasters: “FEMA estimates that 40 percent of small businesses never reopen after a natural disaster. The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates the number is closer to 90 percent. That’s not just a statistic—that’s a warning.”
Bentley and Noakes encouraged businesses across Texas to make social responsibility an integral part of their operations: “Whether you’re a statewide employer with hundreds of employees or a neighborhood business with a loyal customer base, your support matters.” They also stressed following guidance from local leaders for effective recovery: “The most effective recovery efforts are those led by communities themselves, and businesses should follow their lead.”
The message concluded with an appeal for sustained engagement: “Recovery from these floods will take years. Let’s not let the momentum fade. And let’s make sure that our support doesn’t come with an expiration date.”
