In the aftermath of severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country and Central Texas, businesses across the region have played a significant role in relief and recovery efforts. Local companies have contributed emergency resources, opened their doors to displaced residents, and provided services free of charge.
According to Jeremiah Bentley, vice president of marketing and community affairs at Texas Mutual Insurance Company, and Justen Noakes, executive director of BeforeDuringAfter, corporate giving should not end when media attention fades. They stated: “Recovery isn’t a moment; it’s a process.”
Businesses such as H-E-B mobilized disaster response units with mobile kitchens and direct aid for affected families. Restaurants like P. Terry’s and Kerbey Lane donated proceeds to flood relief initiatives. Community organizations including the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and the Central Texas Community Foundation have also received support aimed at long-term recovery.
Bentley and Noakes highlighted alarming statistics about business recovery following natural 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,” they said.
They further emphasized that philanthropy must be integrated into company culture rather than being limited to one-time donations. Businesses are encouraged to support vetted relief funds, offer paid time off for employees who volunteer, or partner with nonprofits to address changing community needs.
The authors also stressed the importance of working alongside local leaders during recovery efforts: “The most effective recovery efforts are those led by communities themselves, and businesses should follow their lead.”
They concluded by urging all companies—regardless of size—to maintain ongoing involvement in disaster recovery: “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.”
Jeremiah Bentley is vice president at Texas Mutual Insurance Company, while Justen Noakes leads BeforeDuringAfter.
