AUSTIN, Texas – Aug. 11, 2015 - The Austin Chamber of Commerce today announced that Austin Gives, its program to recognize and encourage business philanthropy throughout the Austin area, has grown to more than 300 participating companies.

Businesses in Austin Gives donate 1 percent or more of their pre-tax earnings to the local community. This includes giving back through cash donations, volunteering and donation of products and services that strengthen the nonprofit sector.

“The 310 Austin Gives businesses are a testament to the great philanthropic support from the business community throughout our region,” said Jennifer Stevens, President and CEO, JHL Company and Chair of the Austin Gives leadership council. “These local employers and their employees truly care about giving back and strengthening our community.”

In addition to breaking through the 300 company milestone, the Chamber announced that four new local leaders joined the Austin Gives council. New members include Kathleen Lucente, President, Red Fan Communications; Lisa Trahan, Director of Communications, St. David’s Foundation; David Tripoli, Operating Partner, Truluck’s; and Curtis Page, Managing Director, Higginbotham.

“With a growing number of companies giving back, and an exceptional group of local volunteers on our council, we are well positioned to reach our goal of having 500 participating Austin Gives businesses by 2017,” said Beth Krueger, Executive Director of Austin Gives.

The Chamber today also launched a redesigned Austin Gives program website. The new site, which can be found at a new .GIVES address (http://www.austin.gives/), provides details on how companies can join the voluntary program.

Austin Gives was created by the Austin Chamber in partnership with Entrepreneurs Foundation of Central Texas and United Way for Greater Austin following a Chamber intercity visit to Minneapolis-St. Paul in 2010. During the visit, then Chamber Chairman Bobby Jenkins was introduced to a similar philanthropic program. Following the best practices trip, Jenkins made it his goal to develop a business recognition program in Austin. After surveying local businesses and nonprofits for input, Austin Gives was launched in 2011.

About the Austin Chamber

The mission of the Austin Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous regional economy and effective advocacy for its more than 3,000 members. For more information about the Austin Chamber of Commerce visit AustinChamber.com.

Media Inquiries:

Jenny Steward, Public Relations Manager, Austin Chamber of Commerce.

jsteward@austinchamber.com

O: 512.322.5637

###