Chamber announces Austin Gives keynote and awards finalists

The Austin Chamber of Commerce has selected Jeff Thomas, senior vice president and general manager of HEB Central Texas Region, to receive the Bobby Jenkins Philanthropic Leadership Award and keynote the seventh annual Austin Gives Generous Business Awards luncheon. The chamber also announced the finalists for its Generous Business Awards, which honor businesses that have pledged 1 percent of pre-tax earnings, products or volunteer time to the community. In a press release, the chamber’s Beth Krueger said, “Austin Gives looks to honor all of the job creators and employers that make giving back to the community a part of their business model. Each year special recognition is given to those businesses that are giving back in meaningful and impactful ways. We receive a multitude of deserving nominees and are confident Austin will once again bring forth the best stories of how businesses are making a difference through their philanthropy.” Buy tickets or tables for the Generous Business Awards luncheon, held at the Austin Hilton on April 12, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., here.