Presentation at Austin Gives annual event on March 22

AUSTIN, Texas (March 7, 2018) – The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce announced that Gary S. Farmer, president of Heritage Title, was selected to receive the Bobby Jenkins Philanthropic Leadership Award. The honor goes to those in our business community who exemplify a long-term commitment to philanthropy. It’s designed to recognize business leaders who promote the welfare and well-being of others and demonstrate a love for humanity by exercising their values for the public good.

“Gary is so well deserving of this recognition though we recognize he does what he does for the community and not for the headlines,” said Bobby Jenkins, the award’s namesake and longtime Austin philanthropic leader. “He is one of the most genuine and passionate leaders about the health and future of our community and we are fortunate to have him deeply involved for so many years.”

For decades, Famer has been working to make the Austin region a great place to live, work and raise a family. As a donor, he has supported non-profit organizations like the Seton Fund, The Thinkery, Heart Gift, Dell Jewish Community Center, Hill Country Conservancy, Texas Tribune, Helping Hand Home, Caritas, University of Texas, Waller Creek Conservancy and Dell Medical Center. Famer currently volunteers as a board member for the following organizations: Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation, The University of Texas Chancellor’s Council, The University of Texas Development Board, President’s Council of The Real Estate Council of Austin, National Multi Housing Council and The Waller Creek Conservancy.

The philanthropy honor will be presented as part of this year's Austin Gives Generous Business luncheon scheduled for March 22, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency in Austin. The Generous Business Awards were created by Austin Gives to recognize and celebrate businesses in the Austin community who make giving back a part of their business model. Full event details are on the Chamber’s website.

About Gary Famer

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Gary has been serving the community since he was a Boy Scout; he recounts fond memories of riding his bike through community neighborhoods to help others and lend a helping hand wherever possible. His longtime philanthropic service covers the broadest of spectrums, including community leadership. He was the founder of the Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation in 2003; Co-Founder of the Real Estate Council; Past Chair of Advantage Austin III; Capital Area Transportation Coalition and the Take on Traffic Initiative. He has served as a Board Member on numerous other civic and charitable organizations and has chaired six capital campaigns which have raised approximately $75 million.

Currently, Gary is chairing the Opportunity Austin 4.0 capital campaign for economic development and co-chairing the Waller Creek Conservancy campaign to transform Waller Creek in the central business district into a world class system of parks and trails.

About Austin Gives
Austin Gives, a program of the Austin Chamber, is committed to recognizing and encouraging business philanthropy in Austin, Texas. Businesses of all sizes that commit to giving one or more percent of their pre- tax earnings toward financial contributions, donated products or services or volunteering are invited to be recognized as an Austin Gives Business. The program includes more than 500 businesses across the Austin area.

About the Greater Austin Chamber
The Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce focuses on how the Austin Region works. We serve as the voice of business for 2,800 organizations representing a combined workforce of about 330,000 employees throughout Central Texas. Our mission is to provide leadership that facilitates the creation of a prosperous economy and effective advocacy for members. For more information, please visit AustinChamber.com.

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Media Inquiries:
Mike Berman, SVP Communications and Marketing
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce
512.322.5646
mberman@austinchamber.com