[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E316-E317]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATIONS TO CHARLES C. BUTT, 1999 BORDER TEXAN OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 2, 1999

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today to 
recognize an accomplished individual who is the deserving recipient of 
this year's Border Texan of the Year Award, Mr. Charles C. Butt, 
Chairman & CEO of the H.E.B. Grocery Company.
  This award is given to individuals whose efforts have improved the 
quality of life for residents in South Texas. Recipients of this award 
serve as role models for all Texans. They are an inspiration to others, 
and they exhibit character as well as display a high standard of 
ethics.
  Charles Butt has been selected by the BorderFest Border Texan of the 
Year Committee because his contributions to South Texas in the area of 
employment and economic development are unsurpassed. HEB today stands 
as one of the nation's largest independently owned food retailing 
companies. It is the largest private employer in the state of Texas 
with 45,000 employees, or ``partners,'' and operates 250 stores across 
Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico. HEB generated sales of approximately $7 
billion in 1998. In 1971, Mr. Butt became HEB's Chairman and CEO. At 
that time 4,500 individuals were employed, and revenues were 
approximately $250 million.
  These facts and figures merit mention because they reflect the 
strengths of someone who is a true leader, someone whose vision and 
work ethic has made a successful company even more dynamic.

[[Page E317]]

  Moreover, HEB has always had a practice of reaching out to the 
community. Never just a policy, but always a tradition, the practice of 
helping those in need has only become stronger under the leadership of 
Charles Butt. Time and time again, he has been there to help 
communities in need. When flood-waters ravaged the small city of Del 
Rio, Texas in August, HEB was there. Within hours of this tragedy, HEB 
tankers carrying 5,500 gallons of water were stationed at the Del Rio 
stores around the clock, and construction experts with the company were 
on site helping this city to rebuild. Charles Butt personally was on 
the scene to assist in whatever way he could.
  The spirit of HEB can be seen not only in times of crises, but in 
everyday programs that reflect the company's desire to feed the hungry. 
HEB has revolutionized the food banking efforts with its support of 
twenty food banks--eighteen in Texas and two in Mexico. Since 1983 HEB 
supported food banks have shared more than 150 million pounds of 
donated food and merchandise with some 6,000 organizations. The list of 
charitable works goes on and on.
  Again, I want to say how delighted I am that Charles C. Butt has been 
selected to receive this recognition. He is a man who represents the 
best in our country--a personal devotion to service, a professional 
commitment to excellence, and a visionary grasp of the opportunities 
open to all Americans.
  Thank you for all your contributions, and I am glad to have this 
opportunity to add my accolades to this well-deserved honor. 
Congratulations, Mr. Border Texan!

                          ____________________