11.10.23
Texan by Nature (TxN), a Texas-led conservation nonprofit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, has announced 20 honorees of the 5th Annual Texan by Nature 20 (TxN 20) – an official ranking of companies with Texas operations that have made a demonstrative commitment to conservation.
The TxN 20 recognizes the best and most innovative work in conservation coming from business based or operating in Texas. As part of the TxN 20, Texan by Nature honors companies across 12 industries in the Lone Star State whose ingenuity cultivates impactful programs and forges new, beneficial paths in conservation. With 171 million acres of land and global leadership across multiple industries, Texas is fortunate to have industry leaders who see the value in partnering with conservation initiatives while developing innovative, environmentally sustainable methods and processes within their business.
“We believe in building an environmentally sustainable future through actions, collaborations, and innovative models in conservation,” said Joni Carswell, CEO & president of Texan by Nature. “It is an honor to celebrate the Texas-based industry leaders that share these values and prove the transformative benefits of pairing business resources with conservation efforts to impact the globe.”
A Catalogue of Best Practices
A catalyst for thought leadership, innovative partnerships and community-led solutions, Texan by Nature has been working with the Texas business community to implement Texas-led conservation practices. The TxN 20 provides not only recognition to honorees, but a catalogue of best practices and metrics to industry peers. The honoree’s commitment to conservation, their projects and programs, best practices, and lessons learned are examples and inspiration, the nonprofit says.
“I’m happy to celebrate this year’s TxN 20, and I encourage other companies to follow their example and engage in conservation. Together, we can contribute to our prosperous economy, protect our rich natural resources, and ensure that Texas has a bright and beautiful future for our children and grandchildren to enjoy,” said former First Lady and Texan by Nature Founder, Laura Bush.
The 2023 TxN 20 is catalyzed by Jetco Delivery.
“With our investment in the TxN 20, we hope to amplify cross-industry innovations and actions that will inspire and propel businesses toward a sustainable future,” said Kyle Kristynik, president at Jetco.
To select the 2023 TxN 20, company data submissions were evaluated and independent research across over 2,000 of Texas’ publicly traded and private companies was conducted for 12 industry sectors. All companies were evaluated on key criteria through a 17-point scoring system to narrow down the list to the top 60 companies in Texas. Key scoring criteria included: stated commitment to conservation; reported metrics related to conservation; measured investment in conservation; reported Return on Conservation results; positive conservation impact on land, water, wildlife, people, waste, energy, and more; and activities such as infrastructure, production and supply chain, employee engagement, among others. Each year, a selection committee of top industry leaders is formed to evaluate the top 60 companies and select the final honorees for the TxN 20. TxN 20 selection and recognition is also supported by Holt Cat.
2023 TxN 20 Honorees
Alamo Group
Cemex
Cirrus Logic
CPS Energy
Darling Ingredients
Desert Door Sotol
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
Holt Cat
JP Morgan
Microsoft
NextEra Energy
North American Development Bank
Ørsted
Overland Partners
PepsiCo
Stantec
Texas Health Resources
Wayne Sanderson Farms
WM
The TxN 20 2023 Selection Committee
Rick Archer, founding principal – Overland Partners;
Andrejs E. Avots-Avotins, MD, PhD, The Elizabeth & Drayton McLane, Jr. Chair in Health and Wellness vice president of medical affairs – Baylor Scott & White Health – Temple;
Zach Baumer, interim chief sustainability officer - City of Austin;
Tracee Bentley, president & CEO – Permian Strategic Partnership;
Stoney Burke, founder/CEO, Aquia Group, TxN Advisory Council;
Edward Craner, senior vice president – Holt Cat;
Matthew Crommett, managing director – LH Capital, Inc, Lyda Hill Philanthropies;
Michael Dorff, communications and public affairs – Raytheon;
Trey Dyer, Director of Land and Fixed Assets – The East Foundation;
Smith Getterman, director of sustainability and special projects – Baylor University;
Robert Horton, vice president, environmental affairs & sustainability – Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, TxN Board;
Devin Hotzel, manager, government relations – Enbridge;
Bob Malone, chairman, president & CEO – Sonora Bank;
Richard McDonald, corporate director sustainability, Sundt Construction Corporation;
VJ Smith, Manager, ESG and stakeholder engagement – Marathon Petroleum; and
Audrey Templeton, enterprise risk manager – Molson Coors.
Information on each 2023 TxN 20 honoree can be viewed here.
Information on each 2023 TxN 20 honoree can be viewed here.