H-E-B'S Trees for Texas Initiative Takes Root

H-E-B'S Trees for Texas Initiative Takes Root
H-E-B Seeks Teacher Applications for Environmental Piece of Yearlong 100th Anniversary Celebration

SAN ANTONIO—Did you know that an average tree absorbs ten pounds of pollutants from the air each year? Students across Texas have an opportunity to learn this and other key benefits of trees thanks to a new education program from H-E-B.

As part of H-E-B's 100th anniversary celebration, sixth through eighth grade public school educators within H-E-B's trade areas are invited to apply to participate in a special environmental education project developed by American Forests. A total of 40 schools will be selected to receive ESRI Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and American Forests' "CITYgreen" software.

Each software and curriculum package is valued at approximately $2,000. Schools will also receive five historic tree saplings to be planted on campus or in the local community.

"H-E-B's Celebration 100 campaign is an opportunity to celebrate our first century of service and to thank our customers and communities who have supported us over the years," said H-E-B Project Director Kate Rogers." These new saplings from historic trees are symbolic of our Texas roots and our future growth."

Educators can complete a brief form that will be available beginning Wednesday, September 1, 2004 at www.heb.com. Applications are due to H-E-B by Friday, October 1, 2004, and selected educators will be notified by Monday, October 18, 2004.

Teachers who are selected will be asked to attend one of four Saturday training sessions to be held this fall. If a teacher is unable to attend the training session for his/her region, he/she may attend another training session that is more convenient. The training sessions will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:

Houston - October 30, 2004
Corpus Christi - November 6, 2004
Austin - November 13, 2004
San Antonio - November 20, 2004

"H-E-B is committed to actively pursuing environmental initiatives that ensure the natural beauty of the communities we serve and that educate students about the world around them," said Susan Ghertner, H-E-B's Manager of Environmental Affairs. "We are proud to offer this opportunity to Texas educators and to partner with an organization that is committed to preserving our forests for generations to come."

American Forests (www.americanforests.com) is the nation's oldest nonprofit citizens' conservation organization. As a part of its Global ReLeaf reforestation project, American Forests will plant 100 trees in honor of each of the 40 Texas schools in various forests across the country.

For 100 years, H-E-B has been an innovative retailer. Known for its fresh food, quality products and convenient services, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at the lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B proudly employs over 56,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities throughout Texas and Mexico.

For more information, please contact:
Ashley Smith, TateAustin, (512) 344-2034, asmith@tateaustin.com
Susan Ghertner, H-E-B Manager, Environmental Affairs, 210-938-6502, ghertner.susan@heb.com