Kona Ice Presents Award to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for Enabling $32 Million in School Giveback
AUSTIN, TX – Kona Ice, the leading mobile shaved ice franchise, proudly announced that it has presented Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller with a special award recognizing his pivotal 2015 decision that significantly expanded the ability of Texas franchisees to host “Kona Days” in schools. This groundbreaking decision has directly contributed to an estimated $32,000,000 in community giveback to Texas schools and organizations over the past decade.
Commissioner Miller’s 2015 ruling provided clarity and flexibility regarding competitive food sales in Texas schools, allowing Kona Ice and its franchisees to conduct fundraising events on school campuses. Prior to this decision, various regulations posed challenges to operating “Kona Days,” which are designed to be simple, fun, and highly effective fundraisers where a portion of every sale goes directly back to the school.
“We are incredibly grateful for Commissioner Miller’s foresight and leadership,” said Tony Lamb, Founder & CEO of Kona Ice. “His decision wasn’t just about school nutrition; it was about empowering local communities and providing schools with a much-needed, hassle-free fundraising solution. The $32 million in giveback we’ve tracked since 2015 is a testament to the powerful, positive ripple effect of that single policy change. It has helped fund everything from classroom supplies and playground equipment to extracurricular activities across Texas.”
The award acknowledges Commissioner Miller’s significant impact on both the Kona Ice franchise system within Texas and, more importantly, on the countless students, teachers, and parents who have benefited from the funds raised through Kona Days. The company believes this partnership exemplifies how thoughtful policy can foster strong community-business relationships and yield substantial benefits for educational institutions.
About Kona Ice
Founded in 2007 by Tony Lamb, Kona Ice launched its first Kona Entertainment Vehicle (KEV) in Florence, Kentucky, offering a unique combination of cleanliness, friendliness, and a one-of-a-kind experience. Today, Kona Ice has grown to more than 1,800 mobile units that serve 49 states across the country. Kona Ice has been named to Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 11 consecutive years, earning a spot on the Franchise 500 Hall of Fame, and most recently being named #1 in the “Frozen Desserts” and “Ice Cream” categories. In addition, Kona was named to the Franchise Business Review Top 200 list in the overall “Top 50” and “Enterprise” categories. Other accolades include being named a “Top 100 Most Innovative Franchise” by Franchise Business Review and a “Top Franchise for Veterans.” With a commitment to giving back, Kona Ice has donated over $200 million to communities nationwide. For more on Kona Ice, visit the brand’s online Newsroom and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. For more information about booking Kona Ice for a fundraiser or event, visit www.kona-ice.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.ownakona.com or call (800) KONAICE.