In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Gus Barrera, Chair of the Coastal Bend to Washington, D.C. Delegation to break down one of the Chamber’s most important advocacy efforts: taking the Coastal Bend’s priorities directly to the nation’s capital.

From water and infrastructure to trade, workforce, and regional growth, Gus shares how this trip goes far beyond a few meetings, it’s a coordinated, strategic effort to ensure our region is heard where it matters most.

We dive into why showing up in person makes a difference, how federal funding decisions impact Corpus Christi, and what’s at stake for the Coastal Bend as key policies and agreements including trade and infrastructure investments continue to evolve.

Beyond policy, this episode highlights the power of regional collaboration, the importance of telling our story, and why advocacy is critical to sustaining growth, opportunity, and economic momentum across South Texas.

Topics include:

• What the Coastal Bend to D.C. trip is and why it matters
• How federal advocacy impacts funding, infrastructure, and growth
• Key priorities: water, the Port of Corpus Christi, I-69, and workforce
• Why trade agreements like USMCA are critical to the region
• The importance of showing up in person to tell our story
• Balancing growth with responsible development in Corpus Christi
• How the Economic Empowerment Committee supports small businesses

The Brief is where policy meets business from City Hall to the state Capitol to Washington, D.C. with a focus on jobs, infrastructure, and opportunity in Corpus Christi.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the policies shaping our regional economy.

In Episode 3 of In Focus, the member-exclusive podcast of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, VP of Membership Gloria Fuentes sits down with Aaron Hemi, Director of Communications for Corpus Christi FC.

As Corpus Christi’s first professional soccer team, Corpus Christi FC is bringing a new level of energy, opportunity, and community pride to the Coastal Bend. From building a fan-driven organization to creating pathways for local athletes, the team is shaping more than just a game — it’s building a movement.

Aaron shares insights on:
• What it takes to launch and grow a professional sports team in Corpus Christi
• How communications, marketing, and partnerships work together to build brand awareness
• The game-day experience and what fans can expect at matches
• Opportunities for local businesses to get involved and gain exposure
• How Corpus Christi FC is connecting with the community and inspiring the next generation of players

From nonstop match energy to meaningful community engagement, this episode highlights how Corpus Christi FC is growing the game while bringing people together across the Coastal Bend.

🎙️ In Focus is a member-exclusive spotlight from the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce—exploring the people, purpose, and progress behind the businesses shaping our region.

Welcome back to The Next Wave — a United We Podcast spotlighting young professionals and the impact they’re making across the Coastal Bend.

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Granbury, a maritime transportation student at Texas A&M University–Galveston, to talk about turning a lifelong passion for the water into a real career. From growing up surfing and sailing in Corpus Christi to training on ships and crossing the Atlantic, Jacob shares what it’s really like to pursue a life at sea.

We talk about:
• What maritime careers actually look like behind the scenes
• The hands-on experience of training at sea and working on real vessels
• Leadership, organization, and bringing new ideas into traditional systems
• Why asking questions and following your passion matters more than having it all figured out

Whether you're exploring career paths or looking for something outside the traditional route, this episode is all about finding your direction — and chasing it.

This is The Next Wave. This is what’s next.