In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Ana Aldridge, Chair of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, to discuss Corpus Christi’s sister city connection with Agen, France.

From culinary education and international exchange to business partnerships, cultural hospitality, and citizen diplomacy, Ana shares highlights from her recent trip to the south of France with Del Mar College culinary students. She explains how the Sister Cities program creates meaningful opportunities for students, strengthens global relationships, and helps represent Corpus Christi beyond our region.

We dive into what the trip looked like for the Del Mar students, how they trained in French culinary classrooms and restaurants, and why experiencing another country’s food, culture, and business community matters. Ana also shares stories from Agen’s farms, restaurants, Chamber of Commerce, and local leaders, showing how international relationships can create lasting educational and economic connections.

Beyond the culinary experience, this episode highlights the importance of citizen diplomacy, cultural exchange, and building bridges between communities across the world.

Topics include:

• Corpus Christi’s sister city relationship with Agen, France
• How Del Mar College culinary students participated in the exchange
• Why citizen diplomacy matters
• The role of food, culture, and hospitality in international partnerships
• What students experienced in French classrooms and restaurants
• How Agen’s Chamber of Commerce connects business, industry, and workforce training
• The value of creating future exchange opportunities
• How global relationships help strengthen local communities

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.

On this episode of In Focus, Gloria Fuentes sits down with Brianna Davis, Founder and CEO of Esperanza de Tejas, to talk about the organization’s mission to break down barriers and help families move from surviving to thriving.

Brianna shares the story behind Esperanza, the impact they’re making across 29 counties, and the opening of their new resource center in Corpus Christi. From Hope’s Closet and virtual case management to mobile community connection centers and workforce support, Esperanza de Tejas is meeting families where they are and helping uplift the Coastal Bend community.

Learn more about Esperanza de Tejas, their current needs, and how you can support their work through donations, workforce clothing, and community partnerships.

In Focus is a member-exclusive spotlight from the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, going beyond the logo to explore the people, purpose, and progress behind the businesses and organizations shaping our region.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Tom Gottemoeller of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to discuss National Safe Boating Week and why boating safety matters in a coastal community like the Coastal Bend.

From kayaks and paddle craft to larger recreational boats, Tom breaks down the importance of being prepared before getting on the water. The conversation covers life jackets, boating under the influence, safety courses, local water recreation, and the simple steps boaters can take to protect themselves and others.

As more residents and visitors take advantage of the Coastal Bend’s waterways, this episode highlights how safety, awareness, and responsibility help keep our community strong on and off the water.