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.

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.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Greg Smith — Coastal Representative on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Board of Directors — to break down one of the most important (and often overlooked) issues impacting the Coastal Bend: windstorm insurance.

From recent legislative changes to how insurance rates are actually determined, Greg shares insight into what’s driving costs — and why, for the first time in years, there may be less pressure for rate increases.

We also dive into how the system works behind the scenes, including the “funding stack,” reinsurance, and how risk is shared across the state — all of which directly impact the cost of living for homeowners and businesses along the Texas coast.

Beyond policy, Greg offers practical advice for policyholders, including what to look for in your coverage, how to manage rising premiums, and why your roof may be the most important investment you make before the next storm.

Topics include:

• Why windstorm insurance is such a major cost for coastal communities
• Legislative changes reducing pressure on insurance rates
• How reinsurance impacts premiums (and where that money goes)
• What policyholders should know about deductibles and valuation increases
• Why roof quality is critical to minimizing damage and claims
• How major storms and even localized events can impact the system

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.

Welcome to the very first episode of 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 Alissa Ramirez, Assistant Director of Student Transition Programs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a leader within the young professionals community. Alissa shares her journey through higher education, her involvement with Young Professionals of the Coastal Bend, and her passion for helping others grow, connect, and find their path.

We talk about:
• Finding your career path and growing within it
• Why getting involved in your community matters
• The value of networking and mentorship
• How young professionals are shaping the future of the Coastal Bend

Whether you're just starting your career or looking to get more involved locally, this episode is all about taking that first step and making an impact.

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