United We Podcast

On this episode of The Brief, Ginny Cross sits down with DeeAnna Heavilin of the Coastal Bend Coalition for a conversation about Corpus Christi’s water challenges and the decisions shaping the region’s future.

DeeAnna shares the coalition’s perspective on the Inner Harbor desalination project, the importance of long-term water security, and the need for reliable infrastructure to support residents and businesses. They discuss the differences between proposed water projects, the role of industry in funding the city’s water system, and the potential impacts of Proposition B.

The conversation also explores the upcoming November election, the challenges surrounding alternative water sources, and why water security remains a critical issue for the Coastal Bend.

The Brief is an advocacy-focused podcast from the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, breaking down the policies, decisions, and issues impacting business, infrastructure, and economic growth across our region.

On this episode of In Focus, Gloria Fuentes sits down with Heather Loeb of NAMI Greater Corpus Christi for a conversation about mental health and the importance of asking for help. Heather shares how her own experience led her to NAMI and why she wants others to know they are never a burden.
They discuss how to check in on someone who may be struggling, support family caregivers, and make workplaces more welcoming to conversations about mental health. Heather also highlights NAMI Greater Corpus Christi’s free support groups, classes, and community programs, as well as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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 organizations shaping our region.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Bob Paulison, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Industry Association, to discuss Proposition B—commonly known as the Fair Water Amendment—and what it could mean for Corpus Christi’s water policy.

Bob explains the City’s current drought surcharge exemption fee, how it applies to large-volume water customers, and how the collected revenue is intended to support the development of drought-resistant water supplies. He also addresses some of the confusion surrounding Proposition B and distinguishes the proposed charter amendment from the City’s standard water-rate-setting process.

Throughout the conversation, Bob shares his concerns about placing drought-response requirements in the City Charter. He argues that doing so could limit the City Council’s ability to adjust water policy as drought conditions, infrastructure needs, and available water supplies change.

Ginny and Bob also discuss the broader questions surrounding Proposition B: how drought-related costs should be allocated, how Corpus Christi should finance new water supplies, and why voters should carefully review the full proposal before casting their ballots.

Topics include:

• Proposition B and the Fair Water Amendment
• Corpus Christi’s drought surcharge exemption fee
• How large-volume water customers currently contribute to water-supply projects
• The difference between drought surcharges and water rates
• Funding for drought-resistant water supplies
• The role of the Corpus Christi City Council in water policy
• Potential effects on future water bills and infrastructure funding
• Why ballot language and voter education matter
• The importance of staying informed ahead of the November election

The City of Corpus Christi Municipal Election will take place Tuesday, November 3, 2026. The last day to register to vote is October 5, and early voting begins October 19.

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

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

On this episode of In Focus, Gloria Fuentes sits down with Esmeralda Teran, CEO of YWCA Corpus Christi, to celebrate 80 years of empowering women, eliminating racism, and strengthening the Coastal Bend community.

Esmeralda shares her journey from more than 20 years in higher education to leading the YWCA, along with the organization’s lasting impact on generations of Corpus Christi families. She highlights programs supporting youth, women, and older adults—from leadership camps and health and wellness workshops to creative activities, community partnerships, and the new Fit Over 40 Fit Fest.

The conversation also explores the YWCA’s 80th anniversary celebration, the new “Faces of Our Future” mural featuring more than 100 community portraits, and a transformed community garden designed to bring people together for years to come.

Learn more about YWCA Corpus Christi, its upcoming programs and events, and how you can make an impact through membership, donations, volunteering, 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 Wendy Herman, President of the Associated Builders and Contractors Texas Coastal Bend–Rio Grande Valley Chapter, to discuss the organization’s work and the upcoming August Luncheon Candidate Forum.

Wendy explains how ABC represents commercial and industrial contractors across South Texas through advocacy, workforce development, free enterprise, and its commitment to the merit shop philosophy. She also shares why ABC partnered with the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Chemistry Alliance to bring candidates and regional business leaders together for a direct conversation about the issues shaping the Coastal Bend.

The Candidate Forum will give attendees an opportunity to hear from candidates seeking to represent the region at the state and federal levels. The discussion will focus on policies that directly affect local businesses, including water, port infrastructure, air quality, windstorm insurance, government contracting, project labor agreements, and the cost of doing business.

Beyond learning where candidates stand, Wendy and Ginny discuss why these conversations matter. Business leaders deserve the opportunity to ask questions, understand candidates’ priorities, and hold elected officials accountable for the commitments they make.

Topics include:

• The mission of Associated Builders and Contractors
• ABC’s merit shop philosophy and support for free enterprise
• The importance of advocacy for commercial and industrial contractors
• The upcoming August Luncheon Candidate Forum
• Congressional District 34 and Texas House District 34
• Water, ports, air quality, and regional infrastructure
• Windstorm insurance and government contracting
• Policies affecting construction companies and local employers
• Why the business community must remain politically engaged
• The importance of accountability from candidates and elected officials

The August Luncheon Candidate Forum will take place Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel. The event is presented in partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors Texas Coastal Bend–Rio Grande Valley Chapter, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Chemistry Alliance.

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

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

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.