United We Podcast

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.

In Episode 2 of In Focus, the member-exclusive podcast of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, VP of Membership Gloria Fuentes sits down with Melanie Holland, Corporate Partner Coordinator at the Texas State Aquarium and Chamber Ambassador of the Month.

As one of Corpus Christi’s most iconic attractions, the Texas State Aquarium plays a vital role in conservation, education, and community engagement — all while operating as a nonprofit supported by visitors, memberships, and local partnerships.

Melanie shares insights on:
• How the Aquarium connects businesses to a larger mission
• Why community support is critical to nonprofit success
• The impact of Chamber involvement and ambassador engagement
• What makes the Aquarium a unique destination in Texas
• Exciting new developments, including Ocean Odyssey and future manatee exhibits

From coastal conservation efforts to building meaningful relationships across the Coastal Bend, this episode highlights how mission-driven organizations can create lasting impact while strengthening the community.

Welcome to In Focus — where we go beyond the logo to spotlight the people, purpose, and progress shaping our region.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Sarah Tindall — Chief Operating Officer of the Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation — to talk about the issues currently shaping business and economic growth in the Coastal Bend. 

From the growing concerns around water curtailment to the role of economic development organizations in responding to potential crises, Sarah explains how local leaders are working to protect businesses and keep the regional economy moving forward. 

We also discuss how the EDC is partnering with local contractors, engineers, and builders to help businesses reduce water usage and prepare for potential restrictions — while keeping resources and spending within the local community. 

Beyond water infrastructure, the conversation explores regional advocacy in Washington, D.C., economic development collaboration across South Texas, and new industrial investment along the Gulf Coast, including the potential impact of a large refinery project announced at the Port of Brownsville. 

Topics include:

• What water curtailment could mean for local businesses
 • How the EDC is preparing a response plan to support the business community
 • Partnering with local contractors to reduce water use and protect operations
 • The Coastal Bend advocacy trip to Washington, D.C.
 • Why regional collaboration matters for economic growth
 • The potential economic impact of new refinery investment on the Gulf Coast

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 back to The Dish, a United We Podcast original where great food meets the people and stories shaping Corpus Christi.

In Episode 2, Amy Granberry sits down with Dan Suckley at Perrin’s on the Water on North Padre Island, where waterfront views and New Orleans–inspired cuisine set the stage for a conversation about business, community, and the future of the Coastal Bend.

Over cornbread, gumbo, red beans and rice, blackened chicken with tasso, and a few island cocktails, the discussion explores:

✨ The impact of American Bank’s merger with Prosperity Bank and what it means for customers across Texas
 ✨ The long-awaited reopening of Port Royal and the return of one of the island’s most iconic destinations
✨ How tourism, island events like Barefoot Mardi Gras, and local businesses fuel economic growth
✨ The importance of community investment through organizations like the United Corpus Christi Chamber

Of course, no episode of The Dish is complete without dessert — featuring homemade chocolate fudge cake and carrot cake baked in-house.

This episode captures what The Dish is all about: great food, honest conversations, and the leaders working every day to move our community forward.

Whether you came for the Cajun flavors, the island views, or the conversation, you’re at the table with us.

In our very first episode of In Focus, the member-exclusive podcast of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, VP of Membership Gloria Fuentes sits down with Ed Piersol, Vice President of Sales at Hose of South Texas.

With nearly five decades of service in the Coastal Bend, Hose of South Texas has built a reputation rooted in safety, service, and strong relationships. Now, following its 2024 acquisition by Tipco Technologies, the locally founded company is expanding its reach nationwide — while maintaining its commitment to Corpus Christi.

Ed shares insights on:
 • What it takes to grow from a local operation to a national presence
 • Why safety is the foundation of their business
 • The power of relationships over transactions
 • How chamber involvement fuels business growth
 • Advice for new and growing businesses in Corpus Christi

From servicing major refineries to helping local farmers and small businesses, this episode highlights how companies can stay community-centered while thinking big.

Welcome to In Focus — where we go beyond the logo to spotlight the people, purpose, and progress shaping our region.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with David Loeb — CEO of Landlord Resources, Del Mar College Regent, and former Corpus Christi City Council member — to break down the biggest issues facing our region.

From the Inner Harbor desalination project and the real impact of water curtailment on businesses and residents, to the long-term cost of inaction, this conversation explains what the recent vote means and what comes next for Corpus Christi’s growth.

We also dive into the future of Del Mar College’s Freedom to Dream program, the shift to outcomes-based funding, the expansion of dual credit, and how workforce development is creating real economic opportunity for local students and employers.

Topics include:

• What curtailment could mean for businesses and ratepayers
• The true cost of water vs. the cost of losing customers and jobs
• Why Inner Harbor desal matters for economic stability
• How Del Mar College is increasing graduation and income outcomes
• Building the workforce pipeline for the Coastal Bend

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 Dish, a United We Podcast original where great food meets the people and stories shaping Corpus Christi.

In this premiere episode, Anna Aldridge and Cindy Barrera sit down at the iconic Snapka’s Drive Inn, a hometown staple filled with history, nostalgia, and generations of memories. What starts as lunch quickly turns into a meaningful conversation about leadership, community impact, and the power of investing in the next generation.

Over Dixie burgers, crispy tacos, shakes, fried okra, and warm peach cobbler, they talk about:

✨ The legacy of family-owned businesses in Corpus Christi
✨ Honoring women who paved the way in our community
✨ The Chamber Foundation’s scholarships and Sister Cities student exchange program
✨ Supporting military installations and local economic growth
✨ Why places like Snapka’s are more than restaurants, they’re part of our story

This episode captures what The Dish is all about: authentic conversations, local flavor, and the people working behind the scenes to move our city forward.

Whether you came for the food, the conversation, or the love for Corpus Christi, you’re at the table with us.

In the very first episode of The Brief, we dive into the policy issues shaping the future of our business community, from city hall to the state capitol and beyond.

Host Jenny welcomes Bob Paulson, Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Business Association, for an in-depth conversation on the region’s most urgent challenge: water.

From groundwater projects and wastewater reuse to conservation strategies and the upcoming Inner Harbor desalination decision, this episode breaks down what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what it means for industry, small businesses, and residents across the Coastal Bend.

They also touch on the broader priorities facing our regions air quality, port health, workforce development, and close with exciting updates on the long-awaited reopening of Bob Hall Pier.

If water is the issue of the moment, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Executive Insights. Policy & Progress.