United We Podcast

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 D...

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...

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 unde...

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 coordina...

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...

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 train...

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...

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...

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 communit...

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...

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, gum...

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 20...

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 rece...

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 le...

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 str...

In this special episode of the United We Podcast, we turn the spotlight on the interns powering the day-to-day work of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, giving listeners an inside look at the people, projects, and growth happening behind the scenes. From economic development and marketing to Lemonade Day and event operations, this conversation captures what it really means to learn by...

🎙️ In this episode Alberto Esquivel, owner of Big Al’s Cleaning Service, joins United Corpus Christi President & CEO, Al Arreola Jr. to talk all things small business growth. He shares how he started his company, the mindset that keeps him moving forward, and why reliable service and people-first leadership matter in today’s business landscape.  From early challenges to meaningful milestones,...

In this episode of the United We Podcast, we sit down with Lacey Guzman of the Corpus Christi International Airport, a rising leader in the Coastal Bend’s aviation, community, and economic development scene. From new flight routes to leadership journeys, we break down the real story behind what’s happening at CCIA and what it means for the region. We dive into: • How CCIA secured nonstop Frontier...

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Paulison , Executive Director of the Coastal Bend Industry Association and longtime leader in the Coastal Bend’s economic and maritime community. We dive into:  • Corpus Christi’s rising median income and wage growth  • The $65B+ wave of industrial investment that reshaped the region  • Bob’s Coast Guard journey — from Hawaii to the Coastal Bend  • The history...

Sit down with David Loeb and host Al Arreola Jr. for an insightful and engaging conversation about Del Mar College , Corpus Christi’s growth , and the exciting developments shaping the Coastal Bend’s future. 🎙✨ In this episode, David shares his perspective on how education, workforce partnerships, and community collaboration are fueling new opportunities across our region. From supporting Del Mar...

Sit down with Amanda Garcia from Goodwill Industries of South Texas and host Al Arreola Jr. for an insightful and engaging conversation about Goodwill’s mission, its new services, and the transformative impact it’s making across the Coastal Bend . 💼✨ In this exclusive interview, Amanda shares how Goodwill is creating pathways to employment, education, and empowerment, helping individuals build b...

In this episode we sit down with Patty Clark, CEO of Metro Ministries, to hear her inspiring journey from her Memphis roots and early career in law firm administration to her calling in the nonprofit world. Patty shares how Metro Ministries serves the Coastal Bend’s most vulnerable, including working families in need and neighbors experiencing homelessness, through impactful programs like the Loav...

In this episode of United We Podcast , we sit down with Ginny Cross , Vice President of Advocacy at the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, to unpack the Chamber’s annual “CB to DC” trip. Ginny shares how this important advocacy effort brings the Coastal Bend’s story to the nation’s capital—amplifying the voice of local businesses, strengthening relationships with elected officials, and dri...

🎙️ Ann Vlach joins the United We Podcast to share the joys and challenges of discovering and nurturing local talent right here in the Coastal Bend. In this inspiring episode, Ann dives into how Employment to Education (E2) partners with local schools, businesses and community organizations to open doors for students and job seekers alike. ⭐ From building pathways for career success to strengtheni...

Katie Galan joins United We Podcast studio to dive into the vibrant business community in the Corpus Christi area! 🏙️✨ Tune in as she shares how the Better Business Bureau (BBB) works every day to help local businesses grow, build trust, and connect with customers. Discover tips, stories, and resources to help your business thrive and see how we can all work together to make our community stronge...