Inspire Coastal Bend Business Dec/Jan 2014-15 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

MAGAZINE

FROM THE HEART DRUNKN’ NOODLEZ ASIAN RESTAURANT AND STAY FIT FOODS CC

FAMILY AFFAIR AIR & FILTERS

DIAMOND SALESMAN WITH A HEART OF GOLD

DENNY BALES page

JUDGING EXCELLENCE PAIRING WINE WITH BUSINESS

HAIR PEACE SALON: A SMALL BUSINESS WITH A BIG HEART

DECEMBER.JANUARY 2014-15

INSP IR E

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOLIDAY THEFT

YLE T S

Featuring

Aanayeli Ruiz

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

WANT A CHEAPER ELECTRIC BILL? The money we save you is worth investigating.

• Commercial & residential rates • We shop multiple electricity providers, and provide a comprehensive quote for you, usually within 24 hours. • We will find cost effective solutions custom tailored to your unique business needs, leaving you free to work on your core business objectives.

361-884-8973

www.stellarnrgsolutions.com

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK CHOOSING COLORS AND FABRICS. MEASURING FOR SIZE AND SCALE.

FIGURING OUT WHAT WORKS AND WHY. WE’LL DO ALL THIS AND MORE. JUST ASK US. OUR INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE IS COMPLIMENTARY.

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DRIVE 361.854.2391

SPECIAL INSURANCE PROGRAMS COMMERCIAL INSURANCE EMPLOYEE BENEFIT S PERSONAL INSURANCE CARLISLEINS.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL BEND BUSINESS

MAGAZINE

DECEMBER.JANUARY 2014-15 PUBLISHER

ADRIAN GARZA EDITOR Allison Alvarado

ART DIRECTOR FROM BROADWAY THE COASTAL BENDTO

COASTAL BEND BUSIN ESS

N IG HTL N EWS Y FIXTU R E

MAGAZ INE

KATIA URIARTE, KiiiTV

GET READ Y MIKE TYSO FOR “THE UNDIS N’S PUTE D TRUTH”

Liv Madison

IN DEMAND AND DEMANDING THE SKILL RESPE CT

ED WORKFORC TRADE THE BACK E AND BONE OF AMER ICA

GO FO TH E GLAMR LA BOUT OU R IQU E L COASTA

BE ND

MARKETING DIRECTOR Holly Duvall

AZI AL MAG ME DIC

SMOKING TH E COMPETI RYAN MOTION OR E

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

STYLE SU BSTAN& FEATU RINCE KR ISTEN G BILY

be inspired PAGE

LEADING DRTHS.

OCTOBER.N

OVEM BER

2014

S WEIGHT LOS THE BET TER WEIGH

DR. LLOYD N STEGEMAN

E COMING HOMA TO MAKE E DIFFERENC

E PACK

~ DAVID

SA L DA N A R IF E JENN TURNER AN D

MARK CAZALAS

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: ADRIAN GARZA 361.548.1044 ADRIAN@INSPIRECOASTALBENDMAG.COM WWW.INSPIRECOASTALBENDMAG.COM LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 4

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Mandy Ashcraft Kristen Bily Lisa Black Tracy Bracy Kim Bridger Chase Carlisle Dr. Janet Cunningham Steve Hindman Connie Laughlin Jenny Remlinger Gene Schade Lisa Scherzer Ashley Smith Sarah Tindall Sarona Winfrey Aubrey Winston

PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Ashcraft DLG Photography D&P Photography Edgar de la Garza

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brittanie Robertson Jessica Salinas

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

7957 Wolverine Corpus Christi, Texas 78414 Phone: 361.548.1044 Copyright © Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine. All rights reserved. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

CONTENTS DECEMBER.JANUARY2014-15

FEATURE 10 12 14 16

Let’s be friends! A/C filters 101 Winter wonderland Commodity versus luxury

BUSINESS COACH 18

Pairing wine with business

MONEY MATTERS

34 36 38

Don’t wait! A culture of caring Don’t become a victim

EDUCATION 40

Coastal Bend treasure

TASTE 42 44

Leave a lasting impression A cozy staple

TRAVEL 48

In with the new

STYLE 52

Creating smiles

INSPIRED STYLE 56

20 DENNY BALES

Through his work with Denny Bales Diamonds and the Gulf Coast Humane Society, this business owner and philanthropist provides an unbeatable experience for both his customers and our four-legged friends.

26 AIR & FILTERS

It doesn’t get more locally owned and operated than this one-stop shop for residential and business air conditioning filters, where guests encounter friendly and expert service from the tightly knit Taylor family.

30 DRUNKN’NOODLEZ

EVENTS 64

ASIAN RESTAURANT AND STAY FIT FOODS CC Self-professed foodies Mary Phongvilakoun and Dennis Benavides bring their own unique blend of traditional foods and innovative dishes to Corpus Christi at these one-of-a-kind food ventures.

Aanayeli Ruiz

Mixing things up in the Coastal Bend

ENTERTAINMENT 68

Another world

NONPROFIT 72

Wise giving

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

With over 650,000 shoppers per month, La Palmera offers a one-of-a-kind shopping destination to promote your business. Want more ways to hit the target? Affordable temporary and long-term leasing opportunities available! Visit palmediacc.com to view our unique advertising and leasing opportunities found nowhere else in the Coastal Bend.

REACH YOUR AUDIENCE, GROW YOUR SALES.

Make Palmedia part of your marketing plan and win against your competition.

361-986-7915 | PALMEDIACC.COM

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THE FIRST 20 BUYERS

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I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Putting our best foot forward TX License #1665838

5262 South Staples St. Suite 300 Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Ryan@FirstFidelityAmerica.com www.FirstFidelityAmerica.com

(361) 288-7995 Phone

(800) 215-6339 Toll Free

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

LET’S BE FRIENDS! Allen Samuels Chevrolet: eager to exceed your expectations By: STEVE HINDMAN

At Allen Samuels Chevrolet Corpus Christi, we offer new Chevy cars, trucks and crossovers in South Texas, along with used cars, trucks and SUVs by top manufacturers. Our sales staff will help you find that new or used car that fits your lifestyle and budget. We have a knowledgeable and committed staff with many years of experience and a reputation for providing courteous, honest service. Our customers from Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Robstown, Aransas Pass, Portland and beyond appreciate the way we do business, and we know you will, too. For years, our financial staff has offered expert advice for those seeking a great Chevrolet car loan or lease. Our service doesn’t stop there. Corpus Christi customers can come in and take advantage of our experienced car repair technicians and auto body shop experts, as well as a fully stocked inventory of GM parts and accessories. Our service and auto parts departments are eager to exceed your expectations. Stop by our Corpus Christi dealership any time at 2118 S. Padre Island Drive. We look forward to serving all your automotive needs. Come by – let’s be friends!

WE HAVE A KNOWLEDGEABLE AND COMMITTED STAFF WITH A REPUTATION FOR PROVIDING COURTEOUS, HONEST SERVICE.

For more information about Allen Samuels Chevrolet Corpus Christi, visit www.allensamuelscc.com, or call us at 800-876-9769.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

RIDO81/BIGSTOCK.COM

FEATURE

Diamonds at a PRICE youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll LOVE Interest Free Financing w.a.c.

7009 S. STAPLES STREET

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78413

www.dennybalesdiamonds.com

361.991.0300

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

A/C FILTERS 101

What you need to know about your air conditioning filters By: JENNY REMLINGER

our A/C filter needs to be checked, maintained and changed frequently in order to function properly and safely. Maintaining your A/C filter preserves the life of your A/C unit, saves money on your electricity bill and provides a healthier living environment.

What filters do I need? There are so many different sizes and types of filters on the market that it may be overwhelming and a bit confusing. Not everyone can use the standard 1-inch filter you commonly see. Sometimes a 2-, 4-, 5or 6-inch filter is required, like Glasfloss, Honeywell, Aprilaire, Trane, Lennox or Carrier, to name a few. Some filters are used in a filter grill located on your wall or ceiling. Or it may be in a housing unit attached to your unit located in a closet, attic or garage. Most homes have one unit that requires a main filter, and in some cases, they may have a prefilter or two-plus filter grills that require filters. When purchasing a home, always find out where the filter is lo-

cated, how many are needed and which types are best for the unit. Some A/C companies put a label on the inside of the unit door or cabinet of the filter housing to let you know what kind of filter the unit requires. How often should I change my filter? In the large chain stores, a common 1-inch filter reads “90-day filter,” but there are various reasons that isn’t always the case. The frequency with which you change your filter depends on the climate, the location of you home and if you have pets. You need to change your filter more often if you live in warmer, humid climate, live in a dusty area like in the open country, near construction, etc., and/or if you have pets inside your home. The quality and thickness of your filter will also help determine its longevity. Every home and lifestyle is different. If you live here in South Texas, where it is hot and dusty many months of the year, the recommended change time for a 1-inch filter is usually every 30 days, but ask your local filter specialist for more details, especially if you use a different type of filter.

MAINTAINING YOUR A/C FILTER SAVES MONEY ON YOUR ELECTRICITY BILL AND PROVIDES A HEALTHIER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

Does filter quality matter? Yes! Not all filters are created equal. Fiberglass versus Polyfiber: Most hardware and grocery stores carry a 1-inch fiberglass filter for around a dollar. A fiberglass filter has an industry slang term of “rock catcher” because the filter media is so loosely woven that you can see through it and it practically only catches particles the size of rocks. A specialty filter store will carry a polyfiber and pleated filter. Polyfiber filters are a better choice than fiberglass because the fibers are more closely woven to catch smaller particles while still allowing the air to pull through easily. Pleated filters: What’s the scoop? Pleated filters collect more particles than polyfiber filters. Those concerned with air quality, like people with allergies or asthma, may want to use a quality pleated filter instead of a polyfiber because it will help filter out more dust, dander and other particles. However, not all pleated filters are the same. Pleated filters have different Merv ratings and structure. You may find a pack of two or three pleated filters at a big chain store are the same cost as one pleated filter at a specialty store. Most likely it is due to the Merv rating and the type of material used to make the filter. When your unit turns on and pulls air through the filter, you don’t want a flimsy, loosely woven filter to bend or fold and let the particles in the air pass through and around the edges of the filter and onto the coils. The higher the Merv rating, the more particles the filter will collect, but you have to be careful because it also means more air is restricted. The higher the Merv rating, the more strain there will be on your unit, and that can cause it to fail earlier than expected and run up your electric bill. Changing your filter more regularly may seem expensive at the time, but it will save you money in the long run.

Air & Filters is family-owned and locally operated. For more information, contact jenny@airandfilters.com, or visit www.airandfilters.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PHOTO BY EDGAR DE LA GARZA

FEATURE

Long Family Commitment to South Texas Personal Commitment to My Customers Call us today and find out how much you can save! Farmers offers Auto, Home, Commercial and Life Insurance.

Ruben Bonilla Insurance Agency

2727 Morgan Ave, Ste 300 Corpus Christi, Texas 78405

361.881.1033

www.RubenBonillaInsurance.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

WINTER WONDERLAND

The new holiday show at La Palmera adds sparkle to the season, making the holidays at the popular shopping district more spectacular than ever. By: SARONA WINFREY

local charities providing their wrapping services for donations. Pet lovers can also take advantage of three “Pet Night with Santa” events held Tuesday, Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. A portion of the photo proceeds from those events will benefit local animal organizations. Only dogs and cats are permitted, and all animals must remain on a leash or in a carrier at all times. La Palmera also sets up a Forest of Giving, where the pubic can vote for their favorite uniquely decorated tree, with the winner receiving $2,500 for the Coastal Bend charity of their choice. “We work with a variety of Coastal Bend nonprofits throughout the year, but they are really top of mind for people this time of year,” Walters said. “La Palmera is always looking for ways to assist the community, so helping the groups that directly impact local residents is very important.” Shoppers have also enjoyed the expanded list of shopping and dining options in the La Palmera Shopping District, with new tenants at both La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera, which celebrated its official grand opening in November. Since renovation work started on The Shops at La Palmera in 2012, more than a dozen new national retailers and restaurants have opened at the 230,602-square-foot center located adjacent to La Palmera mall, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Jared The Galleria of Jewelry, DSW, Corner Bakery Café and Chipotle. According to Walters, “The creation of the La Palmera Shopping District has been a success for everyone – national retailers who have been looking for a foothold in Corpus Christi, Coastal Bend residents who love the new shopping options and the city of Corpus Christi through new sales tax revenue.”

For the latest on La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera, go online to www.lapalmera.com, visit us on Facebook, stop by the concierge or call us at 361-991-5718.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“

WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO BRING THIS TECHNOLOGY TO THE COASTAL BEND FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND OUR GUESTS ARE REALLY ENJOYING THE SHOW.” SILVIONKA/BIGSTOCK.COM

he holidays are always busy for the La Palmera Shopping District, but this year, they’re spectacular – for shoppers. This holiday marks the premiere of Holiday Light Spectacular at La Palmera, a new one-of-a-kind light show produced by Los Angeles-based PaintScaping and director Philippe Bergeron, which magically transforms La Palmera Center Court into a winter wonderland. The show debuted in November and runs three times nightly through Dec. 12 at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Holiday Light Spectacular incorporates 3-D projection mapping, merging real and virtual worlds by using walls instead of screens for a canvas and aligning dazzling light and animation with architectural features. The company has produced unique 3-D mapping shows all over the world, in cities such as Orlando, Los Angeles, Quebec City, Hawaii, Cancun, Las Vegas and Chicago. “This is the kind of show you generally see in Vegas, New York or LA,” said Fred Walters, general manager for La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera. “We are very excited to be working with PaintScaping to bring this technology to the Coastal Bend for the first time, and our guests are really enjoying the show.” Extended holiday hours are in full swing at La Palmera, giving guests more time to shop and to visit with Santa Claus, who will be on hand through Dec. 24 in center court to visit with boys and girls and pose for photos. Guests can also help numerous Coastal Bend charities again this year through a number of holiday programs. La Palmera’s popular charity gift-wrapping service is available Friday through Sunday during the first three weekends of December near the concierge and Forever 21, with volunteers from

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

FEATURE

INVESTMENT ADVICE

In December 2008, as most of the world plunged into an economic crisis, a historic fancy deep grayish blue diamond sold for $24.3 million – the highest price ever paid for a single gemstone. But as pure investment advice, it is very unlikely that buying jewelry will prove to be a good financial investment for the average consumer. There will be exceptions to this, but the exceptions will be a minority. Jewelry is sold as luxury goods at retail pricing. The retail markup must cover a wide variety of costs, including sales tax. Precious metal in bullion form is exempt from sales tax in Texas, while fabricated items such as jewelry are taxed. Manufacturers and wholesalers also expect to make profits to pay for their services. The investment potential of anything depends substantially on its cost price. This is a simple, but obvious statement.

HOW DO YOU JUDGE VALUE? GET HELP.

COMMODITY VERSUS LUXURY The ins and outs of buying jewelry as an investment By: GENE SCHADE

WE ARE OFTEN asked about buying jewelry as an investment. It is not correct, in our opinion, to buy jewelry primarily as an investment. However, with the banks paying a low rate of interest and considerable concern about the present economic conditions, precious metals and gemstones have climbed a long way up the ladder.

CONSUMER ADVICE

If we consider what else consumers can spend their money on, there are very few consumer purchases that will retain much of their value over a long period of time. Whatever car you buy new, you would probably have to pay somebody to tow it away in 20 years. Other consumer items show a similar pattern. They will wear out, go out of fashion, break down or otherwise deteriorate. While some items can be repaired, it is common for repairs to be uneconomical compared with buying a new replacement, which may be more advanced or superior in some other way. Compared with almost all other consumer purchases, a piece of gold jewelry or a diamond ring will retain some of its value and may appreciate in value over a long period of time.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Buyers also need a profound knowledge of the market if they are to purchase a suitable stone or piece of jewelry of enduring value. An investment purchase is not recommended without a reputable partner. There has been much discussion in recent years about inaccurate diamond grading certificates issued by some gem labs. Recently, one of the most respected labs, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), suspended its diamond sealing services until further notice after receiving a sealed diamond for verification that did not match the grading report number packaged with it. Many jewelers sell “the certificate” and do not have adequate technical expertise to verify that documentation matches the stone. Fraud and mislabeling are present in the jewelry industry just as in all other walks of life. There is no substitute for a trusted, experienced gemologist to lend hands-on expertise to your purchase.

THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR A TRUSTED, EXPERIENCED GEMOLOGIST TO LEND HANDS-ON EXPERTISE TO YOUR PURCHASE.

DISPOSING OF YOUR JEWELRY INVESTMENT

How do you resell that “investment” you purchased at a retail price? The world’s two largest auction houses, Sotheby’s and Christie’s, began regular sales devoted to important diamonds and colored stones in the 1970s. Through their ability to generate publicity, they have become a significant force in price and demand throughout the world. There are avenues available for the consumer to retail their investment, including Craig’s List and eBay. But most jewelry pieces do not qualify for listing with Christie’s and will get sold at a wholesale price or less.

QUALITY COUNTS

As with most things in life, buying high quality will cost more initially, but there is more chance that a high-quality item will hold its value better than a poor- or mediocre-quality product. There are ownership costs involved with jewelry, as with most goods. Insurance and maintenance

Gold in hand represents the way a large amount of jewelry ends up: scrap gold sold to a gold buyer for 60 percent to 70 percent of gold content. Gold on a chart represents that gold is a commodity that fluctuates in value. The diamond solitaire has the best chance of investment recovery if the diamond is of high quality and one carat or more in size. This diamond represents the biggest cost in building the ring and the biggest value in selling it. There is the least amount of labor cost in manufacturing this ring.

are just two. The more often a piece of jewelry is worn, the more likely it is to get damaged or worn, making repair and maintenance necessary. The answer is not to lock it away in a safe, because then you lose out on the main benefit of ownership, which is to wear and enjoy it.

WHY ARE YOU BUYING IT?

Many salespeople talk people into buying jewelry by falsely telling them what they want to hear: that it is a good investment. Ask yourself why you are buying the piece of jewelry. Is it because you will get pleasure from owning, wearing or giving it? If the answer is “yes,” then the reward for your investment will be the value of the pleasure you get. Any residual value in the item in the future will simply be a bonus.

FAMILY LAW

• Divorces • Child Support/Custody • Modifications/Enforcements

CRIMINAL LAW • • • • •

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PERSONAL INJURY • • • •

Oil Field Accidents Trucking/Auto Accidents Wrongful Death On The Job Injuries

ASK ABOUT

• Flat Fee Pricing • Affordable Payment Plans

Casa de Oro Jewelers, founded in 1979 by Gene and Dee Schade, has been a precious metal dealer from its origin. They can assist or advise you in pure investment of metal such as gold/silver bullion, colored gemstones and diamonds, or in a luxury jewelry item. For more information, contact Gene Schade at 361-991-7054 or gene@casadeoro.net or visit us online at www.casadeorojewelers.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

BUSINESS COACH

PAIRING WINE WITH BUSINESS Considering the business of judging excellence By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

I WANT MY WINE SELECTIONS and my business tactics tested because no one likes unpleasant surprises. My time and money are precious, so I want less risk without any sour grapes. Why not enjoy a more predictable and satisfying experience in life? JUDGING WINE

CONNIE LAUGHLIN is a business consultant for UniqueHR. For more information on outsourcing HR, payroll, workers’ compensation insurance, safety training or benefits, contact her at 361-852-6392 or conniel@uniquehr. com.

When choosing wine, I seek advice from an oenophile (a lover or connoisseur of wine) to select a good bottle to pair with a particular meal or to have on hand for guests. And it’s useful to know which ones have achieved awards for their excellence. I will definitely go back to a restaurant if I know their Cabernet Sauvignon is dependable. Because of wine competitions, wine quality has improved in many countries around the world. Trained experts not only critique wines organoleptically (involving the use of sense organs); many competitions additionally judge by chemical analysis. These combined tests offer the most effective results. The experts at the International Wine and Spirit Competition state on their website, “a red wine with high-volatile acid and some residual sugar could taste quite attractive (a sweet-and-sour effect). Over the months, this level of volatile acid would rise, creating an overly sour and unattractive wine. Deduction of marks following technical analysis could affect the level of an award.” It might be OK today, albeit a risky option and not worthy of my consideration. Per Wikipedia, “investing in wine can be accomplished with two main methods: purchasing and reselling individual bottles or cases of particular wines, or purchasing shares in an investment wine fund that pools investors’ capital. In the first instance (of directly buying specific cases of wine), it is usually recommended that an inexperienced buyer work with a broker, merchant or consultant to minimize risk due to lack of knowledge. Indeed, complex models and formulae have been applied to tracking investment wines’ historical returns.” Every business owner lacks certain skill sets, whether it’s investing in wine or any other business venture. As such, you must rely on experienced, highly certified, and trusted consultants.

A BAD BOTTLE OF WINE MIGHT DAMPER AN EVENING, BUT BAD BUSINESS COULD RUIN EVERYTHING.

JUDGING BUSINESS

Is your business running sweetly, humming along without any claims or judgments? Just as wine with a high-volatile acid and residual sugar would eventually cause an adverse reaction – what’s lurking in your business setting you up for future adversity?

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

To effectively manage the HR (all things having to do with personnel) facets of one’s business costs a lot because you truly need the highly trained and certified pros. However, that’s not the case if you capsulate your management needs within the realm of expertise of one strategic partner: the professional employer organization (PEO). The PEO industry provides all of that. Owners may think they know what they’re doing in business, but more than likely, they aren’t up to speed on how to manage specific risks and if they’re in compliance. They need professional assistance! No matter if you have two or 200 employees, every business needs to know their workforce costs are predictable, adhere to employment laws and have HR professionals putting things in place for their business, including detailed employee handbooks, HR training and procedures. Every business needs seasoned certified professionals in human resources (CPHRs) to guide them through the hiring, disciplinary and termination processes. Proper safety training and risk management tools are a necessity! One more pro you need to add to your payroll: If you don’t have hundreds of employees, it really doesn’t make economic sense to have high-dollar pros on payroll, so outsourcing via the PEO arrangement is definitely the way to go. Businesses must do their best to control loss. While most business owners greatly care about the safety of their employees and are concerned about any loss, they aren’t professionally educated in loss management such as employee litigation, tricky workers’ compensation claims, drug abuse, unemployment claims and the list goes on. Loss control and HR management initiatives must be budgeted for in every organization. A bad bottle of wine might damper an evening, but bad business could ruin everything. Note: Sources are available upon request.

15 Turn good

intentions into greater actions. I’m here to help you plan for the future so you can continue all the good you do in your life.

Annie J. Castro, CLU®, LUTCF Agent New York Life Insurance Company 4466 S. Staples, Suite A Corpus Christi, Texas 78411 (361) 986-1321 ajcastro@ft.newyorklife.com www.anniejcastro.com Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

Life Insurance. Retirement. Investments.

KEEP

GOOD

GOING

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COVER STORY

AN UNBEATABLE EXPERIENCE

As the owner of the No. 1 fine jeweler in South Texas and the board president for the Gulf Coast Humane Society, Denny Bales proves every day that he has both a good head for business and a good heart for animals in need. BY SARAH TINDALL PHOTOS BY DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“DENNY BALES DIAMONDS IS THE ONLY FINE JEWELRY STORE THAT IS SO COMFORTABLE WITH OUR VALUES THAT WE CHALLENGE YOU TO SHOP AROUND.”

Here’s what you learn after spending five minutes with Denny Bales: Purchasing a diamond can be a fun and interesting experience, because it can amount to a sometimes sizable investment. Therefore, it is very important that a customer feel totally comfortable with the person(s) and the store where he or she decides to buy. “Buying a diamond is 50 percent knowledge (doing your homework) and the other 50 percent trust,” says Bales, adding that the one thing all customers have in common is the desire to get the best possible quality for the least possible price, so shopping around and comparing prices is typically a wise thing to do. The other thing one learns after spending a few minutes with Bales is that he is a total ani-

mal lover who has dedicated his life to finding good and loving homes for all the dogs, cats, puppies and kittens who find themselves in residence at the Gulf Coast Humane Society. But let’s go back to the diamonds. When asked what makes Denny Bales Diamonds different than other jewelry stores, Bales answers, “Our merchandise is totally different than any of our competition’s. Our goal is unique styling with the focus on quality and competitive pricing. This sets our store dramatically apart from the national chain stores.” The average person shopping for a new diamond engagement ring finds him or herself shopping in the mall at one of the national chain jewelry stores – most likely motivated by the convenience of having several stores in

the same location and easier credit standards. Bales explains that for the person who has done the homework and wants something different, where quality is of paramount importance, shopping at Denny Bales Diamonds will prove to be an unbeatable experience concerning quality, as well as price. One of the questions that Bales says comes up from time to time is, “How much is a one-carat diamond?” Bales explains that the cut, clarity, color and carat weight of a stone will determine the price of every diamond, so a one-carat diamond can be purchased for anywhere from $500 to $30,000 or more. “It’s our job to find the customer the best possible value that fits within their budget,” Bales says. “We are so confident in our quality and our pricing that we present every customer with the following challenge: Shop Denny Bales Diamonds first. Give us the opportunity to show you exactly what we can offer you that best fits your budget, and then shop around. If you can find something you like better that offers you better quality and a lesser price, buy it. Bring the item and the receipt to our store, and if we agree that it’s a superior buying opportunity, we’ll give you a $100 gift certificate to Katz 21, our favorite steakhouse. “On the other hand, if you cannot find a superior buying opportunity and decide to buy your diamond from us, we’ll still present you with the $100 gift certificate to Katz 21 as our way of saying thank-you for accepting our challenge.” So, at Denny Bales, customers know they are getting the best price and quality – but what about that so-called easy credit that the national chain jewelry stores offer? Denny Bales Diamonds offers interest-free financing with up to three years to pay depending on the amount of purchase. “If someone reading this article is thinking of an anniversary or birthday gift involving diamonds – diamond earrings, diamond braceI N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

lets, diamond necklaces or diamond rings – we would encourage you to accept our challenge and shop us first,” Bales says. “If you are looking to get your loved one something different and quality is an important consideration, you owe it to yourself to accept our challenge of shopping us first before shopping the competi-

tion. Denny Bales Diamonds is the only fine jewelry store that is so comfortable with our values that we challenge you to shop around.” After 32 years as Corpus Christi and South Texas’ No. 1 fine jeweler, the folks at Denny Bales Diamonds are very confident that their quality and price is simply unbeatable.

Now, let’s talk about homeless dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. Anyone who has seen Bales on television promoting fine jewelry knows that almost every commercial includes a promotion for adopting orphan animals from the Gulf Coast Humane Society. Bales has been president of the board of directors for the organization for the past 17 years, and he has developed a passion for finding all the homeless animals under the care of his shelter good and loving “forever” homes. It all started 17 years ago, “when my wife and I lost our two beloved poodles in the same year; one was 16, and the other 14,” Bales says. “We were both very upset, and we both decided not to buy another dog from a breeder because of too many health complications resulting from inbreeding. We decided it would be best to see if Corpus Christi had a humane society so we could give a homeless dog a great home. We found a little black dog that was a Schipperke mix, and we named her Lexy.” At that time, the Gulf Coast Humane Society was on Navigation and in poor condition, so Bales mentioned to the director that if they ever needed help, although he didn’t know anything about the running of a shelter, he could assist them with marketing and advertising. She replied that they did not have any marketing or advertising, that his help would be appreciated and that he could start ASAP. Bales started an ad campaign on television that continues to this day. As president, he believes that the only effective way to be a board member is to actually participate at the shelter, so he spends five days a week at his store and the other two days at the shelter. The adoption goal each month at the shelter is 100 quality adoptions. The adoption parents of each pet are carefully screened to ensure that the

“OUR REGULAR CUSTOMERS OVER THE YEARS HAVE GROWN ACCUSTOMED TO OUR LOVE AND APPRECIATION OF OUR FOURLEGGED FRIENDS.” dog or cat they have selected is the right fit for the family. “It’s of paramount importance that folks adopting from the Gulf Coast Humane Society are adopting a ‘family member’ and not a dog or cat that is going to spend its life outside looking in,” Bales says. “The objective of the humane society is to find forever homes for each pet, like my own dogs, who are like family. They rest on the couches or chairs and sleep in the

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beds; they do not know that there is any other way of living.” The Gulf Coast Humane Society is a no-kill shelter, where animals are cared for by a staff of 44 employees, which includes a complete pet hospital and veterinarian. The Bales family has six rescues from the shelter, including two Great Danes who arrived at the shelter heavy heartworm positive, very skinny and non-trusting of human companions. They now live the life of Riley on a couch in the office and a king-size bed at home and are television stars, frequently featured on the Bales commercials. Bales’ newest project is horses that have been abused and seized by the sheriff. “A very wonderful, caring guy by the name of Tom Armstrong runs the Fallen Horse Rescue in Mathis, Texas,” Bales explains. “For the past three years, Tom has dedicated his life to sav-

ing horses that have been neglected, abused and left to starve.” Armstrong has worked two fulltime jobs in order to keep his rescue up and running. Unfortunately, he had little or no help from others until one of his volunteers contacted Bales and asked if he could help her think of ideas for raising money for Fallen Horse Rescue. Bales and his business associate, who films and produces all the commercials for the humane society, and Denny Bales Diamonds decided to drive to Mathis. “We wanted to see Tom’s operation and figure out how we might be of help,” Bales says. “We were so impressed with Tom and his rescue that we shot two 30-second commercials on the spot which are running at the time of this writing, successfully so far, with the idea of raising $25,000.”

Because Bales is committed to ensuring that this great rescue, like the humane society, continues to do its good work, he is currently raffling off a $10,000 ladies’ diamond ring. People can get involved by purchasing a book of raffle tickets or singles from Denny Bales Diamonds, the Gulf Coast Humane Society or the Value Bank on South Staples across from Denny Bales Diamonds. “After we raise $25,000, we’ll ask our foundation to consider matching it, since this is an outreach for animals,” Bales says. “We are animal-friendly at Denny Bales Diamonds; I typically have two Great Danes in my office, and our official greeter is Dexter, a handsome black French Poodle. Our regular customers over the years have grown accustomed to our love and appreciation of our four-legged friends. That is something that will never change.”

For more information about Denny Bales Diamonds, visit www.dennybalesdiamonds.com, stop by the store at 7009 South Staples St., Ste. 101, in Corpus Christi, or give them a call at 361-991-0300.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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Miraball Montalvo & Associates

PROFILE

ALL IN THE

FAMILY The Taylor family offers friendly and expert service the locally owned and operated Air & Filters, your one-stop shop for residential and business air conditioning filters. BY: SARAH TINDALL PHOTOS BY: EDGAR DE LA GARZA

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t doesn’t get more locally owned and operated than Air & Filters, the Coastal Bend’s one-stop shop for residential and business air conditioning filters, as well as the largest assortment of Circle E Candles in the Coastal Bend. Since November 2004, the Taylor family has been providing their customers with the friendly and expert service that is their hallmark. It all started when Sandra Taylor, who had spent years in the banking industry, took a part-time job at Neal Air and Heat to help the company’s bookkeeper. Mr. Neal then offered her a job, helping his wife get a new filter store he was opening in the South Coast Plaza shopping center at 1620 SPID, Ste. 180, up and running. Sandra agreed, and the rest is history. “Next thing I knew, they were going off on vacations and leaving me to run the store,” she says. “It was a small new store, and it took a while to get things started up. After three-and-a-half years of opening, Mr. Neal decided to retire and sell the store. Since I had grown to love the store, I talked to my husband, Douglas, and even though the store wasn’t very profitable yet, we decided we would go for it.”

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Sandra and Doug moved to Corpus Christi in 1981 from Cuero, Texas, when Doug was offered a job in the oilfield. Sandra laughs that the country couple just couldn’t believe it when they found themselves owning their own business. Although it has been hard work and required a lot of soul-searching and risk-taking, Sandra says it has given her an amazing opportunity that she cherishes: the chance for herself and her daughters to work together and even work flexible hours so that they can raise their families. Sandra’s daughters Jenny Remlinger, office manager, and Alyse Gonzalez, general manager, work with Sandra at the company’s south side location at 5206 Williams Drive right behind PetSmart. When Doug designed the new building, he asked Sandra what she wanted in it. The first thing she said is that she wanted an office big enough for her and their daughters to work in and a playroom equipped with beds and a room full of toys so their grandchildren can nap and play as their moms work in the next room. “God had a plan for us,” Sandra explains. “We bought the store on Nov. 1, 2004, and we

just celebrated our 10-year anniversary! We put our life savings into the store. I’ll never forget that day Doug came back from the bank with a Cashier’s Check in his hand, looking pale as a ghost. He was so nervous to be withdrawing so much money and taking such a risk, especially it being the slow time of year for selling filters!” Sandra quickly came up with an idea. In the three years she had worked for the business, people would always ask how to make their home smell better. She was thinking about selling candles when a customer came into the store and asked if she was interested in buying a Circle E Candle – the customer was a rep for them. “They’re quality products, made right in Fredericksburg,” Sandra says. “I tried two of the most popular holiday scents, and everybody who came through the door loved the smell and wanted one. Those candles got us through the slow winter months that first year, and we’ve been carrying them ever since. In fact, we have every single scent the factory makes in both of our stores.” People love to buy the candles as gifts, especially since Air & Filters provides free

gift-wrapping. It is convenient for customers to come in on their lunch hour for a quick gift, and wives even buy them for their husband’s office staff during the holidays. “People went crazy for the candles and never get tired of them!” Sandra exclaims. “It’s just a miracle to me that it all worked out,” she continues. “Jenny is our office manager, and started working here a few years after she graduated from college. Alyse started working with me when she was still in high school. When she turned 16 and got a driver’s license, she would come work for Mr. Neal after school and on weekends. Even my brother worked for us for two years, and Alyse’s husband, Jeff, has now worked here about four years. And my nephew has been working here for a year, after moving here from Austin. We’re a small, local, family-owned business.” When customers walk in the door to buy their filters, chances are the person standing behind the counter is one of the family. And the Taylors make sure their customers are treated like family also: Their filter sizes and brands are carefully stored in the computer, and they even get email alerts when it’s time for a new one. So all customers have to do when they walk in the door is peruse the candle assortment while they wait for their filters to be located. The vast warehouse at Air & Filters contains most sizes in stock and many popular brands such as Aprilaire, Honeywell, Lennox, Trane and Carrier. “We have filters for residential and businesses, and if we don’t have your particular size, we can order it for you,” Sandra says. The store also carries filter grilles, as well as ceiling and side wall grilles, so if customers are remodeling or just ready to replace a dingy old grill, it is easy to grab one when they come in for their filter. “People love it that they don’t have to remember their filter size because we keep it in the system,” Sandra says. “They don’t have to look for the filter themselves like in the big-box stores, and most of the time, there is no wait. Our customers love the great customer service and that they can drive right up to the front of the store, run in, get what they need and get out quickly.” That kind of customer service is what has allowed Air & Filters to succeed and even expand in the Coastal Bend market. The company started at the Greenwood location, but Sandra knew they would need to open a south side location to keep up with the city’s growth. So she and Doug took another chance, opening a second location on the south side of town and then later buying the property on Williams and building the store

of their dreams. Just three short months after their grand opening, the unthinkable happened. Doug passed away from cancer at only 53 years old. “We would come every day after chemo and watch the store being built, and I’m just so glad he was able to see it up and running before he passed,” Sandra says with tears in her eyes. “But God’s hand was in this again, because I’ve got the store to provide for me even after he’s gone, and get to work with the girls who can work

their schedules to accommodate the children. It’s been such a blessing. God had a plan for us every step of the way. “It was terrifying first taking a risk to buy a new business that was barely profitable, then making the decision to add candles to our inventory and finally opening up a second location, but I am so blessed. I still thank God for giving me a store that I could run and work my own hours, and to have a legacy to leave for my children and grandchildren.”

For more information about Air & Filters, call 361-723-0130, visit www.airandfilters.com or www.facebook.com/airandfilters or stop by the stores at 1620 South Padre Island Drive, Ste. 180 and 5206 Williams Drive. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

PROFILE

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

Mary Phongvilakoun and Dennis Benavides really love food – specifically good food. The self-professed foodies walked away from careers to open Drunkn’NoodleZ at 4214 S. Alameda St. in Corpus Christi several years ago and have never looked back. “My parents owned China Doll here in Corpus Christi and then Bangkok Garden in Ingleside,” Phongvilakoun says. “We were working at our careers – Dennis was working in the wireless business, and I was working in banking – when he told me one day that he was always interested in getting into the restaurant business. I told him I had always wanted to go back to it, and we decided it was time to open our own.” Mom came out of retirement and helped the couple create a menu featuring the Thai dishes she grew up cooking for Mary as a little girl. Phongvilakoun and Benavides love sushi, and so sushi made its way onto the menu, as well. “I’m just not an office worker; I love to interact

FRESH, FRESH,

FRESH MARY PHONGVILAKOUN AND DENNIS BENAVIDES BLEND THEIR LOVE OF THE TRADITIONAL AND THE UNIQUE AT DRUNKN’NOODLEZ ASIAN RESTAURANT AND, THEIR LATEST VENTURE, STAY FIT FOODS CC. By: Sarah Tindall Photos by: Edgar de la Garza with people and move around,” Phongvilakoun says. “And also, we just enjoy serving food to people that satisfies them. People love our food. It’s fresh, fresh, fresh. So when they leave, their palate is happy, and they are happy. It’s much better than an office job.” They are doing what they love, but the couple admits it’s been hard work. They have three children, aged 13, 12 and 5, and Phongvilakoun remembers standing at the sushi bar rolling sushi in heels the day before she gave birth to her youngest. But it’s not work when you enjoy it. “This is my forte – what I grew up eating,” she says. “I love eating healthy foods; my parents always cooked balanced meals with carbs, veggies and protein. Also I love the flavor of my mom’s food, so everything we do comes from I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“WE ENJOY SERVING SATISFYING FOOD TO PEOPLE. THEY LOVE OUR FOOD, SO WHEN THEY LEAVE, THEIR PALATE IS HAPPY, AND THEY ARE HAPPY.” the heart. Also, I love rolling sushi; there’s a crazy artistic side to me that enjoys doing it.” When asked what their favorite dish is at the restaurant, the couple disagrees. Phongvilakoun’s ultimate favorite is the yellow Thai curry, while Benavides prefers the sushi, most particularly the OMG roll, which was named after his best friend, Jeff Kane (this really is a neighborhood restaurant!).

The next step for Phongvilakoun and Benavides is a new venture: Stay Fit Foods. The couple, who enjoy being part of the fitness community in Corpus Christi, have launched Stay Fit Foods as a way for athletes, people focused on healthy eating and even parents and others to have quick access to “clean,” nutritious foods without having to cook them at home. “Restaurant foods tend to have

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

added fat and sodium that people focused on their health want to avoid, but doing meal prep for every day, week in and week out, can get tedious,” Phongvilakoun says. “So we launched Stay Fit Foods to give people the option to order food from us that consists of lean protein, complex grains and vegetables without any hidden fat or sodium, just as if they had prepped it at home, but without having to

do it themselves. We also don’t use any processed food or unnatural ingredients, and we flavor it with ginger and other fresh spices and herbs so that it is delicious without the added fat or salt.” Now they plan to offer the foods at local gyms, as well as to allow customers to message them on Facebook or call to place an order, which customers can pick up from the store at a specified time. Phongvilakoun, who is the third generation in her family to open a restaurant, considers Drunkn’NoodleZ and Stay Fit Foods CC the next evolution in the business for her family. “My grandmother owned a restaurant in Laos, catering to the American and French on the military base there,” she says. “When she served curry in a bowl with French bread, customers went nuts. It was innovative food for them, and [we] are continuing that tradition today.” Benavides says his favorite thing about coming to work every day is working with the customers, helping them choose something innovative to eat, “mixing it up – keeping them doing something different. They’ve become like family to us.” He adds that one of the most popular and exciting things they’ve done is put craft beers on draft in the bar. Three Asian beers, three Belgian beers and the most popular, Fruli Strawberry Beer, are all appreciated by the customers. Saki bombs with the Fruli beer are, according to Benavides, untraditional, but absolutely delicious – and one-of-a-kind. These two foodies have brought their love of their traditional food and creativity in creating new and innovative foods to their hometown, and in the process, they have become their own food tradition.

For more information about Drunkn’NoodleZ, visit www. dncorpus.com, check them out on Facebook, call 361-992-1400 or stop by the store at 4214 S. Alameda. And to learn more about Stay Fit Foods CC, find them on Facebook at Stay Fit Foods CC.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MONEY MATTERS

DON’T WAIT! The importance of creating a will By: LISA SCHERZER

A will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever create in your lifetime. Your will can clearly state who will be guardian of your minor children, who will inherit your assets, when they will inherit your assets and any conditions that must be met for them to receive your assets. Yet, according to legal services website, RocketLawyer.com, almost 50 percent of Americans do not have a will. If you die without a valid will, the court does not have your instructions to follow, and it has no way of knowing how you may have wanted to distribute your assets. The state where you lived steps in and makes the decisions for you, according to the distribution schedule set forth in its intestacy statutes. The state’s decisions may or may not conform to your wishes or do what is best for the people closest to you. And your loved ones will likely have to hire an attorney and incur delays to determine who will receive your assets. COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS My assets are so small that a will is not necessary: You are generally worth more than you think. Even if some possessions do not hold great monetary value, they could hold an enormous amount of sentimental value – and that’s something you can’t put a price on. Failing to indicate who receives these treasures in your will can cause friction among family members that lasts for decades.

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I can create a will on my own and save the legal costs: “Do-it-yourself” wills often do not contain all of the necessary components as required by state law. Anyone who might benefit from an invalidation of your will can contest it, and if the courts decide in his or her favor, your estate may have to pay for all legal costs. The few dollars you save now can cost your loved ones thousands of dollars later. I don’t want my final wishes to be set in stone; I’ll create a will later in my life: The terms of a will can change as often as needed. Legal experts agree that you should reexamine your will periodically to make sure it is up-to-date. A will should receive a “checkup” whenever there is a substantial change in your life.

HOW TO CREATE A WILL Drafting a will is difficult, and it is not an endeavor you want to tackle single-handedly. It’s important that you call on the services of an estate-planning lawyer. A lawyer might help you: ► Determine what type of will you need ► Make the right decisions as to how your assets should pass ► Change the terms of an existing will, if appropriate ► Save on estate taxes ► Take advantage of estate planning opportunities people often overlook

LIFE INSURANCE AND WILLS How does life insurance fit into the picture? Life insurance is a vehicle you can use to help make sure your estate has the cash needed to pay expenses at your death, such as funeral costs, debts and estate taxes. Without liquid assets, the estate may be forced to sell assets; securities may have to be sold in a down market, and other assets may have to be liquidated at a discount. In most instances, life insurance proceeds are paid income tax-free to your beneficiaries. If desired, life insurance can be owned by a trust or a third party and also not be subject to estate taxes.

ALMOST

50 PERCENT

OF AMERICANS DO NOT HAVE A WILL.

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE Creating a will forces each of us to come face-to-face with our own mortality – and dealing with death is difficult. But it will be much more difficult for your loved ones if you don’t have a will. To ensure that your will is legally viable, seek the services of a qualified attorney to draft and refine it.

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Annie J. Castro, CLU, LUTCF, an agent with New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Castro at 361-986-1321 or ajcastro@ ft.newyorklife.com. Note: Neither New York Life nor its agents provides tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal or accounting professional before making any decisions. Note: References are available upon request.

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When I die, my spouse will get all of my assets: Maybe, and maybe not. Any assets held jointly with right of survivorship automatically pass to the joint owner. And assets with a beneficiary designation, such as IRAs, life insurance and annuities, pass as stated on the beneficiary form. What happens when your surviving spouse dies? What happens if your beneficiary form is outdated? Will your children receive their share at too early an age? Does your spouse have the financial skill to manage the family wealth?

In 2005, Driscoll began taking the artwork of their patients during the holidays and choosing one of those precious little drawings to turn into a sterling silver charm.

Casa de Oro Jewelers is proud to design, manufacture and donate these angel charms. This holiday season, please consider purchasing an angel charm. All proceeds go to the Auxiliary to Driscoll Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital to assist their efforts in treating children of the Coastal Bend.

Casa de Oro Jewelers cares.

We stand as tall as ANGELS when we kneel to help a child. www.casadeorojewelers.com | 4940 Gollihar Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78412 | 361.991.7054 | sales@casadeoro.net I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

A CULTURE OF CARING

Sixty years of people helping people: reflecting on NavyArmy Community Credit Union’s rise to success By: ASHLEY SMITH

ince Jan. 28, 1955, NavyArmy Community Credit Union (formerly Naval Employees Corpus Christi Federal Credit Union) has experienced exponential growth, securing a position as one of the top 10 fastest-growing credit unions in the country. They took a credit union with closed membership and opened it up to a multitude of satisfied members. In 2003, it offered membership to anyone who lives, works, goes to school and/or worships in any of the six Coastal Bend counties it used to serve. Most recently, in 2012, NavyArmy extended its culture of caring into the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) with branches in McAllen and Brownsville, adding two new counties to the service area. These moves garnered nearly 94,000 new members. After these expansions and name changes, the credit union became the NavyArmy we know and trust today. So what defines a credit union? Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned by members. Upon opening and depositing money to a share (savings) account, the person becomes a member-owner – a shareholder. These deposits fund loans and generate interest, which turns into profit. In the spirit of a not-for-profit co-op-

erative, the credit union gives dividends back to the member-owners. These dividends come in all different shapes and sizes: lower rates on loans, higher rates on deposits and even cash! Credit unions are governed by boards of directors, but all member-owners have the right to voice their opinion on how the business is operated. Credit unions have evolved over time, conducting business in a way that maximizes member benefits. Like that of other evolving institutions, a lot can change over a few years. With NavyArmy, a lot can change in just one month. Averaging 1,500 new members every month, the credit union stays vigilant for new and exciting challenges. NavyArmy shows all members the same dedication to excellence it’s had since the beginning when it catered to the military. This dedication is stronger than ever now that NavyArmy has taken to the RGV, an area sorely underserved by credit unions, and produced a long list of success stories by thinking creatively when it comes to loans. Additionally, in October 2014, NavyArmy welcomed former members of County and Municipal Employees Credit Union (CMECU) after assuming CMECU assets. Building a steadfast reputation for partnering About NavyArmy Community Credit Union

IN 2014, EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEERED MORE THAN 2,774 HOURS TO ORGANIZATIONS THAT BENEFIT CHILDREN’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE.

NavyArmy Community Credit Union is a federally insured, state-chartered credit union with assets of $2.1 billion. Headquartered in Corpus Christi, Texas, NavyArmy provides quality products, customer service, a personable loan process and user-friendly online banking to both military and non-military members. Joining is simple! You can be a member if you live, work, go to school and/or worship in Aransas, Bee, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Nueces or San Patricio County.

with members for their financial lives, employees of the credit union work diligently to meet the needs of every single new member. Along with new members came new leadership. Sarah O’Brien became president/CEO in July 2013. O’Brien started her career with NavyArmy as VP/controller in 1987. With 27 years of experience under her belt, she has shown tremendous leadership during her first 18 months as president/CEO. Born in Texas, but raised in New Orleans, she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Orleans. The mother of two enjoys Hooks games with her parents and shopping with her daughters in her spare time. As a member-driven institution, NavyArmy understands that in order to be successful, it must instill an ethos of giving back both with its employees and with the community. In 2014 alone, employees volunteered more than 2,774 hours to organizations that benefit children’s health, education and welfare. These volunteer hours are supplemented with donations of over $350,000. NavyArmy is proud to support Driscoll Children’s Hospital, March of Dimes, American Heart Association, Junior Achievement and many more. The credit union recognizes that without the support of members and the community, it wouldn’t be the success story it is today. The community within NavyArmy is just as successful and supportive, providing sustainable jobs to 400 individuals and a culture of promoting from within. Many current managers began their careers as tellers or service representatives, and the top leadership team averages decades of experience in this industry. It’s easy to see that once you join the NavyArmy family, you’re investing in a lifetime of positive transactions and transitions. With more than 1.4 million teller transactions this year (not counting online and mobile banking) and an expanding member base, this downhome credit union shows us that a culture of caring and a willingness to be creative goes a long way. This 60th anniversary is only the beginning for the tremendous potential of NavyArmy.

Ashley Smith is the marketing director for NavyArmy Community Credit Union. For more information on NavyArmy, call 800-622-3631 or visit www.navyarmyccu.com.

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

SURAVID/BIGSTOCK.COM

MONEY MATTERS

Local, Family-Owned, Corpus Christi’s Original

We have a wide variety of A/C filters, standard and specialty • Residential and Business • Ceiling & wall grills and registers • Standard and custom sizes • Polystrand

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Corpus Christi, TX 361-855-1123

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

MONEY MATTERS

DON’T BECOME A VICTIM Carlisle Insurance offers some tips for protecting yourself from theft this holiday season.

he holiday season is here, and that always brings excitement to everyone who’s ready to spoil their friends and family with gifts. With all the fun and joy the holidays bring, the holidays also bring a higher rate of theft for homeowners and shoppers. When the holiday bells begin ringing, it is important to look over your personal insurance policy to see how you are protected in the event of a theft. According to the FBI, there are approximately 400,000 burglaries nationwide during the months of November and December, most of which target single-family homes. Although law enforcement officials are constantly working to reduce the threat of holiday burglaries, less than 15 percent of burglaries are solved. The low rate of resolve for home burglaries during the holidays is one of the biggest reasons to ensure your home is safe and covered in case anything happens to you during the holidays. There are many things you can do to protect your home from becoming a target for thieves during the holiday season. One of the easiest ways to keep

yourself and your home safe is to avoid posting your out-of-town plans online, as this can give thieves an easy way to gauge who will not be home during the holiday season. If you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time, update your Facebook and Twitter afterwards instead of beforehand. There are other dangers of theft when you are away from home. Keep your gifts safe, and make sure you lock them in the trunk, with the trunk lock on, so robbers don’t think the gifts are for them. Always make sure your car doors and windows are closed and locked when you have any items inside. If you order gifts online, keep track of when they will be delivered. Packages left on porches are among the biggest victims of holiday theft, so don’t leave goodies on your porch for others. There are many ways to still enjoy the holidays without putting your home at risk. In addition to beautiful holiday lights, add automated motion sensor lights next to your doors to deter robbers. You might want your neighbors to see your decorated tree through the window, but this also lets potential thieves see what goodies you have waiting for them. The more visible

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY

400,000 BURGLARIES NATIONWIDE DURING THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.

your valuables are, the better target they are for burglars, so keep your windows and doors closed so no one can peer in. No matter how many precautions we take, there is still a chance that you could become a victim of theft this holiday season. If this happens to you, it is important to know whether or not you are covered. Personal insurance plans vary by coverage, and it is important to know what you are covered for before it is too late. Most homeowners’ policies provide coverage for possessions at 50 to 70 percent of the dwelling’s coverage. While policies may cover belongings, there are limits on luxury items and what you can claim if a theft occurs. The right homeowners’ insurance policy can help you still have a happy holiday, even if others try to take it away. No matter what your current policy, it is important to speak with your representative to know what you are covered for and how you can better protect yourself and your home. Knowing whether your belongings are covered can be all you need to ensure a happy holiday season. For more information, visit www.carlisleins.com.

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Main Office

C.C., TX. 78414 Staples Office 4677 S. Staples St. C.C., TX 78411 Alice 1909 E. Main St. Alice, TX. 78332

www.gulfcoastalfederalcu.com I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

COASTAL BEND TREASURE Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend: the education pipeline from the classroom to the workforce By: DR. JANET CUNNINGHAM

ducational post-secondary institutions are the key in providing an educated and skilled workforce. Not only are the local colleges doing their part, but Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend (CTCCB) is also responding to the increased demands for workers. CTCCB is a unique post-secondary training facility that teaches industrial crafts where high school students and adults earn national training credentials, certifications and licenses in a Department of Labor Apprenticeship Program. Getting students ready for the workforce is a major objective of the CTCCB, but giving Coastal Bend high school students a jumpstart on future careers immediately after high school graduation is also a major goal. Starting students through the education pipeline begins with summer programs for middle school students in grades six through eight at the CTCCB. The two-week summer program gives these youth a hands-on experience in welding, plumbing, electricity rigging, scaffold-building, fall-protection, safety, pipefitting, hand tools, power tools and construction mathematics. It also teaches students soft skills like being on time, shaking hands, showing respect, establishing eye contact and speaking clearly. The students must submit to drug testing before being accepted in the program, and they are subject to random drug tests while participating in the intense camp. Dr. Michael Sandroussi believes that starting students early is critical to getting them ready for the workforce. “Students need to learn early that craft skills training will provide a great quality of life,” he says. “All of our students at CTCCB understand this concept and are attaining training credentials that will impact their

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quality of life in a positive manner.” Also preparing for future careers are high school students and adults. More than 300 students from 19 school districts are enrolled in the training program this year. The adult program consists of approximately 320 adults, and the CTCCB has more than 20 offsite locations throughout the state called Accredited Training Education Facilities (ATEFs) consisting of more than 400 students. All courses are taught using curriculum designed by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). NCCER develops and publishes a world-class national curriculum created by subject matter experts throughout the United States. NCCER certification is often required by area employers for employment. The NCCER curriculum facilitates school districts in meeting the new requirement of House Bill 5 for career pathways to earning training credentials, certifications and licenses. All classes meet or exceed Texas Education Agency requirements, and through CTCCB programs, students may earn the following: Career & Technology Education (CTE) credit, NCCER training credentials, Del Mar College Continuing Education credit, CTCCB graduation credit and American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Many of the high school students participate in local, state and national competitions during the year. The main focus of the training program is to produce well-educated, drugfree craftspeople. The CTCCB is an organization that has received local, state and national accolades, including recent recognition in the Wall Street Journal. The Coastal Bend has a treasure; it is called the Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend! Dr. Janet Cunningham is the executive director of Citizens for Educational Excellence, and Dr. Michael Sandroussi is the president of Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend.

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EDUCATION

The Corpus Christi Education Foundation (CCEF) recognizes the following 2014-2015 Honor Society Inductees who have made a real difference in education for thousands of CCISD students. Since 2008, their contributions have resulted in more than $730,000 to provide new classroom programs and scholarships. many thanks to these outstanding partners, who are Building the future of corpus Christi by making education a priority today.

Superintendent’s Circle of Lifetime Membership - $50,000 +

Optimist Club of Corpus Christi

Principal’s Circle - $30,000 + CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery - Donor of the Year INSPIRE Coastal Bend Magazine • Flint Hills Resources Trafigura Terminals, LLC

Educator’s Circle - $10,000 + AG|CM, Inc. • Borden Insurance • Coastal Bend Community Foundation Friends of Mary Helen Berlanga • Fulton-Coastcon Gignac & Associates, L.L.P. • H-E-B • Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP Family & Friends of Lt. Cdr. Rick Mead • Stripes LLC • Thompson & Horton LLP

Student’s Circle - $2,500 + Bill’s Sparkling City Charter Port of Corpus Christi • W.B. Ray High School Class of 1973

Your City. Your Students. Your Support. ... Our Future. | www.ccef-ccisd.org I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TASTE

LEAVE A LASTING IMPRESSION Planning your next event? Here is a planner’s perspective on some essential event catering questions you should ask.

AS I WORK IN A VENUE that hosts a catering company, I am exposed to a variety of menu options and ideas. Food can make the biggest impact on your event. It has the ability to leave a lasting impression on your guests. I see food service every day, and I often see the same guests. Sometimes I even see the same guests two or three times a day. With this being the case, the catering side of my brain wants to “wow” these individuals and show them new ideas rather than the same plate every visit. But being the event manager and not the actual event planner, I urge clients to review menu ideas to see what is possible for their event. Think about your event and its purpose. Meetings and trainings are usually spent listening and exchanging ideas, while social events are mingling and a bit more casual. Meetings are very scheduled, so you don’t have

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time to pass appetizers and present action stations. On the other side, social events aren’t suitable for break snacks like chips and popcorn. Consider the different types of social events. You could be hosting a formal fundraiser or a laidback holiday party. Each event could choose a buffet or seated meal. There is a huge difference in the feel of buffet versus seated meals. Buffet has a casual, “party” feel, and guests are up and mingling. Seated is more formal. Everything is brought to you, so you won’t see many

PHOTOS COURTESY OF OVATIONS FOOD SERVICES

By: AUBREY WINSTON

people up and about. Seated also lends itself to a more elegant feel. Secondly, think about cocktail hour. Have you considered having a cocktail hour for silent auction or networking? If so, have you thought about providing appetizers? There are so many different options for appetizers. You could provide passed coconut shrimp or have a beautifully displayed imported cheese tray. Why not consult with your caterer to see what menu ideas you can develop together? Blend everyone’s ideas, and create a completely custom menu, or showcase a well-known item in a new and innovative presentation. Your caterer has years of experience and has seen many ideas and trends through the years. Consider the knowledge they have from years of food service and events. Budget is one thing that can greatly affect the decisions about menu. Researching caterers can be difficult because you will see huge differences in the pricing. Look into the details and quality of what you will be purchasing. Ask a variety of questions to ensure you know what the caterer provides. Great questions would be:

MY GREATEST SUGGESTION TO CLIENTS IS TO BE OPENMINDED.

›› Is the menu customizable? Some clients come in with pictures of what they want. For example, I’ve been asked to recreate a grilled cheese appetizer served over a shot glass of tomato soup the bride found on Pinterest. We did, and it was fabulous! ›› Who provides the place settings (i.e. plates, utensils, cups)? If the caterer does, is it chinaware or disposable? ›› Does the caterer provide the bar service? Are bartenders provided? ›› Will be the bar be cash or hosted? Consider hosting alcohol for your guests. I have many brides who host a certain amount of money. This way they know exactly what they are spending. ›› Who will set up for the meal? Is banquet staff provided? ›› Do you provide a personalized tasting of the chosen menu? Do you charge for this?

These are essential questions that will show you what you are paying for with each caterer. Also, seeing the many menu and beverage options they offer can help you see new ideas you never considered before. My greatest suggestion to clients is to be open-minded. Coming in with ideas and pictures is great, but listening and considering the experience of these great chefs can only help your event. You may end up having the most original menu and becoming the talk of the water cooler for years. Like I said, food can leave a lasting impression. Happy eating! Aubrey Winston is the marketing and event manager for Ovations Food Services at the Ortiz Center. Contact her at 361-879-0125 or aubrey. winston@ovationsfs.com to book your next event. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TASTE

A Cozy Staple

Take refuge from the cold winds of the South Texas winter with a hot mug of holiday spice Wassail. By: MANDY ASHCRAFT Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

There is nothing more relaxing than warming up from the icy cold winds of South Texas winter with a hot mug of spice tea. Wassail has been a cozy staple in Christmas and New Yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; traditions since as early as the 1400s, and has many variations in flavorings and spices, and some even contain alcohol. This recipe is for a simple, family-friendly Wassail mix that is made in a larger quantity so it can be easily shared with family and friends. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tis the season! 44

INGREDIENTS: 1 2 1 1

cup instant tea mix, unsweetened cups dry Tang powder cup dry lemonade powder teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Optional: cinnamon sticks, orange slices

INSTRUCTIONS: 1/ Stir all dry ingredients together in a large container. This can be easily portioned into Mason jars or other sealed containers to give as gifts. 2/ To prepare: Add 2 tablespoons of Wassail mix to one standard coffee mug of hot water. It will dissolve easily. 3/ Serve with cinnamon sticks and/or orange wedges as garnish. Note: This recipe makes 4 cups of dry mix, or 32 standard mugs of Wassail.

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TRAVEL

IN WITH THE NEW

Corpus Christi International Airport introduces new flight information displays to make your travel experience more convenient than ever. By: KIM BRIDGER

ome of us are old enough to remember the days when an airline delay or cancellation was a big secret until you arrived at the airport for your flight. You would walk in the terminal, go to the ticket counter and check your bags, and sometime within that time frame, you would find out there was no reason to hurry. Nowadays, while the airlines occasionally experience these delays, many of us actually find out about it via email or text. But as much as we appreciate mobile notification, that doesn’t replace the need for or the importance of the flight information displays inside the terminal.

NEW FLIGHT INFORMATION DISPLAYS Next time you visit Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA), check out the new screens that are currently being installed at the airline ticket counters, at the baggage claim, above the TSA security checkpoint, in the concourse and at individual airline gates. The new digital displays will show real-time information as it changes every minute. The old system at CCIA displayed the flights, times and updates; however, the system required manual updating by airline employees. In the hustle and bustle of air travel these days, that was not an ideal situation. The new software also al-

lows CCIA to send up-to-the-minute flight information through to the airport website. So no matter where you are, you can log on for up-tothe-minute information.

A BUSIER TERMINAL The new displays will also feature current weather information and messages about security, safety and parking at CCIA. And they come at a good time: Since September 2013, the number of people getting on planes at CCIA has been on the way up. This trend bodes well for the community. If the local economy continues to grow and change, it stands to reason that there will be a greater demand for the service we have here at CCIA. That’s a great way to get the attention of airline planners. The economic indicators that matter the most to the airlines are directly related to how many seats are sold on flights. There’s a little more to it than that, but you get my drift. As airport managers, we don’t take things for granted. There are currently three major airlines serving this community, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to keep them here. So, busy is good. Busier is better. And 2015 is showing a lot of promise.

FLY CCIA! GO TO A HAPPY PLACE. When we dubbed CCIA a happy place, it wasn’t a stretch. At CCIA,

you’ll find ample parking at a reasonable price. You’ll have a short walk to the terminal with no long lines or loud crowds to maneuver through. And when you return from your trip and land at CCIA, you’re close to home. When it comes to airfare, you will find that prices out of CCIA are often very much in line with what you’ll find at other airports in the region. So when it’s time to take that next trip, take the easy way out!

THE NEW DISPLAYS WILL FEATURE CURRENT WEATHER INFORMATION AND MESSAGES ABOUT SECURITY, SAFETY AND PARKING AT CCIA.

Kim Bridger is the marketing manager at CCIA. For more information, contact her at kimb@cctexas.com.

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STYLE

CREATING SMILES

Hair Peace Salon: a small business with a big heart By: LISA BLACK

OUR JOB IS NOT ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE BEAUTIFUL; IT’S ABOUT BRINGING YOUR INNER BEAUTY TO THE SURFACE SO YOU CAN SHINE ON.

Our faces can also be seen at many of your school and business events such as tinsel tying at Baker Middle School and Windsor Park Elementary. Last, but certainly not least, Hair Peace Salon routinely visits the Ronald McDonald house to donate haircuts to the families and children who are enduring tough times and may not have the time or the resources to visit a salon. It gives us great satisfaction to see our work creating smiles. To us, our job is not about making people beautiful, but rather, bringing your inner beauty to the surface so you can shine on! When you support a small business, you are supporting your community; you are keeping your money local, and that is a big deal. We aspire to help keep the local charm in our wonderful city, and we hope you do, too. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful community we all call home. Every time you spend a dollar at a small business such as Hair Peace Salon, you should give yourself a big ol’ pat on the back. Go ahead; you deserve it (mention this article for 15 percent off your next visit). And thank you – thank you very much.

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t takes a community to build a small business. We know you have many salons to choose from, so we strive to stay on the cutting edge and ensure that every client is treated like a pillar of the community. Without you – without our community – we couldn’t exist. That is why at Hair Peace Salon, we believe wholeheartedly in the gift of giving back. From continuing education to community participation, you will always find us at the top of the list. A town without small businesses lacks local character. Whether we grew up here or landed here by a force of nature, we love it. Seriously, what’s not to love? Corpus Christi is a big city with small town charm – and we’ve got a beach! Our city’s character comes from our city’s characters: you, me and everyone in between. Being a small business means we can focus on what our clients need rather than basing our growth strategies on huge nationwide campaigns that don’t always understand local needs. For example, instead of pushing Brand X Sparkles and Sass hairspray on you, we can show you what you really need, like Redken’s Control Addict 28, because we know Corpus Christi is the real “Windy City” and that’s what you need to keep that ‘do in check. We stock products that work best for our environment because we live in it. One of the best things about being a small business is that we have the ability to give back and to see that impact play out right here in our backyard. We regularly support our small business colleagues with donations for their individual causes. We aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty, either. We fear no pink mustache, as we readily donated our time to the Pink for Josie Mustache Campaign. We have supported “You Go Girl,” and we teamed up to raise money for our local chapter of the American Cancer Society with the Cancer Blows Campaign two years in a row.

For more information, visit www.hairpeacecc.com, call 361-851-8541 or visit the salon at 3636 S. Alameda, Ste. K, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

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3636 S. ALAMEDA, STE F, CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 @ TAYLOR SHOPPING CENTER 361.806.2195

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INSPIRED STYLE

Aanayeli Ruiz

Local News Reporter

A little bit about me: I was born in Mexico City, but I came to the United States with my parents when I was little. They came to the United States with a dream that their daughters would be successful, strong women. They wanted to make sure my sister and I had the best opportunities in this world to succeed. I lived in Houston most of my life, but still hold my Mexican roots very dearly to my heart. I went to the University of Houston and graduated with honors, and have a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in communications and a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Spanish.

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Hair and Makeup: HAIR PEACE SALON Photography: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT Wardrobe: BELLA JEWEL Location: BELLA JEWEL

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Hair and Makeup: HAIR PEACE SALON Photography: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT Wardrobe: BELLA JEWEL Location: BELLA JEWEL

Why do I love what I do? It honestly feels surreal waking up each day and realizing that I am a reporter. People say you are at the right place when you wake up and it doesn’t feel like work. That’s how I feel every day when I wake up. My dream was always to be a reporter. Ever since I can remember, the only thing I wanted to do in life was become a TV reporter. While in college, one of my assignments was to pick an issue in the community and do a story on it. I remember I met a lady at a local protest who worked as a janitor. She had four young daughters and was a single mother, but the janitorial company had recently cut her hours, and now, she didn’t qualify for benefits. During this time, she was diagnosed with cancer and had nothing to fall back on. I remember interviewing her for my college assignment. And I never will forget how empowering it felt to be able to help a person in need – to be able to give a voice to those who are otherwise are not heard. This is why I love what I do. I have the power to help people, to bring justice to the unjust and to report stories that affect the community. It has been an amazing adventure! I have met the most wonderful people along the way. At this moment in my life, I can’t picture myself doing anything else in this world. I love what I do. It hasn’t been easy! It’s been a lot of hard work – a lot of people telling me I would never become a reporter … But all my tears, struggles and hardships have paid off. I am living the dream! And I am blessed to continue on this path!

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Words to live by: One day, you will wake up, and there won’t be any more time to do what you wanted. Do it now!

My philosophy: Always remember to see life in whatever form it takes and in whatever circumstance it exists. No matter it life goes up or down, sweet and sour, simple, difficult or whatever happens, just enjoy it, and enjoy the ride. Just be happy nothing is unimportant when you fully appreciate how it makes you feel. There is great meaning to be found and felt – just listen, taste, hear, give, understand, work, play, travel and love. And more importantly, always put God first.

Hair and Makeup: HAIR PEACE SALON Photography: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT Wardrobe: BELLA JEWEL Location: BELLA JEWEL

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PHOTO BY LISA BLACK

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EVENTS

MIXING THINGS UP

in the Coastal Bend

Networking with Inspire

Photos by: DLG PHOTOGRAPHY and D&P PHOTOGRAPHY

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ENTERTAINMENT

ANOTHER WORLD Shen Yun brings 5,000 years of Chinese music and dance to American Bank Center Selena Auditorium. By: KRISTEN BILY

he phrase, “Shen Yun,” means “The beauty of heavenly beings dancing.” What an extraordinary thought to see heavenly beings live onstage. The meaning behind the phrase, “Shen Yun,” encompasses that very expression, and Shen Yun will be performing live on the stage of the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium on March 21 and 22, 2015. Before the dawn of Western civilization, a divinely inspired culture was blossoming in the East. Believed to be bestowed from the heavens, it valued virtue and enlightenment. Take an extraordinary journey across 5,000 years of glorious Chinese heritage, where legends will come to life right before your eyes. With classical Chinese dance, live orchestra, dazzling costumes and bright backdrops, Shen Yun will take you right to another world. Millions have seen Shen Yun with standing ovations at sold-out theaters around the world, making it a global sensation. The experience of this performance is something that will touch your soul. Shen Yun first came to life in 2006 as a dance company that included 30 dancers, an orchestra, soloists, artistic directors and production. Starting from the mission to capture the spirit of traditional Chinese cul-

ture, Shen Yun quickly became a theatrical hit and an international phenomenon. Shen Yun has now grown to having four dance companies, a full orchestra, a dance troupe and soloists who travel to more than 100 cities around the world. These companies tour the world simultaneously for five months per year, performing in more than 130 cities worldwide. Productions have spanned from North America to Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America. Shen Yun’s shows have been staged in many leading theaters, including New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center and Paris’ Le Palais de Congrès. In a show that features some 20 beautiful dances and songs, the show moves from one story to another, passing through regions and dynasties. Patrons will witness dancers fly across the stage in an array of flips, spins and jumps, leaving on lookers in awe. Sharing 5,000 years of rich Chinese history, one may wonder how the Eastern world meets the Western world. The truth is that Shen Yun tells a story that translates in any language and culture. For example, Shen Yun dances are accompanied by a Western philharmonic orchestra that incorporates several traditional Chinese instruments, including the pipa, the suona, the gong and a variety of others. There are also solo performances featuring Chinese instruments such as the erhu. Blending beautifully between dance sequences are operatic singers performing moving songs that inspire hope in audiences’ hearts. From the choreography and the powerful music to the gorgeous costumes and the animated backdrops, Shen Yun takes the audience on a journey through time to ancient lands, mountain peaks and heavenly paradises. It is a glimpse into a long-lost world that is understood by all, gracing the stage with its dazzling spectacle of color, movement and grace. Tickets are now on sale for Shen Yun, and they can be purchased at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and select Walmart and H-E-B locations, as well as online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center. For more information, visit us online at www.americanbankcenter.com, www.facebook. com/americanbankcenter or www.twitter.com/americanbankctr. You can also follow us on Instagram (@americanbankcenter) and on Tumblr (@americanbankcenter).

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The Best Shopping South of The North Pole I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

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NONPROFIT

WISE GIVING

BBB offers some advice for business owners who are planning to give the gift of charity this holiday season.

uring this season of thankfulness and gifts, charitable giving can make a difference in your community and shed favorable light on your business. According to a 2013 report from Giving USA, charitable giving grew by about 3.5 percent last year, totaling $316.23 billion. This indicates that giving back is important not only to small business, but also to your customers. Charitable giving is also great for employee morale because it brings employees together to support good causes that are separate from their everyday work life. From a marketing perspective, it can also give your business an opportunity to reach out and connect with members of your community on a different platform. With all the charities out there, how do you determine which charity is the right fit for your business and your community? Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers an easy way to narrow down the list by offering free charity reports on hundreds of nonprofit organizations through BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance (WGA). WGA also commissioned significant independent research on donor expectations to ensure that the views of the general public were reflected in the standards. BBB’s WGA has standards that seek to encourage fair and honest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support of philanthropy. Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations

that meet all 20 standards for charity accountability become BBB accredited charities. BBB standards for charity accountability were developed to help donors make sound giving decisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations. On a local level, BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas and the Permian Basin recently launched a new format for our charity reports. Some of the great features include: ›› An easier-to-read, more attractive look, which shows whether a charity “meets standards” or not, or if a charity “did not disclose” information. Charities that meet standards are BBB accredited charities, and there will be a seal on their BBB charity report ›› A summary of the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability each organization meets ›› Tabs that contain details related to the charity’s purpose, programs, staff members and financial distributions ›› A “full report” button for donors who would prefer to read the report without tabs ›› A “share” button so you can connect the charity report you’re reviewing easily on social media There are clear benefits in choosing to use time and resources to invest in a cause. As with all aspects of managing your business, it’s important to have a plan that is clearly tied to your goals. It’s a good idea to consider the following when looking to donate to an organization: ◆ Determine what causes you want

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About BBB For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping consumers find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. For the latest news, visit our blog at www. watchyourbuck.com. And to learn more, contact Tracy Bracy, regional director for BBB, at 361-852-4949.

For more information, visit www.bbb.org or contact the BBB consumer help line at 361-852-4949.

to help. It’s important to find a trustworthy nonprofit organization that you can build a relationship with and that is working for a cause that matters to your company ◆ Involve employees. Ask employees what causes they are passionate about. You could even offer them a paid day of volunteer time with a partnering organization. ◆ Investigate the organization by visiting the charity at bbb.org. Find their BBB charity review, and find out more information about their background, finances and programs. ◆ Decide how you will help. There are many ways to contribute to a charity, beyond financial support. Figure out the ways your company can most benefit the organization you choose. ◆ Determine if your donation will qualify as tax deductible. Consult your accountant or tax advisor for information about what constitutes a charitable tax deduction and how to properly log your activity. ◆ Get your customers involved. You can run programs that allow your customers to support the organization, as well. Hold a food drive, offer a special discount if customers support your charity or ask customers to round up and donate their change. ◆ Market and promote your partnership. Once you’ve established a relationship with the charity you support, utilize that relationship to your advantage. Ask if they will use your logo on their website, and post on social media about being a sponsor or partner.

PASKO MAKSIM/BIGSTOCK.COM

By: TRACY BRACY

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COMES FIRST YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR TRUCK & JEEP ACCESSORIES

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7433 Leopard Street // 361.289.1636

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

quality first & service always 2915 SPID, Corpus Christi, TX 78415 mcu78415@yahoo.com

361-857-8966 Office ESTIMATES, PICKUP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE Upholstery • Draperies • Auto-Boat Furniture Manufacturing • Residential-Commercial

MOSAIC A Collection of Unique & Wonderful Things

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Johnny Was // Ivy Jane Free People // O'Neill Southern Tide // Tolani

Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm Saturday 2.35X4.85FASTSIGNS_ad.pdf 10:00am - 2:00pm (by appointment1 only) 6/23/14

5:39 PM

CMY

3820 S. Alameda #38 Corpus Christi, TX 78411

361.852.3838

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Town & Country Cafe Breakfast served all day / Meeting room available upon request 4228 S. Alameda / Corpus Christi, TX 78412

361.992.0360 Hours: Mon-Fri: 6am-3:30pm, Sat: 6am-4pm, Sun: 6am-3pm

“WHERE FRAMING IS AN ART”

Every Moment. Every Detail. Capure it Forever.

361.739.2143 www.DPPhoto.biz

5503 SOUTH STAPLES ST. CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78411 361.991.4967 FAX: 361.991.2361 TOLL FREE: 866.991.4967 WWW.THEFRAMEUPCC.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THE ARGENTA PROJECT

IS TAKING SUBMISSIONS FOR YOUR NON-PROFIT CAUSE. WE PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS, SPONSER SPORTS TEAMS AS WELL AS CONTRIBUTE OUR TIME AND DIME TO SEVERAL COMMUNITIY EVENTS. SUBMIT YOURS AT: WWW.ARGENTAPROJECT.COM OR CALL

361.906.0707

THE

ARGENTA PROJECT

I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

“INVESTING IN THE

ROOTS OF OUR COMMUNITY.”