Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Jan/Feb 2020 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

FORWARD MOTION SPOTLIGHT ON AREA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Enjoy the Show

HARBOR PLAYHOUSE CHECK OUT NEW 2020 FEATURE, PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT

BRIGHT COMMUNITY LIGHT

JULIO REYES

JAN/FEB 2020 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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ENERGIZING OUR COMMUNITIES Follow us on social media and see how we are energizing our communities.

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@PortCorpusChristi

Instagram: @PoccaPort

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CONTENTS JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

18 COVER STORY JULIO REYES

A key player in AEP’s growth for 45 years, this true leader enhances productivity while also serving the community in significant ways.

24 PROFILE HARBOR PLAYHOUSE

Serving as a cultural cornerstone for almost 95 years, the playhouse continues to bring the joy of theatre to the Coastal Bend.

30 CHAMBER

SPOTLIGHT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Leaders from six area chambers of commerce talk updates, upcoming events and ways you can get involved in the community.

BUSINESS COACH 10 Modern Business Management FEATURES 12 Design Excellence 14 50 Years of Shopping 16 Picture-Perfect ENERGY 34 One Vision, One Team TRAVEL 36 Get There From Here TASTE 38 Super Sweet

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

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NONPROFIT 40 Second Chance at Life 42 Racing the Clock 44 From a Pitcure Window to a Test-Drive

PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT 48 Poor Man’s Supper

THINK BIG. THINK COOPER.

For Advertising Call (361) 882-3088 Locally owned and operated since 1981

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

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

PUBLISHER Adrian Garza

PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

DESIGN DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

ERIN O'BRIEN EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Jacqueline Gonzalez Dr. Ridge Hammons Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Connie Laughlin Rebecca Mohat Abigail Spencer Mundell Kathleen Naderer Jon Reily Becca Taylor Christina Hunter Villeda Sarona Winfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Ashcraft TWINS Media

ELISA GIORDANO DESIGN DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information or editorial comments, please call 479-935-0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

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PELICAN

MEDIA GROUP

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

I AM RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR with a lot of reflection and hope. 2019 was quite the year for me. It was a year full of celebrations, accomplishments, challenges and even some tears. Our publication fared quite well; we had the amazing 10-year, diamond anniversary issue and celebration, and we shared many wonderful covers and stories. Professionally, I continue to reach my goals. The magazine continues to grow its following and readership while also developing a stronger sense of local community matters. I am sure these things will always be at the top of my list of improvements to make, so I am pleased with what our team has produced and accomplished. On a personal note, loss topped my list. This was certainly not a goal I set at the beginning of the year. This is where the tears come in. In my reflection, it occurs to me that I have lost seven members of my beloved friends and family this past year. In my life, I have been fortunate to have not had to experience losing so many, so close, in such little time. I guess it was my turn. I am not writing this to make anyone feel sorry for me or to make anyone sad, but what I do want you to take away from my experience is something positive – something to consider as we embark upon this New Year. Out of the seven folks I lost, six were taken by heart disease. That is 90 percent. Out of those six, five were under the age of 65, and three were under the age of 55. These statistics are heartbreaking (literally). I realize that heart disease can be genetic; in fact, it is something that I myself am genetically predisposed to. However, we all must understand that there are things we can do as far as lifestyle choices to prevent and avoid the onset of catastrophic circumstances caused by heart disease.

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Heart disease is known to be the “silent killer.” In fact, most of its victims have very short notice that it is even coming for them. And in this day and age, it is really good at masquerading itself as other conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue and even stomach upset. The bottom line is, it is taking far too many, far too young. So my wish for you in this New Year is to be aware, to become educated on this important health issue and to make an effort to make the lifestyle changes necessary to prevent it. February is recognized as Heart Month, and in the pages ahead, you will find that our cover stories feature an amazing cardiologist and a vice president of a company who both strongly support our local American Heart Association. They are both serving as this year’s honorary chairs for the annual Heart Ball, and also serve this organization regularly in other capacities. We are honored to feature them and to share their accomplishments. In closing, I would like to wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! We dedicate this issue to all of our loved ones taken by heart disease, and to yours, too. Welcome, 2020. Godspeed to all!

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

THE TEAM STELLAR seeks success both personally and professionally. When it comes to electricity, we will find the most cost-effective solutions that are custom tailored to our customers’ needs. This will allow our clients to free up time, money and give them the ability to work on their own definitions of success. -TIM CLARK, PRESIDENT

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BUSINESS COACH

MODERN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT Four strategies to get right in the New Year By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

1. METHOD MANAGEMENT

4. OUTSOURCING MANAGEMENT

Business methodologies (process management) are important to master and effective tools to use, whether you’re a small business or large corporation. If you’re looking for growth and profitability, examine your options in search of the one that best suits your organization’s needs. They are numerous in count: Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Production, Best Practices and Blue Ocean Strategy, to name some of the most popular. In review of the various business models, look for the one that brings efficiency in operating procedures, with the most financial gain. Speed of reaching one’s goals is relevant. It takes time and talent to ensure the right person is in the right seat on the bus.

There are multiple administrative tasks a business can outsource, including IT operations, marketing, accounting, customer service, lead generation and human resources (HR). One of the most effective solutions to look at is a professional employer organization (PEO) service offering. You will streamline your operation with best practices and procedures, minimize risks and contain your employee cost. The service offering includes payroll administration, HR, workers’ compensation insurance and claims administration, a safety program and, optionally, benefits. Under the umbrella of a highly accredited and certified PEO, you’ll save a considerable amount of time, save money on benefits and lessen your liability!

A company is known by the people it keeps. – UNKNOWN

Success means only doing what you do well, letting someone else do the rest.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT A business risk management analysis should review all potential risks and liabilities. First, assess your risks, including employee-related liabilities and safety procedures, product and services liabilities, tools and equipment condition and liabilities, building and content insurances, insurance policies, emergency preparedness and the ability to maintain a profitable business while keeping all of your risks minimized. When you’re up to your armpits in alligators, it’s hard to remember to drain the swamp. – RONALD REAGAN

3. TIME MANAGEMENT Business owners always put off honing time management skills. Get a grip on your time. Key strategy: Know the process management solution that will work best for your business, study the model and implement it. Become organized, and prepare your management strategies well in advance. Leave no stone uncovered, or assets are bare for someone to take a big chomp.

– GOLDSTEIN S. TRUISM

There’s more to it than just meeting payroll. Many mom-and-pop shops are disappearing; they’re being gobbled up by industry moguls offering the full spectrum of services capitalizing on contracted opportunities. The ones left need to pony up and do their homework, as they’re running at a disadvantage: lacking appropriate human capital management, employee cost projections and asset protection. They don’t know how to effectively manage certain HR administrative duties, and they lack basic business acumen (training, regulatory compliance, professional handbooks and manuals) to effectively grow their business and keep costs predictable. You won’t understand what you don’t know until you invest time in your own development. Do you personally have the time for this, or should you outsource it to professionals?

GET A GRIP ON YOUR TIME.

CONNIE LAUGHLIN is a business consultant for UniqueHR (the highly accredited Texas PEO). For more information, you may contact her at 361-852-6392 or conniel@uniquehr.com.

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FEATURE

DESIGN EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to all of the AIA Corpus Christi 2019 Design Awards winners!

AIA Corpus Christi recognizes the outstanding achievements of member architects at the 2019 AIA Corpus Christi Design Awards. By: ABIGAIL SPENCER MUNDELL

very three years, the Corpus Christi chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrates local design excellence through their most prestigious program, the AIA Corpus Christi Design Awards. The design awards program provides an avenue for member architects to be recognized by their peers for their outstanding achievements and dedication to excellence in architectural design. The winning projects, selected from a record 24 entries submitted by AIA architects throughout the Texas Coastal Bend, were chosen by a jury composed of leading figures and experts in the field of architecture. This past fall, the 2019 winning projects were announced and celebrated at the AIA Corpus Christi Design Awards Gala, held in October at the Art Museum of South Texas. “At a time when Corpus Christi and our surrounding communities are seeing tremendous growth and development, we turn to our architects to address some our greatest opportunities and challenges,” said 2019 AIA Corpus Christi President Aleisha Kolb, AIA. “These winning projects contribute to quality of life in our area, as well as beyond our borders, and represent the amazing and talented architects that our small community features through the realization of design excellence.” The AIA Corpus Christi Design Awards are divided into five categories: residential, commercial/industrial, institutional/ civic/religious facilities, interior architecture and unbuilt. The awards are granted in three levels: • Award of Excellence, the highest honor recognizing projects deemed to

exemplify excellence of architectural design on all levels of analysis, as well as the highest standards to which AIA members aspire • Award of Merit, recognizing projects that display a high overall standard of architectural quality and design • Honorable Mention, recognizing projects that have made notable achievements in one or more particular project aspects The 2019 awards celebration, which took place at the Art Museum of South Texas, was attended by more than 100 local architects, designers, individuals from companies related to the field, supporters of architecture and members of the Corpus Christi community. The evening was generously sponsored by a variety of local organizations and businesses, including Fulton Coastcon General Contractors, Turner | Ramirez Architects, Beecroft Construction, ARC Document Solutions, Richter Architects, Gignac Architects, Tolunay-Wong Engineers Inc., Corpus Christi Stamp Works, Spectrum Lighting, Rock Engineering & Testing Lab, Weaver & Jacobs Constructors Inc. and SpawGlass. The Corpus Christi of AIA unites the community of design professionals who live and work in the Texas Coastal Bend by connecting directly with architects, associates and professionals in the design and build industries. Acting as a resource to the general public, AIA Corpus Christi utilizes its vast local and national opportunities to educate, promote and encourage ongoing support and appreciation of innovative and historic architecture.

For more information, visit www.aiacorpuschristi.org.

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TxDot West Pecos County Safety Rest Area

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:

TxDot West Pecos County Safety Rest Area, designed by RICHER ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Institutional/Civic/Religious)

AWARDS OF MERIT: United States Port of Entry Tornillo

Voestalpine Administration Building

United States Port of Entry Tornillo, Texas, designed by RICHER ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Institutional/Civic/Religious) San Patricio Municipal Water District, designed by RICHER ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Commercial/Industrial)

Voestalpine Administration Building, designed by RICHER ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Commercial/Industrial) San Patricio Municipal Water District

Del Mar College South Campus

Del Mar College South Campus, designed by TURNER | RAMIREZ ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Unbuilt)

Veterans Memorial High School

Harlingen Aquatic Center

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS: Harlingen Aquatic Center, designed by GIGNAC ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Institutional/Civic/Religious) University of Houston – Victoria, STEM Building

Veterans Memorial High School, designed by GIGNAC ARCHITECTS, Corpus Christi, Texas (category: Institutional/Civic/Religious)

University of Houston – Victoria, STEM Building, designed by SMITHGROUP, Dallas, Texas (category: Unbuilt)

The 2019 jury was comprised of three members of the AIA Austin Chapter, including Paul A. Bielamowicz, AIA, principal, Page; Michael Hsu, AIA, principal, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture; and Heather McKinney, AIA, principal, McKinney York Architects.

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FEATURE

50 YEARS OF SHOPPING La Palmera celebrates its gold anniversary in 2020.

he holidays may be done, but 2020 will get off to a busy start for La Palmera as shoppers scoop up post-holiday deals and continue to redeem their gift cards. It also marks an important milestone, as La Palmera will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year with special events planned for this summer. La Palmera opened as Padre Staples Mall on July 20, 1970, bringing 622,760 square feet of new shopping options to the Coastal Bend, only a few of which remain to this day, including Dillard’s, JCPenney, Zales Jewelers and Mall Shoe Service. Trademark Property and partner Institutional Mall Investors, LLC, acquired the mall in July 2008, changing the name to La Palmera and launching a two-year, $50 million redevelopment of the property. On June 25, 2010, a ribbon cutting and three-day grand opening event marked the end of the 1-million-square-foot regional mall’s transformation and the beginning of its new life as a cutting-edge shopping and leisure destination and local economic development machine. Today, La Palmera remains the only super-regional mall in a 140-mile radius. “We took a distressed 1970s mall and literally transformed it into something spectacular,” said Fred Walters, vice president and general manager of La Palmera. “We added a great mix of new tenants and dining options and numerous amenities such as free Wi-Fi, expanded concierge service, valet parking and community programs, all of which have greatly improved the guest experience. And that work continues today with even more planned redevelopment, which will be ongoing in 2020 and beyond.”

TODAY, LA PALMERA REMAINS THE ONLY SUPERREGIONAL MALL IN A 140-MILE RADIUS.

In the past two years, several popular retail and dining options opened their first and only Coastal Bend locations at La Palmera, including Kendra Scott, Hollister Co., Torrid, Windsor, BoxLunch, Steak ‘n Shake and Dave & Buster’s. In 2020, specialty retailer, Lush, will open on Center Court, Razzoo’s Cajun Kitchen will open adjacent to JCPenney off Staples Street in the corner of the mall’s southeast parking area, as will the new Homes2 Suites by Hilton, which is currently under construction adjacent to La Palmera near Dillard’s. “Even as many malls struggle, La Palmera continues to be a desirable location for retailers and restaurants, and we are pleased to bring new elements into the mix for our guests. We expect to be making more announcements in the near future as part of our ongoing mall redevelopment.” With more than 100 retail and dining options under one roof, shoppers will find their heart’s desire for Valentine’s Day – which is just around the corner – including the perfect card or keepsake at Hallmark, an amazing assortment of chocolate treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Bourbon Street Candy Co. or something extra special from one of La Palmera’s many fine jewelers. There are also a variety of date-night dinner choices, including P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, LongHorn Steakhouse, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, Dave & Buster’s and Chili’s Grill & Bar. And for added convenience, valet parking is available at the mall’s main entrance between P.F. Chang’s and Grimaldi’s. Guests using the valet on Valentine’s Day will also receive a complimentary rose, while supplies last.

For more information on La Palmera, go online to www.lapalmera.com, visit us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

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www.GunsandGlamour.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

PICTURE-PERFECT

Del Mar Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new South Campus on the south side of Corpus Christi seeks to satisfy educational needs and expand on them. By: CHRISTINA HUNTER VILLEDA

he natural environment of the Oso Bay and surrounding areas provides a picture-perfect setting of the Coastal Bend. The greenbrown seagrasses moving with the wind to the shallow waters with shells surfacing on the sand display an idyllic Gulf Coast scene. This distinctive landscape is prevalent to the south side of Corpus Christi, which is an expanding residential area in the Coastal Bend. The south side community encompasses different generations of families with its growing neighborhoods, educational amenities, infrastructure and recreational parks. These coinciding factors create a unique and intimate community within Corpus Christi. How do we embolden the connection between community and community college? How do we provide services a growing city needs in order to sustain itself, yet offer new opportunities as the city pushes forward and expands upon its trades? Del Mar Collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South Campus seeks to provide Corpus Christi with pioneering ideas for employment

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and learning complementary to the industries that reside here. Located at the intersection of Rodd Field and Yorktown, the campus site reflects the welcoming and tranquil landscape of the community and nature it inhabits. The South Campus design process used the coastal environment as a leading design factor. The overall design of the campus incorporates different sustainability tactics regarding wind, solar and daylighting analyses. The formal shapes of the buildings came from these studies and were constructed on performance-based-design. With the aid of computer modeling, the master plan design designated and manipulated the rotation of masses, spacing of volumes, materiality and finishes and points of fenestration. The South Campus master plan begins with three buildings to kick-start the innovative educational needs of this community. The Main Building houses an innovative learning lobby that encourages students to stay and study, and also borders the three-story library. The openness of the interiors

WITH THE RISING INDUSTRIAL CONTEXT AND NEW TECHNICAL JOBS MATERIALIZING, THE COASTAL BEND BECKONS A WIDER SET OF TECHNICAL TRAINING OPTIONS.

DEL MAR COLLEGE’S MISSION IS TO GIVE THE COMMUNITY THE EDUCATION YOU NEED FOR THE FUTURE YOU WANT. communicates transparency and a warm welcome between the student and institution. Del Mar College wants the space to feel like home, imitating the residential sentiment of the south side. Adjacent to the library is a public coffee bar students and faculty to re-energize themselves between classes. This building will also have the main admissions, enrollment, registrar and other facilities, as well as student support spaces. Besides those primary programs, the Main Building will have a career center and a veterans’ resource room for public access. With the rising industrial context and new technical jobs materializing, the Coastal Bend beckons a wider set of technical training options. The STEM Building will house Del Mar College’s science and technology programs. Ranging from electrical, chemical, microbiology and biotechnology to inorganic and organic chemistry, cell culture, biology and anatomy and physiology instructional labs, the college wants to emphasize the developing employment markets in the Coastal Bend. This 100,670-square-foot building also houses the architecture and interiors studios, as well as a wood shop and maker space amenities. The design metaphor connecting science and technology to the student is seen through the interiors. Bright color accents and geometric shapes reflect the complex, technical courses held inside. Adjacent to the Main and STEM Buildings is the Culinary Arts Building, which houses state-of-the-art culinary courses. This curriculum highlights the rising hospitality and food industries in Corpus Christi. Within the 59,561-square-foot structure are a campus dining hall for students and a teaching kitchen and teaching dining space that will be operated by students through their curriculum at specific times for the public. The Culinary Building will have basic, advanced and specialty skills labs. The specialty skills labs will focus on bakery and confectionery goods and processes. As students enter the building and proceed through the lobby, a large mural on the back wall reminisces on the

coastal circle of life with aquatic intonations. This mural encompasses the idea behind the rest of the interiors, as the building design incorporates natural and marine accents throughout. Besides having necessary faculty offices and regular classrooms, the second story of this structure holds a large multi-purpose room for college and public use. Del Mar College’s mission is to give the community the education you need for the future you want. This campus intends to use coastal factors to designate design, make students feel welcome and at home in an already thriving community and provide innovative and industry-relevant educational facilities. Del Mar is not only giving you the education you need, but expanding upon it and cultivating the wants for the next generation of Corpus Christi.

Article and renderings provided by the office of Turner Ramirez Architects. For more information, contact Philip Ramirez at 361-994-8900.

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COVER STORY

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POWER THROUGH LEADERSHIP Enhancements in productivity at AEP Texas are generating a bright light in the community.

By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by: TWINS Media

Julio Reyes, vice president of external affairs, has been a key player in the success of AEP Texas for the last 45 years. Prior to joining the AEP Texas family, he grew up working for a restaurant owned by his father. After working in various capacities, including prep-cook and dishwasher, he was promoted to waiter and cook, and soon after, he became restaurant manager. As manager, he discovered a skill in management as he worked diligently on sales tax, income tax, accounts payable, accounts receivable and inventory. He decided to nurture this gift and attended the University of Texas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Pan American, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management. In July 1974, Reyes joined AEP Texas, where he began as a lineman in training while working toward his degree. With his skill set and a degree under his belt, he embarked on what would be a very successful career with many open doors and opportunities waiting. Prior to his current role as vice president of external affairs, he held a variety of management positions within AEP, including area manager in the Valley, Eagle Pass and Brownsville. He was also the marketing manager in Tulsa, when he transferred back to the Valley as division manager. He was then promoted to vice president at the state level in Austin, a position he held for seven years, before being promoted to his current role of vice president of external affairs in 2007. In his current role, he is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with regulators, legislators, county and city elected officials, key community leaders and consumers, as well as other stakeholders who have an impact on issues affecting AEP Texas. He carries out his duties through the supervision of three main departments: governmental affairs, community affairs and customer service. Through governmental affairs, he ensures that policy and legislative issues, as well as building relationships with state legislators and congressional leaders, are taken care of. Community Affairs is comprised of a group of managers who provide communication

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IN ADDITION TO HIS ROLE AS VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, REYES HAS LONG BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS.

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and updates on outages and issues taking place in the 394 communities serviced by AEP Texas. The customer service portion of the company focuses on customer issues, ensuring that they are connected in a timely manner and are serviced properly. His strategic focus lies in community and customer service issues, while handling public policy matters in the state and economic development. With Julio at the helm, these departments have been extremely successful. A modest man, Reyes views his success through the lens of his ability to still be with the same company after 45 years and continuing to be a key player in its growth, regardless of all the restructuring the company has endured. The restructures to the company, formerly known as CPL, began as early as 1988, and Reyes is grateful and honored by his ability to weather those changes while earning several promotions along the way. He recalls the most difficult time in his career, where there were many relocations while his children were growing up. In a span of 15 years, he relocated 10 times, during which all four of his sons were in school, and his wife, Maria Victoria, was working on her graduate degree and a principal certification. Undoubtedly, the many relocations put the Reyes family in quite a bind. Julio recalls one particular move – his relocation to Tulsa, Okla. – where he was tasked with making a difficult decision. The scheduled move came at a time when his eldest son was in his senior year of high school, and his wife was close to completing her studies – another relocation would prove detrimental. Ultimately, his family staying behind while Julio went to Tulsa was the best option for everyone involved. This was a difficult time, but he made every effort to make the trip to engage in quality family time every two weeks. “It was quite the struggle, especially maintaining two households,” he recalls. “We made the decision together, and our marriage was strong enough to support all those changes.” In addition to the many hats he wears as vice president of external affairs, Reyes has long been active in various community projects. He has recently served on boards for the Corpus Christi South Texas Museum of Arts, Goodwill, Junior Achievement of the Coastal Bend, Texas Executives Council, Boy Scouts Council, Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra, the HOA and the American Heart Association. Historically, he has made strides through his service in the Rotary Club, the NAACP and Economic Development Corporations. His service for the American Heart Association paid off, as he and Maria Victoria are being honored at the 2020 Heart Ball alongside Dr. Gregg Silverman and his wife,

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The American Heart Association holds a special place in Reyes'’heart. Seven years ago, he learned that he was born with a small artery on top of his heart. Due to its small size, there were blockages in two parts of the arteryone 80 percent and the other 90 percent. Given his personal experience, along with losing close friends to heart attacks, he chose to speak out about his health scare and educate others on the dangers and prevalence of heart disease and stroke.

For more information, visit www.aeptexas.com.

Nicole. Although Julio and Maria Victoria do not expect recognition for all their philanthropic efforts, they accepted the honor. The honor received is for the difference they make in the community, particularly for the American Heart Association. AEP is a major supporter of the different events for the American Heart Association, including the Heart Ball, Go Red for Women and the Heart Walk. Through the many relationships heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s acquired over the years, Julio reaches out, with Maria Victoria, in search of sponsors in an effort to raise money to identify cures and provide education on heart disease and strokes. With the funds available for contributions through AEP Texas, Reyes allocates dollars across the service

area to the managers for supporting nonprofits that are in dire need. Education is his top priority, and he feels as though the K-12 program is where the most difference can be made, so he spends a lot of time helping these nonprofits with fundraising, tuition, scholarships, youth programs and educational programs. He has served on as many as seven boards at once, but he understands that finding a balance is necessary. As much as he would like to serve on many other boards, he recognizes that the majority of the events are held during the weekend and at night, which are also the times spent with family. He understands that finding a balance is crucial in order to make time for his family while still making a difference in the community.

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PROFILE

E M O C Y A L P

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A behind-the-scenes look at the Harbor Playhouse By: Kathleen Naderer Photos by: TWINS Media

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For almost 95 years, the Harbor Playhouse has been a cultural cornerstone in the Coastal Bend’s vibrant theatre community. Most Corpus Christi residents are familiar with the iconic Harbor Playhouse building, located at 1802 North Chaparral, but few know its rich history. On Feb. 12, 1925, a group of local actors gathered to answer an ad placed in the newspaper. After a single performance of Booth Tarkington’s “Seventeen” at the old high school on Carancahua Street, they formed a traveling theatre organization known as the Corpus Christi Players. This traveling troupe reformed under the name of The Little Theatre of Corpus Christi in 1935 and then incorporated under the leadership of Dorothy Hawn Blakeney in August 1948. The actors performed at various locations, including the Wynn Seale Middle School auditorium, the White Plaza Hotel lobby and the Corpus Christi Town Club before building their own theatre on South Alameda in October 1950. In April 1976, they moved to their current home downtown, were renamed the Harbor Playhouse and performed their inaugural play, the musical “1776.” The building itself was a generous gift from the Earl Sams Foundation. Soon after construction, the Harbor Playhouse was donated back to the city. It remains the gift that keeps on giving. The theatre presents eight shows annually: six musicals in their main auditorium and two smaller melodramas in the attached Zarsky Studio Theater. The staff and board of directors strive to bring unique, engaging shows to South Texas that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy. Just last year, over 52,000 people – many from other cities, states and even countries – attended performances at the Harbor Playhouse! This 448-seat auditorium has been a staple of downtown Corpus Christi and the greater Coastal Bend fine arts community for decades, incorporating music, dance and visual arts into many performances. The Harbor Playhouse often collaborates with other local theatres, as well as performing arts groups, such as the Corpus Christi Ballet. The Harbor Playhouse community, including Corpus Christi native-turned-Broadway actor, Jeremy Jordan, offer Master Classes for those interested in learning more about theatre. Most significantly, they make theatre accessible to the young people of the community through programs like the Young People’s Theatre Camp (YPTC). Each summer, YPTC lets children ages 8 to 15 join a five-day-long, immersive theatre session. The children learn about voice, dance, acting, playwriting and technical design as they work together to create and perform an original show. Last summer, over 841 campers participated. Opportunities to engage in programs such as YPTC are vital, as many public schools have had funding for arts programs reduced or cut in recent years. The main goals of YPTC are to provide a positive creative outlet for these children and instill a passion for the performing arts in the next generation.

“[YPTC] gives our young actors the ability to be themselves, the opportunity to do what they love and an escape when they need one,” said Becca Ramos Taylor, marketing and development manager. “Theatre camp brings out a whole new confidence in them,” added Julie Rangel, office assistant. As a nonprofit organization, the Harbor Playhouse relies on grants, ticket sales, donations and community support and involvement to continue bringing classic and contemporary productions and educational opportunities to the Coastal Bend. This can be challenging at times. For instance, the auditorium was recently revitalized and revamped with new sound equipment and updated technology to improve the quality of the performances. Additionally, the theatre, not the city, is responsible for any repairs and maintenance the building needs such as replacing the A/C units and theatrical rigging system. “I also don’t think people realize how astronomically expensive it is to license a show and then have to build each set from the ground up,” Taylor explains. A small staff of nine employees, only four of who are employed fulltime, along with the volunteer board of directors, work hard to ensure the Harbor Playhouse is able to carry on its mission. Of course, none of this would be possible without the hard work of their wonderful volunteers. Last year, 500 volunteers helped make the spectacular 2019 season come to life. “When it comes to producing a play, there is a place for everyone,” said Peter Howard, artistic consultant. “When creating a show, there are opportunities for countless peo-

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‘‘The Harbor Playhouse is a family.‘‘

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ple! From performers to set builders, costumers, lighting designers, stagehands and ticket takers – everyone can get involved!” Despite the struggles and stress associated with keeping a nonprofit theatre running smoothly, the Harbor Playhouse community as a whole believes that growing the theatrical community is worth it. “The Harbor Playhouse is a family,” Taylor said. “Once you step foot in the door, people just take you in and everybody loves each other ... The greatest success we can do as a community is to start by loving where we live.” “The Harbor Playhouse became my home away from home,” added Madison Grant, scenic production crew/ carpenter. “This job and the community that comes with it is a blessing.” “Both on- and off-stage, being part of the Harbor Playhouse and bringing joy to the community has been a true delight,” said Orlando Flores, shop foreman. Wondering how can you become part of this community and support your local theatre? More volunteers are always welcome, and donations can be made on their website, but the easiest way is to purchase a ticket and enjoy the show!

For more information about the Harbor Playhouse and their exciting 2020 season, visit www.harborplayhouse.com, follow them on Facebook or call the box office at 361-888-SHOW (7469).

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DORA CANALES Managing Director BECCA RAMOS TAYLOR Marketing and Development Manager JULIE RANGEL Office Assistant JOSH GOLDSON Technical Director ORLANDO FLORES Shop Foreman

‘‘Both on- and off-stage, being part of the Harbor Playhouse and bringing joy to the community has been a true delight‘‘

MADISON GRANT Scenic Production Crew/Carpenter RYAN SILVER Scenic Carpenter Consultants PETER HOWARD Artistic Consultant BONNIE RODDA Fundraising Consultant I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT LEADERS FROM LOCAL CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE SHARE UPDATES AND WAYS YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY IN 2020. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

...AT THE UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER: Momentum. This word framed 2019 and foreshadows 2020. By definition, “momentum” is the “strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events.” We have exactly that in the business community of Corpus Christi. We are gaining momentum in a way that has never before been witnessed. Throughout the past year, your United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce (UCCCC) has worked hard to advance our mission of becoming “the premier organization working to advance economic prosperity for all businesses while preserving the region’s diverse cultures.” We have produced more than 120 ribbon cuttings and 50 networking events to build awareness and facilitate networking for our members. We have lobbied the halls of Austin to advocate for pro-business policies and continued to fight against entities such as the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) despite their repeated effort to alter our insurance premiums. We continued work to protect and expand South Texas Military Missions, and were a driving force in securing the State’s Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant for $3.1 million, which created a duplicate water line to the base and a secure fence line for the Army Depot. Due to the efforts of the City of Corpus Christi, NASCC and CCAD, these projects were completed in a record five months. In collaboration with our community partners, we have remained at the forefront of inclusive workforce and education initiatives, strategizing to prepare the local workforce through the inaugural nationally awarded Inclusive Development Network (IDN). As we enter into a new decade, you can expect to see our momentum continue to increase. We are committed to improving the business climate and quality of life for the Coastal Bend region and anticipate even greater opportunities to serve our members and the community in 2020 and beyond. Furthering advocacy efforts will ensure our unified voice directs legislation that positively impacts our members and the local economy. The UCCCC will monitor legislation that may affect our military installations, movement to alter our insurance premiums, protect economic development tools and incentivize endeavors that will positively impact our business community. You can expect to see an increase in the membership benefits you receive when you become a member of the UCCCC. We wholeheartedly understand your membership is an optional business expense, and we do not take your investment in us for granted. For this reason, we are constantly exploring ways to enhance our

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value to you. Be on the lookout for additional membership benefits and programs. We are your partner, and we strive to make a positive impact on your success. Moving forward on our small business and education initiatives provides enhanced opportunities to strengthen our community’s economic backbone. It is through strategic initiatives, partnerships and alignments that we increase our outcomes. Small, diverse and emerging businesses matter to us, and we will continue to provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Programming and initiatives of the UCCCC Foundation are equally exciting, as we look forward to increased stability and growth. Each Leadership Class stands on the tempered strength of all the former classes, and it is the strength of our graduates that impacts the direction of our community. We look forward to continued participation in events designed to

highlight the importance of the local Hispanic legacy and culture that inspires and helps all businesses in the Corpus Christi region succeed. Some of these events include Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations and Mi Casa Es Su Casa, a women-focused mixer designed to celebrate the success of professional women who strive to make a difference in our community. We will continue to expand our outreach through Lemonade Day Coastal Bend and receive great joy in encouraging the next generation of entrepreneurs and scholars. Momentum is contagious and not always measurable. Nevertheless, we see it. We see it in the number of people taking part in UCCCC events and advocacy efforts. We see it in the steady increase of new members, which continues to strengthen our impact and expand our sphere of influence. We see it in the collaborative efforts of area chambers of commerce, like-minded organizations and elected officials

...AT THE ARANSAS PASS CHAMBER:

Come grow with us! Because we in Aransas Pass are centrally located in the heart of the Coastal Bend, our economic growth and prosperity is driven by both tourism and industry. With industry in our backyard and tourism in our front yard, we are growing at pace like never before. Our role in the community has never been more critical. We are essential to the economic growth and sustainability of our city. For this reason, we spent the last 26 months working relentlessly to help restore our business community. Aside from our immediate need to work toward helping restore and reopen our local restaurants, businesses and storefronts post-Harvey, we work daily with and for our members, offering a variety of programs to help them continue moving in a positive direction toward the future of Aransas Pass. With support from our board of directors, staff works relentlessly to promote the City of Aransas, bring visitors to the area, attract businesses and development and create a place folks will want to live, work, play and even stay for a lifetime. It’s an exciting time to be in Aransas Pass. We are now two years post-Harvey and have a brandnew elementary school and high school gymnasium, we have completed repairs and improvements to all schools and we have a new water tower to replace the one lost during the hurricane. The City of Aransas Pass is working to accommodate the housing demand that is upon us. With three new housing developments and several new and remodeled apartment complexes, we will soon be able to offer our workforce a new place to call home. The excitement doesn’t stop there! With the influx of folks coming to our area, our newest additions – a movie theatre, a bowling alley and a skating rink – will surely offer activities conveniently very close to home! In addition, we have established communication with several community leaders and organizations. In our immediate future is a partnered plan comprised of chamber board members, city officials and downtown business owners who will work together to restore and revitalize our downtown area. The Downtown Aransas Pass area is located on one of the most highly traveled main streets in the city itself, and, as a result, it is at the top of the list in terms of economic development for Aransas

working together to make the Coastal Bend a better place to live, work and do business. The ongoing support of our business community has never been more prevalent, and we look forward to building on the momentum of the past year as we continue to serve as a champion for economic growth in the Coastal Bend region. If you are a member of the UCCCC, thank you. If you are not, I invite you to join our efforts and learn how we can help your business grow. It has been a distinct honor to serve as your president and CEO thus far. Here’s to an even greater 2020! Sincerely, John LaRue President and CEO United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce

Pass. We know the traffic is here; now we work to get folks to stop, shop, dine and even invest as a business owner in our downtown. Our chamber of commerce also serves as the visitor center for this great city. We provide visitors information on restaurants, hotels, retail shops, attractions, events, things to do and information on all other services they may need while here in our area. We continuously promote Aransas Pass through all welcome centers (Entry Points of Texas), billboards, commercials, radio, rack cards, promotional magazines, travel shows, social media and partnerships with other tourism-related Organizations. The Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce is proud to be considered the gateway to its community. We exist to serve, promote and protect our members. We encourage small and large businesses alike to come grow with us! Sincerely,

Rosemary Vega CEO, IOM Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce

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...AT THE ROCKPORT-FULTON CHAMBER: PLANE-ly speaking: The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is focused and forging ahead. When you walk into the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce, you are graciously welcomed and regaled with the colorful displays and information about Rockport-Fulton. This is only the outer skin of the organization! As you peel back the layers, you learn about the inner core of the chamber – its members who are willing to work on the committees to accomplish the goals established by consensus. The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary partnership of businesses and professionals working together to build a healthy economy and improve the quality of life in the community. It is a 5-star-rated chamber, one of 4 percent accredited chambers in the nation. It has maintained this standard for more than 25 years. Promotion: Recruiting visitors to Rockport-Fulton gets a boost from marketing goals set by the Tourism Development Council. Promoting and advertising the Rockport-Fulton area is the primary focus of this council and staff. Leadership: Leadership Aransas County has graduated 22 classes whose projects have contributed to community needs. In recent years, a Junior Leadership class has engaged youth to learn more about their community. Recognition is given weekly to a “Member in Motion” whose profile is featured in the Monday Memo. Chamber members invest tireless efforts into achieving chamber goals because together, the whole of the chamber is greater than the sum of its parts. Advocacy: Chamber members carry business and community concerns to government officials at the local, state and national levels. This advocacy includes Aransas County Day at the Capitol, as well as business summits to our nation’s capitol. The Governmental Affairs Council reviews and recommends legislation to promote a strong local economy. Networking: Another contribution the chamber makes to the community is bringing people together to communicate new ideas and update opportunities. Networking events are offered frequently – from the Community, Chat and Cheers to Network Wednesdays. There are 20 councils and committees with staff liaisons to address concerns and strategies for achieving worthy goals. Economy: Commerce and tourism are the drivers for growth of businesses, both large and small.

...AT THE PORTLAND CHAMBER: Portland, Texas, is growing by leaps and bounds, and our chamber is mirroring that trend. Our membership is growing rapidly, as are our events, networking opportunities, programs and educational classes. Our visitor center is a community-centered hub where those relocating to the area or those simply visiting can find a wealth of information as we promote what our members have to offer. At the Portland Chamber of Commerce, we believe that business is about more than the bottom line: It’s about the opportunity to build your business, develop the economy and create the future we want for ourselves, our families and our community. Our annual Windfest will be held April 2 to 5, 2020. This event allows businesses to partner with the community, and provides the greatest visual impact

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Business assistance includes an extensive menu of courses through the chamber. Some of our continuing education programs include Lunch and Learn, Tool Kit Talks, Business Breakfasts and Hospitality Training. Kudos for achievements are highlighted with Business of the Month Awards, ribbon cuttings, luncheons and the annual awards banquet. Recently, the chamber spun off a new organization to form the Rockport-Fulton Chamber Foundation, a nonprofit organization set up for education; training; resident, business and governmental involvement; leadership development; infrastructure enhancement and assisting the community with recovery from community wide natural disasters. The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is located at 319 Broadway in Downtown Rockport. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sincerely,

Diane Probst President and CEO Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

for those businesses putting their best foot forward in Portland. A Windfest sponsorship is about creating experiences in the Portland community that will resonate long after your brand is seen. We have many levels of sponsorship to choose from. Those can be viewed at windfest.org. The Portland chamber proudly serves as a catalyst for strengthening the local economy, growing future leaders and representing our business and community’s best interests. Come visit us at 1512 Wildcat Drive, or call us at 361-777-4650. Sincerely,

Shelly Stuart President and CEO Portland Chamber of Commerce

...AT THE INGLESIDE CHAMBER: A “rumor,” according to the Cambridge dictionary, is an unofficial, interesting story or piece of news that might be true or invented, and that is communicated quickly from person to person. Rumors are quick to get started and hard to stop. For the last quarter of 2019, the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce has worked hard at squelching rumors, and we are working on rebuilding trust within the community and with our members. As the new executive director, I would like to address a few of those rumors in this article and hopefully shed some light on how we are doing. Rumor has it: The Ingleside Chamber of Commerce is closed. In September 2019, the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce sent out a press release stating we were closing our doors and shutting down. One week later, the press release was retracted. We never closed our doors. Rumor has it: The Ingleside chamber lost all of its board members and executive board. This is not true. We did lose three from our executive board, but we have recovered and have a full board of 12, including replacements for the ones we lost. Rumor has it: The Ingleside Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ingleside are in a battle over past contracts. Our relationship with the City of Ingleside is moving forward. We have applied for Hot Funds using the City’s new application process and have received approval for

...AT PADRE ISLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION: The Padre Island Business Association (PIBA) is looking forward to another great year of events, partnerships and donations to some very deserving community organizations! The mission of PIBA is to advance and promote the economic environment for business, and to advocate responsive government and quality education while preserving the unique community characteristics of Padre Island, Corpus Christi and Mustang Island. With approximately 300 member businesses, we offer support and promotion through several various opportunities. The Padre Island Business Bulletin is a monthly magazine that is direct mailed to nearly 6,000 homes and businesses. The second Thursday of each month, we host a luncheon at Waves Resort with an invited speaker who supports the mission of PIBA and our members. Each luncheon and speaker brings an exclusive sponsorship opportunity. The third Tuesday of each month, one of our member businesses hosts a mixer at their place of business. This is another great opportunity to meet potential business associates and promote your own business. We would like to invite you to come explore all of our events, and our membership fee is very minimal at only $95 per year. With your membership, you will be included in the monthly bulletin, as well as have the opportunity to sponsor any of our fantastic and informative events. This year, we celebrate our 11th Annual Barefoot Mardi Gras, and it is sure to be bigger and better than ever! Kicking off in January and stretching through the parade

2020 Round Up. We are also working on ways to better serve one another as we partner together. To put the rumors to rest: The Ingleside Chamber of Commerce is open. We are active and growing and involved. Our leadership has changed, and we are headed in a new direction. We will continue in our efforts to work toward establishing new and exciting ways that will stretch and grow us. We have big plans for 2020 – plans that involve our members and our community. Join us as we take the next step in our walk of “connecting and growing together.” Rumor has it … that 2020 will be an exciting year. The Ingleside Chamber of Commerce claims the possibilities are endless. Sincerely, Barbara Gregg Executive Director Ingleside Chamber of Commerce

on Feb. 22, there will be multiple opportunities to sponsor, donate, eat great Cajun food and dance. Please visit www.BarefootMardiGras.com for the full calendar of events and contact information for all levels of participation. Proceeds for this event benefit Big Bothers Big Sisters of South Texas and the Island Foundation Schools. The PIBA board has been working hard for our members to develop beneficial relationships with our neighboring chambers – the Corpus Christi United Chamber and the Port Aransas Chamber – to offer more opportunities to reach residents and promote their respective businesses. Through our evolving ambassador program, we continue to align our events with the Chamber Champions and the staff in Port Aransas. If you have an event and would like support, please go to padreislandbusinessassociation.org or email info@padreislandbusinessassociation.org. Again, we would like to take a moment to extend an invitation to attend all of our events and find out how PIBA can benefit you! Sincerely,

Meagan Furey President Padre Island Business Association I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

ENERGY

ONE VISION, ONE TEAM

Stellar Energy Solutions: promise, change and growth for 2020 By: BECCA TAYLOR

“

THE 2020 YEAR FOR STELLAR IS ALREADY SHAPING UP TO BE ONE OF PROMISE, CHANGE AND GROWTH.” For more information, visit www.stellarnrgsolutions.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF STELLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS

appy New Year from the Stellar Energy Solutions team! It was no secret that Stellar Energy Solutions, run by President Tim Clark, sponsored events throughout the community during 2019. Their goal was to support local and be sure to participate in as many local events as possible. Stellar ended 2019 as the presenting sponsor for Coastal Christmas alongside AMS Global at the American Bank Center. This event united the Coastal Bend for a funfilled, winter wonderland experience. “With the continuous growth and potential we see for the Coastal Bend, the sky is the limit when it comes to making a difference,” Clark said. “The 2020 year for Stellar is already shaping up to be one of promise, change and growth. With many partnerships being made and multiple sponsorships in the works, we are steadily paving the way to help our Coastal Bend community become even better!” Did you know we make house calls? The Stellar development team has been visiting organizations and providing an educational seminar that helps people understand their electricity bills. The presentation covers information about how to read your bill and helps explain the importance of using an electricity broker. Our hope is to help individuals navigate the waters of deregulation, and to make the process one of understanding and not one of uncertainty. We know you have many choices when it comes to electricity providers, and we want to be there to help you pick the best one for your home or business. We are happy to come out and visit. Our team is standing by!

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TRAVEL

GET THERE FROM HERE A frequent-flyer travel tale that begins at CCIA By: JON REILY

hile we are fortunate to live in the Sparkling City by the Bay, where the average temperature is not much less than 70 degrees year-round, this time of year, it’s nice to get away from time to time to warmer climates. Now, before you start packing that bag and loading up the car to catch a cruise from Galveston, remember that your portal to the world is just a few short minutes away at your Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA). This month, we’ll be talking about a quick jaunt to the Valley of the Sun: Phoenix, Ariz. Phoenix is home to over 200 top-flight golf courses, world-famous art museums, high-end shopping, manicured parks, stunning desert mountain scenery, luxurious casino gambling and, for the sports fan, the Arizona Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Coyotes, the Phoenix Suns, as well as the Arizona State University Sun Devils. With all that in store in one metro area, there’s something for everyone.

With 10 flights daily from Corpus Christi to Phoenix, you can leave whenever you’d like. And, since it’s just a short, five-hour trip after a quick change in Houston or Dallas, you’ll be there before you can say, “Arizona Sunset.” As always, parking and security is a breeze at CCIA, and before you know it, you’ll be sitting in seat 10A on your way to adventure. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is a modern, three-terminal facility that services the entire world for the nearly five million people who live and work there. Located just three miles east of downtown Phoenix, it’s centrally located to all the city’s attractions – and, thanks to Phoenix’s modern freeway system, nothing is far away. Once you arrive, shuttle busses will take you to the newly constructed rental car center, and, in 2022, an extension of the Phoenix Sky Harbor SkyTrain will take you there even faster. After collecting your car, head to your hotel in any of the city’s great areas like Biltmore, Scottsdale, Keirland or, if you’re looking for something a little more “western” feeling, Cave Creek. November through April is Phoenix’s high season, so rates can reflect that, but the weather is divine, and if you’re not afraid of the heat (and who is; we’re from Corpus), there are great deals to be had in the late spring through early fall months. At the top of any list when visiting Phoenix should be its museums. The Musical Instrument Museum in North Scottsdale is the largest museum in the world dedicated to musical instruments and music. Founded in 2010,

PHOENIX, ARIZ., HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. it covers over 200,000 square feet, and contains musical instruments from every country in the world. Visitors can listen to performances through a wireless device with headphones that is activated automatically when an exhibit is being observed. Be sure not to miss the Apollonia, a mechanical dance organ from the 1920s that weighs over two tons, and the whole family will enjoy the drums, gongs and harps in the hands-on experience rooms. While on your museum jaunt, the foremost collection of Native American art and culture is just a few minutes’ drive away

JON REILY is a member of the airport board who travels frequently on business and always starts his trips at CCIA. For more information, you may contact him at jon@jonreily.com.

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CORPUS CHRISTI TO PHOENIX VIA HOUSTON OR DALLAS

at the Heard Museum. Its mission is to be “the world’s preeminent museum for the presentation, interpretation and advancement of American Indian art, emphasizing its intersection with broader artistic and cultural themes.” The main Phoenix location of the Heard Museum has been designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride. After being inside for a day, you’re probably itching to get out and explore the countryside. Lucky for you, Phoenix is a city of parks, but not really the way you’d think. Shady, tree-lined lanes are not really the Phoenician way; instead, you’ll find massive reserves of native desert and enclaves of the local nature tucked in and around the city. Just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, you’ll find both the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo. Tucked in a valley between the Papago Buttes, you’ll wander through trails and explore the stark beauty of the Sonoran Desert, from giant flowering cacti to stunning wildflowers. Depending on where you are, you might even see some peeks of giraffe heads at the zoo next-door. Lastly, for the kids and other railroad enthusiasts, don’t miss McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottdale. A free public park operated by the city of Scottsdale, it features 30 acres of treed parkland and houses a model railroad museum that has to be seen to believed, a Magma Arizona Railroad locomotive and a miniature ride-able railway that has a route of three-fourths of a mile that will be a huge hit with the kids and adults. After a fun few days in the Arizona capitol, it’s time to head back to our home. Drop your car at the rental car center, and you’ll be back on your plane to Texas before you know it. A few hours later, thanks to CCIA’s robust air service and easy parking, you’ll be in your living room, planning your next trip to the Valley of the Sun. Where can your hometown airport take you? Happy travels!

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TASTE

INGREDIENTS: 1/3 cup warm water 1/4 cup honey 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet) 3 tablespoons milk plus 3 tablespoons milk (divided) 3 teaspoons vegetable shortening 1 egg yolk 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 cups flour 1/2 stick butter or margarine 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS:

Super Sweet Celebrate Valentine’s Day with homemade honey buns.

In a small bowl, add honey to warm water and stir. Sprinkle with yeast, set aside and allow to bloom for 5 minutes.

To a mixing bowl, add 3 tablespoons milk, vegetable shortening and egg yolk. Combine, and then add honey and yeast. Combine again. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Overturn onto a lightly floured surface, kneading lightly. Roll dough into a ball, and place in a bowl. Cover and allow to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until dough has doubled in size.

Overturn dough onto floured surface, and roll into a large rectangle, about 18” x 12” (does not have to be precise).

Melt butter, and stir in cinnamon and brown sugar. Use a spoon or brush to coat entire rectangle of dough. Start rolling from the longer side, to create a rolled log of dough.

Slice dough log every 1 1/2 inch. You should end up with between 12 and 14 honey buns. Optional: To make hearts, unroll each slice, and roll each side toward the middle, pinching the center to make a heart.

Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, or use nonstick spray. Place honey bun dough on sheets like cookies, keeping in mind they will expand slightly. Set aside for 20 minutes.

Heat oven to 350. Bake honey buns for approximately 18 minutes, until golden. Cool before icing.

Add powdered sugar to a small bowl with 3 tablespoons milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Brush honey buns.

By: MANDY ASHCRAFT / Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT Show your honey some love this Valentine’s Day with homemade honey buns! This recipe makes 12 to 14 buns, and they can even be modified to be heart shaped (see instructions). Make them for your friends, family or significant other, but don’t forget to make some for yourself. Self-love is super sweet!

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

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NONPROFIT

SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE

Nueces County Juvenile Justice Volunteers launches the Uninked and Set Free tattoo removal program for at-risk youth and sex trafficking survivors. By: REBECCA MOHAT

years ago, our organization realized the need for a free tattoo removal program. There were kids preparing for release from the juvenile justice center who had been in a gang and desperately wanted their visible tattoos removed because they were returning to their old neighborhood and would be targeted by those gang members. They did not want to be forced back in the gang. NCJJV attempted to find someone who would be willing to remove visible tattoos at low or no cost without success. Survivors of sex trafficking were also identified at the juvenile justice center, and many had been branded by their traffickers. No victim of sex trafficking should have to live with their body branded.

WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Rebecca Mohat, president of Nueces County Juvenile Justice Volunteers, at ncjjvi@gmail.com or 817-991-7547. You may also visit www.ncjjv.com. Please “like” our Uninked and Set Free Facebook page. You can also follow us on Instagram at NC Juvenile Justice Volunteers. “We work hard to change kids’ lives.”

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he Nueces County Juvenile Justice Volunteers (NCJJV) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that supports services to the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center by providing programs, events, faith-based mentoring, clothing and hygiene items to at-risk youth who are incarcerated and on probation. Our mission is to reduce the recidivism rate, bring community awareness and give at-risk youth a second chance at life. NCJJV is launching a free tattoo removal program that will be offered to at-risk youth, to those incarcerated and on probation and to survivors of sex trafficking. Three

Our organization believes that every child deserves a second chance at life, so, after three years of fundraising, the organization raised enough money to purchase a tattoo removal machine from the United Kingdom. This machine is suitable for all skin types, it removes all colors of tattoos and it is not aggressive to the skin. This machine has the latest technology in this field to date. There are requirements to participate in the program. Sex trafficking survivors are exempt from those requirements. Most employers will not hire if there are visible tattoos, and, because the cost of this procedure can prevent these youth from getting tattoos removed, we are excited to have the opportunity to help these kids. Our mission is to remove the visible tattoos that keep at-risk youth from having a second chance at life. A former inmate at a correctional facility said, “I will be able to live my life peacefully without being reminded of my past or having to defend myself against rival gangs since my tattoo is in a visible location.” That is our mission for at-risk youth. Tattoo removal is another step forward in their journey of success. We chose “set free” in the naming of our program because we believe we can set these kids free from their past and give them a second chance at life. Currently, our tattoo removal team consists of two physicians, one R.N. and an esthetician, all of whom are trained to do tattoo removal. They will volunteer their time to help change the lives of at-risk youth. Tattoo removal will be performed at the Nueces County Juvenile Justice Center. Survivors of sex trafficking will have their tattoos removed at another location. This program is ongoing and will need funding to continue this great work. For interest in donating to the Uninked and Set Free Program, please visit our website at www.ncjjv.com. Checks can be made payable to NCJJV and mailed to: Nueces County Juvenile Justice Volunteers at 2310 Gollihar Road in Corpus Christi, Texas (zip code: 78415). All donations are tax deductible.

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Consumers are 73% more likely to be highly aware of a business if it is a member of the Chamber, and 68% more likely to think positively of its local reputation. 7/10 consumers believe that being actively involved in the Chamber is an effective strategy for enhancing a business’ reputation and for demonstrating that it uses good business practices. Source: Shapiro Group, Atlanta, GA

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United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce 602 N Staples St., Suite 150 Corpus Christi, TX 78401 (361) 881-1800 For more information on chamber membership, contact Efrain Franco, Jr. efrain@unitedccchamber.com

VISIT US ONLINE AT UNITEDCCCHAMBER.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

RACING THE CLOCK

Advocate for children in foster care at CASA of the Coastal Bend’s 15th Annual Superhero 5K.

emember when you were a child and your concept of time felt more like a marathon than what seems like a never-ending sprint these days? The days felt longer and offered more time than you knew what to do with. “I’m so bored” was a common phrase that, for most of us, has been replaced with “I’m so overwhelmed.” Time doesn’t change, but our perspective of it does as we accumulate more responsibilities, making us feel as though we have less time. We always have the same number of hours in a day and the same amount of days in a year, yet many of us feel shortchanged with lacking the ability to overcome the growing pile of must-dos within an unrealistic timeframe. As we become adults, it is easy to lose touch with our inner child. We forget what it felt like to have all the time in the world and not have our entire week already planned out by the time our feet hit the floor Monday morning. Naturally, children should be moving at a lighthearted pace, not carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. For some children, though, it feels like the clock has stopped. They are watching the world pass them by while they are stuck waiting for someone to put their life back in motion. For children in foster care, time is not on their side. Their lives are determined by the decisions of others, often strangers. Without family connections, many children will linger in a state of uncertainty. And for some of them, that means sacrificing the carefree childhood that every child deserves to experience. While we can’t turn back the clock for these children, as a community, we can share our resources to help ensure their needs are met while working toward finding them a safe and loving forever home. There are many organizations that

provide services for youth and offer opportunities for individuals to get involved in supporting their mission. The easiest way to start making a difference for someone else is by expanding something you already do that can go beyond serving those in your life. If you enjoy walking or running, consider registering for an event in which your entry fee will support a nonprofit group to provide resources for children in foster care. Usually set along a scenic route, these runs put you in the company of others who, like you, want to do their part in racing against the clock to help local youth in crisis. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Coastal Bend hosts an annual 5K that is themed around superheroes. Participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite heroic character while they walk, run or fly from Heritage Park along Shoreline Boulevard. A panel of local celebrities judges a costume contest, awarding winners with prizes donated by area organizations. Following the race, over 20 businesses will provide free, family-friendly activities and giveaways. Proceeds raised go toward training everyday people to become advocates for children in foster care. For more information about CASA and their 15th Annual Superhero 5K, visit www.coastalbendcasa.org. It’s easy to get wrapped up in our routines and feel as though there is no time to spare. Any time you offer to help children in foster care is always time well spent. While the goal is to improve their quality of life, it often ends up enhancing yours, as well. Please consider sharing opportunities for CASA to give presentations to your faith group, workplace, civic groups, homeowners’ association and/or friends. You can also invite others to attend 45-minute, non-committal information sessions held at the CASA office, 2602 Prescott, every Wednesday at noon.

For more information, contact Diana at 361-884-2272 or diana@coastalbendcasa.org, view more information on our Facebook page (@coastalbendcasa) or visit www.casaofthecoastalbend.com.

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

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CASA

By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

YOUR BUSINESS

In the Spotlight! 2020 ADVERTISIING INFORMATION

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES! Put your business in the spotlight with Harbor Playhouse advertising opportunities! From printed programs to ad projections, let us help increase your visibility to our diverse audience base. Through 8 great productions and more than 100 performances, we provide high-quality platforms to showcase your message. The Harbor Playhouse is a irreplaceable community resource that has helped to preserve and enrich the artistic and cultural heritage of the Coastal Bend for 94 years through theatrical productions and educational programming. Our commitment to the community provides businesses and organizations a cost-effective, creative, and efficient way to engage with over 30,000 patrons annually.

2020 SEASON 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee JAN. 17 -FEB 9

The Producers JUL. 10 - AUG. 16

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat FEB. 28 - APR. 5

Wizard of OZ SEPT. 4 - OCT. 11

Pirates & Petticoats

We Will Rock You!

APR. 24 - MAY 17

MAY 29 - JUN. 28

Cannibal SOLAR the Musical

Elf the Musical

OCT. 16 - NOV. 1

NOV. 13 - DEC. 20

1802 N. CHAPPARRAL|CORPUS CHRISTI , TEXAS 78401 | 361.882.5500 | WWW.HARBORPLAYHOUSE.COM I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

FROM A PICTURE WINDOW TO A TEST-DRIVE

he definition of a pipeline, according to the Free Dictionary, is “a system through which something is conducted, especially as a means of supply.” Almost unavoidably, we locals are likely to think of a pipe channeling fluid (such as oil) from place to place. There are seemingly miles of pipelines visible at the refiners going about their business of moving everything from a complex chemical mixture to something as prosaic as water. All are important. Not so obviously, we might think of a student being channeled from a general into a specific program of study. HELP’s new PIPELINES program does that: It directs students into their own chosen direction. Actually, in our model, the pipeline directs itself: The students select the direction they want to go based on their experiences with the WINDOWS part of the HELP program. In WINDOWS, HELP takes at-risk youth and disabled adults to local jobsites where they get real life experiences – the exposure to a variety of careers. This hands-on approach can spark their interest and lead to the desire to apply for a job first or to pursue the training they need. HELP has been showing a variety of jobs and careers to local youth for the past 10 years. We have taken some 4,500 youth on over 250 trips to more than 100 different career sites. Now we want to HELP our students on the next part of their journey – when it’s time to make hard decisions. Imagine a youth sitting in front of his picture window watching the cars pass by. One vehicle in particular grabs his interest: Let’s say it’s a little red corvette. He loves

the look and imagines what it would be like to drive such a great car. He’d love to try it himself, but doesn’t know how to get there from here. HELP comes along and offers to take him to the Corvette factory – to watch how it’s made and, perhaps most importantly, to try it himself! He finds out what it costs to own such a dream machine, and what it will take in terms of money and sweat. He can also find out from other Corvette owners what it is really like to own one: the cost and the rewards from “the job of his dreams,” so to speak. He gets all the info he can before he makes a crucial career decision. If he wants to pursue his training and maximize his productivity, we can HELP him do that. If he wants to go to work right away, so be it; that is often the wiser course. Perhaps the wisest course of all is to work and pursue advancement at the same time: Start at the bottom, and prepare for the top! We use video extensively to prepare the youth for each jobsite visit during the WINDOWS on the WORLD exploratory program and as follow-on in the new PIPELINES aspect. Using the interactive videos HELPs students decide which of the WINDOWS deserves further in-depth exploration in PIPELINES, and if they are really where they want to be. Sampling careers through virtual field trips is a much better investment than taking classes and taking out student loans to sample a career. In addition, we have recently incorporated an online system, which allows students the opportunity to log onto the HELP Windows system interactively from their personal device; HELP is now Internet capable.

The student can virtually attend hundreds of interesting and potentially life-changing tours of local jobs both economically rewarding and personal challenging. The Hammons Employment Leadership program, WINDOWS on the WORLD, was designed to HELP students decide what they want to do with their lives. Students who attend our career path presentation (The Texas 3 Step) may visit various jobsites for a hands-on exploratory experience. Using this format, HELP has taken over 4,200 students on more than 250 tours of over 120 different occupations around the Coast Bend. Now we are adding a concept called PIPELINES, which allows us to take the WINDOWS students who have found the “job of their dreams” to pursue employment opportunities in that field. One such student is John Mendoza, a recently graduated senior at Moody. John attended a number of HELP presentations highlighting a variety of job searches and career opportunities. In fact, HELP has taken dozens of CCISD kids on trips to local industry. He went to the HELP-sponsored electrician presentations by Cervantes Electrical, attended the trip to Braselton Homes and fell in love with what he saw and did on his PIPELINES trip. Just before he graduated, we contacted Paul Cervantes (of Cervantes Electric), and John had a job of his dreams! Paul invested very little on getting a new employee and intends to pursue this system vigorously. We envision the PIPELINES system as helping students of all walks and wishes to not only find the job of their dreams, but also get closer to it than ever before.

For more information, visit www.findthejobofyourdreams.com.

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

EVGENYJS1/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

HELP HELPs students find the job of their dreams through innovative new programming. By: DR. RIDGE HAMMONS

TWINS Media

Professional Photography & Videography

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361.425.6334 www.twinsmedia.info

@twinsmedia.tx

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Specializing in Commercial Builtto-Suit as well as Residential, Electrical, Site Work, and Civil Construction At Gourley Contracting, We Don’t Just Build, We Build Relationships.

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Smart choices last a lifetime. Kimberly Harrington Your Local Agent 5933 PAtton St Ste B CoRPuS CHRiSti, tX 78414 KHARRINGTON1@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/kharrington1

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Call me today! 361.906.1616

Insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Life insurance is issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3120 139th Ave. SE, Ste. 300, Bellevue, WA 98005. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its own insurance. Visit farmers.com for a complete list of companies. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, and discounts are available in all states. See agent for details.

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PHILANTHROPY SPOTLIGHT – FACES & PLACES OF THE COASTAL BEND

NONPROFIT

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Patty Clark/Kevin F. Adler, Guest Speaker

POOR MAN’S SUPPER Corpus Christi’s Metro Ministries hosted its annual Poor Man’s Supper at the Omni on Thursday, Nov. 21. Citgo was the presenting sponsor. The guests shared in a simple meal of stew in a bread bowl and experienced, in a personal way, with those who are served by Metro Ministries, humbly waiting in line to receive their meals and being fed with dignity. The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd served as the event’s chairs, and Kevin F. Adler, founder and CEO of Miracle Messages, shared heartfelt stories about the profound reality of what our homeless population is experiencing daily. Miracle Messages is an award-winning nonprofit organization that reconnects our neighbors experiencing homelessness with their loved ones. For more information on this event or how to get involved, visit www.ccmetro.org.

Ellen Flood, Patti Flood

Emily Cortez, Karlene Lewis, Christina Griffith, Catherine Polinard

Cyndy and Tim Legamaro

Kevin F. Adler, Garnett Brooks, Dr. Robert Lewis & Susan Lewis

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Rev. Milton Black, John Flood

Mike and Julie McNeil

Gloria Hicks

Darcy Schroeder, Patsy Benchoff, Tara Mihm

Kevin F. Adler, Founder of Miracle Messages

Melissa and Vic Valentine

PHOTOS BY TWINS MEDIA

Bill Clark, Polly Harris