Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Sept/Oct 2020 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

POOLSIDE TO SURFSIDE GULFSTREAM CONDOMINIUMS

BANKING FOR THE COMMUNITY

FRANK HASTINGS SEPT/OCT 2020

WORDS OF INSPIRATION & IMAGINATION ALISA HOPE WAGNER

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contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

16 COVER STORY FRANK HASTINGS

The new PlainsCapital Bank Coastal Bend Region chairman reflects on his new role and what sets the bank apart in the community.

20 PROFILE

GULFSTREAM CONDOMINIUMS

These unique condos celebrate 50 years of providing guests with the ultimate beachfront living dream.

BUSINESS COACH 10 Get Involved

FEATURE 12 Safe Shopping 14 HELP Goes Virtual

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER 22 Weathering the Storm

TRAVEL 24 The ‘New Normal’

TASTE 26 Upgrade

16 4

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 28 Words of Inspiration and Imagination

NONPROFIT 30 Vital Volunteers

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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

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 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 Tom Curry Jacqueline Gonzalez Dr. Ridge Hammons Kim Bridger-Hunt Christian Lapuz Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger John LaRue Connie Laughlin Kathleen Naderer 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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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

UNPRECEDENTED TIMES CONTINUE: SOCIAL DISTANCING, MASKS AND ZOOM MEETINGS. It’s a time where feeling connected is more important than ever before. We keep doing our best to keep the dream alive and our heads above water. This is true not only in our businesses, as collectively staying connected has become vital to our personal well-being. This is why our team at Inspire Magazine is here to remind you that hope can always be found in times of despair. It has become quite difficult to stay motivated when uncertainty seems to be the only constant. We find ourselves anxious about the coming months while our country seems to be in turmoil and unrest. Is school ever going to go back to “normal,” and what is this new “normal” going to look like? How long will it last? Are we going to get to vote in person? Who should I vote for? How long will I be working remotely? Are the COVID numbers real, or is this all a big exaggeration? So many questions – and so many remain unanswered. No matter what the outcome is, we must bear in mind that we can adapt and overcome. This is something I have had to learn to embrace and make a valiant effort in practicing despite my frustration in doing so.

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The stories we selected for this issue are intended to reassure you that hope and triumphs still remain. They share the truth in how diligence and hard work really pay off, how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to great success and how change can be beneficial if you just choose to take a leap of faith. We share with you what local community businesses, organizations and medical providers continue to do amidst the pandemic to keep you safe, feeling good, educated and inspired. My hope for you is that you will find time to explore these pages and draw inspiration from all the amazing things and people we have here in the Coastal Bend. Sit back and escape the madness. Relax and enjoy Inspire Magazine. We are here for you!

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

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BUSINESS COACH

Get Involved Three ways to benefit your workplace and your community BY: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

This has been one the most challenging years of our lifetime. Undue burdens have been placed on so many, so let us be resourceful in finding ways to help one another. Creating a volunteer program or charitable fundraising opportunity could be a worthwhile human resources (HR) initiative to roll out right now. Employers who allow their employees to choose the beneficiary and take part in the efforts create an environment of respect, gratitude and company pride. There is no better recruiting tool than offering a workplace with a positive community image, and one where employees find satisfaction in their work and are happy to come to work every day.

2. SHARING YOUR TALENT

3. SHARING YOUR TREASURE

What are your collective talents? God gave each of us certain gifts that we can share. Can you teach something, host an event or mentor a young executive? A local businessman and friend of mine told me that he had a mentor early on in his professional career; he accredits his financial success to that one relationship!

Financial treasure is not the only kind of treasure to be given. What can you donate? What do you have that someone else could use or benefit from?

1. SHARING YOUR TIME

Philanthropic efforts grow morale and loyal employees. Everyone works together for the common good, no matter if we are helping our clients or our community. We are all working together as a team.

Our employees at UniqueHR and Unique Employment love the Friday Jeans program. Everyone who agrees to donate money electronically from each pay period gets to wear jeans on Fridays.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” –ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Toward the end of the year, we all get together and vote on a worthy charitable cause beneficial to our community, the company matches, and then we can offer some much-needed help. We are a tight-knit group, turnover is rare and our employees are enthusiastically engaged because we enjoy what we do, and part of that is giving back!

Giving of one’s time could very well be the biggest sacrifice. But when you carve out time to mentor young professionals, aid in fundraising campaigns or feed the hungry, you are sure to find that everyone benefits. Whether you are an employee or employer, your value might be determined by the gifts you are willing to share with others today or tomorrow. Be generous. One winning HR initiative is to offer paid time off or another award of honor to employees who volunteer at nonprofits that provide services, such as relief support to flood victims, raising funds for needy children at Christmas time or planting trees on Arbor Day. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” –WINSTON CHURCHILL

You see philanthropic efforts grow morale and loyal employees. Everyone works together for the common good, no matter if we are helping our clients or our community. We are all working together as a team.

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” –PROVERBS 22:9

“We rise by lifting others.” –ROBERT INGERSOLL

There is no better recruiting tool than offering a workplace with a positive community image.

Connie Laughlin is a business consultant for UniqueHR, a locally headquartered provider of HR services (PEO). You may contact her at 361-852-6392, No. 112, or conniel@uniquehr.com.

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FEATURE

Safe Shopping “Retail to go” continuing with new La Palmera Pickup

La Palmera has hand-sanitizing stations at each entrance with posted signage at entrances and throughout the mall reminding guests of safety guidelines and requirements, including the wearing of masks by all guests age 10 and up, as well as social distancing and personal hygiene practices. The mall also continues its stepped-up cleaning and sanitizing practices in common areas such as restrooms, elevators, entry doors, escalator handrails and seating areas, including the La Palmera Cafés food court, which has been reconfigured to incorporate social distancing.

BY: SARONA WINFREY

Some mall services and amenities remain unavailable until further notice, including Concierge (no gift card sales, wheelchair or stroller rentals) and the children’s play area. All recurring monthly mall programs and activities (Tide Turners Kids Club, Wave Walkers, entertainment, etc.) are also suspended until further notice.

ith enhanced safety guidelines and practices in place, La Palmera continues to provide much-needed retail therapy to pandemic-weary shoppers. Since reopening May 1, more and more merchants have continued to open in the 1-million-square-foot mall, with almost all now welcoming guests once again as La Palmera continues to operate on a reduced daily schedule of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. “It’s been an interesting few months, temporarily closing and then reopening the mall while coordinating with our retailers and restaurants as they determined a schedule that worked for each of them,” said Fred

Walters, La Palmera vice president and general manager. “We have worked diligently to stay on top of the situation as we continue to provide a safe environment for our staff, merchants and guests.”

“WE HAVE WORKED DILIGENTLY TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STAFF, MERCHANTS AND GUESTS.”

Meanwhile, the mall is continuing to support the “to-go” efforts of its tenants, transitioning now from temporary pickup locations established during the pandemic to permanent, designated “La Palmera Pickup” parking spots. Guests can make their purchase by phone, online or through an app for a participating merchant and will then be directed to park in the appropriate color-coded zone for pickup. There will four numbered spaces in each zone, clearly marked with color-coded signage, in four convenient locations: • Blue in front of Grimaldi’s • Green in front of the food court entrance • Yellow on the backside of the mall near Mall Shoe Service • Orange near the mall entrance on the upper level of the parking garage Guests will pull into an open spot and contact the merchant upon arrival to have the purchase brought to their vehicle.

For more information on La Palmera, go www.lapalmera.com or follow us on Facebook.

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FEATURE

HELP Goes Virtual

for the field trips we have taken. The problem is – how do you virtually replace a program that’s based on human contact and hands-on field trips? We start with an interview of the plant director, followed by a tour of the workspaces and finishing up with student questions. Our virtual field trips can be a way for businesses to market to prospective employees.

Technology opens up new worlds for students in the Coastal Bend. BY: DR. RIDGE HAMMONS

MMR’s Terry Fisher makes sure that students are invited back to apply for positions once they have turned 18 and graduated. When you think about it, the cost of getting your information out to 100,000 students in the Coastal Bend has never been lower.

ince 2008, HELP has educated students about the many opportunities in our local workforce. Working hands-on, we have immersed over 5,000 students (especially the at-risk and disabled) in hundreds of educational field trips and presentations delivering the real world of work.

Our efforts have always been focused on taking as many young people as possible to as many places as we can, in order to expose students to possible career paths. Over the last dozen years, we have taken over 250 field trips with anywhere from five to 30 kids on board. We have been to over 100 different companies, doing everything from

working on the new bridge to flying jet simulators at the Naval Air Station. Of course, COVID-19 changed everything for everybody, but it really impacted HELP. Since the start of the virus, and the beginning of the longest spring break ever, we have developed a system of “virtual visits” to substitute

Serendipity In retooling our programs, we have discovered advantages to going on virtual visits over the traditional field trip. Of course, there is no gainsaying the obvious benefits of visiting places in person. The human experience and the realism of taking everything in with all your senses at once in a genuine learning environment cannot be replaced with a camera and a Zoom connection. To say otherwise is to deny how we have learned from each other for thousands of years. But while we are stuck here in this bizarre new world for the foreseeable future, we can make a little lemonade, as well. continued

For more information, visit www.findthejobofyourdreams.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HELP

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Our school bus just got a lot bigger One of the benefits of the new way of doing business is that we can do a tour with just a camera crew instead of a large group of students. One of the drawbacks to physical visits is the number of students you can take on the trip. We had to be very careful with how many students we could cram into the bus, usually only taking along a dozen or so. Now there is no limit to the number of students who can attend. Suddenly, our visits can be shared with up to 100,000 students in the Coastal Bend!

We can all go anywhere Besides being worried about the number of kids who would fit into the bus, we had to be careful of the capacity of the places we went. Overwhelming a small business with too many students is not a good idea if you want to be invited back. There are also some places where taking a group of any size is not going to be welcome even if the physical capacity is there, because of the nature of the work performed there or security issues. The advantage of virtual visitation is that we can set up video connections almost anywhere. We can stay home and arrange visits where everybody can “go.” This is especially beneficial when you’re trying to go behind-the-scenes at the refineries. With the use of technology, we can take students anywhere we can take a video camera. Imagine the impossibility of learning about deep sea diving or

underwater welding using a physical field trip – that field trip is just not feasible. But with a camera, a computer and an Internet connection, worlds do open up! Any number of students can plug into the same live lecture and ask questions of the featured speaker with the right connections. These virtual visits result in our being able to visit a larger variety of local companies. For example, we can now visit smaller businesses that have jobs available, but are not big enough to host a dozen visitors onsite. ‘A Day at the Port’ HELP is developing a new program with the Port of Corpus Christi where students witness a tour of the port and its activities. Called “A Day at the Port,” the program allows HELP students to visit employers in the Port Industries Council who are not always available to us. The port program promises to be groundbreaking for us because we will be able to host more students than ever before in an area that most teenagers are unfamiliar with.

“My campaign is about YOU and the future of Our COMMUNITY,”

Conservative  Committed  Credible  Caring 

We recently did a two-week partnership program with Robstown ISD that focused on a different career each day as a part of their activities. Each day’s program included an interview with a professional in an identified field, a virtual “tour” of the activities that occur as a part of his/her daily activities and a casual question-and-answer period between the students and the speaker, which gave rise to some surprisingly forthright exchanges. For example, a common question throughout the program was, “What is the worst thing you have had to do as part of your job?”

• Small Business • Property Tax Relief • Reduced Regulations • Second Amendment Rights • Strengthened Law Enforcement • Streamlined Healthcare System • Military & Veteran Services

While challenges abound in this era of COVID-forced limitations and changes, we can still bring the world of local employment to local students (on a slightly modified stage).

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COVER STORY

BANKING FOR THE

LEFT TO RIGHT: MARK LARUE, AMY GRIFFIN, MARC HINOJOSA, FRANK HASTINGS, STEVE BOTELHO, LISA KENNEDY, JIM MONTGOMERY

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FRANK HASTINGS ON HIS PROMOTION TO PLAINSCAPITAL BANK COASTAL BEND REGION CHAIRMAN

COMMUNITY By: KATHLEEN NADERER Photos by: TWINS MEDIA and PLAINSCAPITAL BANK I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

n June 1, 2020, PlainsCapital Bank named Frank Hastings the new Coastal Bend Region chairman. Even as he celebrates this promotion and shoulders his new responsibilities, Hastings has taken time to reflect on the experiences that have shaped his life path. Originally from Maryland, Frank’s family moved to South Texas while he was still in high school. He experienced a bit of culture shock at first, but over time, his love for the Coastal Bend grew to the point that he can no longer imagine living anywhere else. Hastings earned an associate’s degree from Del Mar College, a bachelor’s degree in finance from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and a master’s degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University. He is an active member of many local organizations, including the TAMUCC Alumni Association, the Leadership Corpus Christi Alumni Association and the TAMUCC Business Advisory Council.

" I'm amazed with PlainsCapital's commitment and loyalty to our employees and the communities we serve." Additionally, he previously used his financial knowhow as board treasurer of the Driscoll Children’s Hospital Foundation and served as a board member and president of the Coastal Bend Food Bank. But what inspired this dedicated interest in banking? Hastings credits several people who inspired him to pursue a career in finance, but two stand out above the rest: his mother and Gary Wilson.

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“My mother – who has always inspired me with her work ethic – left the legal industry after many years to work for Corpus Christi National Bank back in the early ‘80s,” he said. “While there, she worked for some great bankers and community leaders like Richard King III, John Garner, Frank Robinson and, later, with Bill Dodge at Pacific Southwest Bank.” Hastings, who was working and attending college at the time, greatly admired how hard these leaders worked to advocate for and support the local business community – a goal he now strives to achieve himself, especially since serving the local business community is at the heart of everything PlainsCapital Bank does. Like his mother, Hastings began his career in the legal industry before switching to banking. While working at a local law firm, he met Gary Wilson – the man he fondly describes as his mentor and longtime friend. After the firm dissolved, Wilson asked Hastings to join him at Texas State Bank as a commercial lender. When Wilson was considering an opportunity at PlainsCapital, he introduced Hastings to Alan White, the bank’s chairman and CEO at the time. After meeting with White and knowing he would be able to continue working with Wilson, Hastings realized that this would be his next career move. So, Wilson and Hastings joined the company in 2013.

In fact, Wilson served as the PlainsCapital Bank Coastal Bend Region chairman for six years before passing the torch to Hastings last month. Although Hastings’ promotion was part of an established succession plan and didn’t come as a surprise, it was a bittersweet moment as he wished his friend and mentor of 25 years a happy retirement. Aside from his connection with Wilson, what really drew Hastings to PlainsCapital and earned his loyalty was the unique culture that White had created and supported. He explained that there are four key tenets all PlainsCapital employees embody: 1. Have the passion to be the best. 2. Deliver unmatched customer service with an unwavering positive attitude. 3. Show up for one another and the communities you serve. 4. Be dedicated to working hard and having fun. These qualities have created a work environment that values open, honest communication, encourages individual creativity, talents and contributions, motivates high standards both professionally and personally and inspires mutual respect. Besides the culture, Hastings also appreciates the autonomy PlainsCapital gives each individual market. This has allowed him to build and lead one of the best commercial lending teams in the market. It also allows each market to

have local lending authority and underwriting, which he believes is integral to success in community markets like the Coastal Bend. “I’ve been amazed with PlainsCapital’s commitment and loyalty to our employees and the communities we serve,” Hastings said. “Our entire executive team has been with the bank since the beginning, and they strive to maintain a strong sense of civic duty that goes back to the bank’s founding.” This encompasses community involvement beyond competitive loans and deposit opportunities. PlainsCapital employees fully immerse themselves in the community to positively impact the region, such as their involvement in the Corpus Christi Economic Development Corporation, the United Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Ronald McDonald House, the Purple Door, Charlie’s Place, the Texas State Aquarium, Buccaneer Commission, the American Red Cross and more. PlainsCapital even pledged $100,000 to TAMUCC when the bank opened its regional headquarters downtown and created the PlainsCapital Bank Endowed Scholarship in Finance. “I’ll never forget how great it felt standing beside Gary while presenting the check to TAMUCC’s then-president and CEO, Dr. Flavius Killebrew, knowing it was going to make such a big difference in many students’ lives,” Hastings recalled.

When asked to describe the most rewarding aspect of his job, Hastings had this to say: “When it comes to my job, there’s no better feeling than witnessing the many successes of our commercial lending team and personal banking team members, while helping our customers and the local business community succeed. Seeing longtime customers become successful is fulfilling, especially when I know our team played a part in their success.” Despite these turbulent times, Hastings knows that the disciplined approach PlainsCapital Bank takes toward managing its business will continue to pay off and that PlainsCapital will continue to expand through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. “Our unwavering entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to remaining strong and stable, focus on building enduring relationships and dedication to helping our customers, employees, shareholders and communities flourish, will play a large part in that growth.” Of course, in the end, it all comes down to the people. PlainsCapital has built a quality reputation by hiring and retaining people with the highest levels of integrity – people the community can rely on and who customers can trust.

GARY WILSON

(former Coastal Bend Region Chairman)

FRANK HASTINGS

About PlainsCapital Bank Founded in Lubbock in 1988, PlainsCapital Bank is the sixth-largest Texas-based bank by deposit market share with more than 60 locations in eight major Texas markets, including Corpus Christi, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley. In addition to delivering exceptional personal service, PlainsCapital Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings (HTH - NYSE), a diversified holding company. Hilltop has $16.9 billion in assets, maintains approximately 420 locations in 48 states and employs more than 4,800 people across the country.

For more information about PlainsCapital Bank or to locate your nearest branch, visit plainscapital.com. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

// PROFILE

�� Years OF COASTAL LIVING From poolside to surfside, Gulfstream Condominiums offers a unique beach getaway. By: KATHLEEN NADERER

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF GULFSTREAM CONDOMINIUMS

oes rolling out of a luxurious bed and immediately being greeted by some of the most breathtaking views of the Texas Gulf Coast sound like a good way to start your day? Those at Gulfstream Condominiums certainly think so! Located at 14810 Windward Drive on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Gulfstream Condos were designed to be the ideal family vacation destination. While conveniently situated near Padre Island National Seashore (PINS) and other popular local beaches, Gulfstream Condos are also close enough to the city for residents and visitors to easily enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, restaurants and shopping.

Back when today’s technology hadn’t even been dreamed of, young families could often be found hanging around the condo’s pool or gathering to watch the sunset at the beach, meeting strangers who would become lifelong friends. Often a guitar would be found and music would float along the ocean breeze, accompanied by the joyful sounds of children playing in the surf and sand. Nowadays, those children are adults who bring their own children to Gulfstream, giving their kids a chance to experience the same fun and freedom that they did. Vacationing families are not the only constant at Gulfstream Condos. Many of the owners and staff have spent years at the property and know the property inside and out. “For instance, the housekeeping supervisor has worked at Gulfstream Condos since day one, the maintenance supervisor has been here for 30 years and the maintenance assistant for 21 years,” Moody said. “This longevity is good for Gulfstream and

Built in 1970, before current land laws requiring buildings to be kept behind sand dunes, these condominiums sit directly on the beach. They are one of the few places in the state where you can walk directly from condo to seashore in mere moments.

for me, since they always know what needs to be done and when.” Moody, who joined in 2016, and Schneider, who joined in 2009, explained that Gulfstream retains long-term employees and is appealing to new hires because the entire team treats each other with the utmost respect, provides great benefits and offers a competitive salary. This team’s dedication and care for the property is reflected in the way they maintain and protect the building against the ravages of weather, a notoriously difficult task for beachfront property. Gulfstream Condos survived both Hurricane Celia not long after its construction and the more recent Hurricane Harvey thanks to the efforts of their team! Over the past 50 years, some aspects have evolved – like each condo’s unique décor – but Gulfstream remains a wonderful place to relax and play. Jay Wise, a condo owner for seven years and the current president of the board of directors, had this to say about Gulfstream: “It’s great to own such a beautiful home in such a beautiful location, where folks travel from all across the state and, at times, the entire nation to enjoy their vacation.”

These condominiums have a long history in the Coastal Bend community. Russell Moody, general manager, and Kayla Schneider, assistant general manager, described the complex as “one big family.” “Gulfstream has always been a place for families,” Moody said. “When the condominiums were built, it was a new concept to have a vacation home that you could also rent to others when not in use. This provided new opportunities for the owners, as well as the families that rented the condos.” Many guests at Gulfstream Condos return annually, with some families turning their trip to the condos into a tradition that spans generations.

To book a unit and experience the beachfront living dream for yourself, visit www.gulfstreamcondos.com or call 361-949-8061. You won’t be disappointed! I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

WEATHERING THE STORM Your United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is here to make Coastal Bend small businesses stronger than the pandemic. BY: JOHN LARUE

s we strive to overcome the hardships facing the Coastal Bend from COVID-19, working together is the key to making our businesses stronger than the pandemic. Throughout this nationwide crisis, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce has been working diligently for our members and our community. We have been a source for the latest news on COVID-19 regulations, a facilitator in helping our businesses re-open safely and an advocate for them in this rapidly changing pandemic landscape. Here’s how your United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is helping our Coastal Bend business community: • Facilitating and executing the Small Business Regional Pandemic Grant Program (SBRPGP) by collaborating with the City of Corpus Christi and the Port of Corpus Christi to jumpstart small businesses affected by COVID-19 • Approved applicants will receive $500 for working capital expenses, expenses of debt and workforce needs. Approved applicants within the City of Corpus Christi limits will receive an additional $500 credit on their city utility bill. The goal of the grant is to alleviate the effects of the pandemic on small businesses. • Holding numerous in-depth virtual events and webinars covering COVID-19 topics from re-opening phases and mental health to government transparency and the Paycheck Protection Program

• Serving as a facilitator in distributing 10,000 masks donated by Unifirst to our small business community • Sending daily e-blast messages to keep our members up-to-date on the quickly changing government COVID-19 regulations, virtual events and small business resources • Networking with members to help find and provide PPE, signage, disinfectant solutions and other items critical to re-opening • Opening virtual access to the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce’s Infrastructure Committee meetings covering the Harbor Bridge Project and the City of Corpus Christi’s Seawater Desalination Project As we transition from recovery to rebuilding, the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is focused on helping our businesses overcome challenges facing them, from regulatory and financial to managerial and otherwise. If you have not been a member of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce before, now is the time to reach out to Membership Engagement Director Efrain Franco Jr. at efrain@unitedccchamber.com to have a virtual meeting to discuss how we can strengthen your business during this pandemic. Sincerely, John LaRue President & CEO, United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce

ABOUT THE UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is the premier organization working to advance economic prosperity for all business while preserving our region’s diverse cultures. The chamber proudly represents the needs of 1,200+ member-businesses, while working to unite Corpus Christi to be the best place to live and work. United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce members and volunteers represent a cross section of all types and sizes of business in our community.

WORKING TOGETHER IS THE KEY TO MAKING OUR BUSINESSES STRONGER THAN THE PANDEMIC.

For information on becoming a member of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.unitedcorpuschristichamber.com or contact Efrain Franco Jr. at 361-881-1800.

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TRAVEL

The ‘New Normal’ The definition of “normal” hasn’t changed – but just about everything else has. By: KIM BRIDGER-HUNT

ow many times in recent months have you heard someone use the phrase, “the new normal?” If it drives you crazy, you’re not alone. Let’s just say it’s possible that since the coronavirus pandemic began, it’s been a bit overused. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t think about how our world is changing and how some of these changes will likely lead to new way of doing certain things. The airline industry is still working to figure out what the coming months will look like. They are trying to forecast what air travel levels will be this fall. The national perspective is not really positive. They are grappling with the reality that business travel may be slow to return. Will travelers be ready to take vacations this coming spring and summer? And here’s the question that communities all across the nation are asking as they look at their airports, the current demand for air travel and how that demand will rebound in 2021 and beyond: What will the new normal look like at our airport? Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA) hasn’t missed a beat since mid-March when the pandemic forced a drop in traffic of more than 90 percent. CCIA not only has been open – the staff has been working on enhanced cleaning protocols and is using

technology that helps to ensure a clean and safe environment for passengers, tenants and employees. First and foremost, we know that this new expectation for enhanced cleanliness is the new norm. We know that providing touchless handwashing, hand sanitizer and new cleaning technology will never go out of style. But travelers may be wondering how this massive slowdown in air travel will impact air service at CCIA. There is no absolute answer to that question today. The airlines are constantly assessing traffic patterns at their busiest HUBS, and at the smaller airports they serve, too. They are adjusting schedules on a weekly basis, and often changing them even after they are published. At the time of this writing, September schedules at CCIA are down an average of about 50 percent when compared to the same time last year.

At CCIA, we don’t do crowds. We don’t do long lines or lengthy walks to your gate. And this is consistent throughout the nation. Most of the U.S.based airlines in business today are looking at transforming into smaller organizations with fewer flights, fewer employees and fewer seats being offered at most, if not all the airports they serve. The hope is that these reductions will be temporary. In terms of air service offered in communities, we’ll start from a new baseline that has yet to be established. How these changes will impact CCIA long-term will rely heavily on how traffic rebounds in the weeks and months ahead. As more and more people begin to book flights, you’ll likely see the airlines respond with more seats in the markets that demand it. This is why it’s more critical than ever that Coastal Bend residents look to CCIA when they are ready to go somewhere. At CCIA, we don’t do crowds. We don’t do long lines or lengthy walks to your gate. And when you FlyCCIA, you don’t have a long drive, either. The more people who make the choice to FlyCCIA – the better our chances of really liking the new norm.

Kim Bridger-Hunt is the marketing manager at CCIA. She can be reached at kimb@cctexas.com.

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TASTE

Ingredients: • 10 sheets of graham crackers, broken into squares • 10 mini Hershey’s bars • 2 big handfuls of marshmallows (try assorted sizes!) • 10 Oreo Thins cookies

UPGRADE

Summertime s’mores nachos By: MANDY ASHCRAFT, TOM CURRY and CHRISTIAN LAPUZ Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

he Inspire Test Kitchen hit the road to test this late-summer dessert in its most ideal setting: a creek-side cabin! A beloved camping snack, s’mores get a fun shareable upgrade as “nachos.” Chocolate melts beneath toasty marshmallows, and with the addition of Oreo Thins, this will be your new favorite.

This fun-for-all-ages take on a classic is fully customizable, so add apple slices, your favorite candy or even a sprinkle of cereal. Endless possibilities for our endless Texas summer!

• Foil Instructions: 1. Fold the edges of a sheet of foil to create a “plate” to assemble your nachos. 2. Lay a base of graham cracker pieces, using about half. 3. Place 5 mini Hershey’s bars, and cover with remaining marshmallows and graham crackers. 4. Place Oreo Thins around the other ingredients. Try crumbling a few. Our Test Kitchen members decided that Thins worked better than traditional Oreos because they pick up hot marshmallows more easily. But don’t be afraid to just go for the Double Stuf. 5. Fold foil over the nachos and place on the heat of a campfire, a hot grill or in the oven. 6. Watch it closely, as cook times vary by your level of heat. It won’t take long before marshmallows increase in size and create the sticky-sweet nachos you’ll love pulling apart. 7. Optional: Roast a few additional marshmallows separately over the fire, and place on top for additional flavor.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

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COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

We Salute all of the essential workers, healthcare and public service professionals who have served tirelessly on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Not all Heroes Wear Capes THANK YOU PELICAN

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COURAGE - DEDICATION - COMMITMENT - PASSION

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

Words of Inspiration and Imagination Local award-winning writer and editor, Alisa Hope Wagner, opens up on writing, faith and family. BY: JACQUELINE GONZALEZ

lisa Hope Wagner believes in the following mantra: Seek God daily. Although life is not without its complications and constant change, Wagner is a firm believer that if you seek God every day, He will balance out your schedule. Living by this mantra has allowed Wagner to plan the course of her future. Originally, she sought out a career in fitness and kinesiology, but she heard God’s voice steer her into projecting her faith through a career in writing. Although she was torn between following her love of fitness and kinesiology and listening to God’s call, Wagner chose the latter and earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, followed by her master’s degree in applied English linguistics from the University of Houston. Wagner spent every day reading, writing and researching. In 2005, she wrote her very first novel and continued to write for eight years before finally publishing her work in 2013. This moment opened the doors to the beginning of her successful career as Corpus Christi’s internationally award-winning author, editor and publisher of more than 20 books and counting. Her first novel marked the inception of a popular dystopian series called “The Onoma Series.” Onoma is Greek for “name,” and each book in the series has the name of the major character, along with their mission. When she discusses the ideas behind each novel, Wagner mentions that the series predicted four major changes in western society that would make her dystopian world a reality today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF INSPIRE COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

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In addition to this dystopian series, she also has the “Violet Moon Series,” which is a hybrid between young adult fiction and a graphic novel.

bodybuilding competitions and became certified in fitness nutrition, as well as personal training. Although she doesn’t do either for a living, these certifications gave her the proper research to publish two successful fitness books. Wagner feels there is a war on people’s health, and as long as you’re struggling with living a healthy lifestyle, it’s difficult to fulfill the destiny God has for you. Her two fitness books, “Fearlessly Fit” and “Fearlessly Fit at Home: Your Personal Guide to Getting Fit,” give readers tips on how to make daily modifications to their daily lifestyle to make better fitness and nutrition choices. As a mother and former teacher, she also uses her writing career to ensure that no child is left behind through her inspirational messages. Her children’s book series, “Butterfly Princess,” is a body image parable to serve as an inspirational guide for children with body differences.

ALISA HAS ALSO BEEN ON TWO REALITY TV SHOWS WITH HER IDENTICAL TWIN (“CMT MADE” AND “E! NEWS BOTCHED”), FOUGHT AND WON AN MMA CAGE FIGHT AND WON FIRST PLACE IN BODYBUILDING – PHYSIQUE DIVISION. A butterfly with a birthmark, a bee with a blunt stinger, a grasshopper with no pegs and a ladybug with no spots are just a few examples of God’s creatures having unique designs that show children with body differences that they are beautiful just the way they are. Although she didn’t get to fulfill a career in kinesiology, Wagner believes that God used her faithfulness in writing to incorporate her passion for healthy living into her writing career. She competed in two

Family is also very important to Wagner. With three small children and her husband working two jobs at the time, she knew she had to make some adjustments to her daily schedule, which gave her

little room to focus on her writing. When her children were smaller, she juggled homeschooling and writing, which gave her less time for the latter. However, she used her time wisely and snuck in writing time during morning naps and the children’s bedtime. Over the years, as her children grew, their schedules and needs changed, so she had to manage her schedule differently. She explains, “You have to be really flexible and sensitive to what is needed for that day and what God wants you to do.” Her faith has also helped her get through COVID-19. As the wife of a local ER doctor, she knew it was only a matter of time before their family became ill, but her faith and strength in following God’s will allowed her to focus on the importance of healing and returning to her daily lifestyle. She has learned not to let fear steal the joy and blessing of each day. Keep an eye out for her latest work, “Pandemic Devotionals.” This collection features people’s inspirational stories during this uncertain and trying time our world is in currently. This devotional will be the third in her award-winning anthology, the “Enliven Devotional Series.” What makes this devotional series so special is the philanthropic focus behind it. All the proceeds from these devotionals go to different missions around the world. The proceeds from the first two devotionals, “Granola Bar Devotionals” and “Get to the Margins,” went to African missions, and those from the upcoming “Pandemic Devotionals” will go to the Salvation Army in support of the homeless and poor in the United States. Wagner created this anthology series because, although not everyone is called to be missionaries, they can donate their words to help a cause that not only inspires readers, but also supports missionary work worldwide.

See more on Alisa Hope Wagner’s award-winning work at her website, www.alisahopewagner.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube under her handle, @alisahopewagner. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

NONPROFIT

Vital Volunteers Helping hold together the lives of Coastal Bend youth By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

Following is a passage by D. Scott Elliff, Ed.D., a CASA volunteer who outlines his experiences as an advocate for children in the Coastal Bend Throughout my career as a public educator, I was always aware of the challenges faced by children in the foster care system and had long admired the role that CASA volunteers played in the lives of those students. From time to time over the years, I considered becoming a CASA myself, but was unable to do so due to existing work and volunteer commitments. Once I retired, the time seemed right to make my move! The application process was thorough, which I appreciated. The training was comprehensive, too! Beyond receiving valuable information that would help me in my new role, friendships and a sense of community developed with other volunteers and the very capable and professional CASA staff, for which I’ve been very grateful. Once I was assigned to my first case, I knew that I had made the right decision! After many years of volunteerism through nonprofit boards, the opportunity to “go deep” and provide direct assistance to children in need was a blessing. More than any volunteer role I’ve had in the past,

I can see that I’m making a difference as a CASA volunteer. When I am asked what it’s like to be a CASA volunteer, I try to shift the conversation to what it’s like for the children to be in foster care – that’s the real question. For the children, it’s like an earthquake – a terrible, shaking upheaval, perhaps even a giant crack in the ground that they fear falling into. Everything in their world is shaken. Their relationships, their physical home, all their school friends, doctors, dentists and counselors change overnight. To make matters worse, there are aftershocks with placement changes,

CASA OF THE COASTAL BEND has been selected to participate in the Coastal Bend Day of Giving, a 24-hour online opportunity on Nov. 10 for the community to give to 50 selected charities. Up to $20,000 of donations for each charity will be matched by private funders. Please visit www.coastalbenddayofgiving.org for more information.

I’ve never regretted making the decision to be a CASA!

new caseworkers and an unknown cast of adult characters assigned to the case who seem to change every week and have many other cases to manage. My first case involved a sibling group: two sisters and their two younger brothers. They had experienced considerable instability in their short lives, but had not lost their joy! By maintaining regular contact with them, their foster “families,” teachers and counselors, I could see firsthand the important role that CASAs play as the “linchpins” that hold together the many moving parts of the foster care experience. I quickly realized that I was the only consistent adult relationship the children had during the entire time they were in foster care, up until they were successfully placed with relatives and the case was closed. I am now on my fourth case. Some days are hard, but the deep satisfaction I receive when I see a smile or just hear a sigh of relief when I see the children makes it all worthwhile. I’ve never regretted making the decision to be a CASA! –D. Scott Elliff, Ed.D. Since 1992, hundreds of local advocates have helped thousands of children from our community. Unfortunately, with the overwhelming number of children entering foster care, last year, over 700 foster children from the Coastal Bend did not have a CASA to be their voice. Currently, there are close to 200 children waiting for a CASA. We need more volunteers.

–D. SCOTT ELLIFF, ED.D. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, attend a 45-minute, non-committal virtual CASA information session held via Zoom every Wednesday at 12 p.m. For more information, visit our website, www.coastalbendcasa.org, or our Facebook page (@coastalbendcasa).

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Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business Sept/Oct 2020

Articles inside

Words of Inspiration

Upgrade

Weathering the Storm

Get Involved

Safe Shopping

Vital Volunteers