NSIDE Coastal Bend Oct/Nov 2013 by NSIDE Corpus Christi

NSIDE OCTOBER.NOVEMBER 2013

Coastal Bend Business

DEFYING THE ODDS MEGAN MARTINEZ

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS CORPUS CHRISTI HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SELLING A LIFESTYLE

PRESTON DOUGLASS

GET YOUR GAME ON CORPUS CHRISTI CHALLENGE N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

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

Ruben Bonilla Insurance Agency

2727 Morgan Ave, Ste 300 Corpus Christi, Texas 78405

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361.881.1033

www.RubenBonillaInsurance.com

Find retirement comforts close to your heart at a community close to your home. Come join us for a personal appointment and lunch. Meet the Mirador team and get to know Mirador residents. 5857 Timbergate Drive | Corpus Christi, TX 78414 “We came to Mirador because we wanted choices. We didn’t want our children worrying about us. The community feeling here—we just love it. We used to say, ‘We’re going back to Mirador.’ Now we say, ‘We’re going home.’” —Diane and Pastor Sam Gottlich

Get a firsthand look at all the reasons why people choose the pleasures, affordability and security of our community. Discover: • All the help you get to make your move • Why Mirador is a good value for your retirement plans • All the valuable services & amenities included Mirador is the region’s first retirement community offering Life Care, where Independent Living residents have lifelong access at predictable rates to all on-site health care services: Assisted Living, Memory Support, Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing.

5857 Timbergate Drive | Corpus Christi, TX 78414

www.MiradorRetirement.com

Call 361-288-7014 to set up your personal appointment and lunch. www.SQLC.org N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

publisher’s note NSIDE Coastal Bend Business

P U October/November B L I C A T I 2013 ONS

ceo/nside media productions eliot garza publisher adrian garza executive editor Erin O’Brien

creative director Elisa Giordano

senior graphic designer Cristina Villa Hazar

executive assistant Elena Flores

account executives Jessica Salinas, Amanda Villarreal

You probably already know

that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But you may not know how close breast cancer is to my family. My mother is a 10-year survivor of breast cancer, and this year, a decade after she began her fight, she is celebrating another birthday – also in October, to make the month even more special to us. Breast cancer is one of the most recognized cancers in the nation, but many people don’t seem to be familiar with the process that occurs after a woman has won the fight against breast cancer. As I understand, while it is a celebratory time, it is also a time of loss, grieving, sadness and questions – a time for your spirit to heal. None of these brave survivors, including my mother, would be with us today if not for the life-saving cancer research conducted by a number of notable practices, health systems and other organizations all over the country. Locally, we are fortunate to have OBGYN Associates of Corpus Christi, the subject of our MD cover story in this issue. The physicians of this practice are truly committed to women’s care, and we are proud to feature them, especially in this significant time of year. Equally important to the organizations that conduct breast cancer research are those businesses and individuals who contribute time, talents and funds to help support those efforts. One such individual is Preston Douglass, whom we feature on our business side. The owner of Corpus Christi’s only authorized Harley-Davidson dealership supports breast cancer awareness every year with various events, and we greatly respect and appreciate his dedication to the cause. In closing, I hope Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2013 will serve as a reminder for you to have screenings, mammograms, etc., as recommended by your health care provider. They say prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it is my hope that we all do our part to fight the good fight and help find a cure for this disease once and for all. I honor my mother and all of the survivors, and I pray for all of those who are still in the midst of their fight. And as always, I thank you, our readers and friends, for supporting our efforts not only to highlight the Coastal Bend’s finest in business and medicine, but also to bring about more breast cancer awareness in our community.

contributing writers Mandy Ashcraft, Kristen Bily, Sierra Bowling, Kim Bridger, Kaitlin Calk, Maria Del Rio, Melinda Eddleman, Ricardo Gomez, Ambrose Gonzalez, Lee Hernandez, Lisa Hinojosa, Connie Laughlin, Amie Daniel Lee, Deborah Perry, Dr. Tracie Rodriguez, Sharon Schweitzer, Samantha Stemplinger, Sarah Tindall, Sarona Winfrey, JoAnne Wuneburger, Mary Zambrano

photography Dustin Ashcraft, Janel Benavides

editorial intern Katrina Torres

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

PUBLIC ATIONS

Adrian Garza adrian@getnside.com

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18402 U.S. Highway 281 N, Ste. 201 San Antonio, Texas 78259 Phone: 210.298.1761

nsidethisissue october/november 2013

profiles

cover story Preston Douglass

Having made the switch from working in the legal field to selling one of the most recognized brands in the world, the owner of Corpus Christiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only authorized HarleyDavidson dealership enjoys helping his clients enjoy the fun of the ride.

Megan Martinez

With her dedication to her work and her flair for defying conventions, this artist and businesswoman overcame major setbacks to become one of the most successful and sought-after makeup artists in the country.

Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The foremost voice of business in the Coastal Bend community celebrates 75 years of helping local businesses grow and prosper.

departments 10 12 36 40 42 44 46 52 58 62

Business Coach Feature Education Sports Etiquette Dine Travel Arts Style Nonprofit

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nside coastal bend staff erin oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;brien

nside PUBLICATIONS executive EDITOR E: erin@getnside.com

elisa giordano nside publications creative director E: elisa@getnside.com

cristina villa hazar nside PUBLICATIONS senior graphic designer

elena flores

nside coastal bend executive assistant C: 361.793.6767 E: elena@getnside.com

jessica salinas nside coastal bend account executive C: 361.425.4114 E: jessica@getnside.com

amanda villarreal nside coastal bend account executive C: 361.441.9278 E: amanda@getnside.com

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CORPUS CHRISTI 4639 Corona, Ste. 1., Corpus Christi, TX 78411 Phone 361.855.5627 Fax 361.851.2234

CORPUS CHRISTI Medical Openings: Registered Nurses for travel and local assignments Licensed Vocational nurses for travel and local assignments Certified medical assistants General Positions: Diesel Mechanics • Automated Drafters and Blue Prints • Fire and Alarm Technicians Accountants • Compliance Officers • Administrative positions Skilled and Unskilled labor positions

www.advtemp.com N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE business coach

Cautious in the City With violent crime statistics on the rise, employers need to provide employees with a plan of action regarding workplace violence and emergency situations. By: [Connie Laughlin]

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Local citizens have something new in their wallets: a concealed handgun carry permit. In all likelihood, you’re a felon, you’re considering a carry permit or you already have one. Why? Because the statistics that indicate you could be a target of crime are going up. We all know it’s important to be aware of our surroundings, with an exhausting list of things to consider. Why do we need to be cautious? There might be a violent offender or murderer shopping next to us in the grocery store. He looks quite normal, he’s friendly and no one would ever give him a second thought. Could the employee working alongside you every day be capable of a brutal crime? I know many souls who were lost to violent crime. An unfortunate act of violence could be more of a reality than you think. Examine your house inside and out, and study the options available to enhance your security such as lighting, shutters, security systems, locks, trimmed shrubs and video surveillance. Dog adoption is one of the most expensive options, but it will always be my favorite. Next, think about your safety getting in and out of your car. The second your body is in the car, lock your door! If you carry a firearm, you’ll want easy access without any

Every workplace is vulnerable to violence. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, every year, two million workers are victims of violence, along with thousands of unreported incidents. Seventy percent of businesses do not have a formal policy addressing workplace violence problems. Each business needs to script a program unique to its business, as there are no specific standards for workplace violence currently in place. However, under the General Duty Clause, section 5(a)(1), of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) of 1970, employers are required to provide their employees with a place of employment that “is free from recognizable hazards that are causing or likely to cause death or serious harm to employees.” The courts have interpreted OSHA’s General Duty Clause to mean that an employer has a legal obligation to provide a workplace free of conditions or activities that either the employer or the industry recognizes as hazardous and that cause – or are likely to cause – death or serious physical harm to employees when there is a feasible method to abate the hazard. An employer who has experienced acts of workplace violence, or who becomes aware of threats, intimidation or other indicators

Every workplace is vulnerable to violence. theft enticement. Another option to consider is to carry a small container of mace on your keychain. Be aware of your vulnerability in parking lots. At all times, assess your surroundings, the people around you and the possibility of people who are not in plain sight. Unfortunately, several local business establishments come to mind where employees have lost their lives. If you’re a business owner, you have a duty to provide an emergency plan of action. During and after the Boston bombing, businesses locked their doors and told employees to stay home. If a business owner had demanded an employee come to work and something happened to the employee, the business could have been held liable. Your employee handbook should contain information regarding emergency situations. It seems like common sense to stay home, but employees may fear retaliation if they don’t show up, or they may just be dedicated employees who will find a way to get to work regardless of the situation.

showing that the potential for violence in the workplace exists, would be considered on notice of the risk of workplace violence and should implement a workplace violence prevention program, combined with engineering controls, administrative controls and training. Office buildings and other worksites have a multitude of choices for security: panic buttons, surveillance cameras, locks on doors for staff only, cell phones, more than one employee on duty at all times, etc. If you find yourself in a potentially harmful situation, call 911 and leave, if possible. If leaving isn’t possible, lock the doors, turn off the lights and hide.

*Sources available upon request Connie Laughlin is a business consultant for UniqueHR. For more information, you may contact her at 361-852-6392 or at conniel@ uniquehr.com.

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Facebook offers a mini all-in-one marketing firm for your business. By using Facebook, you can: ◗ Advertise deals, new services and products ◗ Post pictures of events ◗ Customize your page with a profile picture, cover photo and applications (apps) ◗ Share future products and events ◗ Interact with customers ◗ Make connections

Twitter is a short-but-sweet blogging service that gives your business 140 characters to: ◗ Promote your services and products ◗ Interact with current and potential customers ◗ Comment on other companies ◗ Share links and pictures ◗ Advertise deals and coupons

Google+ is your communications tool:

A guide for using sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+ to help you grow your business By: [Mary Zambrano]

The Internet is changing the way the world does business. One of the most recent developments is the rise of social media – technologies and channels that let people all over the world collaborate. Sites like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are important for your business because they provide an open forum for the community. They offer a free venue to market your brand, let you share news about your products and services and provide a virtual place where you can interact directly with your customers. Social media leaves a door open for potential customers and gives you a quick and easy way to share special offers. Social media marketing works best when you are transparent, when you engage with your customers and when you give something back. It doesn’t work as well if you oversell, rush or forget to listen. Here are some popular social media sites and how you can use them to your advantage:

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Pinterest is a virtual pin board for your business, focused primarily on photos and videos: ◗ Post pictures and videos of your products and services, as well as other interesting content ◗ Follow popular brands and organizations ◗ Interact with your brand’s most loyal customers

LinkedIn is a professional networking website to help you:

◗ Build up your business contacts ◗ Find and hire talent for your business ◗ Discuss business solutions and tips with other businesses in your field ◗ Develop a network with professionals in different areas to improve your business

The mission of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is to be the leader in advancing marketplace trust. BBB accomplishes this mission by creating a community of trustworthy businesses, setting standards for marketplace trust, encouraging and supporting best practices, celebrating marketplace role models and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. For more information, please contact Mary Zambrano, public relations specialist for BBB, at 512-206-2815.

woman pressing icon image ra2studio; like button image Sashkin/shutterstock.com

Using Social Media for Your #Business

◗ Think of Google+ as your brand hub ◗ Your page, profile image and recent posts are eligible to show up when relevant to a customer’s search ◗ Relevant posts can also show up within search results for your page’s followers ◗ Host Hangouts (similar to group video chats) ◗ Google+ Communities allows groups to form around particular interests ◗ Content sharing on Google+ is similar to Facebook

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

REACH YOUR AUDIENCE, GROW YOUR SALES.

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

361-986-7915 | PALMEDIACC.COM

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NSIDE feature right atmosphere for your holiday party. Here are some inexpensive ideas for activities that won’t raise the human resource director’s eyebrow: Christmas movies: Coordinate to have a conference room or smaller room nearby converted into a theater playing Christmas movies. Serve popcorn, candy and juice throughout the evening with the movies. If your budget allows, provide root beer floats and ice cream and even offer some beanbag chairs.

Gingerbread

house

competition:

Work closely with the venue’s catering staff to help provide a gingerbread house station for guests and their families to create their very own. Ask a few coworkers to judge the gingerbread houses and offer a small prize to the winners. Convert this activity into a team-building exercise for a company party that does not include children as guests. Divide coworkers up into groups of four or five and give them 15 minutes to build a gingerbread house. Award the winners with something work-related, like allowing them to come in 30 minutes late next Monday or to leave early on Friday. Be sure to get your supervisor’s approval first.

Be the Holiday ‘Hostess with the Mostess’ How to plan a fun and affordable company holiday party By: [Amie Daniel Lee]

The burden of planning your company’s holiday party can sometimes be a drag and very time consuming, taking time away from your daily duties at the office. Be the office hero and save your staff from having a dull company party of just drinks, dinner and discussing the “daily grind” with coworkers. Shop around for a venue that provides all-inclusive customized holiday packages for company parties that will fit your needs. Holiday packages usually include the venue rental, tables, chairs, linens and the décor, making your life much easier. Let the venue’s event planner know upfront

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that you will be planning to offer fun activities for your guests. There are several ways to get multiple “pats on the back” from the boss at the party and stay within your approved event budget. But first, you’ll need to get some information and expectations from the higher-ups. Find out how many guests will be invited and who is going to be invited. Is the company inviting only employees, or will the company allow employees to bring the whole family? Will clients and customers be invited, as well? All of these elements can help you set the right mood and have the

Musical entertainment: If you are on a tight budget this year, offer a little fun and entertainment and get the guests involved in providing it live. Set up the Rockstar video game as karaoke for guests to compete in their musical talents and offer the champion a small prize at the end of the night. If your crowd is too shy for karaoke, call on a local school choir or nonprofit children’s group to provide live entertainment by singing Christmas carols at no cost. Awards ceremony: Recognize your coworkers for a job well done this year in a serious or silly manner. A week before the holiday party, ask everyone to send you suggested nomination categories and their nominees. Depending on the size of your group, it can get really silly. Is there always someone who gets to the office first and makes the coffee every morning? Is there a person in the office who always lets their leftovers build up in the break room fridge? Be sure that every employee attending the company party gets an award. Print certificates in the office and ask your senior level supervisor with the most humor to emcee the awards ceremony to get a real chuckle out of everyone. For more information about innovative event planning and party rental packages, contact Amie Daniel Lee, marketing coordinator for the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, managed by Global Spectrum, at alee@rmbfairgrounds.com or 361-387-9000.

holiday event image olga sapegina/shutterstock.com

Video game station: Entertain teenagers and even the whole family with a big screen and a couple of televisions, and set up a video game section that allows guests of all ages to compete in a variety of video games.

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Planning the Perfect Party

A few easy steps to ensure a great event

unforgettable. You want your guests to wake up the next morning remembering the smallest detail to the grandest idea. Having set your date, time and theme, now it is time to choose an invitation that reflects the mood you want to set. I am a firm believer in setting the tone of your party with the invitation. Make it an invite they won’t misplace and a party they won’t want to miss. Even though it seems hard to get people to RSVP these days, it is still necessary. It is OK to offer a text message or even a social media platform to accept replies. As a host, you need to know how many to plan for. (Guests: This is always good manners. You must RSVP.) Determine the location and space for your event. Whether in your home or a rented venue, make sure the space is ample enough to entertain with enough seating. Whether you are planning a buffet or offering finger foods, seating is required. It is your job as host to make sure you are accommodating and that your guests are comfortable. Keeping your guests entertained is a key essential. Music and entertainment only add to your party. Whether it is a live band, a DJ or your favorite playlist, music gives your party rhythm. Other forms of entertainment that keep your guests’ attention at one point or another can be dancers, a novelty show or an art form. Last but not least, know your budget. Parties can add up, as we all know. Budgeting for rentals, entertainment, food, décor, floral, photography and alcohol, if appropriate, is important. You may choose to spend more money on rentals and prepare some food yourself to save on your total food costs. You may choose to splurge on catering while spending less on floral and décor. Your guests won’t know where you have splurged or skimped if your party is all put together, seamlessly beautiful and impressing them at every turn. Planning a party should be enjoyable. If you are prepared and have covered these basics of party planning, you are ready to don your party hat and say “cheers!” Most importantly, as a host, remember to smile and be hospitable. You don’t have to be a professional to look like you hired one, and you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to make it look like you did. With a little creativity, style and knowhow, your party will be perfect, too.

Who doesn’t like to party? Today, with many people interacting on social media platforms, it seems our up-close-and-personal interaction has been downsized to a status update. But being personal and hospitable has not gone out of style, and I say it is more fashionable than ever. First, choose your style. When preparing for a party, what kind of host will you be that night? Relaxed, casual or full-on Martha Stewart? Both of my grandmothers were the “hostess with the mostess.” They each had their own style and way of doing things. My mother’s mom could cook and host with the slightest of ease, fancy china and polished silver. My father’s mom could cook anything with-

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out a measure, throw out a serape for a tablecloth and possibly forget the napkins. The type of host you are plays an important part in how you begin planning. Choosing a theme for your party is most important in my book. It helps develop the feel for your event and helps in planning for décor and food. Be creative and interesting with your theme. It can be as simple as a Mexican fiesta cocktail hour or as grand as a Gatsby-like affair. Having your guests anticipate what will be waiting for them adds excitement and interest to your event. Of course, your invitation and décor will reflect your theme. Carrying that idea through the details will make your party

JoAnne Wuneburger is the owner of oh goodie designs, a custom party products company, and Style.Inspired, a fullservice event planning and styling company. Her work has been featured by Martha Stewart, Trends Magazine and Style Me Pretty, as well as on numerous national and international websites.

party image rhimage/shutterstock.com

By: [JoAnne Wuneburger]

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That’s a ‘First’ As The Shops at La Palmera draws national retailers to Corpus Christi, the list of “firsts” continues to grow for the new retail center. By: [Sarona Winfrey] As construction progresses on The Shops at La Palmera and the newly rebranded 200,000-squarefoot center continues to take shape, so does the list of exciting new stores coming to Corpus Christi for the first time. Six new national chains now call The Shops of La Palmera home, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, Corner Bakery Cafe and DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. “The Shops at La Palmera is an exciting development that will continue to draw leading national retailers to Corpus Christi,” said Fred Walters, general manager of The Shops at La Palmera and La Palmera. “The property will be providing shoppers with many ‘firsts,’ and we’re already getting a lot of

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positive feedback from the community.” The Shops at La Palmera is the latest transformation led by Trademark Property Co. and Institutional Mall Investors LLC (IMI), which purchased the aging strip center in April 2012. The rebranding and redesign of the center complements that of La Palmera, the one-million-square-foot super regional mall and sister property located across Staples Street, which underwent a two-year $50 million renovation of its own after being purchased by Trademark and IMI in 2008. The renovation of The Shops at La Palmera is slated to wrap up in early 2014. Opening its 4,166-square-foot fast-casual restaurant July 1, Corner Bakery Cafe was the first newly announced tenant to open at The Shops. Offering a casual atmosphere and featuring innovative,

seasonal menu options ranging from hot breakfasts and signature paninis to handcrafted salads, sandwiches and mouthwatering sweets, the popular restaurant has already become a Coastal Bend favorite. Corner Bakery Cafe currently delivers its premier bakery cafe experience in 140 locations across the country. The 61,233-square-foot Dick’s Sporting Goods serves as anchor for The Shops and is set to open for the holiday shopping season. As one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States, Dick’s Sporting Goods offers a broad assortment of brandname sporting goods equipment, apparel and footwear in a specialty store environment. The retailer currently operates more than 480 stores in 44 states. T.J. Maxx, known for its rapidly changing assortment of fashionable, quality, brand-name merchandise at 20 to 60 percent less than department stores, and HomeGoods, specializing in home fashions and furniture, decorative accessories and giftware, are scheduled to open prior to the holiday season, as well. The two stores share a divided 44,750-squarefoot space, each with a separate store entrance. Once inside, shoppers can move freely between the two stores. The new 6,000-square-foot Jared The Galleria of Jewelry is located in a newly constructed pad space along Staples Street and will be open in time for holiday shopping. Jared creates the ultimate shopping experience, offering five times the selection of ordinary jewelry stores, pricing it well and presenting it with the help of a team of experts. Jared currently operates 190 stores in 39 states. Construction has begun on the 18,000-squarefoot DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, which is located adjacent to Catherine’s and scheduled to open in early 2014. A popular destination for savvy shoe lovers, DSW Inc. offers a wide selection of brand name and designer dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories for women, men and kids. DSW Inc. operates 376 stores in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Subway will remain at The Shops at La Palmera, having closed its previous location now demolished as part of the renovation, with plans to reopen in a newly remodeled building adjacent to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Four other existing tenants – Victoria’s Jewels, SAS Shoes, Big Lots and Catherine’s – have signed leases to remain at the center in their current locations, which are also being remodeled. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and Sunshine Dental will also remain. “Because of the great success we’ve had with La Palmera, we’ve continued to see increased demand from national retailers wanting a presence in Corpus Christi,” Walters said. “The redesign and renovation of The Shops allows us to better accommodate those retailers, greatly enhance the area in general and strengthen La Palmera and The Shops at La Palmera as a major regional shopping destination.”

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

woman shopping image Deklofenak/shutterstock.com

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361.855.8841

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am-7pm N S I D E C O A S T A L B E N D 19 www.salonpalomo.com

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Multi-MillionDollar Facelift Embassy Suites Corpus Christi goes under the jackhammer to compete with the younger game in town. By: [Lisa Hinojosa] By age 30, it’s only natural to ponder getting a little work done – especially as newer, younger game enters the market. And in real estate, 30 can look more like 60. With a handful of new hotels popping up in our Sparkling City by the Sea, it was time for not only “a little work,” but a complete overhaul for Embassy Suites Corpus Christi. Long a beacon for vacationers and business travelers alike, the hotel has welcomed more than its fair share of guests through the ages. As it approached its fourth decade, the property bore the smile lines and overhang of a tired, but in-demand

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party hostess. But the show must go on. Rather than hanging her heels and collapsing into an easy chair, this hostess shook it off – literally. Succombing to the vision of a forward-thinking development team, the Embassy Suites underwent a multi-million-dollar inside-out renovation. Built in the early ‘80s and officially opened in 1984, the hotel had endured decades of wear and tear, showing its age by late 2011, when ZJZ Hospitality aqcuired the property. “I was absolutely thrilled and excited when I learned of the plans not only to renovate, but to

completely transform our property and restore us back to our former glory,” said Melody Nixon-Bice, general manager. Nixon-Bice originally came on board in 2002 as the business travel sales manager; she developed dozens of corporate relationships at the full-service hotel, but found it increasingly challenging to retain clientele. “It became very discouraging over the last few years as we slowly began to lose our most loyal accounts and guests due to the deteriorating condition of the hotel, especially when I knew we had so

much to offer as a brand,” Nixon-Bice said. ZJZ Hospitality kicked off the renovation in May 2012 by gutting the guest suites wing by wing. “We started with the guest suites because above all, we want to optimize the guest experience,” said Deven Bhakta, president and CEO of ZJZ Hospitality. “If we focused first on the exterior, guests would have been excited about the overall apperance, but ultimately disapointed when they retired to their suites.” The painstaking pre-planning was more intensive than the actual construction in many ways, according to Bhakta. “The brand family is extraordinarily stringent when it comes to the interior design, which is terrific because it enforces uniformity across all properties,” he said. “The flip side is that every component must be run up the flagpole repeatedly. If the teal isn’t teal enough or the grain is not precisely fit to standard, it’s back to the drawing board. Just breaking ground gave our team a tremendous feeling of achievement.” By January 2013, all guest suites featured new décor, modern furniture and gleaming fixtures. Everything from the wood stains and upholstery to the en suite bathrooms and vanities was selected with a nod to the latest design trends. Eighty-eight percent of the meeting space was torn apart and renovated from the floor up, as was the indoor heated pool. The fitness center was updated to include gym-grade flooring, cuttingedge Precor cardio machines, weights and individual flat-panel televisions. By summer 2013, the front desk and reception area sparkled with new granite and quartz countertops, as well as beautiful glass and porcelain tile. Rounding out these cosmetic enhancements was the addition of a lobby bar. Envisioned as a posh new South Side watering hole, the Z Lounge is open to both guests and local denizens. “The lobby bar has become a staple in luxury hotels as both a place to gather before meetings and a place to close business deals afterhours,” Bhakta said. Adding to the positive buzz is the erection of a beautiful new façade observed daily by the throngs traversing South Padre Island Drive. “This has been a long and tedious process from design to planning to construction,” Bhakta said. “No shortcuts here. We are representing one of the top luxury hotel brands in the world. Embassy Suites and preferred Hilton clientele are accustomed to superior quality and top customer service. This hotel will be no different.” Following the transformation, Bhakta and Nixon-Bice say they have no doubt this grande dame will reclaim her powerful presence on this side of the highway as the a priori full-service hotel. Heads will turn … if they have not already.

For more information about Embassy Suites Corpus Christi, visit www.ccembassy.com or www.facebook. com/ccembassy. And to learn more about ZJZ Hospitality, contact Lisa Hinojosa at 361-653-4656 or lisa@zjzhospitality.com, or visit www.facebook. com/zjzhospitality or www.linkedin.com/company/ zjz-hospitality-inc.

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Tel: 361-334-9809 Hours: Mon-Sat, 9am-8pm Sun: Noon-6pm

WALK-INS ARE N S I D EWELCOME! C O A S T A L B E N D 21

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Oceanside Oasis The newly updated and expanded swim-up cabana bar and grill add some Vegas-style fun to the biggest pool in Texas at Port Royal Ocean Resort. By: [Sierra Bowling]

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Nestled in between Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, Port Royal Ocean Resort has undergone a major pool renovation over the past year. A heated lap pool, a children’s splash pad, a hot tub, outside restrooms, landscaping and fountains have been added to the luxurious 500-foot lagoon-style pools – making the biggest pool in Texas even bigger. The sunrises are beautiful, and the nighttime views are simply stunning. With the brightly colored fountains and in-pool lighting, this oceanside oasis comes to life in vibrant color as soon as the sun goes down. In addition, one of the most popular amenities, the cabana bar, has been completely updated and vastly expanded. You can stay refreshed without having to ever get out of the water. The swim-up bar is easily accessible by both the lower and the middle pools. If you want to take a break from the water and sun, they’ve also added a bar and a covered seating area outside of the pool. Whether you prefer to remain in the pool by utilizing the swim-up bar or to cool off in the shade of the extended bar, the friendly and experienced bar staff is ready to take your order. For a VIP experience, you can also reserve one of our 14 luxurious poolside cabanas. There are also six flat-screen TVs located on both sides of the bar, making

it the prime spot to cheer on your favorite sports teams without having to leave the excitement of the pools. Swim up or hang out in the patio area to enjoy daily drink specials or Port Royal’s signature drink, The Royal Hawaiian, while watching a game. You can even walk to the cabana grill toward the upper end of the pool and grab a quick bite to eat. Like the cabana bar, the grill features a swimup bar for easy ordering, but you can also take the food back to the cabana bar to grab a drink and watch a big game. Whether you choose a delicious burger or the signature Pulled Pork Sliders, you won’t be disappointed. The best opportunity to take advantage of both of these amazing amenities is at Port Royal’s new weekly pool parties. As of Sept. 26, the party begins every Thursday night at 6 p.m. You are invited to enjoy the fabulous pools and to swim and dance the night away. The entry fee is $20 per person, which includes one drink, and the party will be complete with a DJ, dancing, snacks and more. And when the temperatures drop a little, there’s plenty of space in the heated pool and hot tubs. “We decided to start these pool parties since there is nothing like this in the Corpus Christi area and what better place than our pool?” says Ruby Acuna, director of sales at Port Royal. “We get requests daily from those living locally wanting to come and use the pool for the day, so we thought, ‘Why not share this fabulous feature and add some Vegas-style fun to it?’” The parties are limited to the first 300 people, and you won’t want to miss out on all of the fun!

For more information on Port Royal Ocean Resort, go to www.port-royal.com or www.facebook.com/portroyal, or call 888-974-0905.

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e h t t u o b a All

e c n e i r e p x E

son dealer, id v a D y le r a orized H ort of motorcycling. th u a ly n o ’s e sp risti f Corpus Ch eir dreams through th o r e n w ] o e As th ashcraft nts live th e li y: [dustin c h p s ra lp g e to h o ss all] / Ph arah Tind ston Dougla

Pre

Preston Douglass has had two lives. The first involves growing up in Houston, then attending Trinity University in San Antonio and law school at Saint Mary’s University Law School. After passing the bar, he moved to Kerrville in the Hill Country in 1987 to work for the district attorney’s office. During his three-year stint there, he worked as a prosecutor for the Narcotics Task Force working on Reagan’s War on Drugs, then switched to private practice in 1989. For the next 11 years, he did trial work representing corporations, as well as some criminal defense work for which he was well suited because of his time in the D.A.’s office. In the meantime, he married and had three kids, and things seemed to have settled down into the pattern he would expect to follow for the rest of his working life. But in a classic example of things never going the way that you expect, Douglass’ whole life changed in 2000 when he made the rather unexpected decision to buy the Harley-Davidson dealership in Corpus Christi. “I’d been riding motorcycles all my life,” he says. “It was always my hobby. So when the chance came to be able to do this for a living, I took it.” Riding in the Hill Country was great, he says, and he attended motorcycle rallies around the state. At one of those rallies, Douglass met clients who were interested in buying a dealership, so he had researched the potential of such a dealership, he knew

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By: [S

e r o m t o l a “We sell torcycle – than a mo tyle.” it’s a lifes N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

s e m o c t i , d n e e h t n i f o e v o l e h t o t n . dow s e v l e s m e h t s e k i the b 26

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what was involved and he was familiar with the business. When he found out that the Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson dealership in Corpus Christi was for sale, Douglass knew he was interested. He bought the dealership in 2000, moved down to Corpus Christi with his family and phased out the law practice. Since then, he has also opened a dealership in Laredo and has plans to expand in the Coastal Bend market, as well, which he says is an ideal market for HarleyDavidson. A few years after moving to Corpus Christi, Douglass also remarried. He and his wife, Kate, have six children together, and Kate worked in marketing before the marriage. She was a great fit as the marketing director at the store, so it’s now become a real family operation. When you ask him what he loves about his job, he is quick to answer. “Honestly, it’s all about the experience. We sell a lot more than a motorcycle – it’s a lifestyle. Practicing law, I was swimming around in other people’s problems all day. Here people are living their dreams through the sport of motorcycling. Our customers look forward to coming to the store, and I like being part of that.” Douglass continues to say that owning a motorcycle empowers women, makes young people proud to have the same motorcycle their parents had and makes retirees embark on adventures together. “Our typical customer is a couple who are done raising their kids and take off on a motorcycle together,” he says, “and that’s the best part of the job.” Douglass enjoys his role as owner of the store, and he finds the work interesting and challenging. “The thing I like about the store is also what makes it challenging: We’ve got rentals, riders’ education classes, motor clothes and other apparel, parts, financial products,” he says. “Thirty-five people all work here, doing different things. They all love Harley-Davidson and

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love our customer, but it’s a challenge to get everyone to work as one. A lot of different things have to work together, and I love making that work the most.” All of that love and dedication has translated into big success for the dealership. Harley-Davidson’s awards program is the Bar and Shield program, which measures dealership performance by sales growth, staff training and competencies and customer satisfaction scores. Douglass’ dealership has won the award numerous times, and in 2012, it won the top award: the coveted Platinum Bar and Shield Award, given to the top 1 percent of dealerships. Douglass’ Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson dealership is Corpus Christi’s only authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. They sell Harley’s annual new models, which can be as many as 24 in a year, and used models, as well. This amazing amount of variety means a salesperson must match a customer with a bike that suits what he or she will use it for, how it is built and what he or she can afford, which requires people skills and attention to detail. “HarleyDavidson is also unique because you can personalize your bike to make it your own,” Douglass says. “We have chrome consultants who work with our customers for that.” The other important component is rider safety. Douglass hosts training classes on Saturdays for folks interested in learning to ride, and he has a repair shop in-house that keeps bikes riding safely and efficiently. In the end, it comes down to the love of the bikes themselves. “HarleyDavidson has the most brand loyal customers around,” Douglass says. “People get Harley tattoos, they come over here for Harley merchandise – it’s one of the most recognized brands in the world. And Corpus Christi is the perfect place for this hobby. You can ride year-round, and there is definitely a biker culture here that appreciates the fun of the ride.” This includes participation in great local events like the Roar by the Shore Corpus Christi Bike Fest on Oct. 11 through 13 (where 15,000 bikes are expected to participate) and others including concerts and bike games, all to benefit South Texas charities.

To find out more about Corpus Christi Harley-Davidson, go to www.corpuschristiharley.com, visit the dealership at 502 South Padre Island Drive or call 361-8543146. To find out about Roar by the Shore, go to www.ccbikefest.com.

Weddings / Sweet 16’s / Quinceañeras / Graduations / Special Events

(361) 343.2178

www.LaStanzaDowntown.com 615 N. Mesquite, Corpus Christi, TX 78401 N S I D E C O A S T A L B E N D 27

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a true

Rags-to-Riches story Defying both conventions and the odds, celebrity makeup artist Megan Martinez has gone from poverty and abuse to the top of her field. By: [Sarah Tindall] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

igh-school dropout. Kicked out of home as a teenager. Hair dyed many fluorescent colors. Tattoos. Punk kid. A highly motivated businesswoman who is also one of the most successful artists in the country. Which of these descriptions doesn’t seem to fit? Megan Martinez has been proudly defying conventions all of her life. The 24-year-old makeup artist spends her time jet-setting around the country doing photo shoots in L.A. and New York for Vogue, Bazaar and SURFER Magazine behind the scenes with Kanye West and Pitbull; working with retailers like Betsey Johnson, Volcom and Illamasqua; and even plying her trade with the crew at Leno and Dr. Phil. But she didn’t start out anticipating such a glamorous life. Martinez will tell you honestly that her childhood was far from ideal. Born in poverty in Corpus Christi, she tells of years spent helping raise her three younger brothers, wondering what, if anything, they would eat for dinner. She was mentally, physically and even sexually abused. Her first suicide attempt was at 10 years old. Her outlook at that time was grim. Her next suicide attempt was at 13, and that time, she was serious about ending it all forever. “I was not allowed to go anywhere or do anything,” N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

“I think it was only

by the grace of God that this all started

happening for me.”

Wardrobe stylist Miranda Fawn www.MirandaFawn.com

Makeup/Hair Megan Martinez www.ChaosMakeupArtist.com

Assistants Ashley Castaneda & Billy Barton

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she says. “I was feeling rejected, but couldn’t walk away. The judge sent me away to get help, and I told them about the abuse. I had never told anyone before because I felt embarrassed and ashamed. My mother didn’t believe any of it. I woke up every day so angry that I wanted to burn down the world.” The thing that saved her after so many years of struggle was creative expression. She discovered the 77 Punk Art Movement, and “I found myself through the music, the

politics, the art,” she says. She began dying her hair many different colors, along with shaving parts of her head and wearing clothes that didn’t fit the Corpus Christi norm. “I had come from nothing and was told I would be nothing,” she says, and she could have believed them, but instead, she found that it inspired a sense of rebellion in her to make something of herself despite it all. “When I was 15, there was nothing like this here,” she says. “Nobody was dressing this way or doing these crazy things to

their hair. I don’t care about the superficial way women feel they should look, so I did just the opposite. I felt beautiful and comfortable in all those colors.” So at 15, Martinez looked like the failure she was always told she would be. She decided, however, that the only place to go from there was up. An interest in makeup artistry and a partnership with Dustin Ashcraft, a local photographer, began Martinez’s interest in the creative potential of makeup. She began experimenting with never-before-seen applications and colors, challenging the status quo. Her newfound self-expression, coupled with her struggles in school, was the breaking point, and she was thrown out of the house. “I was at rock bottom,” she says. “I needed to find a way to live, and sometimes that meant living on $2 or $3 a day. When I had to take a second job to be able to pay my bills, I finally dropped out of school at 17 with only six months left to get my diploma. It was simply too difficult to work and keep up my grades.” But her dedication to her craft eventually started to pay off. Her fan base grew, and she started getting calls from New York City and L.A. “I don’t know how I got noticed,” she admits. “I had a MySpace page, but my phone number wasn’t even on it. I think it was only by the grace of God that this all started happening for me.” The calls became more frequent, and Martinez ran into a problem: She didn’t have the tools she needed to handle these big jobs. “A kit can cost thousands of dollars, and there was no way at that time that I could afford all the stuff the other artists were using,” she says. So she had to get creative and use what she had in unique ways to make it work. “But without the tools I needed, I considered quitting,” she says. “I felt blessed to have done what I was able to do, but didn’t know how I could continue.” Her big moment finally came when the makeup companies themselves took notice of her talent and started sending her products to use. She became the first makeup artist to be sponsored by major cosmetics companies. Finally, she had the tools she needed to succeed, and she’s never looked back. Now she spends her time traveling around the country work-

ing for clients and teaching at workshops for other makeup artists. Her newest venture is Chaos, makeup for makeup artists created by a makeup artist. Sales have far exceeded her expectations, and she can’t seem to get products fast enough for the growing demand. She is now sponsored by Sugarpill Cosmetics, OCC, Shadow Shields, Belletto Studios, Looking Glass brushes, Makeup Geek and 11:11 Apparel. Martinez says her main goal now, however, is to give back and inspire others to work hard to achieve their goals as she has. Hurricane Sandy is a perfect example – she talked to her friends and family and gathered supplies and donations to send to the hurricane victims for relief. Martinez has achieved what so many artists around the country can only dream of: She is a true celebrity makeup artist. She remains based in Corpus Christi and says she’s considered moving out of her hometown to expand her work, but she always decides against it. “Staying here allows me to bring it all back to my hometown,” she says. “If I leave, I become a stranger to where I’m from and the people who got me where I am today.” All of which means that Coastal Bend ladies will continue to have access to one of the most soughtafter makeup artists in America today, right in our own backyard. This is a true rags-to-riches story of a girl who came from nothing and by, as she says, the grace of God and because of an amazing and growing group of dedicated fans, has achieved the impossible. She sits at the top of her field and remains one of the most sought-after makeup artists working in America today, despite poverty, abuse and every imaginable setback that was sent her way. Martinez says with a smile that if she can do it, anyone can rise above personal struggles to achieve their dreams.

For more information about Megan Martinez and Chaos makeup, go to www.chaosmakeupartist.com or look for her on Facebook.

Glam-R-Us Boutique

Exclusive Retailers in C.C. of Sookie Sookie Jewelry

1117 AIRLINE ROAD CORPUS CHRISTI, TX 78412 (361) 813-2291

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Grand Anniversary

The Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce continues to live up to its reputation as the voice of business in the Coastal Bend community

75 years after its inception. [Special to NSIDE] Photography: [Janel Benavides]

T he

Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (CCHCC) is a membershipdriven organization that focuses on retention, expanding existing businesses and nurturing startup businesses. In 1938, a small group of local Hispanic businesspeople and community leaders identified a need for a Hispanic business organization that would help small minority and women-owned businesses grow and prosper. Together, they worked diligently to build the foundation for what is now the CCHCC. Celebrating 75 years, the CCHCC continues to stand as the foremost voice of our business community and has evolved into helping all busi-

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nesses in the Coastal Bend area. This requires a comprehensive range of services to ensure these businesses have every opportunity to prosper and develop strong ties to their local community. We specialize in helping small and mid-sized businesses with their top priority of expanding their customer base, and we offer a wide variety of opportunities for meeting potential clients and marketing their businesses. Without financial support from our corporate partners and partners of distinction, many of the quality services and programs offered to membership would cease to exist. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Becoming a CCHCC member has been the best

investment in my business that I have ever made,” said Carla Falconi Swallow of Swallow Design Studio LLC. “When I moved to Corpus Christi two years ago, I was very nervous about starting my business again without knowing anybody in town. That was until I met Teresa, Amanda and Shannon, and all the wonderful CCHCC members. The Hispanic chamber has opened doors and presented new opportunities that I never dreamed of. Now I am busier than ever, and I get to work with some of the best clients in the world.” We provide a weekly email update on community events, opportunities and announcements to

more than 1,000 subscribers. Events are ordered chronologically with a small blurb and a link to more detailed articles. The e-blast also contains a “feature” section with information about needto-know topics. The e-blast is typically published every Monday so our members can prepare for upcoming events such as our Buenos Dias Corpus Christi. Buenos Dias Corpus Christi is a fun and informal power-networking breakfast open to all of our members. Buenos Dias Corpus Christi is held bimonthly from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at a business sponsor location. Meetings usually include networking and a continental breakfast, followed by introductions

Mayor Nelda and Judge Neal

CCHCC staff, left to right: Amanda Elizondo, director of business development, Teresa Rodriguez, president/ CEO, and Shannon Gabriel, director of membership services from everyone and a brief business presentation from our sponsor. In 2013, Mi Oficina es su Oficina (Our Office is your Office) was implemented as a resource for small business owners and business representatives to achieve growth and prosperity. Members are welcome to utilize two fully furnished private offices and our conference room to conduct business at no cost to them. A work center is also available, and it is equipped with Wi-Fi access, a telephone and printing services. Staff is always on hand to provide business support services that are tailored to meet the demands of each individual business. For the members who have a love for volunteering, we have a place for you in our Embajador program. An embajador is the heart, face and voice of the CCHCC. Participation is essential in fulfilling the chamber’s mission: to serve the business community by developing positive changes through active participation in education, leadership, public affairs and creating business opportunities for our members. An embajador will have the opportunity to support the CCHCC by promoting membership, supporting new members, encouraging active involvement, participating, working alongside staff and the board of directors and serving as the welcoming committee at events while promoting their company. Another important aspect of the CCHCC is the business development department, which is dedicated to building a sustainable community by providing programs and services that will enhance the visibility and production of its members. We focus

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Heroes Wanted By becoming a foster parent through MCH Family Outreach, you can offer hope by walking beside a child who needs assurance in the midst of the unknown. If you have room in your heart and your home, call our Corpus Christi office today.

ď&#x201A;&#x203A; Call 361-334-2255 or visit us in Corpus Christi at 3833 S. Staples, Suite N 218 www.methodistchildrenshome.org

CCHCC Board of Directors

OFFICES LOCATED IN: ABILENE, CORPUS CHRISTI, DALLAS, EL PASO, HOUSTON, LUBBOCK, LUFKIN, NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, SAN ANTONIO, TYLER AND WACO.

Heritage Night with the CC Hooks

on small business issues, advocacy and economic and workforce development. This is accomplished by providing continuous educational training through business seminars and individual appointments. The CCHCC works alongside the SBA, the Small Business Development Center and AcciĂłn Texas to help startup businesses provide procurement training; to help small, minority- and women-owned business qualify for certifications and access to capital; and to create innovative ideas to keep our members on the forefront of technology and marketing. In the hopes of educating our future workforce, the CCHCC manages and maintains the Mano-A-Mano Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that promotes the growth of a local educated workforce. The Mano-A-Mano scholarship program was developed in 2007 by Flint Hills Resources and the CCHCC to encourage students to continue their education in the Coastal Bend while promoting the growth of a local educated workforce. Since its inception, the Mano-A-Mano Scholarship Foundation has awarded more than 300 local students with over $300,000 in scholarships. This year, the CCHCC will award 12 students with scholarships. As an advocate for higher education, the CCHCC also works alongside their staff to promote continuing education. With a credentialed and experienced staff, a large board of community leaders of all sizes of business who provide business intelligence daily and hundreds of opportunities for businesspeople to engage in business development programs, the Hispanic chamber will remain the voice of business and the one-stop organization for business retention and expansion. The CCHCC is a chameleon to your business; our services are not restricted to what we have listed. Every company is different, and we cater to your specific needs. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

The Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is located at 615 N. Upper Broadway, Ste. 410, in Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information, call 361-887-7408.

N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE education

HTB simulates a workplace environment. Lee Hernandez, Patricia Dominguez, Dr. Tracie Rodriguez and Dr. Susan Howze welcome parents and associates to orientation.

A New Learning Environment The Harold T. Branch Academy for Career and Technical Education offers a student-centered, active learning environment with the goal of creating efficient, effective and empowered young adults. By: [Dr. Tracie Rodriguez and Lee Hernandez]

Visualize a typical learning environment: A student sits in a classroom somewhat perplexed at the notion that “everyone” must go to college. That same student does not think he or she is college material. In fact, he or she would prefer, or even consider it a necessity, to get straight to work immediately out of high school. Then reality sets in. The student begins to recognize that it would be hard to make ends meet with a minimum wage job. But the student also realizes that he or she does not have any skills or significant experience to land a decent paying job. There are too many questions and not enough answers. Now visualize a new learning environment: College can be for everyone. Maybe it just looks a little different from the traditional college environment. Perhaps there are opportunities out there for someone without a four-year college degree. There is such an opportunity. It is called the Harold T. Branch Academy for Career and Technical Education (HTB). HTB is the newest high school in Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD). In partnership with Del Mar College – West Campus, HTB serves

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students by means of a strategically crafted program of study that mixes the best of non-traditional and technical-based education. Students take the majority of their high school classes onsite in conjunction with college-level courses offered at Del Mar College. To balance their schedules, students earn course credits with a combination of blended learning opportunities through various modes of Web-based, hybrid and face-to-face instruction. HTB is a BYOD (bring your own device) campus; therefore, the students are encouraged to bring a laptop, smart phone, iPad, Chrome pad or any other electronic device to use for instructional purpos-

es. A facility provides wireless access for students to connect to the Internet anywhere on campus. This allows greater flexibility for teacher instruction and student learning, and provides everyone the ability to maintain a constant connection to the world around them. HTB students are dually enrolled in high school and college. Student schedules vary from day to day depending on individualized college course schedules. As dual credit students, students are expected to spend sufficient time outside of school working to complete certification requirements at Del Mar College. Some students attend classes prior to the start of a typical day, and some also attend evening courses as needed upon approval. Some of the career pathways also require students to attend classes in the summer as needed. The academy enrolls approximately 100 students each year in a student-centered, active learning environment. HTB simulates a workplace environment. As you walk into the building, the design, colors and furnishings replicate what you would see in a business building. Therefore, HTB functions and models a business atmosphere. For example, in order to be considered for HTB, students are required to fill out a “job application” and go through an interview process. If students meet the requirements, they are accepted, or “hired,” for a position at HTB. Now the students are “associates” at HTB. While at the academy, the associates are exposed to a workplace environment. The instructors, (“specialists”) apply real-world scenarios relevant to the associates’ career pathways. The environment is very collaborative and requires that associates learn to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, the associates go through a performance evaluation approximately every three weeks to ensure success, development and productivity (credits/grades earned). This falls directly in line with three objectives: ➊ Learn how to research and find a job ➋ Learn how to maintain and keep the job ➌ Learn how to create opportunities for promotions in order to grow with the job The associates are taught soft skills, budgeting, financial awareness, time management and self-management while at HTB. Our purpose is to develop efficient, effective and empowered young

Noah Jimenez, Max Trevino, Brianna Flores and the Del Mar Fire Academy instructor test equipment for the first time.

adults who will find success and positively contribute to the community. HTB is designed for students who are interested in a certification pathway and Rolando Pintor, Jose want to earn Pena, Max Trevino and more than miniNoah Jimenez work on their devices in the “DEC” mum wage. To area. The DEC is a place ensure success where students can “dine, and completion engage and collaborate” of a selected together. pathway, the students will be required to: • Complete a “job application” for entry into the school • Commit to year-round education (when necessary depending on the pathway) • Meet all admission criteria before enrolling in college coursework • Maintain excellent attendance with no more than four absences each semester • Participate in scheduled activities/ events hosted by the school • Fulfill certification requirements for a selected pathway by graduation • Represent the school and college in a professional manner The student population at HTB reflects and values the diversity of CCISD. The criteria considered in determining student eligibility are as follows: · Ninth- and 10th-grade students who will have the necessary credits to be promoted to the next grade level for the following school year · Maintain residency in the CCISD attendance boundary zone · Demonstrate personal characteristics to function in a demanding nontraditional school environment (i.e., maturity, work habits, teamwork, etc.) · Desire to be intellectually

e u q e b Bar The Newest

challenged and committed to embrace education · Display the potential for collegelevel work ·P erform at or above grade level as evidenced by academic transcript Ultimately, associates who attend HTB will be afforded many opportunities and experiences that will prepare them for a successful future. Upon graduation, most associates will have completed at least one program of study and earned at least one industry certification, which makes them immediately employable above minimum wage. Associates will also graduate with no less than 24 college credit hours, which in some cases can be transferred to certain four-year universities throughout Texas if they choose to continue their education. Overall, if teens are looking for something new, different, innovative and state-of-the-art, HTB is the school of choice. HTB will foster unique experiences and opportunities that will become the foundation for a future career.

In Town

Lunch Serving - Friday y a d n o M

e For: l b a l i a v A Parties e t a v i r P ven ts Special E Mixers Catering BQ -4B 4 8 8 1 m 6 o 3 meyers.c ege www.ho ree t cre te St n o 711 C

For more information, please visit the website at http://branch.ccisd.us. You may also contact Dr. Tracie Rodriguez, director for early colleges and workforce education, or Lee Hernandez, executive operations manager, at 361-878-4780. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE education

on the road

Del Mar College’s Transportation Training Services program meets the demands of the South Texas trucking industry and beyond with simulated training. By: [Melinda Eddleman]

Truck driving is a high-demand field with drivers needed for local commercial, oil and gas and regular delivery and by long-haul carriers. The demand in the Texas Coastal Bend was so great in 2012 that the Del Mar College (DMC) Transportation Training Services program had a three-month waiting list, according to program director John Rojas. A solution to meeting that demand: simulated training. “Getting our new training simulators earlier this year is helping us keep up with demand,” Rojas notes. “And we’re the first program south of San Antonio to have this equipment.” The program trained 190 students through the end of July this year. Rojas says that since implementing simulator training as part of classes in April, that number included 74 students using the simulators with 100 percent completing the

N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

program successfully. During 2012, the program trained just under 300 students overall. Rojas anticipates figures for 2013 to be much higher. The college unveiled the six new training simu-

lators in January, two permanently located on the West Campus in Corpus Christi and four on two trailers for mobile instruction and recruitment throughout the Coastal Bend. The simulators were made possible through support and funding by the 2012 Corpus Christi City Council and the Corpus Christi Business & Job Development Corporation (Type A). The simulators more than double the number of students the program trains every two weeks. Each simulator features a full motion-based cab resembling that of an actual truck with three screens providing different types of driving conditions. Students can learn to drive an 18-wheeler or straight driving of other trucks with various types of transmissions represented, including automatic. Students still receive hands-on, over-the-road ex-

The majority of DMC Transportation Training Services students have jobs even before they complete the program.

photos courtesy of delmar College Relations Office

The Del Mar College Transportation Training Services’ mobile simulators allow the program to take training on the road to meet the demand for drivers with commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs) to work in the trucking industry in South Texas. Adding the simulators to the college’s program doubled the number of students who complete training to earn their CDL every two weeks.

photos courtesy of delmar College Relations Office

Transportation Training Services instructor Rick Johnson (left) provides guidance as DMC student Cornelio Reyna completes an exercise using side mirrors to drive through a simulated training yard. Fellow students David Garza and Rudy Paredes (far right) observe as they wait their turn to sit behind the simulator wheel.

perience in DMC’s training trucks as part of their education. Rojas says the American Trucking Association estimates that 96,000 drivers are needed per year over the next 10 years as the baby boomers retire, making the field wide open for individuals interested in training for a job driving the big rigs. “We’re even focusing on veterans to consider this field and taking advantage of the post-9/11 G.I. Bill to cover their instruction,” Rojas says. The program costs $3,500 with completion in as little as three weeks with day classes and six weeks with night classes. Rojas notes that the majority of DMC Transportation Training Services students have jobs before they even complete the program. “Of the 74 students who took part in simulator training, 90 percent, or 66 graduates, successfully received job offers,” Rojas says. “On average, these students are earning wages from $500 to $1,400 per week.” He adds that the majority of these students have chosen to work for local carriers in South Texas, but about 10 percent decided to work for national carriers that will send them all over the United States. Since holding the first DMC Transportation Training Services class in June 2002, the program has trained well over 2,000 students and even offers customized training programs designed for South Texas employers, including ACME Truck Lines, the City of Corpus Christi, C&J Energy Services, Halliburton, Key Energy Services, Thomas Petroleum, Osage Environmental, Trican Well Service, FESCO Petroleum, Werner Enterprises, U.S. Xpress and many others. The simulators have proven useful on another front: public safety training. The DMC Transportation Training Services program has partnered with Shell Exploration Co. to promote among the public safe driving and sharing the road with commercial vehicles. The Eagle Ford Shale play and economic development has increased traffic on South Texas’ two- and four-lane roads.

“We’re attending several events to promote public safety by using our mobile truck driving simulators,” Rojas says. “Attendees drive the simulator truck and trailer performing different maneuvers such as keeping the vehicle in their own lane, accelerating to 55 miles per hour and then making an abrupt stop. They experience the huge difference

PLANTATION SHUTTERS SOLAR ROLLER SCREEN SHADES Hunter Douglas • Graber • Norman Del Mar College Transportation Training Services student Cornelio Reyna sits behind the wheel of a simulator for the first time to practice driving forward and backward between posts in a simulated training yard during his class in June. Students train with the simulators and drive big rigs for hands-on experience to prepare for careers in the trucking industry.

between stopping on a dime with their personal vehicle and needing several hundred more feet in a truck and trailer.” He says the partnership with Shell Exploration has been successful. “We’re spreading the word about being a safer driver and offering helpful tips that can save lives,” Rojas says. “This program is just another way that Del Mar’s Transportation Training Services program impacts our community, the Coastal Bend and South Texas.”

To learn more about the program, visit Del Mar College online at www.delmar.edu/trucking or call 361698-2707.

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NSIDE sports

Get Your Game On

The Corpus Christi Challenge rolls into town this November, furthering the City by the Bay’s growing reputation as an amateur sports destination.

On the weekend of Nov. 29 and 30, Corpus Christi will play host to college basketball fans everywhere when the Corpus Christi (CC) Challenge rolls into town that Friday and Saturday. The Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the arrival of the CC Challenge, an NCAA basketball invitational tournament that will include schools such as Texas A&M University, Liberty University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Sam Houston State University, Hampton University, SMU Virginia and Missouri State. Corpus Christi has always been a great vacation spot, and while things to do in the city have continued to grow, more visitors are sure to see that our city is more than just a quiet beach town. Both historic and entertainment attractions in Corpus Christi have been bringing in visitors for many years, and the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau’s purpose is to welcome visitors to the city of Corpus Christi by providing information and visitors’ guides about events, food, entertainment and lodging. This information to the public encourages economic growth in the city and gives the outside public a chance to see our great city. “The purpose of this (and all CVB events) is to drive overnight visitors to Corpus Christi,” says Colette Rye, communi-

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“The CC Challenge is an opportunity to showcase our city and put a national spotlight on the weekend and its surrounding events.” cations director for the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The CC Challenge is an opportunity to showcase our city and put a national spotlight on the weekend and its surrounding events. At this time, we are working to develop a comprehensive weekend filled with activity, potentially including tailgates, cook-offs and fun for the family.” This NCAA basketball tournament has even gained national attention, and it will be aired on the CBS Sports Network. As new and exciting events come to the City by the Bay, venues such as the American Bank Center are becoming more than just venues for concerts – they are playing host to more events that peak more than just the interests of music fans. “We are excited to have this tournament and the opportunity to showcase our community,” says Keith Arnold, CEO of the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Corpus Christi is not only a great place to visit, but it is also growing as an amateur sports destination.” The coaches of these great teams feel the excitement of this great event, as well. “We are excited to

play in the Corpus Christi Challenge,” says Tony Bennett, Virginia head coach. “This is part of an effort to improve our non-conference schedule by playing teams like Texas A&M, SMU and Missouri State.” Single same-day tickets start at $32, and weekend passes start at $54, giving guests access to the games on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are on sale now, and they are available at the American Bank Center box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and at H-E-B Ticketmaster outlets. You can also order through www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-765-3000. For more information, call 361-826-4700.

SMG-managed American Bank Center is Corpus Christi’s premier event center providing unprecedented guest experiences. For more information, visit www.americanbankcenter.com or www.facebook. com/americanbankcenter, or follow us on Twitter (@AmericanBankCtr) or Instagram (@AmericanBankCenter).

basketball court image sandra.matic/shutterstock.com, basketball image aaron amat/shutterstock.com

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NSIDE etiquette

Mind Your Travel Manners

Follow these eight pre-travel tips to enjoy more pleasant and satisfying international trips. By: [Sharon Schweitzer]

Travel clinic: Allow plenty of time to schedule an appointment with a travel clinic doctor or nurse to assess your need for inoculations (see also the advisories issued on the U.S. State Department and World Health Organization websites). Travel to certain areas of the globe requires knowledge, precautions and immunization.

Global entry: Consider applying to the Global Entry Program. Approved travelers may use automated kiosks in most major international U.S. airports to speed up the arrival process. Check the Global Entry website to see if you are eligible.

Remember: Blessed are the flexible, for they never get bent out of shape. 42

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Luggage: Invest in the best luggage that you can afford. Check the wheels to ensure they rotate 360 degrees and roll quietly over hard flooring, not just soft carpeting. Read consumer reports and check online reviews written by pilots and flight attendants for recommendations.Â Once you have purchased your new luggage, place a current business card inside each bag and complete an external luggage tag with your contact information.

man looking up at world-shaped clouds image Sergey Peterman/shutterstock.com

If there is one thing I have learned from clocking more than two million miles of business travel and visiting all seven world continents, it is this: International travel is neither glamorous nor for the faint of heart. Many things, like unexpected flight delays, fighting your way through crowds of people at airports and train terminals and finding that the weather at your destination isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t at all what you were led to expect, can leave us feeling out of control. But with a little advance planning, you can reduce, or even avoid, such unpleasant surprises. Here are eight pre-travel tips that I have shared with many friends and colleagues to help them experience more pleasant and satisfying global trips.

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Travel and other documents: Make copies and laminate the photo and visa pages of your passport. Place a copy in your suitcase in the event you misplace your passport. It is wise to keep a second copy with you – separate it from where you keep the passport itself. Pack three times as many business cards as you think you will need. Take copies of all travel confirmations. I have organized and typed all of my frequent traveler numbers and memberships (air, hotel, car) on a small, cheerful colored card and laminated it, and I keep it in my wallet for easy access. So much slimmer and less bulky than all those cards!

Hydrate: Don’t just focus on drinking water during your flight. Begin your hydration by increasing your fluid intake at least the day before. Remember that alcohol and caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee dehydrate you. To have more control over the quantity of water you are able to consume during your flight, purchase a bottle of water after you pass through the security checkpoint. and ask the flight attendants to fill it as required.

photo by Korey Howell Photography, passport image Danylo Samiylenko/shutterstock.com

Jet lag preparation: Prepare in advance to acclimate to your destination by setting your watch to your anticipated time zone in advance. Upon arrival, plan to spend time exercising or sitting in sunlight. Download soothing music or “white noise” to your iPod to facilitate sleep in your hotel. Pack melatonin or natural sleep aids, if helpful. If possible, schedule a massage to ease those stiff joints.

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What to wear: While traveling by plane, train or automobile, consider wearing dark, comfortable, stretchable clothing for sleeping in transit, and to avoid arriving crumpled. Wear booties inside slip-on shoes or ballet slippers to avoid having to walk barefoot through security. Remember that tie-up-shoes, hard-to-remove boots and lots of jewelry, sunglasses and headwear slow down the security process. There is a reason that trusted travelers and frequent flyers have a priority lane.

Returning home: Be cautious with duty-free fragrance and liquor on return flights. When arriving in the United States, once you pass through Immigration and Customs, you must claim your bags and then re-check them for domestic connections. Carry-on bags must be cleared again through security for connecting flights, so duty-free liquor must be placed in checked bags and cannot be carried through security.

Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a global etiquette consultant and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide LLC. For more information, visit www.protocolww.com or www.facebook.com/ protocolww, email sharon@protocolww.com or look for her on Twitter (@austinprotocol).

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NSIDE dine

A Delicious Alternative Skinny cauliflower alfredo sauce gives you the taste of alfredo sauce without compromising your waistline. By: [Mandy Ashcraft] Photography: [dustin ashcraft]

If you’ve ever looked at the nutritional facts for any of your favorite Italian dishes, you know that alfredo sauce is pretty much the worst thing for you. It’s made of heavy cream, butter and cheese, and 1 cup of it has an average of 400 calories and 38 grams of fat. Ouch. But not to worry: Cauliflower has brought you a delicious alternative. This creamy sauce with a base of pureed cauliflower gives you the taste and richness of alfredo without compromising your waistline. In fact, 1 cup of it is approximately 110 calories and 6 grams of fat. Delizioso!

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

skinny cauliflower alfredo sauce Ingredients: • 6 cups fresh cauliflower • 2 tablespoons butter • 8 cloves garlic, minced • 2/3 cup nonfat milk • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth • 4 cups water • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions: 1] Over medium-low heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir; do not allow garlic to burn. Remove from heat and set aside. 2] In a large pot, add water and broth and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cover. Allow to boil for 7 to 10 minutes, until cauliflower is fully cooked. 3] Pour butter and garlic into blender or food processor. Add cooked cauliflower and 1 cup of cooking liquid from the pot. Add milk, salt and pepper. Blend until completely smooth. Alternative: Use an immersion blender in the large pot after all but 1 cup of liquid is drained. Add more milk by the tablespoon if you would like a thinner sauce. 4] Toss with pasta and use as a white pizza sauce or any other delicious use for an alfredo sauce. Serve hot.

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NSIDE travel

The New Reality Airline services, flight costs and finding deals in today’s travel world By: [Kim Bridger]

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tion that any of this will change soon. As the airlines have shrunk in capacity, the price of airline tickets has gone up. We are entering into something that feels a lot like a new normal. The airlines have shrunk in capacity to a point where their business models are working better than ever. Aviation consultants call it the “rightsizing” of the industry. They also call it “here to stay.”

Air service development

At Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA), three major airlines provide daily service to airport customers. American, Southwest and United offer about 40 flights a day in and out of CCIA. As a smaller airport, the impact of higher prices actually hits us a bit harder than it does the larger airports. And it’s getting harder and harder to convince the airlines to add services and to expand

plane taking off image ssuaphotos/shutterstock.com

The older we get, the more stock we put in the way things used to be. My grandfather loved to talk about the days when a gallon of gas was a nickel. There was a time when people left their front doors unlocked and let their kids ride their bicycles around the neighborhood without much worry. But those days are gone. Also gone are the days when just about anyone could afford to fly just about anywhere just about anytime they wanted. The airline industry has experienced constant change since the days when deregulation shook things up. Economic swings, fuel prices, consolidation and 9/11 are just a few of the circumstances that have led us down the path to a new reality. The airlines are doing business very differently these days. There are fewer empty seats on airplanes. There are fewer planes in the sky. There are fewer airlines to choose from. And there is no indica-

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https://www.facebook.com/fajitavillegrille schedules. While non-stop flights to cities like Atlanta and even Austin have come and gone over the years, convincing the airlines to start a new route is harder than it has ever been. In days gone by, communities could gather financial support from the local business community, offer some kind of financial incentive to the airline and convince planners to try a new route for six months. Community financial support helped the airline defray startup costs and helped pay for unfilled seats in the beginning. The new service was often risky for the airlines. But taking chances with air service was part of the game. Sometimes it paid off. And sometimes the community would lose the service as soon as the financial incentive ran out. Here at CCIA, we approach air service development with our eyes wide open. When American Airlines decided to send two MD-80s to CCIA starting in June, it was clear that the added capacity was a trial run. If the community responds by filling up the seats, we stand a good chance of keeping American mainline aircraft in our daily service mix. If the larger planes come and go with too many empty seats, we could find ourselves back to the drawing board. There must be enough demand to justify any change in service, no matter how slight it is. And our expectations must be tempered by a thorough understanding of what our customers want and need and what the airlines can or will deliver. It’s not hopeless – quite the contrary. Airport managers at CCIA continue to work on luring a lowcost, low frequency carrier to CCIA. A niche airline that provides service to leisure destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando would offer lower fares to those places and entice customers who otherwise are stay-

ing home now to travel. Airport managers routinely meet with representatives from the airlines to maintain the relationships we have with them and to explore new ideas for moving forward. We are keeping an eye on business and leisure travel to key cities that show some promise for future route development out of CCIA. Keeping costs low for the airlines that operate at CCIA is also a central part of the airport’s air service strategy. Low costs for the airlines don’t necessary translate to a softening of airfare. But it goes a long way in maintaining the business partnership your airport has with the airlines. A good business environment equals better opportunities for CCIA customers. If you are like me and remember the days when you could fly roundtrip to just about anywhere in the United States for under $300, remember, too, that back in the day, our grandparents paid a nickel for a gallon of gasoline. Those were the days. Those were good times. Short of time travel, we are not likely to revisit nickel gas or what we would consider cheap airfare. But travelers can find deals by shopping online, visiting sites that will track airfare for them and signing up with the airlines for sale alerts and special offers. And when it’s time to travel, remember that CCIA is a modern, convenient, hassle-free place to begin your trip. The next time you visit, you’ll see new restaurants and a completely refurbished news and gift shop. Eat, drink and fly CCIA! Go to a happy place.

Kim Bridger is the PR and marketing coordinator at CCIA. You can reach her at kimb@cctexas.com. N S I D E C O A S TA L B E N D

NSIDE travel

The Secrets Are Out My top travel tips for going out and seeing the world at a fraction of the cost

During the past few years, I’ve run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain; sipped wine in the Andes valleys of Mendoza, Argentina; ridden an elephant through the jungles of Chiang Rai, Thailand; eaten fugu (Japanese blowfish) in Tokyo, Japan; shared a kiss with my wife on the New Year in Piazza San Marco in Venice, Italy; taken shots with my friends at the original Icebar in Stockholm, Sweden; and experienced many other adventures throughout the world. I’m not rich, I don’t come from a well-to-do family and I don’t have a sugar momma (although that would be cool!). My “secrets” behind these amazing experiences are the clever ways I’ve discovered to be able to afford to travel very cheaply and the often-overlooked means I’ve used to “pay” for these vacations. I’m constantly asked, “How do you do it?” Well, it’s time I spilled the beans and taught my fellow Corpus Christi natives how you, too, can go out and see the world at a fraction of the cost.

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The most important thing is to join a frequent flyer program. Step 1: Join a frequent flyer program. This is the most important thing. I’ve met so many people who fly occasionally or even often and don’t have a frequent flyer number. The main programs locally are United’s MileagePlus, American Airlines’ AAdvantage and Southwest’s Rapid Rewards. With MileagePlus, you can earn or use miles on any United flight and any flight within the Star Alliance network (U.S. Airways, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, ANA, etc). AAdvantage lets you earn or use miles on any flight within the OneWorld network (British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, LAN, etc). Southwest isn’t

part of a major alliance, but they are partners with AirTran, so you can also gain or use miles with them. The great thing about a frequent flyer program is that every time you fly, you earn miles. These miles may not be much if you make small trips from Corpus to Dallas or Houston, but one large trip from Corpus to Europe or Asia will usually earn you enough miles for a one-way ticket within the Southern United States. Take several of these trips within a year or two, combined with smaller trips within the United States, and soon you will have enough miles for several free roundtrip tickets.

travel the world image potowizard/shutterstock.com

By: [Ambrose Gonzalez]

Where adults come to enjoy

TATUM’S LOUNGE

boarding pass image sashkin/shutterstock.com

Step 2: Take advantage of a co-branded credit card or a credit card that lets you earn miles every time you use it. Lots of people have a bad image of credit cards, but if you use them as a tool, you can very easily boost your ability to earn free flights. Don’t want to pay the credit card’s high interest rate? Then don’t! Pay it off at the end of the month and you’ll never have to worry about interest. A key “secret” to accumulating points rapidly is this: You want to pay everything you can using your credit cards. Utility bills, groceries, gas and any other living and entertainment expenses should all be paid using your credit card. For every $1 you spend, you usually earn one mile or point. Over time, this accumulates and that $150 electric bill is worth 1,800 miles or points by the end of the year. And that’s just one small expense! Also, credit cards usually have large sign-up bonuses. Here’s where it gets good. I’ve seen sign-up bonuses as high as 100,000 miles (enough for two free international tickets or 10 free domestic roundtrip tickets from Corpus to Dallas). Currently, sign-up bonuses are usually around 40,000 miles for Chase’s United Explorer card, 50,000 miles for Citi’s Platinum AAdvantage card and 50,000 miles for Chase’s Southwest Rapid Rewards card. You can also earn miles through other partners such as American Express, which usually has large bonuses for Gold and Platinum cards. Step 3: Find the best ticket price. A valuable tool I use is the ITA Matrix. This is an airfare search tool that is a division of Google and is considered the most powerful of all of the airfare websites. Although you can’t buy the ticket through this website, it will usually accurately give you the lowest available price for your route (which may or may not be displayed on other websites). I recently used the ITA Matrix to find a flight from Corpus to Hong Kong for only $945. None of the other search engines out there, including KAYAK, Expedia and Travelocity, could find or match that flight. I was able to call United and tell them about the flight I had found, and they easily pieced it together and gave me the price I had found. The flights I find there are often cheaper than, or at least the same as, those out of San Antonio or Houston (usually international). The final step: Purchase. Use a good website that will let you know the best deals on flights. I like to use airfarewatchdog.com and theflightdeal.com. Airfarewatchdog.com will find you some good deals, but I especially love theflightdeal.com. They will usually let you know when there is an “airfare war” going on between airlines. I was recently able to purchase a $300 ticket to St. Maarten out of Dallas and a $400 ticket to Lima, Peru, out of Houston. Keep in mind that these deals are not available through those sites and you must purchase through the airline’s website or another travel website.

Happy travels, Corpus Christi!

Ambrose Gonzalez is the co-owner of Atelier Salon and an avid world traveler. For more information, you can contact him at ambrose@ateliersalonusa.com.

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NSIDE arts

Feathery Forecast: Favorable! “Birds in Art,” the internationally juried exhibit known globally as the best in avian art, lands in Rockport. By: [Deborah Perry]

Robert Bateman "Glacous-winged Gulls"

Three simple words – birds in art – have become synonymous with the absolute best in avian art from around the world. This fall, the Rockport Center for the Arts is the lone Texas city to host a bevy of feathered friends in “Birds in Art.” The exhibit is a smaller traveling version of the world-renowned Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s annual exhibit. “We are incredibly lucky to be able to host this exhibit here in the Coastal Bend,” says John Aäsp, curator and visual arts director for the center. “Art lovers and bird lovers alike will definitely be impressed with this selection of work.” The 60-piece exhibit celebrates the timeless appeal

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of birds through fresh artistic interpretations. Whether it’s backyard feeder favorites or exotic species from around the world, an international cast of artists have interpreted avian themes and habitats employing diverse styles and mediums including paintings, sculptures and photographs. “This exhibit provides the local community and visitors a chance to view works from some of the most talented avian artists from around the world and blends perfectly with our coastal habitat and the amount of birds we see here every year,” Aäsp adds. Since its inception in 1976, the Woodson Art Museum’s annual “Birds in Art” exhibit has showcased the remarkable talents of more than

“Birds in Art ”

Sept. 14 – Nov. 16, 2013 Free and open to the public (Tuesday through Sunday) Rockport Center for the Arts (902 Navigation Circle in Rockport, Texas) www.rockportartcenter.com 361-729-5519

900 international artists who have presented their very best work interpreting birds and related subject matter. This year, the exhibit garnered thousands of submissions. Throughout the years, the exhibit has morphed and grown, and now it is recognized around the world as the exhibition that sets the standard for avian art. Following a stint at the Woodson Art Museum, “Birds in Art” stages a traveling exhibit where a smaller number of featured items are selected to be included in a national or international tour, considerably expanding the exhibition’s reach to broader audiences. “Few nature art shows even come close to the pro-

fessionalism and impressive quality of ‘Birds in Art,’” Aäsp says. “Our feathered friends have been used in art for thousands of years, but artists have come a long way.” Three local artists will be featured in the prestigious exhibit. Al Barnes, Jim Offeman and Kent Ullberg, all well-known in Rockport and center member artists, will join a host of other U.S. artists, as well as 33 international artists. As Aäsp concludes, “the caliber of art is nothing short of remarkable and well worth seeing.”

For more information, visit www.rockportartcenter.com or call 361-729-5519.

“Art lovers and bird lovers alike will definitely be impressed with this selection of work.” 3

5 1/ Wendy Brockman “Remembrance” 2/ Paula Waterman “Offering” 3/ Kevin Kohlman “The Sun Catcher” 4/ Ajay Brainard “The Final Embrace” 5/ Elwin van der Kolk “Evening Light”

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NSIDE arts Bonamassa is one of those originators of the blues sound, and he is said to be one of the world’s greatest guitar players. From a young age, he was influenced by artists like Stevie Ray Vaughn, learning every chord detail. By age 12, Bonamassa had caught the attention of blues legend B.B. King and began to open shows for him; he eventually went on to tour with acts such as Foreigner and Robert Cray. In the ‘90s, Bonamassa got together with a stellar team and the band, Bloodline, was formed. Bloodline was a powerful group that included the sons of Miles Davis and Robby Krieger, Erin and Waylon. In 2000, Bonamassa recorded a solo album entitled “A New Day Yesterday.” He continued his solo ca-

The Sound of Greatness

Blues rock great Joe Bonamassa is set to serenade the people of Corpus Christi at the American Bank Center this November. By: [Kristen Bily] Joe Bonamassa will perform at the American Bank Center Selena Auditorium on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. This is sure to be a night of great music filled with the blues sound that Bonamassa has made so popular through the years. Blues rock is a true staple in American history, and it originated a sound that has really set the stage for what we hear today. With its unique

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rhythms, harmonies and inflections, blues rock music is far from the sad sound it was believed to be; it quickly became a sound people enjoyed and even used as a starting point in new genres of music. As music styles have changed over the years, those who have created that sound for us – the originators – are never forgotten and still hold a place as our first loves.

reer and gained much success while mastering his sound. In 2010, his solo album, “Black Rock,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and hit the U.S. Top 40, coming in at No. 38. As Bonamassa’s sound expanded to the audiences, his music eventually went international. In May 2009, he played for a sold-out crowd at the Royal Albert Hall in London. This iconic performance was particularly special because that night, his own musical icon, Eric Clapton, joined him onstage to perform Clapton’s rendition of “Further On Up the Road.” To this day, Bonamassa continues to tour around the world and captivate audiences with his infectious stage presence. His show in Corpus Christi on Nov. 29 will truly be a night you will not want to miss. To hear a preview of Bonamassa’s music and to get a free download of the single, “Athens to Athens,” go to http://jbonamassa.com/ vienna/?id=press-release. Tickets are on sale now, and they are available at the American Bank Center box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and at H-EB Ticketmaster outlets. You can also order through www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1-800-765-3000. For more information, call 361826-4700.

photo courtesy J&R Adventures

Bonamassa is said to be one of the world’s greatest guitar players.

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Garcia & Asha Malate, Art Director

Amanda Gonzalez (2006); Heather Seeger (2010); Garcia; Jessica Block (2011); Malate, Art Director; Kendall Matous, Account Executive

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Aiden Garcia, Chief Officer of Fun

by deborah perry When Amanda Garcia reflects on the last ten years, it’s hard to imagine how many hours she has logged in front of a computer screen. The 33-year-old is Founder and Creative Director of ArtFly a local design firm and a proud educator at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. This October, ArtFly is celebrating a major milestone when it turns ten years old. For the past decade, ArtFly has offered their select list of clients sensible design with unique style specializing in brand development, social media marketing, interactive design, retail brand management and advertising. Garcia began ArtFly in Savannah, Georgia in 2003 after earning her Masters in Fine Art from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Following love, the designer moved to Corpus Christi to marry in 2004. Since then, Garcia’s talents garnered more than 70 awards over the past decade from regional and national organizations including numerous addy awards from the American Advertising Federation. Garcia’s work has also been published in multiple issues of Logo Lounge and Creative Quarterly. Garcia was also named one of Corpus Christi’s 40 Under 40 in 2010. Giving back has always been a large part of Garcia’s work mantra. In 2011, ArtFly unveiled their newest community commitment, the 12/20 Project, where the company commits to donating 20 hours of free design work every month for the 12 months year. Select small businesses and non-profits receive no cost or low cost branding and design work. “In today’s economic climate non-profits are always looking for ways to innovate and do more with less. Their ability to rely on pro bono design support has made a huge impact in controlling expenses and we’re happy to provide that help,” says Garcia. ArtFly’s list of pro bono clients is extensive and varied, and includes the Women’s Shelter of South Texas, Ronald McDonald House Charities, New York City’s Grady’s Cold Brew and Houston’s Yogino’s Yoga for Youth. Although Garcia continues to make a very distinctive design mark, her long-standing legacy and passion is fostering a solid future for the creative community in the Coastal Bend. Garcia, who is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, uses ArtFly as way to bridge the gap between research and practice. “It is very important for me to be a practicing designer and to employ

praxis in my classroom. Being involved in current design trends, printing practices, new technologies, etc allows me to directly relay these expanding experiences to my students,” says Garcia. Using her community contacts, Amanda regularly brings in ‘real world’ clients into her classroom to provide the students with hands on client interaction. “My classes have been able to provide local non-profits and small businesses with design work ranging from logo designs, website designs and entire ad campaigns,” says Garcia. Wienerschnitzel, the Texas State Aquarium, and Krispy Kreme are just a few examples of organizations who have benefited from Garcia‘s student works… many of which have gone on to win awards. Garcia was an integral player in developing the school’s new graphic design lab and “Think Tank” which opened this fall. The lab offers one-of-a-kind workspaces complete with the latest in computers, software and print stations. The lab is adjacent to the Think Tank that is modeled after collaborative spaces where graphic design students have the ability to research, sketch, work in groups, critique, and more. In addition, Garcia worked endlessly on expanding the University’s graphic design courses and is in the process of creating a new major area. Her students have won too many awards to count over the past nine years and they continue to find jobs at high profile companies such as AOL and Apple. The new curriculum mirrors learning outcomes necessary in the creative workplace where, according to the American Institute of Graphic Artists, the use of digitally aided design grows each year and adds to the 300,000 working graphic designers in the United States with a national median starting salary of $45,500. “We have seen our enrollment in graphic design more than double over the last nine years at TAMU-CC. We are proud to say that we working very hard to expand our course offerings and give our students a unique and creative learning environment,” Garcia says. Most recently, Garcia started a Student Enhancement Fund in conjunction with the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation. It will provide funding for student involvement in the organization, scholarships and award entries. “I want to keep students and young people here in Corpus Christi, keep them engaged and learning,” says Garcia. “They are the future of design here in Corpus Christi.”

NSIDE style

When it comes to hairstyles, it is more about creating lifestyles for your clients than simply providing good haircuts.

Making an appointment or getting a consultation with your hairstylist prior to choosing your hairstyle is very important for getting the right results. During a consultation, the hairstylist uses a technical approach to develop a hairstyle that is both creative and innovative for the client. The consultation allows the hairstylist to define the style of the client by talking to her and visualizing her accessories, body shape and colors. These are all elements of high importance when creating a new hairstyle, as they need to blend into a perfect harmony. What are the key elements the hairstylist should be looking at during the consultation?

The shape of the face: This is the focus for the technique to be applied because the lines of the perimeter of the cuts need to be aligned with the shape of the face (round, oval, triangular, square, etc.).

The shape of the body: The hairstylist looks at the length of the hair and the perimeter, which makes the stylist decide whether the client needs a square, rounded or V shape line. For example, on a body with angular lines, the hairstylist will need to do a rounded perimeter or texturize to provide some softness to the look.

The skin color complexion: What season is the client? Summer, spring, fall or winter? It is important to take into consideration the color (or season) of the client’s skin to help choose the right coloring for the hair.

The dress style: There are mainly two generic styles that define a woman’s esthetic: classic and modern. However, there can be variations of these styles in each woman (you can be modern fashion or modern classic), so the client’s look helps the hairstylist create a hairstyle that matches her personality the best. The hairstylist also pays attention to the client’s manicure, pedicure and accessories to determine what style would best suit her lifestyle.

The Right Results Consultation: the key element in finding the perfect hairstyle By: [Ricardo Gomez]

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People are like open books. The way they dress and the accessories they use give you an idea of their universe and reflect who they are, as well as their state of mind. So when it comes to hairstyles, it is a lot more about creating lifestyles for your clients than simply providing good haircuts. This is why having a consultation with the hairstylist can really make a difference in the way clients look and feel.

Ricardo Gomez is the co-owner of Atelier Salon, located at 5017 Saratoga Blvd., No. 157, in Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information, call 361-225-0072.

blonde woman image Subbotina Anna/shutterstock.com

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NSIDE style

The Big Transformation Developing your winning strategy for achieving full, bouncy and all-around healthy hair By: [Maria Del Rio] Full, bouncy, shiny and all-around healthy hair never goes out of style. Regardless of trends and seasonal influences, it never seems to diminish the need for high-volume styles, especially in our region of the country. A healthy head of hair exhibits youth and good health while giving us a feeling of confidence and vitality. So how do individuals with limp, lifeless hair make the big transformation the “stars” make seem so natural and effortless? It all begins in the shower. If you have flat, fine hair, it would help to use a volumizing shampoo from an actual professional salon. These shampoos do not grant miracles, but they make the overall

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styling process much easier. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which has been proven to increase water content. Why do you want to increase water content? Well, when you remove moisture from hair or skin, it shrinks and goes flat. Obviously, this is counterproductive to the goal of achieving plump and full hair. However, please don’t imagine that stacking products or ingredients on your hair will create volume. Too much of a good thing can certainly be a bad thing, especially when it comes to your hair. Limit products wisely, and make sure your hair doesn’t become a depository for chemicals and their byproducts.

A great product to use is mousse; when used responsibly, it can achieve fullness and bounce while maintaining control. Mousse helps achieve wavy strands that look healthy without the appearance of chemical saturation and dryness. Further, to enhance volume, use a round brush from start to end. If possible, use two round brushes to keep strands wrapped in the second brush after drying to act like a roller. Don’t fear the haircut. The longer your hair, the flatter it will be to your face; that’s just the way gravity works. Having a true master stylist cut long layers will produce more bounce. Blunt bobs are fantastic for fine hair

because they create thickness and fullness at the bottom. If you have very curly hair, please consider a keratin smoothing treatment before making a drastic cut. And the most drastic option of all is shockingly simple: How about some clip-in hair extensions? Stylists agree that the new clip-in extensions work wonders for increasing fullness when and where you need it, and they’re virtually foolproof. Moreover, for the most natural look, go for human hair versions in a color and texture that mimic your own. Placement of your extensions is also crucial. To keep long and loose styles looking real, distribute them evenly in the back and on the sides and crown so the thickness stays uniform. Equally sexy: a voluminous bun or twist. Last but far from least, consider some hair accessories. Many of these accessories add amazing volume and can be purchased rather inexpensively. Clips, combs and pins can all be strategically placed to create beautiful illusions that can be arranged in mere minutes. Of course, any great salon can help you with more personally tailored advice, and it would always be helpful to do your research when selecting a hair care professional. So what’s the good news in all of this? Once you develop your winning strategy, it will be much easier to implement and benefit from on a daily basis.

Salon Palomo is located at 2033 Airline Road, G7, in Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information, call 361-855-8841.

beautiful woman image conrado/shutterstock.com

When used responsibly, mousse can achieve fullness and bounce while maintaining control.

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NSIDE nonprofit

A New Light

Change and even save the lives of homeless infant and elderly animals by providing foster care, a much-needed service in the Coastal Bend. By: [Kaitlin Calk]

People generally do not give boxes more than a passing glance. Boxes are simply containers for books or magazines, and they are very helpful when it comes to moving. However, when you work in an animal shelter, boxes take on a somewhat ominous presence. When a box is taken in through a shelter’s doors, there is usually a litter of kittens or puppies inside that desperately need to be cared for. Most animal shelters simply do not have the space or the manpower to care for all of them. The true solution would be for every dog and cat in Corpus Christi to be spayed or neutered, but until that happens, our only option is to have foster homes. Karli Harrisberger, the foster care coordinator at the Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS), deals with this issue daily. “Every single day, the humane society and every other shelter

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in the city receive several calls from people who have found a kitten or puppy under a car, in the yard or inside a trash can. Including myself, the humane society only has four fosters who are willing and able to take care of young babies. “Unfortunately, it is amazing how quickly those fosters fill back up once they are finished with their previous babies. Without anyone readily available to take in a kitten, we are forced to turn them away. Each time we have to do this, everyone around the front office gets a little quiet – we know that without anyone feeding that kitten, it will be dead by the end of the day.” When you foster an infant animal, you are providing a temporary home for them until they are ready to be adopted. When fostering any animal for GCHS, all food and medical care and

any other necessary supplies are provided. All fosters are also given the foster care coordinator’s phone number, which they can call or text at any time of night or day for advice or to arrange for emergency care. Fosters for puppies and kittens are almost always needed. According to Amy Beale, an experienced foster mom, “newborn puppies and kittens are quite a challenge. The experience can be compared to having a newborn baby. Fosters need to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. Depending on the age of the animal, their lives are very fragile and they can take a turn for the worse at any time.” While this city’s need for infant animal fosters is dire, there is another end to that spectrum. Fostering a senior animal is an entirely different experience. In this case, you are pro-

viding a loving, comfortable home for animals to live out their golden years in peace. Harrisberger explains this need: “Anytime a dog older than 9 years old comes into the shelter, the staff automatically looks at one another and thinks, ‘get ready; looks like we’re going to have to watch another one die.’ No one walks into a shelter and says they want to adopt an elderly dog; and who could blame them? People want dogs they can run around with and spend the next several years loving before he or she gets to the point where the legs start to stiffen up, the hips get weaker and the eyes get cloudy. “A shelter is an unforgiving place for an elderly dog, and many of them have had difficult lives already. Fostering a senior dog means giving them the beautiful feeling of having someone care for you when you most need it. These dogs have loved and lost in their lives, and they deserve better than to die homeless and alone on cold floors.” Fostering an animal is very challenging both physically and emotionally. However, without you, that puppy or kitten would have died. Without you, that senior dog or cat would have spent the rest of what should have been their golden years on concrete floors with no one to love. This knowledge makes all of the hard work worth it. When you become a foster, you will see boxes in a whole new light.

For more information about fostering through the Gulf Coast Humane Society, please contact our foster care coordinator at behaviorspecialist@gchscc. org or call the Gulf Coast Humane Society at 361-225-0845.

homeless dog image sue mcdonald/shutterstock.com

“Fosters need to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.”

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On a High Note Hammons Education Leadership Programs hosts HELP Hits The High Notes, an evening of musical entertainment set to help local youth find the job of their dreams. By: [Samantha Stemplinger]

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What if you could enjoy a fun and relaxing evening for a price you would normally pay for dinner and drinks while giving local students a chance to find the job of their dreams? Hammons Education Leadership Programs (HELP) will host an evening of musical entertainment, HELP Hits The High Notes, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Brewster Street Ice House. Proceeds from the event will fund HELP’s onsite career mentoring program, its off-campus jobsite visits, the visiting speaker initiative and many other events and programs aimed at helping students “find the job of their dreams.” Scheduled to perform are local favorites including the blues band, The Deadbeats; jazz and salsa

group, Latin Talk; Texas rockabilly band, Matt Hole and the Hot Rod Gang; and acoustic oldies group, Alley O’s. A list of local celebrities will also take the stage to sing song requests, as well as perform specialty acts. These celebrities include city council members, county employees, lawyers, doctors and media personalities. A few names to note are Lucy Rubio, Colleen McIntyre, David Loeb and Judge Williams. Audience members will have the chance to bid on celebrities to sing favorites, as well as the opportunity to bid on silent auction items throughout the evening. Through live testimonials and videos of jobsite visits, supporters will see exactly how their contributions will enrich not only the lives of our youth, but the entire community. Students and their families, along with businesses involved in the programs, will explain their involvement and why HELP’s efforts are an important part of moving our

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community into a promising future. Tickets for HELP Hits The High Notes are $40 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a drink. Tables seating eight are also available for purchase for $500. To purchase tickets or a table, call 361-4435895 or visit www.helphelp.us. Tickets will also be available at Brewster Street Ice House. Major sponsors who have helped make this event possible include Ainsworth Trucking, AEP Texas, Navy Army Community Credit Union, Repcon Inc., H-E-B, Rathole Drilling Inc., the Greater Corpus Christi Hospitality Association, Valero, Grande Communications, Cheniere and Malkan Interactive Communications. Many other supporters are involved. HELP’s mission is to link students and careers. Hands-on experience is gained through jobsite visits that allow students to experience the real world and discover the job of their dreams. HELP has established Careers of the Future clubs in local schools. With the assistance of local businesses, these schools have received state-of-the-art touchscreen computers that include videos of HELP’s jobsite visits. If students become interested in a career, they may apply to visit the jobsite shown on the HELP video. HELP brings in speakers to the schools where they have established career clubs to further stimulate student interest in pursuing lucrative and in-demand technical careers. HELP also works in partnership with agencies such as the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and the Juvenile Justice Center, providing career mentoring to clients and students. HELP us help some kids find the job of their dreams!

Samantha Stemplinger is on the advisory board for Hammons Education Leadership Programs (HELP). For more information on HELP and HELP Hits The High Notes, visit www.helphelp.us.

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