Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business July/August 2020 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

NEW PRECAUTIONS TO FLY SAFE FROM CCIA

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE

of the Coastal Bend

LARRY URBAN JULY/AUGUST 2020

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A BEACON FOR THE COASTAL BEND Always here for our community

Through calm seas and troubled waters, the Port of Corpus Christi is helping to navigate this uncharted territory–proudly supporting our area first responders. From meals to supplies and beyond, we’re providing the necessary items these teams need to complete their mission to serve. As we look ahead, while some things are uncertain—the people of the Port will be here in every capacity for our neighbors, partners and throughout the community. Together, we’ll get through these waters.

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contents JULY/AUGUST 2020

16 COVER STORY LARRY URBAN Co-founding Urban Engineering with his brother in 1965, this businessman has spent five decades engineering a greater infrastructure for the Coastal Bend.

BUSINESS COACH 10 Perfect Match

FEATURES 12 Synergizing the Future 14 Style Destination

TRAVEL 20 Look to the Skies 22 New Day!

TASTE 24 Summer Flavor

NONPROFIT 26 Virtual Reality

COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS COMPLIMENTS OF THE URBAN FAMILY I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

THINK BIG. THINK COOPER.

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

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

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

JULY/AUGUST 2020

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

PUBLISHER Adrian Garza PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis EDITOR Erin O’Brien DESIGN DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

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

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Kim Bridger-Hunt Jacqueline Gonzalez Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Connie Laughlin Kathleen Naderer Jon Reily Christina Hunter Villeda Sarona Winfrey PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Ashcraft TWINS Media

ELISA GIORDANO DESIGN DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

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

MORGAN BARTEL SOCIAL MEDIA morgan@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 620.417.5392

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

AND SO IT GOES… We’ve surpassed the halfway point of this [to put it nicely] “interesting” year. I am fairly sure 2020 will go down in everyone’s record book and will be shared with all of the generations to come. What will be your take? The words that come to my mind: challenge, frustration, adaptability and overcoming. Reaching for a more positive viewpoint and inspiration, I pull from: faith, compassion, understanding, tolerance and hope.

Setbacks and challenges will always be part of life, sometimes more than others. I had to swallow a huge dose of flexibility and adaptability with this very issue of the magazine. We ran into some setbacks due to the circumstances, and we are a bit late to release. As excruciating as that typically is to me as a publisher, this time, I had to just take it in stride and realize that it is not the end of the world.

Things are quite different. Different daily, even. Of course, the challenge in that for me, and probably many others, is “How do I plan anything?” One thing I find for certain these days is that sometimes what I have planned is not what life has planned for me. And this year, I think we all can attest to that.

My team and contributors are all going through the same challenging times with you, and we will continue to do our very best to produce this publication as you have experienced and supported it for the last 11-plus years.

Keeping up with these ever-changing times becomes exhausting on most days. Between the pandemic, social injustice, political warfare and indifference, and all of the discord going on in not only our nation, but our world – it makes it difficult to even reach for the upside. But we need to. You know that old sentiment, agree to disagree? Seems pretty simple, right? Maybe it isn’t, or at least it doesn’t seem as simple as it sounds. When looking at the news and social media, I find myself struggling with the notion. So what now? Well, I am choosing to put action behind the sentiment, and I am choosing to be O.K. with disagreement. I prefer to live in peace and to appreciate our differences. How boring would things be if we all agreed on everything 100 percent of the time?

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I hope the next half of this “interesting” year becomes brighter for each and every one of you. I pray for your health, safety and peace of mind. To all of you who are struggling or suffering through – keep on trudging ahead. Thank you for being patient with us, and for helping us serve the Coastal Bend so well. God bless!

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

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BUSINESS COACH

Perfect Match Does your small business need a partner?

LIFE PARTNERS One of the main reasons men and women marry (aside from love, commitment and procreation) is stability! Stability defined is the quality, state or degree of being stable – the strength to stand or endure. A spouse performs certain duties within a household. Some responsibilities are shared, and others rest entirely on the shoulders of a mate or spouse. Together they ensure the financial security, safety and general well-being of their union.

ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS PARTNERS Business owners are keen on financial stability! It’s a necessity to scrutinize your financials, annual gross-to-net ratios, debt-to-asset ratios, liquidity and accounts receivables monthly. And equally important is the ongoing planning and implementation of strategic initiatives for asset protection, cost containment and ensuring legal and safety compliance. Who has your back? Who has shared “skin in the game” with

you? No one! You’ll take the hit for not being in legal compliance, losing key employees, labor burden increases and all the negative things that can go with being an employer. Employees are viewed as assets, or “human resources,” and every business is responsible for properly managing these assets or personnel. If your business is not in legal compliance in a multitude of worksite processes, or covered by workers’ compensation insurance, or adhering to stringent risk management programs and managing claims strategically and offering wellness programs, your employees could pose one of the largest financial losses to the business! Employee-related administration and management matters cover a wide variety of tasks and procedures, from adhering to the ever-changing landscape of employment law regarding your payroll, employee handbooks, disciplinary issues, employment forms, claims management, safety regulations, risk management and, of course, today’s

By: Connie Laughlin

growing benefit issues. Not to mention managing one’s business through a pandemic. There’s more to these functions than many realize. To hire a certified human resources (HR) professional, it will cost around six figures. Rounding out this area of one’s staff are safety and risk management personnel and programs costing even more. Even with an expanded workforce, you’re being fed information by someone sharing only what they want you to know, and information based on their limited knowledge and experience. HR outsourcing service providers, also known as professional employer organizations (PEOs), take care of your necessary employee admin, while you focus on the core functions of making your company profitable. This could be your perfect match. So, there is a partner or mate for consideration: a PEO! A first-class PEO should come with surety bonds, industry credentials and certifications ensuring they’re solid. To find

out which ones carry client protection, and to ensure a PEO is top-notch, visit www. esacorp.org. Do your homework before signing up. Find out where they’re headquartered; you want your money kept in your local community.

WILL YOUR BUSINESS SAVE MONEY? Working under the umbrella of a PEO can keep benefit costs low, allowing you to offer a robust package that entices and retains high-quality employees. Other bonuses are maintaining a low and predictable labor burden, having the best risk management program in place, keeping experience modifier ratings as clean as possible, keeping your staff safe and keeping morale high. All of these things help your bottom line! Think about it: You’re not really changing the way you do business. You’re just partnering with a team of highly trained professionals who enhance your financial stability, streamline your administrative duties with best practices, save you a ton of time and share some of the risk!

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

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FEATURE

Synergizing the Future The new Career and Technical Education Center: designed with both current and future industry needs in mind By: Christina Hunter Villeda

ndustrial growth and development are exponentially expanding in the Coastal Bend. The growing industries indicate a high need in educating younger generations to produce a skilled workforce for the future.

The center holds six work bays connected by a central corridor. Three work bays are designated for industrial and electrical programs, and the other three support health science curricula. Each work bay has a four-fold door allowing large equipment in and out of the space. At the entrance, a formal reception space greets walk-ins with an adjacent maker-space room to display student work for industrial partners and visitors to view.

Adjacent to Gregory-Portland High School, the Career and Technical Education Center will serve as a training center for Gregory-Portland Independent School District (GPISD). Although located and specified for GPISD, the facility will be able to accept students in surrounding school districts if those school systems do not have similar training capabilities. GPISD synergized with surrounding industrial companies to formulate an idea of what these companies foresee in expanding workforce areas while still addressing current workforce needs. Not only does educating the younger generation best serve the Coastal Bend by providing a highly necessary and educated workforce – the center stimulates well-paying jobs that retain and sustain the next generation. This synergy of mixing education with industrial needs developed the design basis for the new education center. Flexibility and adaptation are key concepts in the center’s design, as technology and equipment are always changing. The floor plan allows easy access between classrooms for cross-pollinating ideas and programs. Throughout the entire

complex, color informs students of structural interior elements. The metal joists, structural columns and fur downs in front of the classrooms are painted in a variety of colors, reflecting the industrial bones of the structural system.

For more information, contact Turner Ramirez Architects at 361-994-8900.

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“We’re looking forward to the program growing, and we expect to double the facility space as needs present themselves,” says Dr. Paul Clore, GPISD superintendent. Clore also foresees the center as a hand-in-glove operation with Del Mar College, as the curriculum centers on dual credit and certification-based programs. The Career and Technical Education Center strives to be a model for growing the regional workforce foundation, and to continue developing local industry.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TURNER RAMIREZ ARCHITECTS

The exterior of the building mirrors the nearby Gregory-Portland High School’s radial roof system. The center’s semiarc language coexists with the campus’ architectural language. At the break of the arcs, clerestory windows allow light into the central interiors of the structure. The exterior also imitates the vibrant blue and red Gregory-Portland High School colors.

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FEATURE

Style Destination La Palmera: serving up the hottest summer fashion and entertainment By: Sarona Winfrey

La Palmera is doing its part to make the shopping experience as safe as possible.

stocking up on seasonal styles from retailers including Buckle, H&M, Hollister, francesca’s and Van’s; summer makeup trends at MAC Cosmetics and Ulta Beauty; jewelry and accessories from Kendra Scott and Pandora; and seasonal scents from Bath and Body Works and White Barn Candle. And when the shopping is done, guests often stay and enjoy a refreshing beverage or delicious meal at one of La Palmera’s full-service restaurants including LongHorn Steakhouse, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Chili’s Grill and Bar or one of the many quick-serve options in the cool and comfortable food court. Many are also enjoying the return of food and family entertainment options, such as at Dave & Buster’s.

As the summer sun heats things up outside, guests stay cool inside at La Palmera. And with so many retail and dining options, it remains the Coastal Bend destination for the hottest fashion trends and entertainment. With the onset of COVID-19 came a new way of shopping, including reduced store hours, the required use of masks, a limited number of shoppers in each store and restaurant and social distancing. La Palmera is also doing its part to make the shopping experience as safe as

possible, providing hand-sanitizing stations at each entrance, posting safety tip signage throughout the mall and maintaining a more frequent cleaning schedule. This new schedule includes a periodic after-hours “deep clean” of the mall's common areas including restrooms, door handles, escalators and elevators, furniture surfaces and more.

Tax-free items once again include most basic school supplies, as well as backpacks, clothing, shoes and many accessories priced under $100 used by elementary and secondary students. Shoppers will also find special deals at many stores whose merchandise does not qualify for tax-free status.

Seeming to take the “new normal” in stride, shoppers have continued to make their way back to the mall in an effort to enjoy familiar activities, with many

La Palmera is currently open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, with valet parking available at the mall’s main entrance near Grimaldi’s.

For more information, including a current list of retail and restaurant options, go to www.lapalmera.com, call 361-991-3755 or follow La Palmera on Facebook.

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VICTORIA CHUDINOVA/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

And although nobody can predict exactly what “back-to-school” will look like this year, the state of Texas has planned its annual sales tax holiday weekend Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9. Many residents and visitors alike wait for this weekend to stock up on clothing and other back-to-school necessities at La Palmera, including the latest clothes and shoes, school uniforms, athletic wear, backpacks and book bags, as well as haircuts, eyeglasses and dorm items.

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COVER STORY

ENGINEERING A GREATER INFRASTRUCTURE for the Coastal Bend Larry Urban built more than a company. During his career, he helped build a city. By: Kathleen Naderer and Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos compliments of the Urban family

Larry Urban helped shape community development in the Coastal Bend for over five decades.

Urban Engineering has provided vital engineering and surveying services in Corpus Christi since Larry and his older brother, Gene Urban, founded this civil engineering company back in April 1965. On Jan. 25, 2020, almost 55 years later, Larry celebrated his 83rd birthday by retiring from Urban Engineering’s Corpus Christi office. Starting a new business from the ground up is never easy, but even back in junior high and high school, the Urban brothers began making plans to establish their own firm. They found work at a local engineering and surveying company while still in school.

or over five decades, Larry Urban helped shape community development in the Coastal Bend. Even if you are not familiar with his name, you probably are familiar with his work. From the streets you drive on to the water flowing through your pipes to shopping centers and recreational facilities – Urban Engineering likely played a role in creating some of the infrastructure you encounter on a daily basis.

Both brothers joined the military after graduation, and, upon completing their service, were employed by the well-known engineering firm, McClendon and Associates. This led to them receiving their professional licenses and turning their dream of Urban Engineering into a reality. Throughout its long history, Urban Engineering has gathered almost too many success stories to list. Notable projects include most of the subdivisions and infrastructure built in Corpus Christi since the 1970s. The company has also been involved in a large number of projects, including land planning, engineering financial analysis, construction management for subdivisions, shopping centers, industrial complexes, roads, airports, marine improvements, dredging projects, wastewater treatment facilities, drainage systems and water treatment, transmission and supply. Larry holds a special interest in planning, designing and supervising the construction of planned community developments in the Coastal Bend, such as golf courses, marinas and tennis facilities.

The impressive growth of this local business was due in part to the way the Urban brothers embraced change rather than fearing it. For example, as the company progressed, so did its use of technology. When Larry entered the profession, engineers relied on the slide rule, but he was quick to transition to newer, more advanced technologies like computers and satellites as they became available. In fact, Larry worked with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s drone technology program. These drones became a great asset to engineers for streamlining collaboration and managing a more thorough record of site data and conditions from aerial surveys. Of course, building a business is never smooth sailing. When the Savings and Loan Crisis hit in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, Urban Engineering was forced to downsize from 93 to 29 employees in order to avoid bankruptcy. On top of making the difficult decision to let go of employees who had been with them for years, the brothers were also struggling with a personal dilemma. During this same period, Gene was diagnosed with the disease that would eventually take his life in April 1999. Despite turbulent times for the company and anticipating the painful loss of his brother and business partner, Larry continued to work hard and push through life’s hurdles so that the dream of Urban Engineering could live on. For instance, Larry met and befriended Federico Zavala during a conference set up by the governor of Guanajuato, Mexico, and the governor of Texas to help engineers and surveyors find jobs. This led to numerous projects in

“

Find what you really love to do, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.” Mexico, including investigation for water recovery and treatment for the city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico, and investigation for treatment of wastewater effluent for portable use in SAPAL of

• • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Leon, Mexico, which helped keep Urban Engineering in business. “Going back over 50 years makes it difficult to put my finger on any specific accomplishments,” Larry said. He jokingly recalled being able to “wake up every morning to have a nice breakfast, go to the office, then go have lunch with my friends” as his greatest accomplishment.

son, Rhodes “Chip” Urban, all became partners at Urban Engineering over the years. The company is presently owned in equal shares by Chip and Jim. Larry hopes his children keep the same joy and passion for their work that always drove him to keep pushing forward. After all, he built his own career on the adage: “Find what you really love to do, and you’ll never have to work another day in your life.”

In a more serious tone, however, he remarked that he does look back at all the wonderful people he’s met along the way and the many successful projects that he and his brother, Gene, were able to complete. He feels fortunate to have experienced it all.

By instilling this work ethic in his children, Larry has raised a devoted architect, a successful engineer and a talented product designer. His days are filled with wonderful stories that his children are eager to share with him, making him a proud father.

Larry has confidently passed the company reins over to the next generation. Gene’s three sons, Chuck, Jim and Dan Urban, as well as Larry’s

Now that he is retired, Larry looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his wife, Karen, and their seven grandchildren.

Texas Society of Professional Engineers National Society of Professional Engineers Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Corpus Christi Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Director, Youth City Director, American Bank, Corpus Christi, Texas Curriculum Advisor, Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, Texas Curriculum Advisor, Texas A&M University-College Station Curriculum Advisor, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Director, Mustangs, Corpus Christi, Texas Chairman of the Board, Ada Wilson Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital Texas State Aquarium, Corpus Christi, Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Recipient of the Russell Kirkland Award Photo by TWINS Media

TRAVEL

Look to the Skies CCIA and the importance of buying – and flying – local By: Jon Reily

as they moved to create a safe environment for their staff and passengers. They have slowly started bringing planes back online as demand increases. Many safety measures were brought to the forefront – social distancing in terminals, cleaning and disinfecting terminals, blocking middle seats and making hand sanitizer available everywhere. The airlines have instituted daily health checks for their employees to ensure that the people you deal with as you move through your journey are safe and healthy.

It’s been a strange time for us all. First and foremost, I hope that you and all of your loved ones are safe and healthy – because as we’ve all seen, everything can change virtually overnight. “Happy New Year!” we all cheered at some point on New Year’s Eve just a few months ago, or what seems like years ago. We were looking forward to another great year for ourselves and our community. We had hope that this year would be better than the last, and the first of many more good years to come. To say it didn’t turn out that way would be to engage in reckless understatement.

We have all been affected by the events of the past few months. The world we live in will likely never be what it was in the previous decade even as we begin to emerge and define our “new normal.” Throughout all of this, however, we have come together as a community and shown, as we always do during times of adversity, just what “Coastal Bend Strong” means. And even though our lives are different and focused at home, it doesn’t mean we aren’t looking to the skies and thinking of the future. What that means for travel by air is still being defined day to day, but we do have some ideas. One of the recurring themes is the importance of starting local from your Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA). While every business was affected by COVID-19, commercial aviation has been turned upside-down. Travel bans internationally and recommendations domestically brought air travel to a virtual halt. Airlines cut schedules by up to 90 percent

In some ways, it will be for the same reasons: convenience, proximity, friendliness and ease of use. However, there will be new reasons now: lack of crowds, short security and boarding lanes, wide spaces for waiting when it’s called for and knowing that CCIA is part of my community and looking out for me, not only as a traveler, but also as a fellow Corpus Christian. As we consider our own health and well-being, we must also consider the health of our community and how important it is to “buy local” – or, as I like to call it, “buy local, fly local.” The same reasons you chose to fly from your hometown airport are still there, and many of them have new and more valuable meaning now. No one can predict the future in terms of where air travel will go. When you personally feel safe enough to take to the skies again, CCIA will be there and ready for you.

Jon Reily is a frequent flyer and a member of the Airport Advisory Board. For more information, you may contact him at jon@reilygroup.com.

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PHAISARNWONG2517/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Normally this space would be filled with interesting (I hope) dispatches from far-flung corners of the globe, offering recommendations and reviews of places to visit in travel destinations around the country and world. However, like many of us, I am home now, having not been on an airplane in the longest stretch in my adult life.

As someone who travels for a living, I have seen hundreds of airports around the world. While I’m currently grounded, like many business travelers, when I do return to the air, I know that I will continue to use our CCIA as my entry point to the air system.

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TRAVEL

New Day! The new age of airport cleanliness By: Kim Bridger-Hunt

There was no sitting still. Attention in airport offices turned to what would be necessary to make the terminal safe and welcoming for customers, tenants and employees in the future. Despite the dramatic turn of events, air travel would come back. The planning for that began immediately. There has always been attention paid to cleanliness in airports. Customers expect it, and they should. But this situation called for new ideas, research and targeted attention to how things are done in places like medical facilities. Disinfecting a public facility is no easy task. But starting in March 2020, it became a staple at CCIA. Enter the Clorox® Pro 360® system. New to CCIA in April, Assistant Director Kevin Smith was familiar with this technology, having just moved to CCIA from a little airport in North Texas called DFW. At DFW, this technology became a “go to” because of its capability to deliver disinfecting solution from the floor to the ceiling.

“This technology is a game changer for airports not only because of the reach it has, but also because once the solution hits the surface, it will continue to kill germs and pathogens for up to 30 days,” Smith said. The system includes an electrostatic sprayer, which adds a charge to the liquid and causes it to bounce around, landing in places that are hard to reach. The system is now hard at work in the CCIA terminal. CCIA is also adding a system called pureAIR 3000, a series of small units that can be placed in various locations in the terminal. The pureAIR 3000 units use a catalytic converter process to convert oxygen and moisture into hydrogen peroxide, which is released into the air to attack germs and pathogens. The units will stay on 24 hours a day and will continuously kill harmful germs within a 1,500-squarefoot radius around the machine. “We are committed to making this terminal cleaner and safer than it’s ever been,” Smith said. “When travelers are ready to fly again, they can rest assured that our enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will be constant and thorough.” We can’t forget about a product called Silver Defender, a tape-like film that can be placed on frequently touched surfaces and handles. It’s armed with antimicrobial protection, and it kills harmful germs and

pathogens constantly. The Silver Defender has been installed all over the terminal. In addition to the new technology that is actively cleaning constantly at CCIA, visitors will notice other precautions immediately. Social distancing reminders are placed in areas where lines tend to form. The airlines have installed sneeze guards to protect both their employees and their customers from germs going either way. The TSA has instituted new cleaning protocols for the bins they use and for all surfaces that are touched by customers and employees. Seating inside the terminal has been reconfigured to give travelers more distance from others not in their group. Hand sanitizers are placed in various locations around the terminal. All of the CCIA restrooms have been outfitted with automatic faucets, soap dispensers and paper dispensers so that customers can wash and dry their hands without touching anything. And airport tenants such as rental car companies, restaurants and the news and gift shop each have their own enhanced cleaning and disinfecting processes in place. CCIA is ready when you are. Avoid the crowds! Enjoy the convenience and safety of your airport here at home! And when it’s time to take a trip, FlyCCIA! The more we use the service offered by the airlines, the better our chances of getting additional service in the future.

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

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SFIO CRACHO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

pring Break 2020 proved to be a very interesting week at Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA). By the time the annual week of fun rolled around, airports and airlines already knew what was coming. Because of COVID-19, activity at CCIA was about to take a tumble. It was happening in cities all across the nation.

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TASTE

Summer Flavor Dill pickle hummus By: Mandy Ashcraft Photo by: Dustin Ashcraft The Internet is raving about Trader Joes’ dill pickle hummus, but we’ve been drooling long-distance in the Coastal Bend with no TJ’s around! Problem solved: You can make your own tangy, creamy, dippable, spreadable dill pickle hummus in less than five minutes. Serve it with fresh bread, alongside pita chips at a party or slathered on a stack of cold sandwiches packed for the beach. This is the flavor you need this summer. Ingredients: • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained • 2 tablespoons tahini • 1/4 cup dill pickle juice • 1/4 teaspoon dried dill • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 cup baby dill pickles, coarsely chopped • Topping: extra olive oil, chopped pickles, pumpkin seeds (optional) Instructions: 1. Add chickpeas, tahini, pickle juice, dried dill, salt and olive oil to a food processor and process until smooth. 2. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped baby dill pickles. 3. Top with a drizzle of olive oil, additional pickles and pumpkin seeds. 4. Refrigerate. For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

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NONPROFIT

Virtual Reality No need to congregate to participate By: Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger

s the scope of our lives has been affected by prolonged social distancing, it is easy to feel as though we are in isolation. However, our interactions with others, although different from those we are accustomed to, are still possible. Some would even say we are more accessible now than ever. Instead of deciding on a place to meet, now it is deciding how to meet (phone, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.).

They may not be as robust or interactive as originally planned, but virtual events are much more inclusive by eliminating the need for travel and enabling those who can access the online platform to participate. More importantly, these virtual events provide an opportunity to interact with others, broaden your network and grow your social experiences.

Virtual events allow people to support and connect with a cause that’s important to them through their participation. These are also great to practice your virtual communication skills. You can join a virtual event that is hosted from another city, state or country; you are unlikely to know anyone, which can help reduce any anxiety you may have and enhance your virtual interactions with people you do know.

About CASA of the Coastal Bend CASA of the Coastal Bend is a nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to speak up for and find permanent homes for foster children in crisis throughout Nueces and Aransas Counties. During mandated social distancing, operations have shifted 100 percent online with volunteers continuing to connect with and support the children they serve, as well as advocate for their needs in court via virtual platforms. Learn more about the role of a volunteer and the application process by attending a 45-minute virtual information session, offered every Wednesday at noon via Zoom.

It’s important to acknowledge that not all virtual events have the same structure or require a virtual meeting. Sometimes feeling part of a community involves just being an active member. An example of such is participating in a virtual 5K. Typically there is a date range to complete a distance of 3.10 miles at a location of your choice (including a treadmill!). In addition to the benefits of aligning with others to support a mission, personal benefits include intentionally setting aside time for you to focus on your mental and physical well-being, as well as a possible opportunity to create connection amongst your family by encouraging them to join you. The 15th Annual CASA Superhero 5K, originally scheduled for May 2020, is now a virtual event scheduled for Aug. 15-29, 2020. Every child needs a hero, and every child in foster care needs a SUPERHERO. Online registration is now open through Aug. 29. The registration fee is $25, and it includes a runner bag, T-shirt and certificate of completion. For more information, visit www.coastalbendcasa.org or the Virtual CASA Superhero 5K page on Facebook.

For more information, contact Diana at 361-779-3664 or diana@coastalbendcasa.org. You may also visit www.coastalbendcasa.org or @coastalbendcasa on Facebook.

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ANATOLIY KARLYUK/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

We have the capability to engage with others in all of our roles – personal and professional. Technology has proven that you can still have a sense of community and a connection to others without having to be in their physical presence. While in-person events have been and continue to be cancelled or postponed, some organizations are transitioning to hosting virtual events.

For nonprofit organizations, virtual events offer the ability for the public to contribute to their mission during this time when people want to help others, but may not know how. These opportunities allow people to connect to a cause important to them, support the cause through their participation and encourage others to do the same.

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Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business July/August 2020

Articles inside

Virtual Reality

Look to the Skies

Style Destination

Synergizing the Future

New Day

Perfect Match