Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine Business May/June 2019 by Inspire Coastal Bend Magazine

COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

BRINGING THE BEST

ZJZ HOSPITALITY INC. MAY/JUNE 2019

DESTINATION: FUN

INSPIRING THE FUTURE

SEA DISTRICT

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CONTENTS MAY. JUNE 2019

18 COVER STORY ZJZ HOSPITALITY INC. Under the leadership of Deven Bhakta and Melody Nixon-Bice, ZJZ combines philanthropy with a family approach to bring the best service and accommodations.

30 PROFILE SEA DISTRICT A must-stop for the whole family, this area in downtown Corpus Christi is a certified destination for summer fun.

UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER LEMONADE DAY CORPUS CHRISTI With the help of sponsors like First Community Bank, UCCCC hosts the seventh annual Lemonade Day Corpus Christi to inspire and empower the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

BUSINESS COACH 10 Judging Excellence FEATURE 12 Celebration Destination MONEY MATTERS 14 Should You Borrow from Your 401(k)?

REAL ESTATE 16 What Buyers Want EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION 38 Environmental Stewards TRAVEL 40 Curbing Bad Habits TASTE 42 Sweet and Savory NONPROFIT 44 Caring Connections COVER AND TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTOS BY: TWINS MEDIA

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

SEEING.

Save more than memories

SAVING.

Visiting the Texas State Aquarium opens the door to a diverse world under the ocean. An amazing place where you can come face-to-fin with a vast abundance of life. Explore Coastal estuaries, colorful Caribbean reefs and make new friends at Dolphin Bay. Meet species that live near the shoreline and deep under oil platforms. Hang out with a sloth, touch a stingray and meet a flamingo. Your visit helps save the oceans and supports our turtle and bird rescue programs. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll save more than memories. SP CO A Squ TA a LB G.COM 5 2710 N o rth S h ore li n e Blv d , Cor p u s C h r i s t i , Tex a s / 1 .8 0 0 .4 7 7 .G U L F / tI Nex a sI RsEt at ea r iEuNmD.MoArg

MEET THE STAFF COASTAL BEND MAGAZINE

BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY

MAY.JUNE 2019 PUBLISHER & SALES

ADRIAN GARZA PUBLISHER & SALES adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 361.548.1044

Adrian Garza

PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Holly Lewis

EDITOR Erin O’Brien

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

SOCIAL MEDIA Morgan Bartel

HOLLY LEWIS PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 479.935.0868

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mandy Ashcraft Kim Bridger-Hunt Jessica Dusek Dr. Coral Dworaczyk Jacqueline Gonzalez Melanie Granado Samantha Koepp-Stemplinger Connie Laughlin Sarona Winfrey

PHOTOGRAPHY

ERIN O'BRIEN

Dustin Ashcraft TWINS Media

EDITOR erin.editorial@gmail.com

ELISA GIORDANO ART DIRECTOR elisa@inspirecoastalbendmag.com 210.716.5320

www.inspirecoastalbendmag.com For advertising information, please call 361.548.1044 or email adrian@inspirecoastalbendmag.com. For editorial comments and suggestions, please call 479.935.0868 or email holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

How fortunate we are to live and work in an area where one of God’s most beautiful natural resources is ever-present. Almost daily, as I drive back-and-forth across what I call my “prayway” [the causeway] between Corpus and Portland, I am reminded that we truly have wonder all around our Coastal Bend landscape. After living here not quite seven years, I must admit, it is something that is easily taken for granted. As I hit the daily grind, somehow I often forget to stop and embrace the majesty of the “Sparkling City by the Sea,” and how much I love the way it does truly sparkle, because I am so caught up with the enormous plateful of expectations and obligations I allow life to impose upon me. Does anyone else forget that we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful waters and fabulous wildlife? I have to force myself to slow down practically every day. Recently, I had the opportunity to learn about the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) and what they have been doing in our area for 20 years now: protecting, restoring and enhancing our natural resources. Wow! Now these are definitely some things I have been taking for granted. This program and those who are implementing its initiatives are unbelievably critical to our coast. Once I became educated on their

mission, I just knew this was something we had to share and celebrate. I implore you to read the Expressions of Inspiration feature on pages 38-39, and to delve further into learning more about the work they do. They keep our natural beauty at its best. Now when I am enjoying the bay at sunset or the statuesque heron guarding the shore at Indian Point, I keep the CBBEP in the forefront of my mind. This issue is a continued reflection of our Coastal Bend community. You are bound to find inspiration in the pages, along with a clear-cut picture of progress. My hope is you will also slow down a little to learn something new, appreciate something that’s been around and perhaps has been overlooked and, most of all, recognize your good fortune of being part of this special area that we call home!

Holly Lewis, Publisher holly@inspirecoastalbendmag.com

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BUSINESS COACH

JUDGING EXCELLENCE How to pair wine with business By: CONNIE LAUGHLIN

I want my wine selections and my business tactics tested because no one likes unpleasant surprises. My time and money are precious, so I want less risk without any sour grapes. Why not have a more predictable and satisfying experience in life? Judging wine When choosing wine, I seek advice from an oenophile (a lover or connoisseur of wine) to select a good bottle to pair with a particular meal or to have on hand for guests. And it’s useful to know which ones have achieved awards for their excellence. Because of wine competitions, wine quality has improved in many countries around the world. Trained experts critique wines organoleptically (involving the use of sense organs), and many competitions additionally judge by chemical analysis. These combined tests offer the most effective results. The experts at the International Wine and Spirit Competition state on their website, “A red wine with high-volatile acid and some residual sugar could taste quite attractive (a sweet and sour effect). Over the months, this level of volatile acid would rise, creating an overly sour and unattractive wine. Deduction of marks following technical analysis could affect the level of an award.” It might be O.K. today, albeit a risky option and not worthy of my consideration. Per Wikipedia, “Investing in wine can be accomplished with two main methods: purchasing and reselling individual bottles or cases of particular wines, or purchasing shares in an investment wine fund that pools investors’ capital. In the first instance, of directly buying specific cases of wine, it is usually recommended that an inexperienced buyer work with a broker, merchant or consultant to minimize risk due to lack of knowledge. Indeed, complex models and formulae have been applied to tracking investment wine’s historical returns.” Everyone lacks certain skill sets. Whether it’s investing in wine or any other business venture, you must rely on experienced, highly certified and trusted consultants. Judging business Is your business running sweetly, humming along without any claims or judgments? Just as wine with a high-volatile acid and residual sugar would eventually cause an adverse reaction, what’s lurking in your business and setting you up for future adversity?

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WHETHER IT’S INVESTING IN WINE OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS VENTURE, YOU MUST RELY ON CERTIFIED AND TRUSTED CONSULTANTS.

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

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

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FEATURE

CELEBRATION DESTINATION La Palmera has what you need to honor the moms, dads and grads in your life.

pring is in full swing, with summer just around the corner, meaning it’s the traditional time of year to honor some important people and commemorate special events. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12, and if you’re looking for the right gift, La Palmera has it. Find the latest styles at francesca’s, Michael Kors and Torrid, now open near Center Court, something special from Victoria’s Secret, trendy jewelry and accessories at Kendra Scott, cosmetics and other beauty gifts from Ulta, personal care items from Bath & Body Works or handmade sweets from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or Bourbon Street Candy Co. Need some help getting mom’s gift wrapped? Be sure to stop by our charity gift-wrapping station located on the Main Level near Concierge. Representatives of local charities will be on hand to expertly wrap your gift for a donation Friday and Saturday, May 10 and 11, from noon to 6 p.m. And all moms who valet park on Mother’s Day will receive a complementary flower (while supplies last). If you need a gift for the grad in your life, La Palmera can help. Find something trendy to wear under the cap and gown from H&M, Hollister or Express, pick up a pair of sunglasses or special gift from Oakley, select a special piece of jewelry to commemorate the day from Pandora or find the perfect card and keepsake item at Hallmark. And let’s not forget about dad: Sunday, June 16, is Father’s Day. You can find a variety of gifts at one of La

LA PALMERA TAKES PART IN A NUMBER OF SPECIAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

Palmera’s three department stores including Dillard’s, a cool cap from Lids or something from the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop with its complete line of team memorabilia. A night out with family and friends is also a great way to celebrate with mom, dad or grad, and La Palmera has a variety of full-service dining options sure to please any taste, including Dave & Buster’s, LongHorn Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria and Chili’s Grill & Bar. If you’re still undecided about what to buy, pick up a La Palmera gift card. Available at Concierge in amounts from $10 to $500, the cards may be used at most La Palmera stores and restaurants. Out and about and looking for things to do? There’s always something going on at La Palmera. Monthly events include the Tide Turner Kids Club for kids 5 and under and Wave Walkers for our health-conscious guests. La Palmera also takes part in a number of special events throughout the year, including the annual National Lemonade Day, Saturday, May 11, encouraging entrepreneurship in America’s youth. Organized locally by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation, La Palmera guests will find young entrepreneurs and their lemonade stands open for business throughout the mall. On Saturday, June 29, shoppers will find City Hall in the Mall with representatives from a variety of city departments available to talk with residents about available services from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the mall.

For information on the many programs and events at La Palmera, go to www.lapalmera.com, follow us on Facebook or call 361-991-3755.

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MONEY MATTERS

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE IN LIFE, THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT HOW YOU WILL USE THE MONEY.

SHOULD YOU BORROW FROM YOUR 401(k)? Advice from your local Edward Jones financial advisor

f you work for a business that offers a 401(k) plan, consider yourself fortunate, because a 401(k), with its tax advantages and variety of investment options, it is a great way to save for retirement. But what if you need to tap into your plan before you retire? Is it a good idea to borrow from your 401(k)? To begin with, you need to determine if a loan is even available. You can only borrow from your 401(k) if you’re still working for the company that offers the plan, but even so, you’ll have to check with your human resources area to determine if loans are allowed. If they are, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before taking action. On the “pro” side, it’s pretty easy to get a 401(k) loan – there’s no formal loan application and no minimum credit score required. Plus, you’re only borrowing from yourself, and you can generally repay the loan with automatic paycheck deductions, typically over a five-year period. However, you’ll also encounter some “cons” when taking out a 401(k) loan, particularly concerning taxes. If you had not borrowed from your 401(k), the money you took out could have been growing on a tax-deferred basis, assuming you used pre-tax dollars to fund your plan and your withdrawals will only be taxed once. But when you borrow from your plan, you will have to repay it, along with interest, with money you’ve earned – and been taxed on – and then, when you withdraw it later, you’ll pay taxes on it again. Furthermore, if you leave your employer before fully repaying your

loan, the outstanding balance likely will be taxable, although you may have a grace period in which to pay it off and avoid taxes. And perhaps even more important, taking money from your 401(k), even if you repay it later, will almost certainly slow the growth potential of your account – which, in plain terms, means you may have less money available for retirement. Of course, if you encounter an emergency and you have nowhere else to turn, you may need to borrow from your 401(k). And some plans allow hardship withdrawals for medical expenses and other needs; however, you’ll still be taxed on the amount you withdraw. But you’d probably be better off if you can prepare, well in advance, for situations in which you need immediate access to a sizable sum. One way of doing this is to build an emergency fund containing six months’ to a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. You also might find some resources in the part of your investment portfolio held outside your 401(k). For example, you can always withdraw contributions to a Roth IRA without incurring taxes (although the earnings on these contributions could be taxable if you take the money out before you’re 59-and-a-half and you’ve had your account less than five years). In any case, you work hard to build your 401(k) – so, no matter where you are in life, think carefully about how you will use the money.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

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REAL ESTATE

WHAT BUYERS WANT

Thinking of selling your home in 2019? Here are some tips on how you can make your home the most attractive to Coastal Bend buyers. BY: DR. CORAL DWORACZYK

KITCHENS There are some really beautiful natural and synthetic countertop and backsplash materials available right now, and it’s really interesting to see how owners are mixing woods and natural stones with more modern structures and appointments. Buyers are falling in love with marble and rich woods all over again, and they love seeing it worked into countertops or backsplashes. Backsplashes can be a relatively inexpensive upgrade, and it may be worth your time to consider a subway tile or a mosaic. Everyone still loves granite countertops, but it isn’t anything special anymore. If you are considering upgrading your countertops, consider going with something different, and not the most common “Level One” products available. You may want to consider a more exotic granite (we have some great wholesales

here in our area), a quartz or even stainless steel or butcher block. If you do go with a basic granite or quartz, this may be the perfect opportunity to upgrade your backsplash to make your kitchen noteworthy. If you still have laminate product on your countertops (like Formica), you may want to seriously consider replacing it before you put your home on the market if you want to demand a premium sales price. White cabinetry is still very pop-

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YOU MAY WANT TO CONSIDER A MORE EXOTIC GRANITE, A QUARTZ OR EVEN STAINLESS STEEL OR BUTCHER BLOCK.

ular, but some people are opting for brighter, non-traditional colors or doing different colors on the upper and lower cabinets. However, if you are selling, be careful about limiting your pool of potential buyers by painting anything too off-neutral. I have seen some great options from some local homebuyers where the cabinets were painted a neutral and the island was kept as a stained wood or painted a different, but compatible color, and it was very well-received by buyers!

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ome decorating trends and styles are always changing, and it’s amazing to see what interior designers and builders can create! As a REALTOR, I hear many different buyers voice the same requests over and over. If you are thinking about selling your home in 2019, you may want to consider some of these suggestions to change or upgrade your home to make it more appealing to Coastal Bend buyers!

BATHROOMS The biggest bathroom change I have seen in 10 years is the disappearance of the bathtub in the master suite. Garden tubs and whirlpools were all the rage for years, but now, people have realized that they often go unused. Most adults are shower-takers, and many would rather have a more luxurious tiled walk-in shower that a small shower and a huge tub. Buyers tend to rave about mosaic tile work, fancy showerheads and high-quality glass surrounds. Keep in mind that buyers still have a need for a tub somewhere in the house, so please don’t remove every tub from every bathroom if you plan on selling at any point. A very inexpensive upgrade for bathrooms can be as easy as changing out mirrors and plumbing fixtures. If your home still has the long, unframed mirror in the master bath, please consider framing it or removing it and hanging a more updated mirror over each sink.

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BEDROOMS There are typically few things you can change in bedrooms other than flooring and paint. Buyers are gravitating toward lighter greys, spa-like colors and natural light. Heavy, dark colors and textures are less popular for most people on the coast. DINING AREAS Homes with formal dining areas are often misunderstood. Some people, myself included, still love the idea of a formal dining space, especially when they are planning for the holidays. However, many builders are opting to create larger informal dining areas, so the separate formal areas are often unused or undesired. For buyers who don’t need a formal dining area, consider other uses for this space. I have seen some great examples lately with formal dining spaces staged as additional entertainment areas, lounge spaces and offices. If your home has two (or more) dining spaces, you may want to consider staging one of them as “flex-space” with other purposes. QUICK UPDATES Not every seller has an unlimited budget to move walls and remodel rooms. If you are looking for the most “bang” for your dollar, don’t underestimate the power of a good cleaning (please!) and a fresh coat of paint. If time and budget allow, updating light fixtures and plumbing fixtures can also really help change the overall look and feel of a home. Selling a home is always stressful, especially knowing that your home will be judged by strangers. If you want to command the highest price, it is important for your home to be updated and stylish, or sellers may need to be prepared to overcome those obstacles with pricing or other buyer incentives.

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COVER STORY

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Philanthropic efforts and a family-oriented approach make the staff at ZJZ Hospitality Inc. top-notch professionals. By: Jacqueline Gonzalez Photos by: TWINS Media

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DEVEN BHAKTA, CEO and president of ZJZ Hospitality Inc., gained an interest in the hospitality industry at a very young age. Originally from Canada, he and his family migrated to the United States in the late 1979, where Deven watched on as his father purchased a 12-room mom-and-pop motel in Aransas Pass. After attending college, inspired by his father’s tenacity and devotion to his business, he chose to embark on the same path to success and opened for business in Port Aransas, Texas, in 1997. Deven and his wife, Mayuri, wore many hats to ensure the success of his property. Hard work and dedication paid off for Bhakta, as his successful business venture catapulted him into developing, building and managing several more hotels in years to come. Additionally, when Deven’s father suffered a stroke in 2002, Deven knew he would be losing a business partner, but he no longer wanted his father working and dealing with stress. Taking matters into his own hands, he began learning more and becoming more involved in his trade. Deven recalls the hard work his father put in, with little education, and realized, “It’s on me now.” In 2011, ZJZ Hospitality Inc. came to fruition. Using the initials of his son and twin daughters to develop the name, Bhakta operates ZJZ with a family-like approach to hospitality. He believes this atmosphere creates a more positive culture, and his true eye for talent propels him to place the right people with the right frame of mind to further his mission to provide the best service and accommodations available. Melody Nixon-Bice, general manager for Embassy Suites by Hilton Corpus Christi, is a testament to Bhakta’s propensity to find the best. Nixon-Bice began her career in the hospitality industry in 1995, at the Omni Hotels, where she worked in front-office operations and sales. In 2002, she was offered a position as business travel sales manager at the Embassy Suites, where she was quickly introduced to the intricacies of all sales aspects due to a major change in staffing – there was a lot to learn in a limited amount of time. A true rock star, she focused her attention on making budgets, managing numbers and learning the various markets in the hotel industry, earning her a promotion to director of sales and marketing in 2007. When ZJZ came along, Nixon-Bice was offered the position of general manager, which she declined because she felt there was a lot more to learn before taking a leap into such a pivotal role. A year later, once the dust settled and she’d become better acquainted with the company, she was offered the general manager position again, and after prayer and family encouragement, she accepted – beginning the next level of her ZJZ journey. The family dynamic and strong relationships also help during challenging times. One month after accepting her position as general manager, Nixon-Bice was faced with the massive renovation of the Embassy Suites. The hotel was gutted from top to bottom, discordant sounds filled the property as the rooms and the restaurant were taken down to the studs and although fully informed well in advance, many guests were still taken aback at the scale of the renovation.

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

HAVING SOMEONE TO GIVE YOU GUIDANCE AND PUSH YOU TO DO YOUR BEST IS IMPORTANT.”

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Nixon-Bice and her team never wavered in putting forth their best efforts to make certain that all services were provided, even if on an abbreviated basis, and ensured the happiness and satisfaction of her guests at the toughest of times. She credits much of her success to Charlie Bhakta, senior VP of operations, for his mentorship and guidance in diverting her mind away from sales and into operations. He challenged her, on a daily basis, to learn new things including labor, operations and vendor relationships, as well as just how much money goes into the day-to-day maintenance of keeping a hotel up to standards. She gleaned new information from Deven Bhakta on a CEO level, and Charlie Bhakta guided her from an operations level, solidifying her membership as a part of the ZJZ family. The challenges didn’t end there. Hurricane Harvey devastated the Coastal Bend, taking many homes in its wake. Along with its whirlwind of destruction, Harvey decimated four of the properties owned by ZJZ Hospitality Inc. Although quite the challenge, the staff persevered. ZJZ also provided assistance to many of its employees and their families who were displaced for a time after the storm. Investing in culture through community involvement is important for the staff at ZJZ. Deven Bhakta encourages his executives to be active in the community and to get their staff involved in local events, as well. “When everyone comes together for a good cause, it helps cultivate better relationships.” Bhakta and Nixon-Bice try to stay ingrained in the area. Both community servants themselves, they give of their time in various capacities. Bhakta is a board of director of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, as well as the chairman of the board of the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce. He notes that even if the organization isn’t specifically hotel-related, it’s important to be involved. Over the years, he has served on various boards throughout the community, including the Ronald McDonald House, March of Dimes and the Del Mar College Foundation. Nixon-Bice engages in public relations for the community. She and her team work on small projects that make a big difference and keep them connected with the community, including preparing bags filled with care products and feeding the homeless, Share-A-Meal for the Women’s Shelter, beach cleanups, food drives and school supply drives. Recently, the hotel sponsored a family from the Salvation Army shelter for Christmas, providing gifts and a threenight stay with meals for a single mother and her four children. They even hired the mother to work at the hotel. As a result, Nixon-Bice was one of 12 general managers, out of 250 properties, elected for the Embassy Suites Circle of Leadership program in 2014. In 2016, she was named the No. 1 General Manager of the Year for the Embassy Suites by Hilton, worldwide. She is also the first African-American woman to become chairman of the Convention of Visitors Bureau board, and she sits on the board of Bethune Early Child Development Nursery.

WHEN EVERYONE COMES TOGETHER FOR A GOOD CAUSE, IT HELPS CULTIVATE BETTER RELATIONSHIPS.”

She is currently wrapping up her participation in the 47th class of Leadership Corpus Christi, where she’s learned a great deal about the city and all the potential it holds. Throughout this past summer, she was a guest speaker at the YWCA Y-Teens camp, and she also volunteers for Dress for Success. In the future, Nixon-Bice would like to collaborate on a mentor or training program with a local organization. Her team is made up of a very diverse group of people, and she loves to inquire about their dreams and push them to strive to achieve their goals. “People need to know that you

have to start somewhere,” she says. “Having someone to give you guidance, insight and to push you to do your best is important.” Bhakta and Nixon-Bice are proof that staying positive and pushing forward will garner great results. The company continues to grow, and Bhakta, Nixon-Bice and the amazing staff and executives are setting high standards for local hoteliers – even those in other cities. They’ve only just begun. Many great things are on the horizon for ZJZ Hospitality Inc., and the Coastal Bend anxiously awaits.

ZJZ Hospitality Inc. provides a slew of jobs for our area and strongly drives our local economy. Deven Bhakta is intent on nurturing quality talent in his hotels, creating a positive atmosphere for guests. The properties in the portfolio include Embassy Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Courtyard Marriott, Home2Suites, Best Western, Studio 6 and The Place Hotel in Port Aransas.

PROFILE

SUMMER IN THE SEA DISTRICT

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From arts to sports to entertainment, this area in downtown Corpus Christi offers fun for the whole family. By: MELANIE GRANADOÂ

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FROM ART EXHIBITS TO WATER SLIDES, THE SEA DISTRICT IN DOWNTOWN CORPUS CHRISTI OFFERS FAMILY FUN FOR EVERYONE. Over eight years ago, a group of local downtown businessmen, including Mark Schaberg, created a plan to bring the family entertainment area of downtown together to offer Corpus Christi a destination for fun. They branded this area the SEA District. This area offers sports, entertainment and the arts to both Corpus Christi locals and visitors. The SEA District has events filled of family fun year-round, but bust at the seams when summer arrives! Whether you’re a Corpus Christi local looking for things to do on a staycation or visiting our city by the bay, the SEA District is a must-see. Catch a concert at Concrete Street, enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish at Brewster Street or slide into summer at Hurricane Alley Waterpark. There’s no wrong way to enjoy the SEA District.

LIVE MUSIC AND GOOD EATS

Brewster Street Ice House sits in the heart of the SEA District and boasts great food, kid-friendly areas and live music. Brewster Street Icehouse embraces its historical significance in Corpus Christi with a building from 1932 that was originally owned by Union Pacific Railroad. This indoor/outdoor restaurant and venue has put itself on the map as go-to stop for weekly live music. You can find event information at www.brewsterstreet.net. Right down the street from Brewster Street Icehouse, you’ll find Concrete Street Amphitheater, which presents headliners from all types of music from country to hip-hop. The venue has two stages, including a main stage for large concerts and festivals

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that can hold up to 10,000 fans. For smaller shows and private events, they have a pavilion that can accommodate up to 3,000 gests. On the calendar for this summer, you’ll find Billy Currington and the Juan Lobos Fest. Find more event dates and information at www.concretestreet.net.

SPLASH INTO SUMMER

Hurricane Alley Waterpark park is opening its doors for its eighth season this summer, offering family fun in the sun. Starting on May 25, the waterpark will open seven days a week, which makes planning your summer fun easy to do. Located under Harbor Bridge, this waterpark is conveniently located and offers an affordable vacation without leaving Corpus Christi. The waterpark features guest favorites a six-story waterslide, Cat 5, and a surf simulator, The Shredder. Hurricane Alley offers luxury cabanas for the ultimate vacation experience and birthday party packages all summer long. For tickets and pricing, visit www.hurricanealleycc.com.

SPORTS IN THE SEA DISTRICT

Whataburger Field is the home of the Corpus Christi Hooks in the SEA District. Experiencing a baseball game should sit at the top of your summer to-do list. You can even immerse yourself in Corpus Christi state-of-mind and enjoy a Whataburger meal while watching the game. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a foul ball! The ballpark offers home games throughout the summer, and you can find the Hooks schedule online at https://www.milb.com/corpus-christi.

ARTS AND CULTURE

The Art Museum of South Texas (AMST) offers permanent exhibits, along with traveling exhibits, so there’s always something new to see in this part of the SEA District. To guarantee a fun and educational experience for every member of the family, the AMST has The ArtCade, found on the first floor of the Johnson Building, which is an opportunity for families to have a fun hands-on place in the museum. The museum’s website invites guests to the ArtCade: “Whether it’s the dropin visitor or members of the Kids Club, the ArtCade is a place where kids are free to express themselves through the arts!” You’ll want to check the summer schedule for availability of the ArtCade due to summer camps. While at the museum, step outside to the Shor Outdoor Courtyard for a beautiful view of the bay. The SEA District is a must-stop for your summer vacation. Experience all of the family fun downtown Corpus Christi has to offer. This area of Corpus Christi has created a cohesive theme that makes planning your vacation (or staycation) easy to do!

For more information on the SEA District, visit www.seadistrictcc.com.

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UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

BUILDING A SOLID FUTURE The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly presents the seventh annual Lemonade Day Coastal Bend on Saturday, May 11, 2019. The mission of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation is to develop and empower leaders and entrepreneurs to make a positive impact in Corpus Christi. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) supporting organization of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. Lemonade Day is a nationwide educational initiative that introduces youth to entrepreneurship, teaching them how to start, own and operate their own business: a lemonade stand. A program of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Lemonade Day Coastal Bend is dedicated to teaching youth in our community important business and financial skills that are the key ingredients of entrepreneurship. By learning these skills early in life, children will be better prepared to be successful, financially healthy adults. United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce member, First Community Bank, recognizes the positive impact that financial literacy can provide to a child’s future and has supported Lemonade Day Coastal Bend since its inception in 2012. “Lemonade Day is an important event in our community,” said JoAnn Sullivan, vice president of First Community Bank. “It is a time for children of all ages to learn the value of the dollar, how hard it is to be earned and how quickly it spends. The event presents an opportunity for our bankers to provide a simple understanding of the process of borrowing money, paying interest and paying off debt in order to build a solid future.” The Lemonade Day program culminates in the real-world experience of participants going into business by setting up their lemonade stand on Saturday, May 11. Participating youth earn real money and use 100 percent of their profits to spend, save and share based on their goals. “Our future is our children,” Sullivan says. “If we do not take the time to educate and provide financial literacy to our youth, the future is uncertain.” Youth can register to participate in Lemonade Day Coastal Bend for free and have access to digital workbooks to support them in the process of starting their lemonade stand business. “The ultimate goal of Lemonade Day is to ensure our future

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNITED CORPUS CHRISTI CHAMBER

The seventh annual Lemonade Day Coastal Bend empowers youth to learn financial literacy through a lemonade stand. SPECIAL TO INSPIRE COASTAL BEND

THANK YOU, LEMONADE DAY COASTAL BEND SPONSORS!

generation is financially sustained and that entrepreneurial aspirations are realized,” says Dr. Gilda E. Ramirez, vice president of small business and education for the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. “With the continued support of local businesses such as First Community Bank, Lemonade Day will continue to impact youth in our community for many years to come.”

Presented By: United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Foundation Big Squeeze: La Palmera Mall, Flint Hills Resources, KRIS Communications Main Squeeze: H-E-B Fresh Squeeze: First Community Bank, Radiology Associates, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Lemon Drop: Stewart Title, TVV MediSpa Stand Sponsors: Corpus Christi Association of Realtors, Herrman + Herrman PLLC

LEMONADE DAY IS A NATIONWIDE EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE THAT INTRODUCES YOUTH TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP, TEACHING THEM HOW TO START, OWN AND OPERATE THEIR OWN BUSINESS: A LEMONADE STAND.

*Sponsors confirmed at time of print.

About First Community Bank Rooted in South Texas, First Community Bank is a bank that knows, understands and serves the residents and businesses of the Coastal Bend. Since the first bank opened in Alice, Texas, in 1983, First Community has grown to include 10 banks in Kingsville, Portland, Padre Island, Rockport and Victoria, with the headquarters and Home Loan Center located in Corpus Christi. When customers bank with First Community, their deposits are reinvested in homes and businesses in South Texas, helping families and business owners succeed. Together, we’re making a positive impact on the economy in our region.

To learn more about participating in or supporting Lemonade Day Coastal Bend, please visit www.coastalbend. lemonadeday.org. And for information on becoming a member of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, please visit www.unitedcorpuschristichamber.com or contact Efrain Franco Jr. at 361-881-1800.

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

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EXPRESSIONS OF INSPIRATION

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program helps preserve and enhance the Coastal Bend’s natural resources. By: JESSICA DUSEK

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CBBEP

“WE WANT PEOPLE OUT THERE, ENJOYING THE BAY – we want them fishing or bird watching,” says Ray Allen, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program (CBBEP) executive director. For residents living in and around the Coastal Bend, fishing for redfish, dining on Gulf Coast oysters and bird watching are a few of the lifestyle benefits. The work CBBEP brings to the community helps preserve and enhance those experiences for locals and those visiting the area. Originally founded in 1993, as the CBBEP received support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and TCEQ (formally TNRCC). In 1999, they evolved into a nonprofit, in which Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program was created. With the added support of the Port Authority, local counties, cities and other like-minded organizations, they laid out their Coastal Bend Bays Plan: to protect, restore and enhance natural resources. “It’s really an attempt by the Environmental Protection Agency and the state to engage local people in managing natural resources,” describes Allen of the local efforts. Many estuaries exist throughout the 12 counties of the Coastal Bend, including the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge (northern boundary) and the Laguna Madre (southern boundary).

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Allen’s 25 years of expertise and his supportive staff have led the organization’s success, designing programs to educate residents and their children. “If you really want to engage the local folks who have the most to gain here, you really need to go beyond the regulatory approach,” he describes of their educational programs. “The basis of the program was to empower people. Gathering scientific data, their in-house and external scientists identify and measure a variety of projects. EDUCATING YOUTH AND PARENTS The 13,000-acre Nueces Delta Preserve was acquired in several purchases over many years, with the first parcel purchased in 2003 and the most recent in 2019. The Delta Discovery program is housed at the preserve and encourages youth to learn about surrounding natural habitats and ecosystems. Their Delta Discovery Program encourages youth to get out and get interactive. “Kids get so excited to see, touch and feel things in our environment they may have never experienced before,” describes Communications Director Kathryn Tunnell. The intention behind this program is education. Teachers and students get involved and increase resident education and exposure to the wetlands. PROGRAM GOALS INCLUDE:  Protect and restore the health and productivity of the bays and estuaries while supporting continued economic growth and public use of the bays.  Cultivate an outdoor school type of program to engage youth and develop environmental stewards for future generations, with the involvement and interaction of teachers and parents.  Further develop partnerships that support the necessity of watershed protection and preservation. Communications manager, Kathryn Tunnell, has served Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program since 2015. Telling the story of their organization and its impact, she contributes her perspective as a marine biologist, having graduated from Texas A&M University—Corpus

Christi. She re-quotes a long-time saying of Allen: “Healthy bays equals a healthy economy, and that equals a healthy quality of life.” “Anyone can pick up trash on the beach,” Tunnell says. “If you teach them (residents) about how it gets there, that is a whole other level of protection for the environment. My favorite part about working here is educating the younger generation. You have to get the youth to care.” At some point in time, residents will be directly affected by the work conducted by Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program. Whether it entails local shrimp or oysters found on the dinner plate or their work to protect migratory or colonial water birds such as heron, egret or pelican – their program holds significance to the treasured life of living in the Coastal Bend. “The work that we are doing protects the quality of life for everyone,” Tunnell advocates. AFTERMATH OF HURRICANES, METAL EXPOSURE AND OIL The development of the Port of Corpus Christi has led to a variety of different industrial activities over the years. While modern day environmental regulations and permitting has resulted in much cleaner operating plants, Nueces Bay remains contaminated with the metal zinc from the long-closed Asarco plant. This has led to the closure of commercial oyster harvesting in Nueces Bay by the State of Texas in order to protect public health. CBBEP has been working with various state agencies to continue to monitor the zinc contamination in the bay in the hope that contamination levels will eventually fall into the safe zone. Until then, safety precautions are in place to protect the public. “We are blessed in Corpus, where we have not had any significant oil spills,” Allen says. Vessel accidents do remain a concern. Their work with the Port of Corpus Christi and supporting agencies ensure the utmost safety is in place. Natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey specifically, stemmed a $22 million habitat restoration project on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. With applied restoration over the past few years, Allen reports that, although they still have much work to do, they’ve maintained a “successful track record – on time and on budget.”

CBBEP has been the top sponsor for the Coastal Bend Bays Foundation’s annual Earth Day Bay Day event for 20 years. Their Earth Day Event attracts over 10,000 attendees and is a great way to explore their program offerings. Giveaways and environmentally conscious education are provided each year. To learn more about CBBEP’s Earth Day event, Saturday Family Picnic Day and other outdoor educational programs, please visit www.cbbep.org. I N S P I R E C O A S TA L B E N D M A G . C O M

TRAVEL

CURBING BAD HABITS An update on curbside at CCIA By: KIM BRIDGER-HUNT

WHY CURB THE CHAOS NOW? For too long now, CCIA public safety officers have been going out to the curb during peak flight arrival times trying to make sure that no one gets hurt. Drivers are double, sometimes triple parked, while arriving passengers are coming out, trying to maneuver the crosswalks to get to the parking lot or to their pick up vehicle. It created an unsafe environment for everyone. And that’s just the beginning. We know from recent events around the nation and in other countries that airports can be targets for bad actors. Having a congested situation in front of the terminal makes it pretty tough to patrol and identify suspicious activity. If you’re old enough, you probably remember what happened in Oklahoma City back in 1995. That deadly incident stemmed from a truck parked in front of a federal building. The lessons learned from that horrific day in our nation cannot be forgotten. WHERE CAN I WAIT FOR PASSENGERS? Not at the curbside anymore. Because CCIA does not have a cell phone lot, the best solution was to open up part of the commercial parking lot to

THE MORE WE USE THE AIR SERVICE WE HAVE, THE BETTER OUR CHANCES OF GETTING MORE SERVICES IN THE FUTURE. drivers who are waiting for passengers. The section closest to the terminal is the short-term lot. Drivers can pull in there, grab a ticket at the gate arm, park in the lot and, as long as they don’t stay longer than 20 minutes, get out without paying a dime. If you have to exit and your passenger has still not arrived at the loading zone, you have the option of going into the short-term lot for another 20 minutes. This may not seem like the perfect solution for every driver, but it offers a safe place to wait and does not cost the customer money. WHY DOESN’T CCIA HAVE A CELL PHONE LOT? That’s a good question. It’s a fair question. And the answer is as simple as it is good and fair: Parking lots are expensive to build. They have to be well-lit, maintained and patrolled. CCIA is an enterprise fund, which means that airport managers have to generate revenue to keep operating. Investing airport money in infrastructure that does not generate revenue is a strain on the budget, and is particularly difficult for smaller airports. CCIA will have a cell phone lot in the future. And when that day comes, the 20-minute free parking will likely go away, never to be mentioned again. But in the meantime, we encourage you to use the 20-minute free parking to play by the rules and help CCIA keep our curbside clear for its intended use. We appreciate your choice to visit and FlyCCIA! And if that’s a choice you are not making, we ask that you consider using your hometown airport when you travel. The more we use the air service we have, the better our chances of getting more services in the future.

KIM BRIDGER-HUNT is the marketing manager at CCIA. For more information, contact her at kimb@cctexas.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CCIA

e are creatures of habit. We are conditioned to repeat our behavior even when it doesn’t bring the best results. We can know intellectually that what we’re doing is creating a bit of a mess, and yet, we still make the same decisions over and over again. At Corpus Christi International Airport (CCIA), we have helped create the chaos that has traditionally been our curbside environment. While the curbside in front of the terminal was never intended as a place to park and wait for a passenger, CCIA has chosen to be customer friendly and to allow people to wait as long as they do not leave their vehicle unattended. Adding to this complicity was the reality that under city ordinance, the airport did not have the authority to enforce active loading and unloading only. But that has changed. On May 1, CCIA began enforcing new rules approved by the city council back in March. Curbside at CCIA is now reserved for active loading and unloading only. That means that if your passenger has arrived and is waiting curbside, you can pull up there, stop the vehicle and even get out and help them load their luggage. Once the active loading is complete, you’re required to move along. The same is true if you are dropping off a passenger. The rules allow the driver to pull up curbside, stop the car and even get out and help the passenger get their luggage out and onto the sidewalk. But once the unloading is complete, the driver must move on.

Every business is different. We get that. That’s why we provide unique investment levels, designed to help you right where you are. Don’t just take our word for it.

Research Shows... Consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a business that is a Chamber member. Companies enjoy a 49% increase in consumer favorability rating for being a member of the Chamber.

Membership is valuable & affordable, with investment starting at less than $42 per month

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

The United Corpus Christi Chamber is your... PARTNER IN PROMOTION

Increase your visibility, get the word out, gain access to cost-effective and often free advertising for your business.

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United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce 602 N. Staples Street, St. 150 Corpus Christi, TX 78401

Looking for leads, networking and business showcase opportunities? You’ve come to the right place.

(361) 881-1800

BUSINESS ADVOCATE

For more information on Chamber membership contact Efrain Franco,

We are your voice on issues that affect business and we maintain direct contact with leaders in all levels of government. When you need change, we make change happen.

efrain@unitedcorpuschristichamber.com

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

TASTE

Sweet and Savory

How to make fresh tomato galette

INGREDIENTS:

Tomato jam: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/4 cup tomato paste 3 Roma tomatoes, diced 1/2 medium red onion, diced 1 garlic clove 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Dough: 3 cups flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon sugar 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes 3/4 cup ice cold water Galette assembly: 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced Pint of assorted cherry tomatoes, halved 1 egg, beaten Dried oregano and/or basil to sprinkle over the top INSTRUCTIONS:

1/ The dough will need to rest for 30 minutes, so make it first: To the bowl of a stand mixer or a mixing bowl, add flour, salt and sugar. Add cubes of butter, and mix or press with your fingers until the butter pieces resemble pea gravel. Slowly add ice water (without ice) to the mixture and allow a cohesive dough to form. Remove the dough from the bowl, and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for half an hour.

2/ Add olive oil to a pan over medium heat. Add diced onions, and cook down until lightly browned. Add tomato paste, and allow the sugars to caramelize about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the diced Roma tomatoes, along with garlic, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper. Turn the heat to low, and stir occasionally, allowing the tomato jam to reduce until a you have a chunky, but spreadable jam. Set aside to cool. 3/ Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Roll cold dough out on a floured surface until you have a large oval, approximately 1 1/2 feet in diameter. But it does not have to be even: A galette should be beautifully rustic in appearance and imperfectly shaped. 4/ Spread tomato jam over rolled dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Top with sliced heirloom tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes, and arrange them attractively. Fold the edges of dough up over the tomatoes slightly, but do not cover the center, pressing the folds into place. Brush the crust with egg. Sprinkle with dried herbs. 5/ Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and flaky. Serve warm.

For more information, visit www.mandyashcraft.com.

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Imagine summer’s juiciest tomatoes piled high on a sweet-but-savory homemade tomato jam and baked into a nest of flaky, buttery pastry crust. Imagine no more! You can make your own tomato galette in a few easy steps. The next time you’re eyeing some of the garden-grown beauties at the Corpus Christi Downtown Farmers’ Market, you’ll know what to do. By: MANDY ASHCRAFT Photo by: DUSTIN ASHCRAFT

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CARING CONNECTIONS

CASA of the Coastal Bend advocates for children in foster care in our community. By: SAMANTHA KOEPP-STEMPLINGER

“Biology makes us mothers and fathers; what’s in the heart makes us moms and dads.” – KEVIN HEATH The words, “mother” and “father,” hold many meanings that resonate differently from one person to the next. We form our associations with these roles based on our own relationships. While society has given us ideas of what characteristics should be displayed from those who have these titles, there are countless factors that can affect how one accepts this responsibility – seeing it as a privilege or something much different.

not know how to provide for their children’s needs. “Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents.” – ABRAHAM LINCOLN Most children love their parents unconditionally. A majority of children in foster care yearn to go back home even if that means being surrounded by harm because they will be with their family. Children will sacrifice their own happiness to maintain a bond with the person they feel loves them, which is typically a parent, even if that sense of love is so far from what love really is.

“In some sense, every parent does love their children. But some parents are too broken to love them well.” – WM. PAUL YOUNG

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots – the other, wings.” – HODDING CARTER

It is not uncommon for the parents of children placed in foster care to have gone without positive parental figures in their own lives. Possibly lacking a positive upbringing, they did not have someone to help them build a solid foundation, preventing them from growing into protective guardians for their own children. Some of these parents view their children as an asset for meeting their own needs, while some have become so overwhelmed with the collapsing of the world around them that they do

Children who are in foster care have many adults concerned about their well-being; however, those adults are filling the professional role which they are required to fill by law. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) trains volunteers to not only be a voice for foster youth in court, but also to be a consistent positive role model for the children to whom they are court appointed. Volunteers are involved in advocating for a child’s medical and educational needs; they may take their CASA

In memory of Thom Walker, a great humanitarian, having volunteered with several organizations, but he will be best remembered for his passionate years of service with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). He will always be remembered for his compassion for children, his passion for justice, his integrity in his work, his instant humor and his beautiful voice in music.

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child to doctor visits or meet with teachers to discuss their progress in classes. Just as important, volunteers can help children create positive childhood memories by taking them to a baseball game or an art workshop. While the child does not reside with the CASA volunteer, but rather in a foster placement, a CASA is actively involved in the child’s life. They are someone the child can count on to be there for them consistently during their time in foster care. When these children in crisis look out to the sea of people in their lives, how beautiful it is that they are able to experience a genuine, caring connection when they easily find their CASA.

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“A family is not always where you’re from and you’re related; it is where you feel loved and cared.” – UNKNOWN As we approach Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, ask yourself about those you consider played these roles in your life. They may have not been your biological mother and/or father, but they what they contributed to your life created just as meaningful a connection. That’s what the children in foster care in our community need the most: caring connections. There are hundreds of children in the Coastal Bend who have never experienced what it is like to have a mother or father in the sense of what our society defines those roles to provide. Regardless if you are a parent, there are children in our community who need a positive adult relationship in their lives. Every child has a chance: It’s you.

For more information, visit www.coastalbendcasa.org.

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