In Episode 3 of In Focus, the member-exclusive podcast of the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, VP of Membership Gloria Fuentes sits down with Aaron Hemi, Director of Communications for Corpus Christi FC.

As Corpus Christi’s first professional soccer team, Corpus Christi FC is bringing a new level of energy, opportunity, and community pride to the Coastal Bend. From building a fan-driven organization to creating pathways for local athletes, the team is shaping more than just a game — it’s building a movement.

Aaron shares insights on:
• What it takes to launch and grow a professional sports team in Corpus Christi
• How communications, marketing, and partnerships work together to build brand awareness
• The game-day experience and what fans can expect at matches
• Opportunities for local businesses to get involved and gain exposure
• How Corpus Christi FC is connecting with the community and inspiring the next generation of players

From nonstop match energy to meaningful community engagement, this episode highlights how Corpus Christi FC is growing the game while bringing people together across the Coastal Bend.

🎙️ In Focus is a member-exclusive spotlight from the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce—exploring the people, purpose, and progress behind the businesses shaping our region.

Welcome back to The Next Wave — a United We Podcast spotlighting young professionals and the impact they’re making across the Coastal Bend.

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Granbury, a maritime transportation student at Texas A&M University–Galveston, to talk about turning a lifelong passion for the water into a real career. From growing up surfing and sailing in Corpus Christi to training on ships and crossing the Atlantic, Jacob shares what it’s really like to pursue a life at sea.

We talk about:
• What maritime careers actually look like behind the scenes
• The hands-on experience of training at sea and working on real vessels
• Leadership, organization, and bringing new ideas into traditional systems
• Why asking questions and following your passion matters more than having it all figured out

Whether you're exploring career paths or looking for something outside the traditional route, this episode is all about finding your direction — and chasing it.

This is The Next Wave. This is what’s next.

In this episode of The Brief, we sit down with Greg Smith — Coastal Representative on the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Board of Directors — to break down one of the most important (and often overlooked) issues impacting the Coastal Bend: windstorm insurance.

From recent legislative changes to how insurance rates are actually determined, Greg shares insight into what’s driving costs — and why, for the first time in years, there may be less pressure for rate increases.

We also dive into how the system works behind the scenes, including the “funding stack,” reinsurance, and how risk is shared across the state — all of which directly impact the cost of living for homeowners and businesses along the Texas coast.

Beyond policy, Greg offers practical advice for policyholders, including what to look for in your coverage, how to manage rising premiums, and why your roof may be the most important investment you make before the next storm.

Topics include:

• Why windstorm insurance is such a major cost for coastal communities
• Legislative changes reducing pressure on insurance rates
• How reinsurance impacts premiums (and where that money goes)
• What policyholders should know about deductibles and valuation increases
• Why roof quality is critical to minimizing damage and claims
• How major storms and even localized events can impact the system

The Brief is where policy meets business — from City Hall to the state Capitol to Washington, D.C. — with a focus on jobs, infrastructure, and opportunity in Corpus Christi.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on the policies shaping our regional economy.