February was defined by a singular focus: building an interconnected ecosystem of opportunity. From empowering our youngest entrepreneurs to architecting regional workforce solutions, the work happening across the Coastal Bend is intentional, collaborative, and moving with incredible momentum.

Cultivating the Next Generation: Lemonade Day 2026

As a two-time National Goal Getter Award recipient, our committee is shifting gears toward our 2026 expansion. We aren’t just teaching kids to sell a drink; we are building a pipeline of future business owners across five counties.

Our 2026 Growth Targets:

• 1,500 Youth Participants

• 200 Lemonade Stands

• $50,000 Fundraising Goal

Following a high-energy kickoff at In the Game Funtrackers, we’ve already secured 68 registrations and over $17,000 in support. We are now scaling our volunteer and mentor recruitment to ensure every stand in Corpus Christi, Robstown, Kingsville, Alice, Portland, Sinton, and Ingleside has the professional guidance needed to succeed.

The Chamber is one of the few places where people from all walks of life can come together around a shared purpose. It is not about politics. It is about progress, pride, and partnership. From hosting networking events and educational programs to advocating for business-friendly policies and supporting community initiatives, our work touches every corner of the Coastal Bend. It is about showing up for one another and for the city we all call home.

Workforce Architecture: Employer-Led Solutions

The Education & Workforce Committee is moving beyond theory into actionable talent systems. This month, we advanced strategies to bridge the gap between education and industry:

• Coordinating multi-agency career fairs to streamline hiring.

• Developing foster-youth-friendly frameworks to ensure inclusive workforce entry.

• Elevating regional visibility through national conference selections and CTE grant advocacy.

Calendar Update: To better serve our partners, Economic Empowerment Committee meetings are now held the 4th Thursday of each month at 9:00 a.m.

Small Business Vitality & Strategic Partnerships
Economic empowerment requires lowering the barriers to entry for small businesses. Through the Doing Business with Giants program via the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center, we are providing local entrepreneurs access to competitive grant opportunities.

We are also strengthening our ties with Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi to foster mentorship between established leaders and emerging business students.

Leadership & Advocacy: Expanding Our Influence
Continued professional investment ensures our region remains competitive in a shifting political and economic landscape. I recently completed the Winter Basic Economic Development Course in Houston, focusing on site selection strategy and infrastructure planning, essential tools for bringing new investment to the Coastal Bend.

Furthermore, I am honored to begin my term on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the Heart of Texas. Under the 2026 theme, “Your Trust. Our Mission,” I am committed to advancing marketplace ethics and fostering collaboration across our regional business community.

Defining Our Economic Future

Economic development isn’t guesswork; it’s a series of intentional wins at every level. Whether it’s a student launching their first stand or a corporation refining its talent pipeline, the momentum we are building today defines our region’s prosperity tomorrow,

Join the Movement: We are looking for leaders to join our Lemonade Day, Education & Workforce, and Economic Empowerment committees. Your expertise is the missing piece in our next big project.
Contact Hope Rangel at hope@unitedcorpuschristi.org or our office at 361-881-1800 for more information.