President's Letter
It has been a distinct honor
serving as
your United
Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce President/CEO over the last 90 days.During this time,
the Coastal Bend faced an extremely serious natural disaster with the threat and destruction
caused by Hurricane Harvey. I am deeply proud of our community's collective response. Your
Chamber and our business community member's were on the front lines serving everywhere
needed. The kindness and generosity displayed was extraordinary and exemplifies our re-
spective mission- Uniting business for a stronger Corpus Christi. As a result of the storm, our
Chamber offices immediately mobilized efforts to support outlying chambers after the storm,
coordinated relief efforts from our community and the USA to surrounding areas. We also im-
plemented a first of it's kind- Harvey Hero Initiative to recognize a sampling of our members
who went above and beyond in their efforts to help our community and neighbors. We know
that so many of you were incredibly generous and we are grateful to each and every one of
you. We are also continuing to plan a fundraiser - Business, Boots & BBQ to help small busi-
nesses in the Coastal Bend get back on their feet. United we stand for the Coastal Bend!
During the past 90 days we have also conducted two working staff retreats, special meet-
ings, lobbied the halls of Austin during the special session, planned and executed five Town
Hall Meetings, executed a successful Costal Bend to DC trip, traveled with the Port of Corpus
Christi to Midland/Odessa for an industry networking meeting, and participated in various
media events to promote our business community.
Looking ahead, we have many great events coming up in the next two months. Please plan
to join us on November 16 at Business, Boots & BBQ. This event will be held at the Ortiz
Center and will raise funds to help small businesses in the Coastal Bend area. Two weeks
later, join us in recognizing outstanding individuals, businesses and non-profits at our Annu-
al Meeting and Bizzy Awards event, which will be held on December 6 at the Ortiz Center.
The following week will be another exciting event, The State of the Port, which will highlight
the incredible progress made by the Port in 2017 and set the stage for an even more pros-
perous 2018. This event will be held on Thursday, December 14 at the Ortiz Center. Oppor-
tunities are still available to show your support for the chamber and attend our upcoming
events. For more tickets and more information, please call our office at 361 881 1800 or visit
unitedcorpuschristichamber.com. These are important and exciting opportunities and we are
asking for your support.
As we move forward, you will be hearing a great deal more from your United Corpus Christi
Chamber of Commerce about our work over the next three years. All of the feedback from our
Town Halls will set the foundation for a strategic plan
and guide our work moving forward.
My Best,
If you are
a member of the UCCCC, thank
you. If not,
please join our efforts and learn how we can help your
business grow.
CLEO RODRIGUEZ
President & CEO, United Corpus
Christi Chamber of Commerce