< Previous18 COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDElongevity and resiliency. I see it going nowhere but up, in both the natural gas markets and in crude petroleum markets. So, that piece of it is as robust as you could possibly imagine.I think the areas that could use a boost are in the area of downtown urban revitalization. And I would love to develop an inland port in the northwest part of our county. What are the region’s best assets?CANALES: Well, No. 1, our estuary. We just have this unbelievable, natural, God-given shoreline and it is home to flora and fauna — but heavy on the wildlife side — and it is a billion-dollar industry. And so, tourism and eco-tourism are obvious. It’s just naturally beautiful here. Couple that with the Gulf of Mexico at our back door and a National Seashore, and it’s just amazing. The second thing is we have an abundant supply of natural gas. Coupled with our deep water, that is an amazing recipe for manufacturers, energy and petrochemical companies alike. We have those assets because of geography, but also because of the good investments we’ve made. We’re focused on clean air attainment and we want to do everything we can to maintain that because that continues to attract the businesses to our economy. Finally, our people. South Texas has a rich and unique history. It’s a great place to live, work and play. We’ve watched our university grow by leaps and bounds. There’s a big, untapped market here. We’re still that jewel on the coast that’s yet to be discovered. From your perspective, what industries have the most promise in Nueces County and the surrounding region?CANALES: I think the biggest opportunities are in developing and diversifying our economy. I’d like to see it move into technology. With our institutions of higher learning, we have over 24 engineering disciplines in Texas A&M-Kingsville and we have eight at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. But we also have the unmanned aircraft systems programs and the Harte Institute for Marine Science. We’re STEM driven here in our higher education institutions. We have what people want in the tech world: a beautiful place to live; institutions that would be amenable to research; and a government and cabinet with tools that can foster economic incentives. I want to give you a great example for tourism and eco-tourism. It’s part of our business world that we thrive on here in in Nueces County, and it’s got a lot of room to grow. In Port Aransas alone, we have a new billion-dollar “I am really excited about the ‘four corners.’ That’s what I call the districts.”— Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 19phase-two construction of a high-end hotel conference center.I am really excited about the “four corners.” That’s what I call the districts. There’s an industrial corner with energy and petrochemical, the northwest corner where there’s an inland port and connectivity to our port by rail and highway, then there’s this amazing other side of our community that’s all about new housing and new commercial development. That’s what I call our south side, and then you’ve got the island as the fourth corner. That is completely dedicated to living a certain way, a recreational way of life. It has a nexus to business. There’s a whole water exchange bridge that’s going to be developed that will connect the canal to the Gulf of Mexico’s deep water. That’s a haven to attract new marinas and new recreational sailing and fishing companies. What do you want corporate decision makers and site selectors to understand about your community?CANALES: We want them to know that we are the perfect place to come and do business in a state that makes business its No. 1 priority. We have the research institutions, the community colleges to foster a strong workforce, a beautiful environment and a collaborative form of government that is ready to open the door to make this the best economic platform for a new company to come in and do business. “We have what people want in the tech world: a beautiful place to live; institutions that would be amenable to research; and a government and cabinet with tools that can foster economic incentives.”— Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales PHOTO BY CARMYN SUZOR20COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDEocated on a 240-acre semi-tropical island, Texas A&M–Corpus Christi is as much a bastion for nature as it for learning. Texas A&M–Corpus Christi is a nationally recognized university that has built a reputation for research, not to mention its highly skilled graduates. The university was recently classified as a Tier 2 research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions. Every year, the university enrolls more than 12,000 students — 9,960 undergraduate students and 2,242 graduate students. The university has been ranked among the Top 20 Colleges for Hispanic Students in Texas and among the Best in the Nation by U.S. News and World Report for its online graduate nursing school. Other programs like its elementary teacher prep program and its business and accounting degree programs have also received recognition. We spoke with Dr. Kelly M. Quintanilla, President and CEO of Texas A&M–Corpus Christi about the university’s role in building up the Coastal Bend community. Can you tell us about some of the more exciting developments happening at TAMU-CC? DR. KELLY QUINTANILLA: Being recognized as a Tier 2 research institution is huge for us. It shows that our efforts to expand our research capabilities are paying off and we are making an impact in our region and beyond. It means our students are getting valuable hands-on experiences.Our partnerships with businesses and industries also are exciting. This community has done so much to support the University throughout our history, and we are proud to be able to collaborate and offer something back to our partners.We are actively working to make Corpus Christi a college town. We are expanding our presence throughout the community, particularly downtown. We want this community to make the Island University their Island University, regardless of where they went to college. After all, that is one of the many benefits of having a four-year institution in your community. It’s also exciting and rewarding to see our graduation numbers growing. In 2018, we awarded 2,386 degrees and a full 50 percent were awarded to Hispanic students. First-generation college graduates accounted for 42 percent of the degrees awarded. That’s great news for our region.LTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY CORPUS CHRISTITexas A&M University–Corpus Christi campusPHOTO: EDGAR DE LA GARZA | EDGAR.DELAGARZA TAMUCC.EDU LEARNINGON THEby SAVANNAH KING COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 21The engineering program has had some significant expansions over the last couple of years. How has the program grown and how does this translate into fueling workforce needs in the region? QUINTANILLA: Corpus Christi is a port city and we strive to support the needs of our local industries through several partnerships. We actively work with the Port of Corpus Christi and our local refineries and related industries to identify areas in which we can partner through research, internships, and projects. Through these relationships, we developed the academic programs in mechanical and electrical engineering, and we are working on adding civil and industrial engineering in the near future. We have grown to more than 600 engineering majors in the two existing programs and 45 percent of those students are Hispanic. That’s 10 percent above the national average of Hispanics enrolled in engineering programs. It’s also very significant that 85 percent of our engineering graduates are employed within the state after graduation and 50 percent are employed right here in the Coastal Bend region.In our most recent economic impact report, the university’s activity is responsible for the creation of 6,651 jobs and we employ nearly 3,000 people. Experts estimate that every 1,000 students we enroll equals 895 new full-time jobs in the Coastal Bend. As our enrollment grows, we expect our economic impact to increase not only in the service sector jobs but also in professional job categories.What are your biggest goals for the coming year? QUINTANILLA: This is a legislative year, so we are asking for start-up financial support for new civil and industrial engineering programs. Our growth over the last decade has been spectacular (32.4 percent), so we are beginning to run out of space. We are seeking approval and funding for a new Arts and Media Building to support our growth in these areas and to provide our students and faculty with the types of spaces they need. This spring, we are opening a new building for life sciences and related research in support of similar growth and our focus on research. Our research expenditures exceed $28 million and we were recently classified as a Tier 2 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Higher Education Institutions. That means we conduct a high level of regional research that has the potential to impact the nation and the world.We also are continuously working on providing an educational environment that truly fosters student success. Our goal is to demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to every student’s success at an affordable cost.What do you wish more people knew about Texas A&M-Corpus Christi? QUINTANILLA: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi provides excellence in your own backyard. We have nationally recognized programs, outstanding, caring faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and division I athletics. The Island University offers a great education in a beautiful setting. Our university is affordable, and we offer big school opportunities with a personal touch. You won’t feel lost here; you will be part of our Islander family. You will have every opportunity to make an Islander Impact. Dr. Kelly M. Quintanilla“We are actively working to make Corpus Christi a college town. We are expanding our presence throughout the community, particularly downtown.”22 COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDEby SAVANNAH KINGThere’s a New Leader In KingsvilleTEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–KINGSVILLEn November 2018, Dr. Mark Hussey was confirmed as the new president of Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Hussey’s history with the university goes back more than three decades, where he served as a professor, Vice Chancellor and Dean Emeritus before taking on the mantle of president. “One of the most exciting things about being president at a university with such an important legacy, is being able to witness the impact that our programs and graduates continue to have on south Texas and beyond,” says Hussey.We spoke with new president about his goals for the university and the surrounding community. You’ve been very involved with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for a long time. Tell us a bit about these programs. DR. MARK HUSSEY: The work and research that takes place in our College of Agriculture and Natural Resources impacts conservation and innovation state-wide. For more than 70 years the University’s Citrus Center in Weslaco has supported the $100-million Texas citrus industry by providing cutting-edge research that spans from pest control to the development of new varieties of citrus. In addition, the College’s Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute leads the state in wildlife research, developing conservation and management techniques relevant to Texas landowners. Similarly, our King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management offers the only ranch management master’s degree in the world and prepares our students to manage some of the largest ranching operations in the country. Perhaps one of our most innovative programs is the National Natural Toxins Research Center — the only federally funded viper research center in the nation. Our goal to provide opportunities for our students to discover new ideas and methods in their pursuit of excellence is at the core of our mission. We encourage our students to participate in experiential learning that is rooted in innovation. How have the various engineering programs grown and how does this translate into fueling workforce needs in the region?HUSSEY: The College of Engineering has a legacy of pioneering research and innovation and producing excellent engineers. As an example, Dr. Frank H. Dotterweich, the founding dean of our College of Engineering and the man for whom the College is named, was a pioneer in natural gas engineering. We have earned accreditation for all our undergraduate programs in the College, including: Architectural engineering, chemical engineering, Texas A&M University-Kingsville has a new leader with a vision for the future and the region.ITexas A&M University–Kingsville campusPHOTO COURTESY OF TAMUK COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 23electrical engineering, environmental engineering, computer science, and industrial management, and technology.The majority of our engineers remain in Texas after graduating, which means we are playing a significant role in shaping the future of energy and innovation across the state. Nearly three-fourths of our graduates are employed or are continuing their education one year after graduating. We are particularly proud of the fact that we are preparing our students for successful careers and that the education they receive here truly is transformational. Our graduates earn some of the highest starting salaries in South Texas. According to Payscale, Texas A&M University-Kingsville ranks 13th among the state’s public institutions for starting salaries. We also rank in the top 10 in Texas on CollegeNet’s Social Mobility Index, which measures how well universities education individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and graduates them into good paying careers. Lastly, I want people to know that Javelina Nation is a warm and welcoming community. I would invite everyone to visit our beautiful campus and experience our family atmosphere. You will learn that our students are top-notch and are being prepared for exciting futures which will help them contribute to the economy and the future of south Texas, the state, and nation. Dr. Mark Hussey24 COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDEel Mar College’s workforce development programs are fueling the job market in the Coastal Bend region.Industrial and petrochemical jobs make up the largest segment of the employment market in the region and promise to continue to be in the years to come. With $50 billion in new and upgraded industrial investment injected into the region in recent years, careers in this growing field offer employees steady work and good salaries. “These jobs and opportunities are just going to continue to grow,” says Lenora Keas, Del Mar College Vice President of Workforce Development and Strategic Incentives. “When you look at the number of jobs and the average salary for the jobs that these pay after a few years — it’s easily $100,000 a year with benefits — in a very nice stable career track and it provides well for a family.” The college offers several workforce credentials, certificates and degrees relevant to the petrochemical industry including petroleum processing technology, industrial rotating equipment mechanic, nondestructive testing, industrial machining, industrial instrumentation technology, chemical process technology, among others. On DMC’s West Campus, students can learn in a hands-on environment thanks to the campus’ Workforce Development Center. The 48,870-sq.-ft. center was recently completed and includes a new instrumentation analysis lab, as well as new space for DMC’s millwright program and space for the burgeoning Process Technology and Instrumentation programs. Keas says local industries are eagerly hiring students, especially millwrights, to work in these high-paying jobs. “These people are getting hired almost before we can complete the program,” she says. “That program came as a request from industry. They said, ‘We’re Del Mar College is working with local industry to ensure highly skilled workers are ready and available for the jobs of today and tomorrow.by SAVANNAH KINGDDEL MAR COLLEGEStudents exploring a distillation plant. PHOTO COURTESY OF DEL MAR COLLEGEhaving to hire people and train them ourselves to get the skill level we need.’ One of our biggest challenges and one of the best parts of our program is that in all these fields, we hire people with experience in that area. Our faculty and instructors have worked for 20 to 30 years in their fields.”The new, $14.7-million center and the adjacent glycol distillation pilot plant and control room give students a unique advantage as they learn. The distillation plant was constructed in 2016 and gives students the invaluable opportunity to work and learn in a real-world, hands-on facility. “We’re very fortunate in that we have a $1.4-million glycol distillation pilot plant and control room, which works as if it were a small operating plant,” explains Keas. “Students can learn and work in exactly the same facility as they would on the shipping channels. Those facilities were funded by the Corpus Christi Type A Board funds, and we just received another $2.36-million grant from the City of Corpus Christi to build an ethylene cracker facility, and we’re going to build other skid units for operations. Students can actually learn to apply their skills on our West Campus, and they leave here with hands-on experience.”In October 2018, DMC was awarded over $1 million in Skills Development Fund grants from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). With the grants, DMC will provide customized credentialed training for employees at local industries including MMR Constructors Inc., Brand Energy Solutions LLC and TPCO America Corp. Inc. “These Skills Development Fund grants enable Del Mar College to upscale employees in technical skills and contribute to the growth in the region,” said Mary Afuso, DMC director of corporate services. “In turn, the partnerships with industry help us develop new, cutting-edge programs for students because it’s what industry needs. It’s not just theory.”In May, DMC received another $1 million from software and services provided by OSIsoft LLC to support workforce development. Through the company’s PI system, students will learn how to analyze industrial operating information and develop solutions for manufacturing operational issues. “OSIsoft LLC is pleased to offer our PI System for use at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas,” said Jim O’Rourke, Academic Account Manager with OSIsoft LLC. Del Mar College (DMC) was named by Southern Business and Development magazine as one of the “Best Community Colleges for Workforce Training in Texas.”26 COASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDEINNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIPPHOTO COURTESY OF AXOMCOASTAL BEND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 27hen Liza Wisner and Jonathan Swindle partnered to create Axom Foundry in Corpus Christi, they quickly realized how vital a resource their company would become. “We’re trying to do different things to bring the community together,” says Swindle. “Whether it is doing freelance work, consulting or entrepreneurship, we offer a more modern approach to doing businesses and fostering innovation.”Founded in November 2017, Axom Foundry is a coworking space in downtown Corpus Christi and is designed to inspire networking. Axom is the latest evolution of the company’s platform and is designed to equip entrepreneurs with tools, networking and more. Several new programs have been created including live streaming information sessions, a Startup Weekend, film festival and several other partnerships. “We’re going for a more digital community environment,” Wizner says. “Less people are interested in having a physical space. So, we’ve adapted and made it a social site, a social community for Corpus Christi, and we’re heavily investing in that now. We’re working to connect people to the resources they need.”One of Axom’s biggest successes to date is with a film studio startup called Pomegranate Productions. Taylor Carmona worked with Axom to create her business and through networking events found a cast and crew for her first films. Carmona said her businesses was able to grow and be creatively successful thanks to the people she met through Axom’s networking events. “When you come to Axom, we say, ‘Here are all the doors.’ And we start to knock on them,” says Swindle.Another asset for small businesses and startups can be found on campus at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center (CBBIC) opened in 2008 and serves as a catalyst for innovative business in the region by providing business advice for the entrepreneurial process and support for the creation of sustainable businesses at every stage in development. The program consists of four levels: pre-incubation, incubation, acceleration and post-graduate.There are currently more than 29 companies at the center in various industries including health care, merchandise, design, technology and more.“We pride ourselves on supporting innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and in our community,” explains Dr. Kelly M. Quintanilla, President and CEO of Texas A&M–Corpus Christi. “Our Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center offers office space and mentorship to people who want to develop new businesses, including assistance with development of a business plan. Several of these businesses have flourished to the point that they moved into larger facilities as their businesses grew.” by SAVANNAH KINGWInnovation Unbound Next >