METR A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | April 2022
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ANNUAL LUNCHEON Highlights of the Annual Board Installatoin & Awards Luncheon
LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD Learn more about the 2022 Leadership Bakersfield class sessions
RIBBON CUTTINGS Celebrate important milestones of fellow Chamber members
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SHOP LOCAL, SHOP NOW Celebrate Women's History Month and women-owned businesses
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ADVOCACY REPORT
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NEW MEMBERS
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Find out all the ways we are advocating on your behalf
Welcome our new Chamber members
COVER PHOTO
2022 Annual Board Installation & Awards Luncheon. Pictured left: Derek Jeffery, and right: Rick Jhaj. Cover photo by April & Co.
CONTACT US
1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakochamber.com
11 Metro is the official publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. This publication is produced and digitally distributed to the Chamber’s membership at the beginning of each month. Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is correct and accurate as of the publication date. Metro does not warrant the accuracy or claims of its advertisers. The Chamber President/CEO has the sole right to refuse any advertisement. Please send any comments, questions, article suggestions or advertising inquiries to jscheiber@bakochamber.com. © Copyright 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited. METRO | PAGE 3
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fter a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Chamber hosted its 2022 Annual Board Installation and Awards Luncheon on March 11. More than 350 people attended this exceptional event at Seven Oaks Country Club where attendees were able to socialize with business and community leaders. This marked the first in-person event for the Chamber for 2022. At the event, Rick Jhaj of Countryside Corp., was installed as the 2022 Chairman of the Board. With his induction, Jhaj became the first Sikh-Indian American Board Chair in the Chamber’s 102-year history. “The Chamber serves as our region's unwavering champion, convener of leaders and catalyst for positive change,” said Jhaj. “I've seen firsthand the collective power of the Chamber and our members to improve Bakersfield, and I’m honored to be appointed by my peers and neighbors to help lead our organization forward this year.” The volunteers and community partners who helped make the Chamber’s signature events, programs and advocacy successful were also honored. Norma Dunn, of Kern Women’s Business Center, was named as Volunteer of the Year and Valley Strong Credit Union received the Chamber Champion Award. Associated Builders and Contractors, Bakersfield Association of REALTORS®, Home Builders Association of Kern County, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Builders Exchange, Kern County Farm Bureau, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern EDC and Kern Tax were all honored as our Community Partners of the Year. The Chamber would also like to thank our 2020-2021 Chairman of the Board, Derek Jeffery of KGET-TV 17, for his service and support.
METRO | PAGE 4
Above: 2020-2021 Chairman of the Board, Derek Jeffery and 202
2020-2021 Chairman of the Board, Derek Jeffery and 2019 Chairwoman of the Board, Darlene Mohlke
Community Partner of the Year Valley Strong Credit Union Award accepted by Nick Ambrosini (right)
Volunteer of the Year Norma Dunn, Kern Women’s Business Center
Mayor Karen Goh
22 Chairman of the Board, Rick Jhaj
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Photos courtesy of April & Co. To see more photo highlights from the event, visit https://qrco.de/bcsPBm and enter password: 64088ChamberInstall.
METRO | PAGE 5
Class convenes after two-year hiatus
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fter a two-year hiatus, class was back in session for the 32 emerging leaders enrolled in Leadership Bakersfield’s Class of 2022. Representing a wide cross-section of the community, these individuals have demonstrated potential for leadership, a deep commitment to our community and a desire to assume greater responsibility. The two-day “Leadership and Business” class session began with a kickoff luncheon at The Padre Hotel on January 13. The program commenced with a touching invocaion by Harveen Kaur of the Jakara movement followed by an inspiring keynote address by community leader and retired Bakersfield Police Chief, Lyle Martin. After the welcome, participants returned to the Chamber to learn about their DiSC assessments and deepen their understanding of themselves and other personality types to improve teamwork and communication. In their follow up session on February 25, class members had the opportunity to learn about business, ethics and leadership with dynamic speakers Cherese Grell, Nate Olsen and Louis Gill. Later that afternoon, the class was given an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Temblor Brewing Co. with presentations from Don Bynum of Temblor and Chris Perier of Lengthwise Brewing Company where they learned about the unique business, culture and collaborative business philosophy of our emerging local craft brewery market. The day concluded with class members working within their groups to design a project that fulfills a community need. The Chamber would like to thank Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Day Chairs Pawan Gill, County of Kern and James Yoro, Chain Cohn Stiles. Special thanks to program underwriter Chevron; day sponsor Chain Cohn Stiles; and to Golden Empire Transit District for providing the day’s transportation. -Pawan Gill, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Kern County Program Underwriter
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Leadership Bakersfield Class jumps into education
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he Leadership Bakersfield class got to experience how schools are shaping the next generation and preparing to keep up with ever-changing education standards to meeting the needs of all students. In a panel discussion, local Superintendents discussed the Kern Education Pledge and how schools and colleges work together with the community, from early education to career, to collectively prepare students for their futures in the workforce. Class members then rode a Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) bus where they heard from the Transportation Department about the logistics of safely and efficiently getting students to and from school in a cost-effective manner. Through tours, activities and by engaging directly with students and staff, the class learned how schools are incorporating special programming and career education, using state-of-the art technology, to prepare students for success. In addition, the class ate a nutritious breakfast prepared by the KCSOS Food Services Department and students at the Regional Occupational Center’s (ROC) restaurant prepared and served the class lunch! The class
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visited Tierra Del Sol, the Claude W. Richardson Center, the ROC, Bakersfield High School and Bakersfield College’s Launch Pad. At the Launch Pad, class members heard how Bakersfield College is empowering local entrepreneurs to use their skills and passions to create career opportunities for themselves. To wrap up the day, class members heard from NaTesha “T” Johnson from Outreach and Engagement at Bakersfield College and Dr. John G. Mendiburu, associate superintendent from KCSOS about being life-long learners, finding your purpose as a leader, and how business and education come together to prepare our community for the future. The Chamber would like to thank Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Day Chairs Kat Clowes, March Consulting; Amanda Frank and Curt Williams, Kern County Superintendent of Schools. Special thanks to program underwriter Chevron; day sponsor Kern County Superintendent of Schools; and to Golden Empire Transit District for providing the day’s transportation. -Curt Williams, Director, Kern County Superintendent of Schools
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METRO | PAGE 7
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Eric Steinback
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Lucy Trancoso
Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield I (661) 833-7415 lucy.trancoso@valleystrong.com
(800) 221-3311 • valleystrong.com Federally Insured by NCUA
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Grand Opening - New Location Bakersfield ARC 4500 California Ave. bakersfieldarc.org
Grand Opening Danielle Plotner State Farm Agency 2900 Calloway Dr., Ste. 404 drivewithmed.com
UPCOMING EVENT Celebrating One Year Anniversary Bakersfield CaliDental Date: Thursday, April 14 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 3318 Niles St.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com.
RSVP HERE
LABOR LAW & HR FORUM
INFO@BAKOCHAMBER.COM
Top 10 Issues Facing California Employers
THURSDAY, APRIL 21 8-10 A.M. $25 MEMBERS | $50 NONMEMBERS
Presenting Sponsor
Speaker Jerry Pearson METRO | PAGE 10
REGISTER TODAY
California employers are often caught in the middle of legal landmines. What are the issues most likely to lead to litigation? What are the most common mistakes that can land you in court? This Labor Law & HR Forum update will discuss the Top 10 issues facing California employers in 2022 and beyond. Join us for an interactive session with Partner and Employment Law Attorney Jerry Pearson of Young Wooldridge, LLP at the Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St.
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e celebrated Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day last month by highlighting women-owned businesses.
To gain financial independence and to achieve a work-life balance, more women are choosing to leave the traditional work narrative to run their own businesses. Kristi Windtberg and Nicole Lazzerini are close friends, entrepreneurs and so much more! Together they founded LVL Fitness, a fitness studio that offers a space for people to work towards their health goals.
Victoria Diffee, the owner of Victoria’s, a women’s retail store at the Marketplace, uses her passion for fashion to connect with women in the community. She believes that women are more than capable of running their own businesses.
“We women are very important in the world around us - not just as a mom, wife or daughter,” said Diffee. “I think we are very capable and we set "I encourage women to positive examples for the people around us.” pursue their business
dreams, even if it scares them. Take the risk."
“If you want to start your own business, find another woman that has opposite strengths but the same work ethic to help you start,” said Windtberg. “It’s a great pairing. We have children, husbands and homes and all these other things on our plates and it all balances out.”
Women are leading businesses around the globe and in Bakersfield. However, they can’t succeed alone.
“You can support women-owned businesses by shopping, referring and sharing on social media,” said Samano.
Jasmin Samano is an agent who runs her own State Farm branch in downtown Bakersfield. She is also a mother, wife and active member of the community. While her days are typically full, she enjoys being a business owner and educating the community about insurance and keeping them protected. “This is where I need to be,” said Jasmin. “And I encourage women to pursue their business dreams, even if it scares them. Take the risk. What do you have to lose?” METRO | PAGE 11
ADVOCACY REPORT City Redistricting
2022 Ballot Propositions
This month, we worked with some of our local advocacy partners to engage on the City of Bakersfield’s redistricting process. This process is completed each decade to redraw the boundaries of City Council wards. Working with our members, we developed a set of principles we believed were important to our local business community. We did not endorse any specific map, but we believe the Council’s ultimate decision aligns with the majority of our principles. While we had geographic suggestions, we were focused on important process priorities. We urged the city to design a map that could withstand a legal challenge and judicial scrutiny. This is important as we did not want the city to have to spend taxpayer dollars to defend against a legal challenge. Furthermore, we wanted the city to maintain local control of redistricting. We want our local elected officials making decisions for our city, not unelected federal judges.
While no ballot measure will appear on the June ballot, we are following a few that are likely to appear in November: •
› •
Legislative Bill Tracking •
AB 257 (OPPOSE) – Would create a massive regulatory system for the fast-food industry by establishing an 11-member panel of appointees to set "sector wide standards on wages and working conditions." This would apply to franchises and corporate owned locations, ultimately hurting small business owners.
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SB 1044 (OPPOSE) – Would allow employees to leave or not show up to work if there is a “natural disaster” and they feel unsafe. Natural disaster is very broadly defined. For example, your entire staff could not show up to work today if they claimed they felt unsafe due to COVID. If you disciplined them, they could sue you, including for PAGA penalties.
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AB 1993 (OPPOSE) – Would require employers mandate employees and independent contractors who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to show proof of vaccination. Would apply to employers of all sizes.
METRO | PAGE 12
Authorized New Type of Gambling: Allows federally recognized Native American tribes to operate roulette, dice games, and on-line sports wagering on tribal lands, subject to compacts negotiated by the Governor and ratified by the Legislature. Authorizes private lawsuits to enforce other gambling laws.
The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act: Amends the California Constitution to require any new or higher tax be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature and a majority of the voters. For local taxes – twothirds approval by voters. It also requires any tax measure placed on the ballot, either at the state or local level, to clearly state if the tax is for general purposes or a specific and clearly defined service or program, how long it will be in effect, and the estimated cost of the tax. ›
•
Status: Qualified for the ballot.
Status: Circulating for signatures.
CA Fair Pay and Employer Accountability Act of 2022: Repeals PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act). Repeals 2004 law allowing employees to file lawsuits on behalf of themselves and other employees against employers to recover monetary penalties for certain state laborlaw violations. Replaces it with administrative enforcement through the Labor Commissioner’s Office. Eliminates Labor Commissioner’s authority to contract with private organizations or attorneys to assist with enforcement. ›
Status: Circulating for signatures.
SAVE THE DATE Saturday, April 23 | 6:30-8 p.m. Televised on KGET-TV 17
The Kern County Economic Summit is an annual program featuring economists and business leaders who provide valuable information designed to educate and broaden perspectives on international, national, and regional economies. Tune in and watch this premier program and discover ways to sustain and advance economic prosperity in our growing region.
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METRO | PAGE 13
Welcome New Chamber Members We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the companies that have joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Thank you for investing in our mission to Build a Better Bakersfield. Kern Tutoring 930 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 201 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-304-7637 kerntutoring.com “We provide one-on-one tutoring (in person or online) for grades Pk-12th.” Magnolia Place - Assisted Living & Memory Care Community 8100 Westwold Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-663-8400 MagnoliaPlaceCA.com "We offer assisted living and memory care. Magnolia Place residents receive loving personal care, exceptional service, an active events calendar, beautifully crafted spaces and the peace of mind of a care staff on site 24/7.”
Sandstone Goods + Training 1403 Allen Rd., Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93314 661-829-6811 sandstonegoods.com “A curated shop of unique local and responsibly sourced global goods for the mind, body and home.” WattEV Inc. 222 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Ste. 1785 El Segundo, CA 90245 949-916-2751 wattev.com “Our mission is to reduce the barriers for shippers and transporters wanting to transition to zero emission transport by removing all the unknowns and offering an all-inclusive truck as a service with a robust network of public truck charging stations.”
Monterrey International Promotions 3636 Pegasus Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-827-8297 promocionesmonterrey.com “We are a company based out of Bakersfield that produces large scale Hispanic events and concerts in the United States.” MV & Associates Real Estate 5329 Office Center Ct., Ste. 201 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-427-8454 mvandassociates.com “Real Estate Company owned and operated by one of Bakersfield’s youngest minority women looking to change lives through homeownership.” Nibbana Healthcare Inc. 1522 18th St., Ste. 207 Bakersfield, CA 93301 805-791-7167 nibbanahealthcare.com “We are a mobile Primary Care practice serving Kern County and surrounding areas. At Nibbana Healthcare the quality-of-care is patient-centered, comprehensive, team-based, coordinated and high value. Our focus is preventive and therapeutic medicine.”
METRO | PAGE 14
For more information about joining the Chamber or renewing your membership dues, please email info@bakochamber.com.
Renewing Members Thank you to our members who have reinvested in the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Your continued investment helps the Chamber continue its mission to Build a Better Bakersfield. 8minute Solar Energy - 2013 Aera Energy LLC - 1981 Bakersfield Electric Motor Repair, Inc. - 1967 Brown Armstrong Certified Public Accountants - 1985 California State University, Bakersfield - 1968 California Water Service - 1943 Courtyard by Marriott Hotel - 1997 Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors - 1929 Fresco Mexican Grill - 2017 Health Net, LLC - 2019 Inland Empire Job Corps Center - 2012 Kern Council of Governments - 1990 Kern County Medical Society - 1948 Kern Medical - 2014
Kern Print Services - 1973 Log Cabin Florist - 1962 Macpherson Energy Corporation - 2017 McIntosh & Associates Engineering, Inc. - 1990 O'Dell Cross, A Professional Corporation - 1991 Omni Family Health - 1986 Six23 Media - 2017 Snider's Inc. - 2021 Southern California Edison - 2012 Tejon Ranch Company - 1956 The Village at Seven Oaks - 2015 UBS/Financial Services - 1987 WCAC Operating Co. - 1988 Whitley Enterprises DBA Edible Arrangements - 2008 Wonderful Orchards - 1994
UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 2022 4.5.22 BYP Council 4 p.m. | Chamber
4.21.22 Labor Law & HR Forum 8 a.m. | Chamber
4.7.22 Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council 8 a.m. | Chamber
4.23.22 Kern County Economic Summit 6:30 p.m. | KGET-TV 17
4.12.22 Beautiful Bakersfield Committee 11:30 a.m. | Chamber
4.29.22 GRC Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber
4.26.22 Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber
METRO | PAGE 15
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS Young Wooldridge, LLP
2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Rick Jhaj Countryside Corporation Incoming Chairman Ken Keller Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital
For over 80 years, Young Wooldridge, LLP has provided clients with the best legal representation in Bakersfield and Kern County. Practice areas include business and corporate law, employment and labor law, personal injury, water law on behalf of water districts and public agencies, and estate planning. Our attorneys are experienced, dedicated, and determined to achieve the best results for our clients. We understand that every client who decides to work with us, depends on us. Young Wooldridge, LLP has been voted Best Law Firm for 10 straight years by the Bakersfield Californian Readers’ Choice Poll.
Immediate Past Chairman Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17
MAJOR INVESTORS
Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company Vice Chair Economic Vitality Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Hillary Haenes | Vice President, Member Engagement Kaelyn Peterson | Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Executive Director of BAKPAC Jean Scheiber | Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer
GET SOCIAL Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media platforms.
@bakochamber METRO | PAGE 16
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