Brought to you by
The Time is Now To See Highgate at Seven Oaks
HIGHGATE PLACE A community specifically designed to offer first-time home buyers and growing families the rare opportunity to live in a gated, master planned community in Seven Oaks. Castle & Cooke homes from the low $400,000s. Call 661-412-4857 HIGHGATE PARK With six stunning floor plans, home buyers have a wide range of architectural styles, layouts and options to choose from in this gated, Seven Oaks community. Castle & Cooke homes from the high $400,000s. Call 661-412-4857
HIGHGATE REGENTS Stress-free, active adult living and low maintenance Castle & Cooke homes. Regency Club private swim and fitness center. Seven floor plans from the high $300,000's. Call 661-829-1775
HIGHGATE ESTATES A separately
gated, exclusive community within Highgate at Seven Oaks. 47 spacious homesites from 15,000 to 32,000+ sq. ft. Luxury homes from six of Bakersfield's finest custom builders. Call 661-664-6533
Model Home Tours by Appointment
HIGHGATE SWIM & FITNESS CLUBHOUSE
Breathtaking private clubhouse accessible to residents of Highgate Place, Park, and Estates. Sparkling swimming pool, spa, fitness center, gourmet kitchen, meeting rooms, children's water spray park, tot lot playground, expansive park, amphitheater and basketball courts.
PARKSHIRE POOL & PAVILION
Located in Highgate Park, the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion offers recreational amenities like a resort-style pool with lap lanes, spa, pickle ball courts and more. And just like the Swim & Fitness Clubhouse, the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion is available to all residents of Highgate Park, Place and Estates.
Professionally Managed, Gated Community From the Original Creator of Seven Oaks
Ming Ave. and Allen Rd Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
HighgateSevenOaks.com
4 CEO MESSAGE
See how the Chamber is working on behalf of you - our members.
5 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD
And the winner is... See who was honored with a 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award.
6
BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD Learn more about the 2021 Business Person of the Year winner Jim Damian.
8
BOARD INSTALLATION
8
LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD
14
RIBBON CUTTINGS
16
6 8
Reserve your seats today for our Annual Board Installation & Awards Luncheon.
Class of 2022
Chamber announces the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2022.
Celebrate important milestones of fellow Chamber members.
MEMBER NEWS Discover the latest news and happenings with other members.
8
Cover Photo
Jim Damian, Stria 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Photo courtesy of: April &co.
Contact us
1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakochamber.com
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 2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
METRO | PAGE 3
MESSAGE FROM THE
T
he holiday season offers an unique opportunity for both reflection on the past year and looking forward to opportunities ahead. As we end another year dominated by the pandemic, it’s important to remember how far we’ve come. Last December, the situation in our local health care system and in our community was dire. Today, we’re seeing signs of not just improvement and coping Nick Ortiz with the pandemic, but real progress in this fight to finally put this virus, and the fear it has caused, behind us. As we look around at our economy, we see concerning signs about the future and stability of energy and agriculture, but also innovation and ingenuity that will ensure those industries continue to provide for both local families, and those across this nation, for a long time to come. We have a lot to be thankful for, and proud of in the Bakersfield-Kern region. At the Chamber, we’re spending the month of December, both finalizing and closing out projects from this year, and also planning what we believe will be an exciting 2022. From the complete return to in-person events and meetings, to exciting announcements about new initiatives to support our member businesses, to new benefits we’ll be rolling out for Chamber members – we’re energized by the opportunities in the year ahead. We’re also excited about the new volunteer leaders we’ll be inducting at our Board Installation and Awards Luncheon on Jan. 19 at Seven Oaks Country Club. We’ll be thanking Derek Jeffery, Vice President & General Manager, KGET-TV 17 for two challenging years as Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors; and we’ll be inducting Rick Jhaj, Owner/CDO of Countryside Corporation as our 2022 Chairman of the Board. Derek Jeffery is an impressive business executive and community leader, and the team at the Chamber has been lucky to have him guiding this organization over the last two years. Anyone who has met him knows not only his business acumen, his wit and sense of humor, but most importantly, his love for this community. He is one of the best leaders I’ve had the pleasure of working for. Rick Jhaj brings an impressive background, political chops and the background of helping to build a METRO | PAGE 4
thriving family-owned business. I have been extremely lucky to have the privilege of working for outstanding Chairmen and Chairwomen, and this upcoming year is no different. As we close out 2021, we’re still working hard to support our members and the community. Please check out our Shop Local, Shop Now campaign and support our local retailers and restaurants during the holiday season. This is the perfect way to support small businesses and ensure you have those holiday gifts for loved ones without worrying about shipping or supply chain woes. Please check out our upcoming issue forums on the local housing market and the state of health care. Finally, consider supporting one of our local nonprofit members, these vital service providers could use and would appreciate your support during this time. All of us at the Chamber wish you a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you in 2022! – Nick Ortiz President/CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Awards ceremony honors 15 winners for community contributions
Photos courtesy of April & Co.
And the 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Winners are… A Better Bakersfield Bakersfield Ready-Set Back 2 School Drive-Thru Backpack Giveaway Architecture & Renovation Kern High School District’s Career Technical Education Center Arts & Culture Creative Crossing Co-Create
Education Grow Public Schools
Nonprofit of the Year Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement Jacquie Sullivan
Small Business of the Year Hacienda Guerrero Catering
Health Jasmeet Bains, M.D.
Business Person of the Year Jim Damian
Humanitarian Group Southern Sierra Council, Boy Scouts of America
Corporation of the Year Urner’s
Humanitarian Individual NaTesha Johnson
Young Professional Heather Kimmel Youth Taylor Dougherty Chairman’s Award Sandy Morris
METRO | PAGE 5
Congratulations to the 2021 Business Person of the Year!
O
h, what a night! This year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards was part reunion, part awards ceremony and part pandemic counterbalance. Being honored as this year’s Businessperson of the Year was a particularly great honor, considering the uncertainty of last year. In the Spring of 2020, I remember sitting alone in Stria’s recently purchased (but most definitely not paid for!) office building on Jim Damian Mars Court. To say that I was nervous would be an understatement. Restaurants were shuttered. The price of oil was negative. The stock market was tanking. Even Disneyland was closed. Up was down, down was up and nothing was certain. The pandemic had forced businesses into a stutter-step sort of existence. We oscillated back and forth between functional and dysfunctional. Between open and closed. And between uncertain and really uncertain. During the toughest days of 2020, I found myself thinking about the countless number of Bakersfield entrepreneurs who have persevered through difficult times. After a bit of reflection, and more than a few phone calls to mentors, I realized that Bakersfield’s rich history of business leaders had already shown me what to do when times get tough. A path for navigating uncertainty was embodied by the leadership and tenacity of names that many of us know and admire. Names like Baker, Lemucchi, Burke, Hall, Kreiser, Karpe, Lake, Hanson, Panero, Varner, Barbich, Young, Bynum, Bock, Stinson, Garrison, Watson, Brock, Alexander, Wegis and probably a hundred more. The example set by local trailblazers and business mentors helped Stria and many other companies thrive during the pandemic. Without these examples, there would be no Stria and there would be no Businessperson of the Year award on my mantle. I am very grateful for our local mentors. In addition to mentors, I am grateful for Stria’s customers. I have always suspected that Stria has the best customers in the world. Seeing our customers stick with us through the uncertainty of last year proved my suspicion right. Our customers held fast during the craziest days of the pandemic, and for this, I am grateful. Someone recently asked me if I was proud of the award that I received. It’s hard to talk about what I’m proud of because I have a mindset that always looks toward improvement and growth; however, receiving this award has given me the opportunity to cast a glance backwards and see how
much Stria has grown with the community. I’m proud that Stria supports the backbone industries of Kern County. I’m proud of the jobs that our company has created. I’m proud to have helped foster an environment where any person with a desire to learn, a passion for work, and a can-do attitude can have a successful career. Even as a “successful” entrepreneur, the future remains mostly uncertain. Stria as a company is always evolving. What initially started as a document scanning business has developed into an all-around business-support resource. Stria runs mail rooms, creates software that cuts down on red tape within businesses and creates high-tech solutions to solve company’s most frustrating problems. In 2022, we will use the lessons from the past year as fuel to grow and evolve even more for the betterment of our staff, clients and community. I am deeply grateful to the Chamber for the award. As Bakersfield grows and changes it will be more important than ever to encourage and incubate our local entrepreneurs and businesspeople. Organizations like the Chamber are in a unique position to create relationships across industries, and I am proud to be spotlighted for an award for working in a community that I care about very deeply. Last year, my friend’s daughter started her own business (Vouge-ish in Downtown Bakersfield). I was so proud to see her work passionately to make her dream a reality. The first thing I did for her was to buy her a membership to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber because I know that no businessperson succeeds alone. It takes a supportive community to lift one another up. Everyone who attended the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards could see that it was a night of positivity and celebration, a night to celebrate the backbone of our community and the newcomers. I am glad to have received the award, but I know that my success is a result of the ample support I have received in this community. My goal is to pay this support forward as Bakersfield advances into an ever uncertain but always exciting future. – Jim Damian, Founder/CEO of Stria
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presented by
Media Sponsor
Broadcast Sponsor
Award Sponsor
Hospitality Sponsor
Audio Visual Sponsor
Category Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors The Bakersfield Californian California Resources Corporation Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock Deprigo, Inc. Golden Empire Transit District Kern Health Systems
Kern Medical Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al LeBeau-Thelen LLP Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation Pacific Gas & Electric Company Stinson’s
R
Celebrate the Chamber’s Leadership
eserve your seats today to the Chamber’s 2022 Board Installation and Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. This signature event serves as the annual installation of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Rick Jhaj, Owner/CDO of Countryside Corporation, will be installed as the 2022 Chairman of the Board. The event also honors the amazing volunteers who helped make the Chamber’s high-caliber events and programs successful. The winners of the Advocacy Partners of the Year, Chamber Champion and Volunteer of the Year awards will be announced. The event will be held at Seven Oaks Country Club, 2000 Grand Lakes Ave. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with the program following from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $75 per person, or $850 for a table of 10. To RSVP, please email info@bakochamber.com or call 661-327-4421.
Platinum Sponsors
A
MEET THE LB CLASS OF 2022!
fter more than a year-long hiatus due to the pandemic, the Chamber is excited to announce the LB Class of 2022! Throughout the 10-month program, which kicks-off on Jan. 13, the 32 participants, each from different industries and backgrounds, will discover more about their own leadership styles, build lasting connections, meet and interact with current leaders and more. Each of the 10 class sessions combines top-tiered speakers and panels, within key industries, exclusive tours
and hands-on activities to educate the class on the day’s topic. Participants will also utilize their talents and knowledge they have learned to design a project that fulfills a need within the community. Each year, these projects touch the lives of hundreds of people and bring in thousands of dollars to improve the local quality of life.
Tanya Alsheikh, Chain Cohn Stiles Johnny Baklini, Feghali Foods Kevin Bartl, First 5 Kern Denise Boshers, Grade 6 Oil Marcus Brown, California State University, Bakersfield David Brust, Clifford and Bradford Insurance Wilfredo Cruz, Community Action Partnership of Kern Crystal Diaz, Adventist Health Bakersfield Aaryck Enriquez, Urner’s Lauren Falk, California State University, Bakersfield Erika Flores, Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Center Leslie Friend, Laurel Ag & Water Hector Gutierrez, First 5 Kern Matthew Gregory, Bakersfield Police Department Justin Hiebert, Justin Hiebert Coaching, LLC Ed Jacobs, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Monica Jara Guerra, Grow Public Schools Ted King, Bakersfield Police Department
Jennifer Lavers, Adventist Health Bakersfield Christopher Leone, Hall Ambulance Everado Marquez, California Water Service Molly Mier, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Rebecca Moreno, Community Action Partnership of Kern Socorro Para, Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault Lizette Patterson, Cazador Consulting Group Gina Pearl, Kern County District Attorney Hadassah Perez, Kern Health Systems Michelle Sharp, Kaiser Permanente Kern County Amanda Steitz, Empire Management Group Eugenia Stewart, Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Ashley Tennant, Mission Bank Amanda Waters, Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
Submit your nominations today at bakochamber.com!
CATEGORIES
A Better Bakersfield An annual event or project that enhances the quality of life in the community. Architecture & Design The completion of a brand new interior and/or exterior building design integrating the environment with space and materials. Arts & Culture Efforts by a group or individual to improve and/or enhance the arts and culture within our community. Business Person of the Year A local business owner/manager whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community. Education Efforts by an educator, project or school/college that promotes or benefits education in our city at all levels. Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement A local long-time community leader, age 55 and over, who has made a lasting impact to Bakersfield and its residents. Health An individual, group or organization impacting healthy living - above and beyond their normal scope of activities - through education, prevention or medical services.
Humanitarian Group A group whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community. Humanitarian Individual An individual whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community. Large Business of the Year The recognition of a large business (26 employees or more) whose volunteer hours and/or financial donations have made a meaningful difference. Next Gen An individual or group in grades K-12 that, through personal involvement and endeavors, has answered the challenge of good citizenship. Nonprofit Organization of the Year Efforts of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that impacts the community. Renovation & Tenant Improvement The completion of a renovated design that upgrades an existing structure and/ or incorporates the use of landscaping to enhance the aesthetic value of the property. Small Business of the Year A small business (25 employees or less) whose contributions and/or products and services instill community pride. Young Professional An individual, age 18-40, whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Please Note:
Nominations must be for work completed in 2021 to be eligible for consideration. No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, March 4, 2022
SMARTER BUSINESS BANKING
Scan the QR code to learn more about how Valley Strong can help your business. METRO | PAGE 10
ENJOY UP TO
500
$
IN SAVINGS
*
Open a new Valley Strong Business Account before February 28, 2022 and receive:
• 6 Months of Free Business Checking • 6 Months of Free Desktop Remote Deposit • Free First Order of Business Checks, up to $150 Call (661) 833-7530 or visit valleystrong.com to learn how our local Business Banking team can help grow your business.
Grow Your Possibilities *Rates effective as of November 1, 2021. Open a new Business Membership with a $5 Share and any Business Checking account type with a $100 minimum opening balance. Desktop Remote Deposit requires enrollment in business online banking to activate the service. Compatible check scanner not provided. All rates, terms, and conditions subject to change. Visit valleystrong.com/business-checking-accounts or any branch location to receive our full rate and fee schedule. NCUA insured up to $250,000. Offer expires 2/28/2022.
Federally Insured by NCUA I Equal Opportunity Lender METRO | PAGE 11
T
hank you to Lino's Venue for hosting our Dec. 2 Holiday Breakfast Mixer. The Chamber was happy to welcome back more than 100 attendees at our first mixer since the pandemic began. Guests enjoyed breakfast items by Chef Lino and the opportunity to win amazing raffles prizes. Thank you to our sponsors! Bakersfield Hyundai ADAKC Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. Signature Home Lending Here's a look at some of the moments captured by April & Co.
HOLIDAY BREAKFAST MIXER
Local, SHOPNow ” Campaign
Chamber Launches “ SHOP
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber announced a new campaign to promote local businesses and encourage consumers to shop local for their holiday needs. To assist in this effort, the Chamber has launched a new website: shoplocalshopnow.com, that serves as the hub for the Shop Local, Shop Now campaign. “Given the current supply chain and shipping issues everyone is experiencing, we saw a unique opportunity this holiday season to implement a consumer-facing initiative to help drive sales for our members,” said Nick Ortiz, Chamber President and CEO.
“Shopping local helps support economic vitality in our community and is one of the best ways to find unique and oneof-a-kind gifts.” The website includes an interactive map that lists all Chamber members in retail, restaurant and hospitality categories. The Chamber will also be promoting Shop Local, Shop Now on its digital and social media platforms through the month of December. As an additional perk for all Bakersfield residents - when people use the hashtags #ShopLocalShopNow and #BakoChamber - they will also have the opportunity to be featured in the Instagram feed on the new website. “We hope that through this campaign we are able to inspire and strengthen the local business ecosystem and support our members,” said Ortiz.
Ribbon Cuttings
CaliDental Bakersfield
Bakersfield Mazda
4221 S. H St. 661-558-0022 www.calidentalsmiles.com
3201 Cattle Dr. 661-328-8000 www.bakersfieldmazda.com
McCullough Dental
210 S. Montclair St. 661-397-0665 www.mccullough.dental
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS GRAND OPENING Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo Date: Tuesday, Dec. 14 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 2420 Mohawk St., #700
GRAND RE-OPENING Chick-fil-A Date: Thursday, Dec. 16 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 5260 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 12648
For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com.
METRO | PAGE 14
$10,000
$5,000
$2,500
$1,000
$500
Presenting Sponsor
Prominent recognition at Celebratory Luncheon & GAC, including speaking opportunities
Platinum Sponsor
Priority placement of large logo/name recognition at Celebratory Luncheon & GAC
Gold Sponsor
Large Logo/name recognition at both events
Silver Sponsor
Logo/name recognition at both events
KBB Supporter
In April 2022, KBB will be celebrating our 20th anniversary with the Bakersfield community and bring back our signature event of the year, the 19th Annual Great American Cleanup. The generosity of your sponsorship will be combined and recognized for both of these special events. For a description of all sponsorship benefits please go to KeepBakersfieldBeautiful.us METRO | PAGE 15
• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is hosting free COVID-19 vaccine clinics for ages 5 and up in Bakersfield and Lamont through a partnership with the California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. The clinics in December are a collaboration with Bakersfield College’s Student Health and Wellness Center and Kern Medical. Any child is welcome, and no insurance fee is required. Clinics will continue through the end of February 2022. COVID-19 vaccinations include Moderna (18+), Janssen aka “Johnson and Johnson” (18+), Pfizer (12+), and Pfizer (5-11), including boosters for those vaccines. https:// www.bgclubsofkerncounty.org/ vaccineclinic. • Enjoy the 19th Annual HolidayLights at CALM – presented by Dignity Health, continuing as a drive-through event for 2021! This drive-through light display is a safe entertainment experience that celebrates the tradition of CALM’s HolidayLights – all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. Make this a family experience for all! Click here for details and tickets. • Join Norma Dunn, Director of MCSC Kern Women’s Business Center, and Thomas Scheu, Business Opportunity Specialist of the U.S. Small Business Administration Fresno District Office, as they discuss the value of a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification to work with the federal government. The workshop is from 10-11 a.m. on Dec. 14 and will cover eligibility requirements, how to obtain WOSB certification, benefits of WOSB certifications and understanding certification and registration. To register or for more information, visit the eCenter at http://mcscorp. ecenterdirect.com/events.2237. METRO | PAGE 16
• Wayne West and Fancy Ladiez SC present the Ninth Annual Christmas Toy Giveaway for children 13 and under. The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce are asking for donations to be delivered to their office located at 2623 F St. This drivethru event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 18 on MLK Boulevard, across the street from Roy’s Market. There will be toys, food, hot chocolate and Christmas music. For more information, contact the Chamber at 661-376-2853 or info@kcbcc.co. • The Bakersfield Condors are currently delivering holiday joy to Condorstown with the introduction of the Condors Holiday Packs. Each Holiday Pack includes 4 lower-level vouchers to use for any games of your choice, a Jesse Puljujarvi Bobblehead, and a large one topping Little Caesars Pizza. This is the perfect stocking stuffer for just $95. To purchase, click here: https://condors.isportstix.com/ order/seats/2471/. • The Outlets at Tejon wants to help close out your year on a high note with a chance to win an exclusive two-night getaway for up to six guests at Tejon Ranch Property’s breathtaking Venado Cabin. This grand prize sweepstakes also includes an SUV tour of Tejon Ranch, one catered dinner, a $250 Outlets at Tejon gift card and a $100 TA/Petro gas card. All together, this prize is valued at $3,550. Soak up nature, spread out and relax in this three bedroom, two bath luxurious cabin with amazing views. Participation for a chance to win is easy – simply pick up a Travel Tejon passport at the Outlets at Tejon in guest services Suite 170 and earn stamps with the purchase of any food, fuel, shopping or hotel stays now through Dec. 31. Other
runner up prizes you don’t want to miss include shopping and fuel gift cards. Every passport also has extra savings at select Outlet retailers. For a list of all rules and details, guests can visit tejonoutlets.com/travel-tejon. • The Board of Directors of the Kern Community Foundation announced that Aaron Falk has been named President and CEO. He joins the Community Foundation after serving for 4 years as U.S. Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s local Field Representative. He previously worked in Washington, D.C. for the House Armed Services Committee and U.S. Congresswoman Martha McSally. Falk, who will begin his tenure on Dec. 20, succeeds Dr. Kristen Beall Watson, who held the position for six years before leaving to serve as Chief of Staff to the President at California State University, Bakersfield in August of this year. • The Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Gala Installation from 6-9:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Downtown Marriott. The Chamber will be celebrating its 20th Anniversary honoring the founders Ali & Earlena Morris. Keynote speakers will be Clint and Dee Dee Lewis. To sponsor or attend, contact the Chamber at 661-376-2853 or info@kcbcc.co.
Attention Chamber Members Have an announcement or news you would like us to share? If so, please email the information to info@bakochamber.com *Member news is a benefit to Chamber members only.
METRO | PAGE 17
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. Bakersfield Mazda 3201 Cattle Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-328-8000 www.bakersfieldmazda.com “Mazda has been ranked “The Best Car Brand in 2021” by both Consumer Reports and U.S. News & World Report. All Mazda vehicles have received the 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick.” CaliDental Bakersfield – White Lane 4221 S. H St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-558-0022 www.calidentalsmiles.com “Backed with 25 years of experience, CaliDental is a fastgrowing private dental group located in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield and Kern County in California. In our modern offices, we have paperless systems and digital x-rays and impressions, we offer general dentistry and orthodontics services to kids, adults and families. We invite all the community to join our second dental office on S. H St. and White Ln.” Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo 2420 Mohawk St., #700 Bakersfield, CA 93308 800-992-5060 www.dirtybirdusa.com "We are a family-owned and operated firearm and ammunition retailer backed by great customer service and competitive prices. We also provide gunsmithing and Cerakote coating services.”
Everlight Care 4540 California Ave., Ste. 520 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-489-5188 www.everlightcare.com “We provide home care services for seniors and disabled adults.” Executive Realtors - Sam Abed 1005 Stine Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-496-0838 “As a local real estate developer for more than 20 years, Sam Abed makes sure his clients’ needs are met and that they feel valued above anything else. Sam ensures his clients are satisfied with the services provided to them.” Mom's House Chicken & Waffles and More 2681 Calloway Dr., Ste. 300 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-588-1018 www.momshousechickenandwaffles.com “In 2006, we opened J’s Place on Ming Avenue and in 2012 we moved to the Calloway location. Using mom’s original homemade recipes, we are excited to welcome back our family and friends to enjoy mom’s cooking!” Vallarta Supermarkets, Inc. 8200 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-410-5007 https://vallartasupermarkets.com/store-locations/bakersfield-53-rosedale-hwy/ “We are a family-owned business, Vallarta Supermarkets is all about community. For more than 35 years, we’ve made it our mission to bring families together over fresh and authentic food.”
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber was founded in 1920. The Chamber guides Bakersfield toward a better and brighter future. We're driven by the belief that when business prospers, our community thrives. The Chamber serves as a small business support and economic development association primarily serving members in the Metro Bakersfield Area. The Chamber is widely known in our region for providing high-caliber programming, events and services that not only benefit our members, but the entire business community. Your membership dues will help us to expand and evolve our offerings to continue our mission to be a strong advocate for businesses. Our Business is a Better Bakersfield. 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. Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative – 2020 Bakersfield Rack & Shelving – 2008 Bakersfield Signs and Graphics – 2020 Best Western Liberty Inn – 2002 California Aeronautical University – 2016 Cushman & Wakefield/Pacific - Karen & Pat Thompson – 2017 Dmohowski Consulting Services – 2015 DS Services of America Sparkletts/DS Services of America – 2010 EnviroTech Consultants – 2004 High Desert Medical College, dba Legacy Foundation – 2020 Hospital Council of Northern & Central California – 2018 Jack Davenport Sweeping Services, Inc – 1992 Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al – 1987 Law Offices of Robert H. Brumfield, PC – 2010 Pactiv LLC – 2019 Padre Hotel, LP – 2009 Strata Credit Union – 1997 The Gombos Company LLC – 2019 The League of Dreams – 2012 The Palms at San Lauren Assisted Living and Memory Care – 2019 United States Cold Storage of California – 1993
DECEMBER 2021
12.14.21
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Noon | Chamber
12.17.21
GRC Meeting 7:30 a.m. | Chamber
12.24.21 - 12.31.21
Chamber Closed | Christmas Holiday
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Advertising in Metro and email blasts – it’s an exclusivity that only Chamber members enjoy. Regardless of your budget or needs, the Chamber offers competitive pricing to help you determine which advertising option works best for your company.
MEMBER TO MEMBER EMAIL BLASTS
Member to Member email blasts are paid advertisements that the Chamber sends out on behalf of our members. With a reach of more than 4,500 email contacts, it’s the perfect option to promote your brand.
METRO
A staple of news and information for members, METRO is sent out monthly to more than 5,800 email contacts. This digital publication features Chamber programming and events as well as regulatory changes that can impact our members' bottom lines. All advertisements will link back to your company's website. For more information, contact Jean Scheiber at jscheiber@bakochamber.com.
For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakochamber.com.
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS
2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17
Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company
Vice Chair Economic Vitality Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC
Vice Chair Member Engagement Tasha Clayton Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company
For more than 80 years, Valley Strong Credit Union has been part of the Valley community. We offer products to help people build a better life. That better life may be a secure retirement, a new home, or maybe even a dream vacation. No matter what, we want people to know we are here to help them grow what they have worked so hard to earn. Our mission is to turn people’s financial possibilities into financial realities. Valley Strong: Grow Your Possibilities
MAJOR INVESTORS
Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield
Member-at-Large Rick Jhaj Countryside Construction/ Countryside Markets
General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
BYNUM INC.
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Cathy Albyn | Membership & Business Development Manager 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.
METRO | PAGE 20
@bakochamber