Metro July 2023

MARCO! POLO!

Remember how much fun summer vacations were as a kid? Summers are still like that at the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion in Highgate at Seven Oaks. And although you may not be a kid anymore, you can still enjoy living in a community where life feels like a vacation every day.

Located within gated Highgate Park and Highgate Place, the lush green lawns, pickle ball courts, children's playground, giant fire pit, and BBQ facilities of the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion make it easy to live your best life ever!

INSIDE on the

Read a message from our Interim President/CEO, Hillary Haenes

BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD

See highlights of the 2023 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Lauren Skidmore, Executive Director of The Open Door Network

Photo courtesy of April & Co.

CONTACT

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 info @bakochamber.com.

© Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.

Message from the CEO

Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Shatters Attendance Records, Nominations Open for 2024 Event

Thank you to everyone who helped us to celebrate the many achievements within our community at the 34th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. I am thrilled to share that this year’s event was the most well-attended in our history, with 800 people in attendance.

I extend my deepest thanks to the Beautiful Bakersfield Committee, led by Roberta Nilsson; my incredible Chamber team; event sponsors and the many volunteers who poured their hearts and souls into making the evening possible. But above all, I want to express my gratitude to our nominees and their supporters. Year after year, we are humbled by stories of the dedication shown by individuals and organizations striving to create a brighter future for our beloved city.

Furthermore, I am delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the 2024 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards until February 2, 2024. Those who would like to nominate can visit beautiful.bakochamber.com to submit.

Also, we recently hosted a Labor Law & HR Update Forum in response to California’s proactive measures to expand employee rights. This event provided employers with the necessary legal updates to ensure full compliance. It is our commitment to keep our business community well-informed and equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of employment laws.

We are gearing up for the 2023 State of the City luncheon presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, happening Wednesday, July 19. This forum is one of the Chamber’s premier business events where we will hear from city officials about the progress on Bakersfield’s most pressing issues. Together, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by our great city and learn that they cannot be overcome single-handedly. You can still purchase seats by emailing info@bakochamber. com or calling our office at 661-327-4421.

As we stride into the midpoint of the year, it is an opportune time to announce that we will be hosting mixers starting next month. More details to come!

Wishing you all a safe summer – stay cool!

Hillary Haenes Interim President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

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/Corporation 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 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.

Urban Revitalization

An individual, business or organization that has made a meaningful contribution in the past year to placemaking, reimagining how we live, work and play.

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 2023 to be eligible for consideration. No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered.

Nomination Deadline: Friday, February 2, 2024

Bakersfield’s Biggest Award Night

On Saturday, June 17, the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, recognized the efforts of 118 individuals, businesses and organizations that helped build a better Bakersfield in 2022. There were 800 community members who attended this annual event hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber at Mechanics Bank Theater & Convention Center. See page 9 for a full list of the award recipients.

View all photos from the 2023 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards here.

Congratulations to the 2023 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Recipients

Category

A Better Bakersfield – Sponsored by Bolthouse Properties, LLC

Architecture & Design – Sponsored by Centric Health

Renovation & Tenant Improvement – Sponsored by Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc.

Urban Revitalization – Sponsored by The Hub of Bakersfield

Arts & Culture – Sponsored by Moneywise Wealth Management

Education – Sponsored by Aera Energy LLC

Health – Sponsored by Heart Vascular and Leg Center

Humanitarian Group – Sponsored by Chevron

Humanitarian Individual – Sponsored by Dignity Health Bakersfield Mercy & Memorial Hospitals

Next Gen – Sponsored by Kern County Superintendent of Schools

Young Professional – Sponsored by Kern Family Health Care

Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Wingstop

Large Business/Corporation of the Year –Sponsored by Tri Counties Bank

Nonprofit of the Year – Sponsored by Kern Community Foundation

Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Bank of America

Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement – Sponsored by Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.

Chairman’s Award

Award Recipients

Dress for Success Bakersfield

Bakersfield College Science & Engineering Building

The Open Door Network’s Housing & Job Development Office

City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks

Spotlight Dance Academy

Kern Education Pledge

Clinica Sierra Vista

Dreams & Hope For The Children

Katie Ivester Kreiser

Mukul Anand

Andrew Allen Kao, MD

Daniel L. Hill

Bakersfield Condors

The Mission at Kern County

Happy Whole You

Dr. Ravi Patel

Bakersfield Downtown Ambassador Program

Law Enforcement Day Leadership Bakersfield

The Bakersfield Police Dept. (BPD) hosted this year ’s Law Enforcement Day for the Leadership Bakersfield program on Friday, June 8. The class started the day with Lt. Ryan Kroeker and Capt. Bobby Woolard at the BPD Training Facility, enjoying a delicious breakfast provided by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools.

During their time at the training facility, the class received a brief tour of the BPD Training Academy’ s premises and learned about its utilization. They also had a Q&A session with BPD Capt. Jeremy Blakemore, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer and local Criminal Defense Litigator Jared Thompson, discussing the challenges in law enforcement and the functioning of the criminal justice system.

Community engagement is integral to the BPD’s operations and they were grateful for the opportunity to meet and engage with the students in this year’s class. The Leadership Bakersfield class interacted with officers and BPD staff, exploring various topics related to law enforcement, the criminal justice system and visiting different facilities and venues.

Next, the class visited the Bakersfield Police Activities League (BPAL), touring the facility that offers officers opportunities to build connections with youth through diverse programs and events. Following the tour, the class engaged in reallife scenarios with BPD officers acting as they experienced what it's like to be an officer.

The class then witnessed demonstrations by various specialized units within the BPD, including the SWAT team, Bomb Squad, K9 team and Unmanned Ariel Vehicle team. They also participated in a Use of

Force simulator overseen by active BPD Training Staff. The day concluded at the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, where the class learned about and obtained information regarding the Sheriff's Office Air Support Unit.

Special thanks are extended to the Bakersfield Police Officers Association for being a day sponsor and to Golden Empire Transit for providing transportation throughout the day.

Thank you to our Day Sponsor

Engaging Students in Community Policing and Criminal Justice System Discussions

Kern Women’s Business Center Empowers Entrepreneurs and Boosts Community Development

Mission Community Services Corporation’s (MCSC)

Kern Women's Business Center (KWBC) provides essential support and resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners and is dedicated to empowering women, low-income individuals, minorities, veterans and nonprofit businesses. Led by Program Director Norma Dunn, KWBC hosts free public business workshops that offer valuable networking opportunities and enhance understanding of essential business topics.

“The Kern Women’s Business Center plays a vital role in our community by providing crucial support and resources to entrepreneurs, particularly women, who often face unique challenges in the business world,” said Dunn. “We believe in empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal access to opportunities and helping them thrive in the competitive landscape.”

KWBC offers the “Explore, Design & Launch” program, a 12-session training course that equips participants with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources to start and grow their businesses.

The center also offers the Spanish equivalent course, “Sonando y Empezando,” to ensure accessibility for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

“We believe in equipping entrepreneurs with practical skills and a tangible business plan, setting them up for success from the very beginning,” said Dunn. “Offering courses in multiple languages ensures accessibility for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.”

During the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, KWBC proactively spread the word about available grants and worked closely with local accounting firms to ensure small businesses received the support they deserved.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of our efforts, as we successfully assisted 168 small business owners and independent contractors with a $2,500 grant,” said Dunn. “These numbers, alongside the accomplishments of our partner organizations, truly reflect the commitment and collective strength of our community.”

Our goal remains steadfast—to provide a comprehensive range of resources and services that empower local businesses and nonprofits to thrive.

“Our goal remains steadfast—to provide a comprehensive range of resources and services that empower local businesses and nonprofits to thrive.”

In addition to training courses, KWBC provides professional business consulting services at no cost. Their team of consultants, specializing in areas like marketing, finance and management, work closely with entrepreneurs to offer tailored guidance and support

“Our consultants bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business,” said Dunn.

MCSC has actively supported small businesses in Kern County for over a decade, contributing to local economic growth and job creation. The KWBC became a designated Small Business Administration (SBA) Women’s Business Center in January 2021, further solidifying its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.

“Through training, consulting and networking opportunities, we continue to empower entrepreneurs, foster thriving businesses and make a positive difference in the community,” said Dunn. “We have witnessed firsthand the transformative

impact of entrepreneurship on individuals and communities, driving economic growth and fostering a vibrant Kern County.”

The KWBC team is ready to help entrepreneurs and small business owners take those crucial first steps toward success. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance starting a business or for more information, you can reach out to the KWBC on their Facebook, Instagram or Linkedin

Contact:

Website: www.mcscorp.org/kern

Email: KWBCinfo@mcscorp.org

Phone: 661-567-0410

Sponsored by

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.

Alliance Technical Group

6403 Seven Seas Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308

256-351-0121

alliancetg.com

“Alliance Technical Group is a strategic and trusted partner providing premier technical solutions that support the full spectrum of our customers’ environmental needs.”

Collective Gyms

9500 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 202 Bakersfield, CA 93312 cltvgyms.com

“An old school gym with a modern aesthetic. We’re bringing an entirely new experience to Bakersfield with an unparalleled training environment and a dynamic and ever-changing collection of equipment from yesterday and today. We’ve built the ultimate lifters gym. Get ready to tear down obstacles of the mind and body. We, at Collective Gyms, believe that getting yourself back to work means setting your own pace, so start your journey with us today.”

Edward Jones – Crystal Zazueta

7906 Downing Ave., Ste. A Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-843-7296

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/crystal-zazueta

“I help create and support custom roadmaps to retirement, savings, legacy planning, education planning and life insurance.”

Edward Jones – Kristine Hertin

4701 Corporate Ct., Ste. 112 Bakersfield, CA 93311

661-564-9095

edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/kristinehertin

“The priority of my office is to get to know your goals so we can partner together long-term to help you achieve them, gain control over your financial future and your legacy.”

Greet Seven Oaks

11325 Park Square Dr., Ste. B102

Bakersfield, CA 93311

661-432-1223

greetmag.com/locations/seven-oaks-ca

Pillar EHS Solutions, Inc.

9003 Del Palma Dr.

Bakersfield, CA 93314

661-885-5729

pillarehssolutions.com

“Pillar EHS Solutions, Inc. specializes in environmental testing and consulting related to asbestos, lead-based paint, mold, indoor air quality and industrial hygiene. We provide professional and timely services in Bakersfield, Kern County and beyond.”

Renegade First Aid

10333 Kern River Ave.

Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-520-1324

renegadefirstaid.com

“We provide first aid supplies and on-site services, including first aid/EMT standbys.”

San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital

3441 Allen Rd.

Bakersfield, CA 93314

661-619-2818

“We at San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital are dedicated to providing outstanding veterinary care for our patients and clients both large and small.”

Sarah Ruth Interiors

2003 20th St.

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-817-7129

sarahruthinteriors.com

"Sarah Ruth Interiors Inc. is a full-service design studio, based in Bakersfield, Calif. Founded by Sarah Ward. We offer residential, commercial, new construction and furniture design."

Zack’s Big Trees & Nursery

4317 E. Brundage Ln.

Bakersfield, CA 93307

661-348-4866

zacksnursery.com

“Locally owned and operated, we have been offering landscaping & nursery needs throughout the nation. Rooted in Kern County since 1945!”

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.

Advanced Center for Eyecare - 2016

Alianza Recycling and Recovery LLC - 2010

Alpha Media, LLC - 2015

American Business Machines - 1999

ARCpoint Labs of Bakersfield - 2013

Ascend Real Estate and Property Management - 2016

Bakersfield College - 1974

Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association - 1993

Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless

Collaborative - 2020

Bakersfield Racquet Club - 1965

Bank of the Sierra - California Ave. - 2017

Beckie Diltz/PROforma Solutions for Printing LLC - 2010

Blue Sky Sales, Inc. dba Famoso Nut

Company Sales - 1996

BMW Management, Inc. - 1997

Brand Co. Marketing - 2004

Brookdale Riverwalk - 1999

Chevron - 1920

Columbus Estates - 2014

Community Action Partnership of Kern - 1995

Community Connection for Childcare/KCSOS - 1998

Empowered2Lead Consulting Services - 2017

Emser Tile - 2015

Esparza Enterprises, Inc - 2001

Flight Adventure Park - 2022

Goodwill Industries of South Central California - 1991

Gottstein Corporation - 2013

Hathaway LLC - 2007

Hospital Council of Northern & Central California - 2018

Kern County Builders Exchange - 1957

Kern Psychiatric Health and Wellness, Inc. - 2011

KIA Insurance Associates, Inc. - 1971

Links for Life - 2003

Minuteman Press - 1991

National Cement Company - 2009

Omni Family Health - 1986

Pacifica Senior Living - 2009

Paychex - 2022

Project Clean Air, Inc. - 2017

Rio Acai Bowls - 2015

SA Recycling, LLC - 1997

Sierra Printers, Inc. - 1993

Snelling Staffing Services - 2008

Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield - 2018

Southern California Gas Company - 1936

Teen Challenge So. Cal. - KC HQ - 2019

The Open Door Network - 1991

The Palms at San Lauren Assisted Living and Memory Care - 2019

Three-Way Chevrolet-Cadillac - 1956

Member News

Bakersfield ARC (BARC) is collaborating with the Greater Bakersfield Chamber to find and secure employment for their clients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are encouraging local businesses to utilize this opportunity to participate in BARC’s Paid Internship Program at no cost to the employer. This program not only provides business with hard working, loyal, and enthusiastic employees, but also allows BARC’s clients to become integrated into a real-world work environment. Please contact Savanah Adams at sadams@ bakochamber.com for more information.

The Petroleum Club at Sundale is hosting several networking events this month! The third Thursday of every month is Networking & Happy Hour. Join your friends or make new ones on Thursday, July 20 from 4-6 p.m. for hour hour drink specials and stay for pasta night. Create your own meal from the great selection of pastas, sauces, meats and other delicious ingredients, includes your choice of soup or salad for $24.95.

Independent Living Center of Kern County will host their annual Kern County Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Conference to celebrate the 33rd Anniversary of the ADA. There will be raffles, networking, vendor booths, food & more! Disability rights topics will be discussed by guest speakers from the National Council on Disability, Disability Rights California, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division. The conference takes place on Wednesday, July 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 3100 Camino Del Rio Ct. Tickets can be purchased online by clicking this link: ADA conference tickets or at Eventbrite.com. For questions, please call 661-325-1063 or 661-369-8966 for videophone.

United Way of Kern County's 32nd Annual Professional Development Conference is being held on Wednesday, July 26 at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with the conference starting at 8 a.m. The guest keynote speaker is nationally-recognized speaker and storyteller, Sarah Eagle Heart. There will be exhibitor booths, continental breakfast, lunch, networking, workshops, speakers and more! General registration is $100 per person or groups of 4 are $85 per person. For more information, visit uwkern.org.

North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) kicks off the 50th Annual North of the River Christmas Parade with “Christmas in July.” In celebration of the parade’s golden jubilee, NOR invites community members to submit written stories, photos, audio clips or videos of their memories attending, walking in or performing at the parade. Visit NORfun.org to submit your Christmas Parade memory. Memory submissions accepted through Sept. 30.

FREE Kickoff Friday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. Families can enjoy on-site activities from 5:30-6:30 p.m., including coloring pages, writing a letter to the North Pole, and striking a pose with vacationing Santa Claus. The kickoff will culminate in a movie screening of “The Muppets Christmas Carol” at 7pm in the RiverLakes gym to celebrate the Christmas Parade’s 2023 theme of “A Christmas Carol.” Grab a blanket and enjoy! *Foldable lawn chairs will not be allowed in the gym. Bleachers and off-floor seating will be available. Space is limited; register to reserve your spot at the event at NORfun.org Located at Riverlakes Ranch Community Center, 3825 Riverlakes Dr.

Youth 2 Leaders Education Foundation (Y2LEF) is excited to host more than 100 migrant education students for their annual Algebra Academy hosted by the University of Santa Barbara in the months of June and July. In partnership with Migrant Education Program regions and local school districts, Y2LEF will be taking a set number of junior high school students to adapt tips and strategies for problem solving, both in a mathematical sense and everyday life experiences. Learners will also engage in activities that inspire, motivate, and challenge students to take risks while learning from a curriculum with opportunities for students to reason, share knowledge and build on what they already know about algebra. The Algebra Academy will take place from June 25 to July 15 at the University of Santa Barbara. “In partnership with Migrant Education, we are able to provide Central Valley migrant students a college experience to show them what their future could look like. In addition, this algebra based academy will give them the tools to succeed in their upcoming prealgebra and algebra classes. Together, we will create our future leaders,” added Executive Director, Gabriel Adame.

Eagle Mountain Casino in Porterville is pleased to announce Grammy-nominated regional Mexican singer, Gerardo Ortiz, will perform at Eagle Mountain Casino’s new 2000-seat state-of-the-art Event Center on Friday, July 21 at 7 p.m. Gerardo Ortiz has revolutionized corrido music, launched a new youthful scene, and has become an admired household name among millions of fans who admire his charisma, talent and originality. Tickets are on sale now and start at only $65. Doors open at 6 p.m., and guests must be 21 and older to enter the concert. The brand-new Event Center is reserved seating only. Tickets can be purchased HERE

For more Member News click here

2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board

Ken Keller

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital - Dignity Health

Incoming Chairman

Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company

Mark Bateman – Young Wooldridge LLP

Deanna Blaise – Valley Strong Credit Union

Bruce Davis – Bolthouse Properties

Octavio Escobedo – Tejon Indian Tribe

Kamal Gill – Brimhall Pharmacy/Panama Pharmacy

Maybelle Liquigan – Kaiser Permanente

Denise Newton – PG&E

Jacob Panero – Varner Bros, Inc.

Veronika Placencia – KERO-TV

G Riar – Riar, Inc.

Willie Rivera – Aera Energy

CHAMBER STAFF

Hillary Haenes

Interim President & CEO

Kami Gonzalez

Director, Administration & Operations

Concepcion "Cepi" Willingham

Member & Business Development Manager

Savanah Adams

Manager, Stakeholder Engagement

Valerie Sheldon

Administrative Assistant

Patrice Black

Member Relations Coordinator

Get Social

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@bakochamber

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS

Key Staffing Inc. is a diverse recruitment firm based in Bakersfield that specializes in industrial, admin, accounting and high-level direct roles.

MAJOR INVESTORS

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

BYNUM INC.