3 minute read
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.
