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HIGHGATE SHIRES Executive-level
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Breathtaking private clubhouse accessible to residents of Highgate Square, Proper, Shires 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.
HIGHGATE ESTATES A separately
gated, exclusive community within Highgate at Seven Oaks. 47 exclusive homesites from 15,000 to 32,000+ sq. ft. Luxury homes from six of Bakersfield's finest custom builders. Professionally Managed, Gated Community From the Original Creator of Seven Oaks
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 low $300,000's.
DRE# 01254164
Model Homes Open in Each Community 661-664-6039 • Ming Ave. and Allen Rd. Sunday-Monday 11-5, Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 HighgateSevenOaks.com
Seven Oaks Country Club Membership Incentives Available* * Requires financing through Castle & Cooke Mortgage. Seven Oaks Country Club memberships subject to application approval.
on the
INSIDE
4 CEO MESSAGE
See how the Chamber is working on behalf of you - our members.
5 STAYING IN COMPLIANCE
Keep up-to-date on potential impacts to your business as employees return back to work.
5 SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendar for the 2020 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala.
5 6
GRC MEETING Hear from Senator Shannon Grove as she gives us an update from Sacramento.
6 HAPPY HOUR
6
Join the Chamber for a virtual at home happy hour and learn how to make a firecracker cocktail!
10
MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Read how our Chamber members are working to better our community.
6 Cover Cover photography by April & Co.
Contact us
12 MEMBER NEWS
Discover the latest news and happenings with other members. 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 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
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MESSAGE FROM THE
We’re approaching the halfway mark of 2020, a welcome or dubious milestone depending on your perspective. I don’t have to tell you that this year has been challenging - pandemic, economic distress, an election year, and civil and social unrest. Throughout the last few months, I’ve been so proud of our community - how committed we are to lifting up our businesses, Nick Ortiz neighbors and those in need. I’m confident that our community has a bright future ahead of us, and I know we can confront the economic and inclusion challenges we face. That together we can forge a better, brighter future. The staged reopening of California and Kern County's economy has accelerated over the end of May and beginning of June. We are very excited that our local businesses are able to open and we are very grateful for their continued support during this challenging time. Throughout the stay-at-home orders, the Chamber team has taken our role as local business advocates very seriously. Just in the last month we've been working with state government officials to bring local perspectives into the reopening dialogue, working with the County on their small business support program - Kern Recovers and linking our members with personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
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We hope that our members have benefited from our focus on connecting businesses with educational and financial resources, keeping them apprised of reopening developments and at times just listening to their concerns and frustrations. In regards to our own programming, we're still assessing what events and initiatives will be viable for the last half of the year. Later in this issue, you'll see information on the rescheduled Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, and in the coming weeks we'll have more to report on State of the City, Bakersfield Young Professionals, Leadership Bakersfield and other programs. We're still committed to providing high-quality member engagement and education, so we will continue to offer our Labor and Employment Law forums as webinars, and we will continue virtual committee meetings during the month of June. We’re looking forward to seeing you in person soon, please feel free to reach out to us - we’re here to help!
Nick Ortiz President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber
A Return-to-Work Guide for Employers: Navigating New Legislation, Guidances and Workers Compensation
A
s businesses prepare to reopen and have their employees return to work, there are many factors to Date: Friday, June 12 consider. In addition to new legislation, policies and Time: 10-11:30 a.m. health and safety guidance, a new executive order signed Location: Zoom by Governor Newsom on May 6, 2020 declares any COVIDRSVP: hhaenes@bakochamber.com 19-related illness presumed to arise out of the course of employment may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. Presenting Sponsor Join Jerry Pearson from Young Wooldridge, LLP; and John A. Robinson from Yrulegui & Roberts, Attorneys at Law for an interactive session and have your questions answered. Attendees will learn: • Guidelines for having employees return to work. Speakers • What medical inquiries an employer can make according to the EEOC. • When can an employer ask an employee to leave based on health concerns. • What requirements must be met for the workers’ compensation presumption to apply? • How the presumption applies, when it can be disputed and whether a claim can be rejected. Additionally, this presentation will inform employers of the Jerry Pearson John Robinson immediate steps they should take to coordinate with their insurance carriers to prepare for such claims. To RSVP, click HERE and save your spot today! You will be emailed a Zoom link.
Save the Date
THE 30TH ANNUAL BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR PRESENTED BY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
A PROGRAM OF
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VIRTUAL
MEETINGS Date: Thursday, June 18 Time: 4-5 p.m. Location: Zoom RSVP: hhaenes@bakochamber.com
Hosted by Jim Luff
J
oin us Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. for our At Home Happy Hour that will be hosted by Ambassador Jim Luff. This is an opportunity to catch up on our personal and professional lives. This is a laid-back, light-hearted conversation between friends and colleagues -- Jim will be sharing a fun, firecracker cocktail recipe (lemonade, vodka, grenadine and blue curacao) for you to make during the Fourth of July weekend, while we share backyard barbecue recipes, July Fourth plans and how we are slowly getting back to a “new� normal. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com and you will be sent a link to the Zoom meeting. Feel free to invite a friend or coworker, who may be interested in chatting. Don't forget your favorite beverage of choice!
Date: Friday, June 19 Time: 11 a.m. - Noon Location: Zoom RSVP: kpeterson@bakochamber.com
* Chamber Members only
G
RC is back on Friday, June 19 at 11 a.m. with State Senate Minority Leader Shannon Grove. Senator Grove will be with us to give an update from Sacramento, discuss actions being taken at the state level regarding pandemic response, discuss changes to the Governor's budget and take your questions.
Senator Grove
This is a virtual meeting and for Chamber Members only. To RSVP, please click HERE and you will be sent a link to join the meeting.
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MESSAGE FROM
DON'T DELAY MEDICAL CARE We’ve seen our community take extraordinary measures amid this pandemic to practice responsible social distancing, “flattening the curve” and keeping our health care workers safe. We’re grateful for that, but the measures – meant to prevent an unmanageable surge of COVID-19 patients – have had unintended consequences because of fear, even though we have separate areas in our Sharlet Briggs emergency room, Intensive Care Unit and hospital beds available specifically for COVID-19 patients. Our hallways, usually bustling with caregivers and patients, have been unusually empty. The number of patients suffering from heart attacks, strokes and chest pains has declined. Emergency surgeries are down. While fewer emergencies may sound like cause for celebration, we know that the reality is grim. As much as we’d like to believe it’s because people are not suffering from life-threatening conditions, we know that’s not true. Across our community, loved ones, including the elderly and medically vulnerable, have been delaying or avoiding care out of fear. Some people feel a sense of duty to avoid the hospital to not overwhelm resources.
It’s not an isolated issue. The number of hospital visits are dropping nationwide. At Adventist Health, patients coming into our emergency department has decreased by more than half across our multi-state system. This is distressing for those who are suffering from otherwise minor conditions that can worsen without immediate treatment. People wonder if it’s safe to seek care. Let us answer this question for everyone who might be asking themselves the same thing during this pandemic: Yes, our hospitals are safe. Emergencies happen; don’t delay care. We recognize this fear in these uncertain times. But we should never let fear get in the way of receiving health care. Otherwise, this pandemic will indirectly claim more lives and wreak more havoc. Our community has done its job socially distancing. Now it’s time for us to keep our community healthy. Don’t delay your care.
Sharlet Briggs President Adventist Health Bakersfield For more information, please click HERE.
Local Business Banking...
Knows Local!
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Grow your business with services that fit your business — whether you employ two people or 200. Find local reps dedicated to your success and helpful services designed to take the burden of operational tasks off your plate. With help, you’ll also find it’s so much easier to focus more on growing your business. Business Online and Mobile Banking
Pay a bill or check your balance — anytime, anywhere — with 24-7 access to your Valley Strong accounts, thanks to DataNet online banking and DataMobile.
Merchant Services
Sign up with Payment Systems Worldwide, Inc.,* an established and well-respected local merchant services company, to take care of all your business support needs. Consider it your one-stop-shop for smart solutions, updated technology, and superior service.
Business Mobile Deposit
With Business Mobile Deposit, you can use your phone’s camera and our app to deposit checks the same day if submitted by 3 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Cash Management
Our cash management services offer wire transfers, ACH payroll and payments, positive pay, bill payment, and online banking – helping you create efficiencies through progressive technology.
Payroll & HR Services
Valley Strong has teamed up with BenefitMall,* a provider of employee benefits, payroll, compliance, HR, and employer services. They enable more than 200,000 small and medium sized businesses easy access to affordable quality workforce solutions. *Valley Strong Credit Union has partnered with service providers to offer these services to our Members.
Grow Your Possibilities Call (661) 833-7530 or visit valleystrong.com to learn how our local Business Banking team can help grow your business. Federally Insured by NCUA I Equal Opportunity Lender
IN THE
Business Better
OF DOING
As businesses continue to reopen and there is a glimpse of pre-COVID-19 normalcy, many of our members have continued to support those in need. We are proud to have members who are in the business of doing better. If your business would like to be featured for your contributions to our community, please contact info@bakochamber.com.
Autism Society-Kern Autism Network
T
he Autism Society-Kern Autism Network received a donation of 2,000 masks from Make Waves, a nonprofit that supports organizations focused on employment & community living for autistic adults. They were able to distribute these masks to 18 KRC Disabled Group Homes in Kern County to better protect staff and residents.
Bakersfield Marriott
U
nited Way of Kern County and Bakersfield Marriott created a meal distribution program to serve 60,000 meals in 30 days. These meals are offered to COVID-19 victims and essential workers and are being distributed in the back parking lot of the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center as well as in rural locations across the county. The program began on May 19 and will run until June 27 with 2,000 meals being distributed Tuesday through Saturday.
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CityServe
C
ityServe partnered with Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep Fiat to host a food drive for vulnerable community members. The community was encouraged to donate nonperishable goods or funds, which will be distributed to senior citizens. CityServe has also been leading the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. Through this program, churches distribute fresh produce, meat and dairy products to families who are facing food insecurity.
Cuyama Buckhorn
C
uyama Buckhorn, in collaboration with Blue Sky Center, created the Cuyama Valley COVID-19 Relief Fund when the pandemic first hit the community. These funds are helping to provide breakfasts on a regular basis for the youth in the community, ages 1-18, through the school district, with plans to continue the meal program through the summer. As of late May, Cuyama Buckhorn has exceeded their second fundraising goal for the Relief Fund.
Golden Walk
T
hank you to Golden Walk for disinfecting the Chamber office with EPA-approved, high-quality/grade products to ensure a safe and healthy environment for employees and members. Golden Walk Professional Safety Solutions follows recommendations provided by the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at an affordable price. For more information, visit goldenwalkusa.com or email support@goldenwalkusa.
Kern High School District
S
chool may be out, but the Kern High School District (KHSD) wants to ensure that children in our community continue to have access to healthy meals. KHSD Nutrition Services is currently providing free summer meals to children ages 2 to 18, through July 9, 2020. On Monday through Thursday, grab and go meals can be picked up from 10-11:30 a.m. Click HERE for a list of distribution sites.
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• Hodel’s is now open. Their new hours are Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. They will also have take out service available. • Osteostrong Bakersfield is now open and accepting appointments. Call 661-306-7836 to book your appointment. • Sequoia Sandwich Company is now open for dine-in at all locations. • The Guild House would like to thank everyone who helped with the Give Big Kern Day of Giving. Their final tally was $21,380.73 with nearly $7,000 raised at their donation parade. • The Outlets at Tejon is pleased to announce that following two months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home order set by Governor Newsom, it is currently open. This is a phased reopening as some individual stores may open sooner than others. Guests should check the outlet website, http://www.tejonoutlets.com/ covid-19-updates, for a list of the stores that will be open. Outlet employees are ready to return to work and look forward to serving guests once again. • Houchin Community Blood Bank celebrated a grand re-opening at its Truxtun location. • The Kern High School District board has approved a scaled down physical graduation ceremony for the class of 2020. For the full article, please visit: https://www.kget.com/news/ local-news/khsd-to-decide-whethergraduations-will-resume-this-year/ • Three of the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County will remain open and extend programs as schools close because of Coronavirus. The day camps will not only provide a safe space for children, but will include meals, activities and educational METRO | PAGE 12
support. The clubs remain open are: Armstrong Young Center, Lamont Club and Stockdale Club. In order for them to provide these vital services in Kern County, they need your help. Please visit https://www.bgclubsofkerncounty. org/donate to provide your support. • The League of Dreams Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 League of Dreams Bowling season. The safety of their athletes, volunteers and their families is of the utmost importance and given the still unknowns of the COVID-19 virus, they believe they must take this unprecedented action. • Central Valley Physical Therapy is offering free 20-minute pain/ injury telehealth consultations to all Health care heros. They want to help you while you are helping our community. No insurance is involved. Please call 661-827-8959 or email bakersfieldoffice@centralvalleypt.com for more information. • Sno Shack is open and operating at all three locations in Bakersfield. Call 661-587-4778 for more information or visit their Facebook page for updates and special offers. www.facebook. com/snoshackllc • Cuyama Buckhorn has partnered with the Cuyama Valley Family Resource Center and The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens to prepare and deliver nutritional meals to seniors in their community on a weekly basis. If you or anyone you know could benefit from receiving these meals, please reach out to the CVFRC at https://www.cvfrc.org/. • Bank of America would like to share the Supplier Diversity Small & Diverse Business Scholarship Program is designed to provide targeted training and development support to certified small and diverse business owners.
The scholarship is sponsored by Bank of America, funded through contributions from its vendors, and is managed and administered by Communities Foundation of Texas. Scholarships of up to $10,000 are intended to help recipients enhance the business operations functions within their companies, better positioning them to compete for increased business. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.cftexas.org/bank-ofamerica-small-diverse-scholarships. • On June 20, the summer solstice and the day with the most light – thousands of advocates across the world will participate in The Longest Day®, to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice. Participants will use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs. The Longest Day coincides with Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month® in June. Please visit https://alz.org/tld for more information.
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.
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 ensure a healthy business climate for our community. Aera Energy LLC – 1981 Alpha Media, LLC – 2015 American Business Machines – 1999
JUNE 2020
ARRC Technology – 1996 Bakersfield RV Resort – 2007 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bakersfield – 1989
6.9.20
Commercial Trade Inc. – 1988 Community Action Partnership of Kern – 1995 Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield – 1989
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Noon | Zoom Meeting
EnviroTech Consultants – 2004
6.12.20
Labor Law & HR Forum 10 a.m. | Zoom Meeting
Froehlich Signature Homes, Inc. – 1991 La Costa Mariscos - Southwest – 2018 Labor Finders International, Inc. – 2013 Lamar Advertising – 2011
6.18.20
Happy Hour with the Chamber 4 p.m. | Zoom Meeting
Links for Life – 2003 LVL Fitness – 2018 Proforma Progressive Marketing – 2004 Sagaser Watkins & Wieland – 2019
6.19.20
Government Review Council 11 a.m. | Zoom Meeting
Southern California Gas Company – 1936
6.23.20
Stay Green Inc. – 2018
Ambassador Committee Noon | Zoom Meeting
The Village at Seven Oaks – 2015
For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakochamber.com.
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 5,200 email contacts, it’s the perfect option to promote your brand.
METRO
A staple of news and informative for members, METRO is sent out monthly to our members. 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 a your company's website. For more information, contact Jean Scheiber at jscheiber@bakochamber.com
METRO | PAGE 13
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS Dignity Health Management Services offers full-service administrative and clinical support services to independent physician networks, medical groups, and employers.
2020 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17 Chairwoman Elect of the Board Kristen Beall Watson Kern Community Foundation 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 Treasurer Andy Paulden Brown Armstrong Accountants Member-at-Large Rick Jhaj Countryside Construction/ Countryside Markets General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
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CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
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