METR A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | June 2022
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WELCOME TO THE TEAM Help us welcome our newest Chamber staff addition
BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD Hear from a 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Winner
LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD Learn more about LBs participation in Arts & Culture Day
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RIBBON CUTTINGS Celebrate the grand opening of local businesses
MEP
MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN
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MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN
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NEW MEMBERS
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Find out more about the Chamber's new 401(k) plan
Welcome our new Chamber members
COVER PHOTO
MCSC Kern Women's Business Center. Pictured: Norma Dunn, Director Cover photo by April & Co.
CONTACT US
1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakochamber.com
12 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
MEET OUR NEWEST CHAMBER TEAM MEMBER work ethic, she's gained countless professional opportunities. Her higher education is in the medical field. However, her passion is to help businesses market and brand themselves. Cepi is a champion in our community and thrives when others succeed. There's no doubt, Cepi can help you gain a true presence in your community, no matter where you are in business. She has a keen eye and can dive deep into strategies that align with your business goals.
Concepcion “Cepi” Willingham Member & Business Development Manager
C
epi joins us with more than 25 years of workforce experience across various industries and has her own small business. She believes that anything you want to achieve, whether personal or professional, is attainable. Through her diligence, creativity and strong
In a few words, Cepi is a great resource. Previously, she’s been recognized through her ongoing community efforts, with the Greater Bakersfield Chamber and was nominated as Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Shortly after her nomination, she was selected as the Greater Bakersfield Chamber Ambassador Chair from 2020-2021. More so, she believes in giving colleagues, leaders and clients an educational experience. Her passion is to help build each individual up with her CAN-DO spirit and take on challenges head on. She strives to bring her best foot forward and is happy to connect with you! Please help us in welcoming Cepi and feel free to reach out to her at cwillingham@bakochamber.com.
UPCOMING BYP EVENTS BYP Council June Meeting Date: Tuesday, June 7 Time: 4-5 p.m. Location: Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St.
RSVP HERE
(Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage on 18th & Eye streets.)
Guest Speaker: Councilmember Andrae Gonzales
This month, we are excited to hear from guest speaker City of Bakersfield Councilmember Andrae Gonzales, who will be giving an update on Downtown Bakersfield.
BYP Adopt-A-Street Clean Up Day – Downtown Bakersfield Date: Saturday, June 11 Time: 8-10 a.m. Location: Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St. (Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage on 18th & Eye streets.)
RSVP HERE Complete this form prior to the cleanup day
Our focus is to do four cleanups per year and pick up as much trash as we see along these corridors. Supplies such as gloves and bags will be provided, and some grabbers will be available as well. Please be sure to wear comfy shoes, bring sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, etc. METRO | PAGE 4
State of the
City
At the 2022 State of the City, you’ll hear from Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and City Manager Christian Clegg about how we’re making progress on Bakersfield’s most pressing issues. Mayor Goh will detail her advocacy for the region and positive vision for moving Bakersfield forward. Mr. Clegg will discuss the investments our city is making on a range of priorities critical to residents. Join us to hear the Sound of Something Better.
Reserve your seats today Wednesday, July 20 | 11:30 a.m. Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. $75 per person | $850 for a table of 10 Presenting sponsor
The event will be held at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. Checkin begins at 11:30 a.m., with the program following from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $75 per person, or $850 for a table of 10. To RSVP, please email info@bakochamber.com. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, click HERE or email Jean Scheiber at jscheiber@bakochamber.com.
MID-YEAR
LABOR LAW & HR FORUM DATE: Wednesday,
July 13
Bronze sponsors
Gold sponsors
Access Plus Capital Human Resource Development by Robin Paggi Valley First Credit Union
The continuous change in employment law has not abated in 2022. Our goal at the Chamber is to help you stay in compliance through our Labor Law & HR Forums. Get the guidance, tools and information you need to handle your employee relations concerns. Join us for our Mid-Year Labor Law & HR Update Forum where attorneys Jerry Pearson of Young Wooldridge LLP, and Daniel Klingenberger of LeBeau-Thelen LLP, will explain the recent statutory, regulatory and court driven modifications that California employers should know about.
TIME: 7:30 a.m. Check-In/Networking;
The following topic areas will be included:
LOCATION: Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St. COST: $25 Members; $50 Nonmembers
• • •
RSVP: info@bakochamber.com
•
8-10 a.m. Forum
Presenting Sponsor
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New federal law ending mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment and assault claims California’s COVID-19 sick leave returned in 2022 Cal/OSHA revises its Emergency Temporary Standards California legislature considers a 4-day workweek for larger employers Potential new Cannabis Discrimination Law Co-Sponsor
METRO | PAGE 5
WINNER OF 2021 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS
Humanitarian Individual of the Year
I
am still floating on cloud nine. It was such a remarkable and unexpected evening. I was clueless and amazed. The Bakersfield Beautiful Awards brought out countless emotions that night for me. For the most part, I felt a sense of normalcy as we slowly eased back into our routine of fellowshipping and being a whole community again. Although we will never forget the devastating effects of COVID-19, I don’t think that we will ever overestimate the importance of being community strong. Living in a pandemic state for so long, then breaking through the temporary storm, provided a sense of hope – and much needed time to connect on a physical level. From hugs to handshakes to kind kisses on the cheeks, that evening reminded me how amazing our community is – and how connected we truly are. People always ask where my love for our community comes from. I say it’s a manifestation of the love that was poured into me as a young girl. I grew up in a single-family household. My mother (Katherine Jordan, aka Grandma Whoople) raised four young girls on love and faith. To keep us out of the streets, she kept us busy. “An idle mind is a devil’s playground,” she would say. She enrolled us in every possible program from karate at the Martin Luther King Center to drama classes at the Friendship House. If we weren’t participating in an activity, we were at church. We sang in the choir, attended state conventions and always found a way to give back to those who needed an extra hand. My love for my community was birthed at an early age. Thanks, Mom! It took me some time to process the recognition of being selected as Humanitarian of the Year. I asked myself, “Why am I being awarded for something that is as common as the air that I breathe?” It’s in my DNA. It’s what church folk call “favor blessings.” I’m not the best singer. I’m not creative within the arts. I can barely play sports, and at times question the fundamental nature of my own rhythm (rhythmless nation). But one thing for certain, when you are connected with favor, you are connected to good and grace from God. Your community is YOUR home, and just like your home, it is YOUR job to care for it!
METRO | PAGE 6
I am grateful and encouraged. I am reenergized as I see a silver lining for more collaboration amongst all communities. The diversity of our communities requires working together and not in silos. Like all communities we have differences, but that only means we must “roll up our sleeves” collectively and be intentional in our partnerships. We must broaden our reach when helping others. If everyone in the room looks like you, “Houston, YOU have a problem!” Working in concert opens opportunities to broaden services and serves as the key ingredient to success. In my efforts for diversifying our community, I am proud to say that I’m the first African American female President of the Bakersfield Historic Fox Theater, Board of Director of the Kern County Fairgrounds, Chair of the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference, Board of Director for Centric Health Foundation, member of the Bakersfield City School District Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, member to the B3K Deep Prosperity Committee, member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and a proud inductee to the Bakersfield College Alumni Hall of Fame. In addition, I am the founder of Upside Academy, Inc., a nonprofit providing volunteer and community service opportunities to middle and high school age youth. This is not a brag or a boast. It’s simply gratitude. Yet, one thing for certain, it’s not me doing it alone. I can’t do it alone. My help comes from the man upstairs and support of family and many, many friends. They keep me humble. They keep me grounded. They keep me focused. I am so enthusiastic about the next chapter in this journey of paying it forward. I’m ready to embrace new connections and new opportunities. There’s so much work to be done. I am grateful for being selected for such a pretisgous recognition. It has truly opened many doors. Thank you. Oh, and before I forget… I am excited to share the wonderful things happening with Upside Academy, Inc. Our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway with the WingStops of Bakersfield and Christmas in the Neighborhood are gearing up. We provide turkey, food and Christmas gifts for low-income families. So, if you would like to support or donate, check out our website at www.upsideacademyinc.org. Thank you for being community strong. – NaTesha Johnson, CEO & Founder of Upside Productions
SATURDAY, JUNE 25 MECHANICS BANK THEATER & CONVENTION CENTER
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@BAKOCHAMBER.COM
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presented by
Award Sponsor
Broadcast Sponsor
Hospitality Sponsor
Category Sponsors
Media Sponsor
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Arts & Culture Day Recap
T
he Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2022 set out for a full day of community Arts & Culture on May 13, with the opportunity to learn about the wealth of artistic and cultural experiences that our local community has to offer. The nine-hour day kicked off at the Boys & Girls Club with a small gallery of children’s art inspired by Frida Kahlo and an entertaining presentation on the history and culture of Bakersfield delivered by Robin Paggi. Local icon, artist and educator Art Sherwyn, followed with an inspiring lecture of leadership and an interactive group activity. The class kept to a robust and timely schedule that included a downtown walking tour of public spaces, architecture and public art led by David Gordon, managing partner with Bird Dog Arts. The group then caught their breath with a serenade on the grand staircase of the Fox Theater by local entertainers Frank Sierra and Jill Burdick followed by a tour of the historic theater presented by Executive Director Matthew Spindler. The class trekked to the Portrait of a Warrior Gallery for an emotionally impactful tour of the portraits and stories of our fallen heroes since 9/11. Following the tour, the class walked to Stars Theater Restaurant where they were welcomed with a presentation by Stars’ Director of Operations Alex Neal, followed by entertainment by local actor and vocalist Nick Ono. Holly Arnold, executive director of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, provided an overview of the Symphony’s concert and education programs and the class was treated to a lovely performance by a string quartet of Symphony musicians as they dined on a delicious lunch by Mossman’s Catering. After lunch, the group converged at the Bakersfield Museum of Art for a private curatorial tour of the new exhibition in three gallery spaces provided by Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Rachel Wainwright and then an overview of the museum’s operations and contributions to the local economy by Executive Director Amy Smith. The group then swiftly traveled to the Empty Space Theater for a presentation on the black box theater format by Jesus Fidel and Kristina Saldana and then a couple of musical numbers by local actors starring in their current show, “Dog Fight.” Next up, an engaging and
METRO | PAGE 10
educational presentation from local leader Harveen Kaur on the Punjabi Community and Sikh religion, followed by a presentation by Robert Price and musician Rick Stevens about the Bakersfield Sound. Our group was then treated to two performances by the talented team of young performers from the Boys & Girls Club, who just returned from performing in Chicago. The finale was an exciting presentation and performance by Las Calíope, a local professional group of female mariachis that performs in both Spanish and English. – Holly Arnold, Executive Director, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Zane Smith, Executive Director, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County
The Chamber would like to thank Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Day Chairs Holly Arnold, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Zane Smith, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County. Special thanks to program underwriter Chevron; day sponsors The Boys & Girls Club of Kern County and The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra; and to Golden Empire Transit District for providing the day’s transportation; as well as all the individuals, organizations and businesses that volunteered their time and leadership insights for Arts & Culture Day. Program Underwriter
Day Sponsors
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Grand Opening Carpet Cave
Grand Opening Walk The Plank
Grand Opening Viridis Property Management
2929 F St. carpetcave.com
2929 F St. walktheplankflooring.com
5329 Office Center Ct., Ste. 201 viridismgmt.com
Grand Opening MCSC Kern Women’s Business Center 10800 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 201 mcscorp.org/kern
Grand Opening Bakersfield Homeless Center’s Housing & Job Development Satellite Office 1420 Union Ave. bakhc.org
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS Sandstone Goods + Trading
Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital
Date: Thursday, June 2 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 1403 Allen Rd., Ste. 100
Date: Thursday, June 9 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 4400 Kirkcaldy Dr.
sandstonegoods.com
bakersfieldrehab.com
For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com. METRO | PAGE 11
MEP
MULTIPLE EMPLOYER PLAN
Are you in compliance? The CalSavers Deadline is June 30
If you are an employer this message is for you! By June 30, employers with five or more employees will be required to have a retirement plan in place for workers, either through a private-market option, like a 401(k), or through the state-run CalSavers program.
Failure to comply with the state deadline could result in penalties of up to $500 per eligible employee.
(Eligible employees are considered anyone who works one hour in a 30-day time frame.) That’s why, on behalf of our members, we worked with Moneywise Wealth Management to create a special type of retirement plan, called a Multiple Employer Plan, or MEP. The MEP allows employers of all sizes (but especially local small and midsize employers) to provide their teams with a robust and powerful retirement plan, at a potentially lower cost, without the complexity of an individually-sponsored plan. Since we launched the MEP, we've hosted webinars to answer member questions. If you'd like to watch one of the recorded sessions to learn more, click below. The MEP plan can offer you a low-cost alternative to Calsavers which also provides:
WATCH WEBINAR
• • •
Fiduciary support Plan design flexibility Access to more investment choices and more
Please call 1-661-847-1000 with any questions regarding Calsavers or your retirement plan options. The team at Moneywise Wealth Management is here to answer any of your questions. Their team of trusted advisors will help you through the process if it’s right for your situation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
METRO | PAGE 12
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. A La Mode Luxury Aesthetics 2120 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 alamodemedspa.com “We are a premium med spa meeting all the beauty and skin care needs of the clients by a trained and experienced medical personnel. One of its kind!” Elite Maintenance and Tree Service (EMTS) 2700 Larson Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93304 eliteteamoffices.com “We provide professional landscape management. Specializing in commercial landscape maintenance for HOA’s and health care, industrial, multi-family, municipal and retail facilities.” Elite Private Landscape (EPL) 2700 Larson Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93304 eliteteamoffices.com “We specialize in working with general contractors and owners to install all aspects of commercial landscaping. Our service offering includes landscape, irrigation, site furnishings and estimating.” Valley First Credit Union 4550 California Ave., Ste 625 Bakersfield, CA 93309 valleyfirstcu.org “We offer an all-encompassing consumer and business loan program, retirement and wealth management. Valley First will help you every step of the way.”
For more information about joining the Chamber or renewing your membership dues, please email cwillingham@bakochamber.com.
METRO | PAGE 13
Members News The Young Professionals Network has partnered with Houchin Community Blood Bank to host a blood drive from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 7 at the Bakersfield Association of REALTORS. Receive free tacos after donating and a Houchin T-shirt. To sign up as a donor, please contact Lauryn at 661-635-2300 or lauryn@bakersfieldrealtor.org. Don’t miss out on Invisalign Day on June 9! Book your complimentary consultation today with Superior Smiles Dentistry and receive $500 off the treatment, a 3D digital outcome scan and a whitening package. To book your appointment, please call 661-454-7600 or for more information visit superiorsmilesdentistry.com. Cuyama Buckhorn LLC is thrilled to announce that they are bringing back their historic Chuck Wagon Bar-B-Qs as a nod to our past! These BBQs will take place on the third Sunday of every month from May – October, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will feature live music, starting with The Soda Crackers, a Los Angeles-based classic country band with Kern County Roots, on May 15. Chuckwagon BBQ tickets are available for purchase upon arrival at $30/adult and $18/child, and include a choice of protein, two sides, bread, and dessert. Click HERE for more information or to purchase tickets. Kern County’s oldest accident and injury law firm is changing names from Chain | Cohn | Stiles to Chain | Cohn | Clark as senior partner and accident attorney Matt Clark takes on a leadership role. The law firm has been at the forefront of the civil justice system in the Central Valley. The firm has held many names over the years, bearing the surnames of Kern County’s most well-known law practitioners. Morris Chain founded the law firm in 1934 in downtown Bakersfield. It was known as Chain-Younger – named after late esteemed partner Milt Younger, who spent 53 years at the firm – from the 80s through the 90s. Since the 60s, several attorney surnames have followed Mr. Chain’s, which remained at the forefront even after he died, as a symbol to his local civic and community efforts, and his mission for standing up for the everyday person. If you or someone you know is injured in an accident, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com. Click here to view a video about Chain | Cohn | Clark.
METRO | PAGE 14
Dress For Success would like to announce its inaugural Dress for the Stars Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17. This will be a black-tie event, which will be held at The Petroleum Club, located at 6218 Sundale Ave. We are hoping to raise $50,000 with this event through silent auctions, live auctions and even a wine pull! The funds will be used right here in our own community to help local families achieve financial independence through employment. We are seeking sponsors and donors and contributors will receive a donation letter from this 501(c)3 organization for their financial records. This event promises to be stellar with delicious food, beverages, dancing and entertainment. Anyone with questions or wishing to participate in this event are encouraged to reach out to the Founder and Executive Director of Dress for Success Bakersfield, Elaine McNearney. Elaine can be reached at 661-703-4353 or Bakersfield@ dressforsuccess.org. The Outlets at Tejon presents its Second Annual Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will have music, delicious food options, an awards ceremony, cars from various generations and, of course, great shopping. All Outlets guests will receive a complimentary raffle ticket that can be collected at a car show tent for a chance to win prizes throughout the show. The awards ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. Awards will be given for the following categories: Best by Year/Generation, Best Overall Make/Model, Best Work in Progress, Crowd Favorite and Overall Event Winner. To enter your vehicle in the show, register on Eventbrite or call 661-858-2155 for more information. Tickets start at $20 per vehicle and give auto-owners a chance to take home a trophy. Vehicle entry fees will be discounted for auto-owners or car clubs who enter five or more cars.
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. Altria Client Services, Inc. - 2003 Anthony Garcia Inc. - 2020 Bakersfield Drug Testing - 2007 Bakersfield Family Medical Center - 1983 Bakersfield RV Resort - 2007 Bakersfield Truck Center - 1992 Barbich Consulting - 2005 California Fruit Depot - 2005 California Independent Petroleum Association - 1992 Chosen Payments - 2016 Continental Labor and Staffing Resources - 1997 Diamond Ridge Roofing, Inc.- 1994 DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen - 2004 First Solutions Insurance Services - 1999 GAR Bennett L.L.C. - 2020 Guild House - 1993
Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic - 1981 Hilton Garden Inn Bakersfield #4210 - 2003 Hyatt Place Bakersfield - 2019 John F. Stovall - 2005 Kern County Fire Department - 2011 Law Offices of Borton Petrini LLP - 1991 LeBeau-Thelen LLP - 1989 LVL Fitness - 2018 Moneywise Wealth Management - 2004 MX4, Inc. McDonald's Restaurant - 2019
Sagaser Watkins & Wieland - 2019 Tejon Indian Tribe - 2012 The Links at Riverlakes Ranch - 2005 The Wildlands Conservancy Wind Wolves Preserve - 2016 U-Haul Moving and Storage - 2015 United Staffing AssociatesBakersfield, CA - 2020 Valley Public Radio-KVPR/KPRX White Ash Broadcasting - 1985 Williams Adams & Company, CPAs - 2018
Personal Express Insurance - 2009 Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers - 2019 Rodriguez & Associates - 2021 Royal Palms - 1996
UPCOMING EVENTS JUNE 2022 6.2.22 Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council 8 a.m. | Chamber 6.7.22 BYP Council 4 p.m. | Chamber 6.10.22 GRC Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber
6.14.22 Beautiful Bakersfield Committee 11:30 a.m. | Offsite
6.24.22 Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber
6.24.22 GRC Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber 6.25.22 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards 5 p.m. | Mechanics Bank Thater & Convention Center METRO | PAGE 15
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS Bank of America
2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Rick Jhaj Countryside Corporation Incoming Chairman Ken Keller Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital
At Bank of America, we have a clear purpose to help make financial lives better through the power of every connection. We fulfill this purpose through our commitment to responsible growth, which includes a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. Integrated across our eight lines of business — our ESG focus reflects our values, ensures we are holding ourselves accountable, presents tremendous business opportunity, and allows us to create shared success with our clients and communities.
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
BYNUM INC.
Hillary Haenes Vice President, Member Engagement Kaelyn Peterson Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Executive Director of BAKPAC Jean Scheiber Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer Conception "Cepi" Willingham Member & Business Development Manager
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