Metro June 2024 by Greater Bakersfield Chamber

bakersﬁeld’s beautiful

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!

Actual Highgate at Seven Oaks residents

INSIDE On the

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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.

Message from the CEO

Dear Chamber Members,

We are thrilled to dedicate this special edition of Metro to showcasing the outstanding contributions and achievements celebrated at the recent Beautiful Bakersfield Awards. The success of this event would not have been possible without the support and participation of the nominees, volunteers, employees and our generous sponsors.

Congratulations to all the winners across the seventeen categories and the coveted Chairman’s Award recipient. This award, chosen by the Chamber's Chairperson for 2024, recognizes overall excellence among all submissions.

For those who missed the awards show on Saturday night, please note that KGET - TV 17 Bakersfield will rebroadcast the event on June 29 at 6 p.m. We encourage you to tune in and experience the glamour of this "Old Hollywood" themed evening.

Our members are invited to join us at our next signature event the annual State of the City luncheon presented by Adventist Health and Kaiser Permanente. This event is a cornerstone of our Chamber's calendar and provides an opportunity for us to come together and address the city's most pressing issues. Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and City Manager Christian Clegg will explore our city's challenges.

We would like to express our gratitude to the dedicated members of the Ambassadors Committee, whose contributions are essential to our organization's success.

Special thanks are also extended to the team at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital for their

gracious hospitality over the past six months, which culminated in a memorable final luncheon in Founders Hall. The next Ambassadors Committee meeting will take place at Adventist Health. Stay tuned for detailed instructions on how to reach the venue and parking information.

Thank you all for your ongoing support and dedication to improving our community. Blessings,

Janelle Capra

PS—I had a special moment at the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards when I met Valerie Hashim and her husband, Chuck. Valerie is Andrea Hansen’s mother and a founding member of the Kern Dance Alliance. It was the anniversary of their first date when they saw Jimi Hendrix in 1968 at the Civic Auditorium (AKA Mechanics Bank Theater). Talk about a full-circle moment! The Hashim’s celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their family at the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards - talk about a win for Arts & Culture. Read more here

Janelle Capra President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

BEHIND THE BADGE: Leadership Bakersfield's Immersive Experience with the BPD

The Bakersfield Police Department was honored to host this year’s Law Enforcement Day for the Leadership Bakersfield program. Community Engagement is at the core of how the BPD operates and was grateful for the opportunity to meet with and engage the students of this year’s class. The Leadership Bakersfield class was able to interact with officers and BPD staff, as well as experience a variety of topics as it relates to law enforcement, the criminal justice system, along with visiting different facilities and venues.

On Friday, June 8th the class began its day at the Bakersfield Police Department Training Facility located at 4646 California Avenue, with a delicious breakfast provided by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. While at the training facility, the class got a brief tour of where the Bakersfield Police Department Training Academy is housed and how the academy utilizes the space. The class was able to have a Q&A with Bakersfield Police Department Chief Greg Terry, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, and local Criminal Defense Litigator Jared Thompson about the challenges in law enforcement, as well as how the criminal justice system is designed to function.

The class transitioned to the Bakersfield Police Activities League (BPAL) to tour the facility which

provides officers with the opportunity to build relationships and connections with youth through a variety of different programs and events. After the tour, the class was able to place themselves in the shoes of an officer while going through real-life scenarios with BPD officers as actors.

The class then transitioned to a time of different demonstrations with officers from a variety of different specialized units within the BPD. These demonstrations consisted of the SWAT team, Bomb Squad, K9 team, and Unmanned Ariel Vehicle team, as well as participating in the Use of Force simulator that’s proctored by active BPD Training Staff. The day wrapped up at the Kern County Sheriff's Office Headquarters where the class was able to see and obtain information about the Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.

A special thank you to the Bakersfield Police Officers Association for being a day sponsor, and to Golden Empire Transit for providing the day’s transportation.

Captain

Ryan Kroeker, Bakersfield Police Department

Thank you to our Program Underwriter

Shining a spotlight on Bakersfield's community

On Saturday, June 22, the 34th annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, recognized the efforts of 86 individuals, businesses and organizations that helped build a better Bakersfield in 2023. The Greater Bakersfield Chamber is honored to share the inspiring stories of each nominee and recipient. Get ready for some inspiring and uplifting stories!

2024 Chairman's Award

As a finale to the evening, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rob Duchow, presented the coveted Chairman’s Award. This award is chosen by the Chamber's Board of Directors from among all submissions and given to the nominee recognized for overall excellence.

NIGHT TO SHINE - BAKERSFIELD

Chairman’s Award

Night to Shine Bakersfield hosted its annual prom for people with special needs, ages 14 and older. The event featured a red carpet entrance, free dinner, karaoke, dancing, games, professional prom photos, limo rides, and crowns for all guests.

PATSY ROMERO

2024 Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by Hall Ambulance

ODESSA PERKINS

2024 Humanitarian Individual of the Year Sponsored by Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

NOEL ALEXANDRIA FOUNDATION

2024 Humanitarian Group of the Year

CSF MEDICAL NONPROFIT FOUNDATION

2024 Small Nonprofit of the Year

BAKERSFIELD ANGELS

2024 Large Nonprofit of the Year

KATIE JOHNSON

2024 Next Gen

Sponsored by Kern County Superintendent of Schools

FATIMA “TEEMS” TULFO

2024 Young Professional Sponsored by Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency

LARISSA MITCHELL

2024 Business Person of the Year

CHILDREN FIRST

2024 A Better Bakersfield Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Kern County

BEAUTIFUL YOU MEDICAL AESTHETICS

2024 Architecture & Design

Sponsored by Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation

KERN DANCE ALLIANCE

2024 Arts & Culture

THE PLAYFUL SPACE

(Not able to attend the event)

2024 Small Business of the Year

THE MISSION AT KERN COUNTY

2024 Renovation & Tenant Improvement

Sponsored by Vecchio's Pizzeria and Gelateria

DO THE MATH

2024 Education Sponsored by California Resources Corporation

VALLEY STRONG CREDIT UNION

2024 Large Business/Corporation of the Year

2025 Awaits

Would you like to nominate a person, business or organization for the 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards? Visit beautiful.bakochamber today and take a few minutes to submit a nomination to honor someone who makes our community a better place to live. Nominations must be for work completed in 2024 to be eligible for consideration. No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered. The 2025 nomination deadline is Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS

Presented by

Community Impact Sponsor

Red Carpet Sponsor

Category Sponsors

Media Partner Audio Visual Sponsor Award Sponsor

In-Kind Sponsors

Bakersfield Model A Club • Crumbl Bakersfield • Kern County Museum • LinQride Inc. • Norstar Technology Group, LLC • Print Dirt Cheap • Red Carpet Affair • Round and Round 360 • Tejon Ranch Company

New Members

Welcome to the companies that have joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Thank you for investing in our mission to Build a Better Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Plumbing Company

4625 District Blvd

Bakersfield, CA 93312

661- 397-2093

bakersfieldplumbingco.com

“We are a local family-owned business that has been serving the Bakersfield area since 1910.”

The California Commission on Sexual Exploitation 5701 Truxtun Avenue Suite 220

Bakersfield, CA 93309 916-398-2673

calcose.com

“Our licensed Mental Health professionals utilize psychotherapy to end the harmful practices of sexual exploitation and all other forms of sexual violence.”

PINK Legal

1701 Westwind Drive Suite 109

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-748-1112

pinklegal.com

“Twenty-four years of experience, specializing in Living Trust and Estate Planning Documents. Pink Legal has 3 locations. In person, Phone or Zoom appointments are available.”

QSI Productions

6077 Coffee Rd #4 Unit 284

Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-364-9658

qsiproductions.com

“QSI Productions: Premier audio-visual event production company, specializing in seamless execution for galas and corporate events, delivering exceptional experiences through cutting-edge technology and expert service.”

VITAS Healthcare

1701 G Street Suite 200

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-516-2300

vitas.com

Wellspring Personal Development

2106 20th Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-489-5953

wellspring-journey.com

“Wellspring in a non-profit Christian counseling agency established in 2011 providing services for a variety of needs, along with small groups and workshops.”

Renewing Members

Thank you to you who have reinvested in the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Your investment helps the Chamber continue its mission to Build a Better Bakersfield.

Adventist Health Bakersfield - 1958

Alzheimer's Association, California Southland - 2018

Ascend Real Estate and Property Management - 2016

Bakersfield Christian High School - 1999

Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association - 1993

Bakersfield PACE - 2020

Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House - 2009

Bakersfield SPCA - 2012

Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI) - 2014

Belfor Property Restoration - 2010

California Fruit Depot - 2005

California MENTOR- 2002

California Resources Corporation - 1970

Chicago Title Company - 1962

CSF Medical Nonprofit Foundation - 2017

Cushman & Wakefield/Pacific - 1991

D.R. Horton - 2023

Dr. Stephen Ratty, Optometrist - 1994

Eagle Mountain Casino - 2004

Edward Jones - Kristine Hertin - 2023

Flight Adventure Park - 2022

Golden Empire Transit District - 1985

Gottstein Corporation - 2013

Greet Seven Oaks - 2023

Hansen's Moving & Storage, Inc. - 2019

Holder's Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. - 2022

Houchin Community Blood Bank - 1977

Kern County Builders Exchange - 1957

Kern Glass & Aluminum Company - 2021

Kern Health Systems - 2012

Lamar Advertisting - 2011

Maya Cinemas - 2022

MK Logistics Inc. - 2022

Nile Point Veterinary Hospital, Inc. -1966

Pegboard - 1975

S.A. Camp Companies, Investments - 2003

Serban Sound and Communications - 1986

Service Master at Bakersfield - 2008

Snelling Staffing Services - 2008

Springhill Suites by Marriott - Bakersfield - 2014

Springhill Suites by Marriott - Ridgecrest - 2006

Three-Way Chevrolet-Cadillac - 1956

Valley Strong Credit Union - Administration - 1989

WattEV Inc. - 2022

Wounded Heroes Fund - 2018

WOW Pest Control - 2017

Yankee Communications, Inc. - 2013

Upcoming Events

July 2024

Thursday, July 4 - Friday, July 5

Independence Day & observation Chamber closed

Tuesday, July 9

Labor Law & HR Forum

8:30 a.m. | Chamber

Wednesday, July 10

GRC

Noon | Chamber

Wednesday, July 17

State of the City

11:30 a.m. | Bakersfield Marriott Convention Center

Thursday, July 25

MEP Mixer

5:30 p.m. | Flame & Fire

Friday, July 26

GRC

8 a.m. | Chamber

Wednesday, July 31

Mid-year Labor Law & HR Forum

8:00 a.m. | Chamber

Member News

The Bakersfield Racquet Club is proud to announce that they are partnering with the USTA, the ITF and Kaiser Permanente to bring professional women’s tennis to Bakersfield from October 7th-13th, 2024. This free event will be a W35 Futures Tournament featuring cash prizes totaling $25,000. This is the first annual Women's Tennis Open since 1983 when Jennifer Mundel-Reinbold won the Ginny of Bakersfield. For more information email womanstennisopenbakersfield@gmail.com or visit their website!

Through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Summer Meal Program, children and teens ages 18 and younger can continue to eat healthy meals, including breakfast and lunch or supper, throughout the summer at no cost. Children do not have to be classified as economically disadvantaged to participate; there is no paperwork to complete. Meals will be served Monday to Friday (except holidays) at the various sites linked. Please note that meal service times and dates vary.

Dream Business Resources Maximize Employee Benefits with the Champ Plan by Champion Health! Attention Bakersfield businesses! Discover the incredible advantages of the Champ Plan by Champion Health and achieve net savings of $573 per employee per year. For more information, visit their website or call Cindy or Roland at 661-333-7821 with any questions.

Dream Business Resources You have until April 15, 2025 to get your ERTC refund if not already received!

Attention Bakersfield businesses! Don't miss out on your Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) refund. The ERTC program offers a refundable tax credit of up to $21,000 per eligible employee, potentially resulting in significant financial relief for your business. However, it's crucial to note that this program has a deadline of April 15, 2025, after which the opportunity to claim these credits will expire.

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to recoup a portion of the wages you paid during the pandemic. Go to the ERTC Website today and let us help you claim the refund you deserve! Or call Cindy or Roland at 661-3337821 with any questions.

Houchin Community Blood Bank urgently seeks donations in July and August. Blood is critically needed during "The 100 Deadliest Days of Summer" between Memorial Day and Labor Day when inventory drops dangerously low. Summer months strain the blood supply due to steady non-emergency demand and increased emergency needs. To make an appointment, please visit their website!

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE FOCUS

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board

Rob Duchow

Public Affairs Manager - Southern California Gas Company

Incoming Chairman

Deanna Blaise Valley Strong Credit Union

Immediate Past Chair

Ken Keller

Dignity Health – Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Patrick Beck – Bakersfield Hyundai

Mark Bateman – Young Wooldridge, LLP

Molly Busacca – Secure Systems

Bruce Davis – Bolthouse Properties

Emily Duran – Kern Health Systems

Octavio Escobedo – Tejon Indian Tribe

Melissa Frank – The Wonderful Company

Kamal Gill – Brimhall Pharmacy/Panama Pharmacy

Dr. Vernon Harper – CSU Bakersfield

DeAnna Lewis – Wingstop

Maybelle Liquigan – Kaiser Permanente

Jacob Panero – Varner Bros. Inc.

Mari Perez-Dowling – United Way of Kern

Veronika Placencia – KERO-TV 23

G Riar – Riar Inc./The UPS Store

Greg Race – PG&E

Willie Rivera – Aera Energy

CHAMBER STAFF

Janelle Capra President & CEO

Kami Gonzalez Administration & Operations Director

Savanah Adams Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Kimberly Price Community Events Manager

Get Social

Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media platforms.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is the largest energy utility company in California. PG&E serves 16 million people throughout northern and central California, providing them with natural gas and electric service. PG&E’s commitment to safety, innovation and climate-positive energy ensure they are delivering quality service to their customers. To learn more, visit pge.com

MAJOR INVESTORS

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBERS

THE BLVD EATS DRINKS GAMES