Message from the CEO A season of change

From blooming flowers to chirping birds, it seems that everything around us is in a state of transition, and the Greater Bakersfield Chamber is no exception. Over the past few months, we have undergone significant changes, and we are thrilled to share that we are adapting and growing stronger than ever before.

As many of you know, last month, we bid farewell to Nick Ortiz, the former leader of the Chamber, as he left to work at the state level. Nick is now Vice President of Local Chamber Relations at CalChamber and President & CEO of the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.).

Fortunately, we get to continue working together to advance our interests in Central California!

We greatly appreciate Nick’s fearless leadership and tireless efforts to build a better Bakersfield these past several years. During his tenure, the Chamber increased membership, revenue and key initiatives; including the Bakersfield-Kern Regional Branding Initiative, the campaign to pass Measure N and bringing the California Economic Summit to Bakersfield. Nick has certainly left a lasting influence on our members and the Bakersfield community.

As Bakersfield continues to grow, I look forward to serving our community as the Interim President/CEO to collaborate with our members, bolster partnerships and provide support to local businesses. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve you during this transition in leadership.

Your Chamber team remains busy advocating on your behalf, as well as planning upcoming programs and signature events, which you can learn more about in this month’s issue of Metro.

Cheers!

Hillary Haenes Interim President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber