Metro May 2024

A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | May 2024

Catering Community

LAZIN' IN THE GRASS.

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HighgateSevenOaks.com

INSIDE

Mossman and Amanda Goforth, owner and manager of Mossman's Kitchen.

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.

© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.

Message from the CEO

As we enter the final days of May, I would like to share highlights of what has made this month so memorable.

We attended the CalChamber Capitol Summit in Sacramento, where chambers from across California gathered to share best practices and discuss the latest developments in public policy, the economy, job creation and issues Californian businesses face. I'm proud to share that on behalf of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber; we were honored to receive the 2024 President’s Circle Award from the California Chamber of Commerce. This award recognizes our team's efforts in supporting our members with labor law and education. We are one of twelve chambers to receive this award, acknowledging excellence in business advocacy and helping members comply with California employment law (read more on page 15).

Governor Gavin Newsom introduced a new 10-Point Plan to Beautify Bakersfield, led by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This plan outlines a detailed strategy to enhance beautification efforts in Bakersfield, including increasing litter collection in crucial areas, clearing roadway encampments, upgrading old equipment and maintaining overall roadway cleanliness. The Chamber is thrilled about this initiative, as it will help small business owners thrive, support the local economy and benefit the working families that depend on these services (read more on page 14).

Speaking of beautifying Bakersfield, we are all in, preparing for this year's Beautiful Bakersfield Awards on June 22 at Mechanics Theater. The caliber of nominations inspires me, and I cannot wait for you all to experience an evening

celebrating all that makes Bakersfield beautiful. This event is nearly sold out, so get your tickets today by texting "BBA" to 366283 or calling us at 661-327-4421.

This month, we also welcomed some fantastic new businesses to Bakersfield. Our chamber team was honored to support the grand opening of Harris BBQ as a part of Sully’s on Coffee Road and Juice It Up on Allen Road. I can tell you that the Capra Family will be frequent patrons of these businesses this summer!

Please take a moment to read the Shop Local, Shop Now member feature on Mossman's restaurant on page 10. This Bakersfield staple restaurant and catering company will also handle our Beautiful Bakersfield Awards dinner.

Together, we are building something better in Bakersfield and beyond.

Blessings,

Janelle Capra President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Buy tickets now! Presented by

Saturday, June 22, 2024

City of Bakersfield - 2023 Beautiful Bakersfield Award: Urban Revitalization

Being awarded the 2023 Urban Revitalization Award at last year’s Beautiful Bakersfield Awards event was a huge surprise and honor! As a government agency, it is obviously expected that we would “do our job” to provide recreation and quality parks to all residents of the City of Bakersfield. So, we were pleasantly surprised to be recognized for the recent improvements and efforts we have made to make our parks safer, cleaner, and more attractive places to visit.

All the credit goes to the team here at Recreation and Parks! For years we have not had the resources needed to keep up with the increasing demands of our ever-growing city, however, the staff here deserves a tremendous amount of credit for doing more with less and stretching every dollar to keep the department moving forward year after year. I was very fortunate to join this team in 2021 at a time after the passing of the sales tax Measure N, now referred to as the Public Safety Vital Services Measure (PSVS). It has given us the ability to make meaningful change in a way that would not have been possible prior to its passing. Our number #1 priority was safety and protecting our investments. We were successful at onboarding 16 new rangers to patrol our parks and enforce our rules. The impact of that program was immediately recognized, and it has become a model for the Central Valley. This gave us greater confidence in making significant investments throughout our entire park system. We have made shade structures, playgrounds, court surface renovations and exercise equipment in parks our priority. It is certainly validation to us that the community recognized and values these investments.

Currently the Department is wrapping up its system wide comprehensive plan. It will help us prioritize and guide our investment for the next ten years. Although we have much work to do, we are optimistic that we will find solutions to fund new parks, renovate older ones and enhance recreation opportunities for all! Our motto here at Recreation and Parks is to “Have Fun & Get Stuff done!”

Rick Anthony Recreation & Parks Director

Class of 2024 explores Kern County's vital role in energy production

This month, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber's Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2024 attended "Energy Day." Participants gained valuable insights into Kern County's role in energy production and the energy sector’s impact on our local economy. The day also highlighted the importance of affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for fueling economic growth and progress in California.

The class explored how decisions by state policymakers drive up gasoline prices and how limitations on in-state oil and gas production impact our local economy and the prices consumers pay. Participants were startled to learn that California imports more than 70% of its oil from out-of-state, a factor that further contributes to market volatility.

The day began with a visit to Chevron's Kern River field and their Integrated Operations Control Center, which provided a firsthand look at energy production and operations. Several industry speakers joined the class, including Gabriela Gonzales from California Resources Corporation and Lora Larkin from the California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL). They shared valuable insights into energy advocacy and the evolving landscape of energy education.

Thank you to our Program Underwriter

The day’s speakers also brought light to the ways in which Kern County’s energy companies are developing Innovative solutions that help address climate change while also solving the world's complex energy challenges. Companies are collaborating in new ways, leveraging their extensive capabilities and partnerships to deliver scalable carbon solutions. Ultimately, their goal is to help meet lower carbon ambitions, reduce the carbon intensity of their operations and ensure everyday consumers have access to affordable and reliable energy.

The class' visit to the Kern County Board of Supervisors’ chambers and the delightful conclusion of the day at the Petroleum Club, sponsored by the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), further enriched the class's understanding of the energy landscape in Kern County.

Leadership Bakersfield is grateful to sponsors Aera Energy LLC, Chevron, and WSPA for making this day possible and providing a rewarding and educational experience.

Thank you to our Day Sponsors

The Secret to Mossman’s 65-Year Legacy

How One Family Revolutionized Classic Comfort Food

As the world evolves, Mossman’s restaurants revolutionize to meet Bakersfield's residents' everchanging and diverse palate. This year, stepfatherstepdaughter duo Rick Mossman and Amanda Goforth plan to innovate further to continue serving for generations to come, carrying on their legacy of warmth and dedication.

Many already know and love local Mossman’s restaurants, which serve history, community and innovation on every plate. Mossman’s Westchester Coffee Shop is the oldest in Bakersfield. It serves home-style food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a catering business and a new restaurant location opening in June, Mossman’s upholds tradition while finding new ways to expand its business.

wrote 60 years ago,” Rick said.

Mossman’s continues to use the same tried-andtrue recipes for its beloved menu items, including “Grandpa’s Secret Recipe” pancakes and their customer-favorite fish and chips.

“We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day so that you can have pancakes for dinner or fish and chips for breakfast,” said Amanda.

We use local products to make local food that serves local people

- Rick Mossman

“We still use the handwritten recipes my grandfather

Rick fondly reminisced about his life at Mossman’s, a cornerstone of connection and hospitality for three generations, "I spent more time with my grandfather at work than I did at his house," he said. “I even recall washing dishes while wearing an apron so long I tripped over it.”

Clarence, Rick's grandfather, opened Mossman’s Westchester Coffee Shop 65 years ago and his

passion for serving others grew with the restaurant. Rick loved being around “good food, good family and good friends.” It’s how he knew he wanted to follow in his family’s footsteps; evidently, it’s the Mossman way.

Amanda has worked with her stepfather since she was a teenager. She started as a cashier, then took on the catering business and is now the general manager of their new location. Just like Rick, Amanda has grown with the company.

Although running a business together as a family comes with challenges, Rick expressed that they always have each other’s backs.

“Without a doubt, I couldn’t do this without Amanda,” he said.

They try to set boundaries to distinguish “family talk” from “business talk,” but they explained they love their jobs so much it’s hard to stop talking about it.

More space, food and possibilities for growth

Mossman’s Kitchen, their new location, will open on June 1. The restaurant, located at 3300 Buena Vista Ave., will carry all the classic home-style menu items their customers love and add location-exclusive options, such as certain catering items. Amanda’s favorite dish, “Amanda’s Tuscan chicken pasta,” is named after her and is exclusively available at this location.

Coming up with new menu items is a collaborative effort. Amanda explains that it starts with research and attention to what customers like. Their chefs take inspiration from their experience making dishes all over the world.

Sometimes, one of their chefs will make up a new recipe for themselves for lunch, but after a few people try it, it becomes so popular it ends up as a special on the menu.

“We pride ourselves on being a working kitchen. Every day, we’re coming up with new things,” Rick said.

They aim to host more tastings, add new menu items and bring customers together.

“We want to bridge the gap between the older generation who come to our current location and the newer generation who order our catering. We’re doing old-school recipes with a new style,” Amanda said.

Mossman’s also caters to weddings, galas, parties and other events, including the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards on June 22.

When it comes to catering, Rick, Amanda and their team know what they’re doing. They once served 7,000 people in 30 minutes. Additionally, Mossman’s has a unique catering menu.

Rick explained that when they sit down with a customer, they don’t give them a list with set options. Instead, they give them a blank piece of paper so they can envision anything they want.

“We don’t want to tell our customers what to do. We’ve served so many different types of food, it’s impossible to have it all on a menu,” he said.

Couldn’t do it without Bakersfield

Amanda attributes Mossman’s enduring success to the community's support. "We wouldn’t be able to make it without Bakersfield’s support," she said. Amanda recalls the overwhelming response they received when a fire struck their Westchester location. Community members reached out, asking how they could assist, and even started a GoFundMe campaign. Rick and Amanda used some of the funds from the campaign to support their outof-work employees.

This support is mutual. Mossman’s actively

collaborates with local nonprofits, providing food in ways other catering companies haven’t. They regularly donate meals and prioritize using local products. "We use local products to make local food that serves local people," Rick said.

To learn more about Mossman’s, visit mossmanscatering.com

Governor Newsom announces 10-point plan to beautify Bakersfield

New multifaceted plan builds on recent successes from investing state resources

As California continues to enhance public safety and quality of life in communities across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced new actions to improve the beautification efforts in Bakersfield.

The comprehensive, multipoint strategy, spearheaded by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and known as the 10-Point Plan to Beautify Bakersfield, outlines specific steps to collaborate with local partners to increase litter collection in key areas, clear roadway encampments, update aging equipment, and maintain the cleanliness of the overall roadway system.

"The Greater Bakersfield Chamber is thrilled about this initiative," said Chamber President & CEO Janelle Capra. "This announcement from Governor Newsom to beautify Bakersfield not only helps our small business owners thrive but also supports the local economy and the working families that depend on these services.”

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh added, “The city of Bakersfield and its surrounding areas welcome continued enhancements and support from everyone. We appreciate the state’s partnership to not only keep beautifying Bakersfield but also the efforts over the years to bring in needed resources to uplift our entire community.”

The 10-point beautification plan includes:

• Addressing customer requests about litter, fence repairs, graffiti, and encampments

• Repairing irrigation, clearing litter, and removing overgrown areas within landscaped freeways

• Keeping key roadways and ramps clear of litter, weeds, brush overgrowth, graffiti and doing pavement and electrical repairs

• Dedicating a coordinator to oversee the beautification

• Partnering with the City of Bakersfield and others to focus beautification efforts in and around downtown areas and roadways

• Using social media to get the community involved

• Keeping traffic moving with QuickMap push alerts to let drivers know about lane closures

• Updating changeable message signs to highlight worker safety and beautification efforts

• Ensuring construction areas stay clear of debris and liter

• Using new sweepers

A detailed overview of the state’s investments in Bakersfield and Kern County is available here. The 10-Point Action Plan can be viewed here

CalChamber Capitol Summit honors chamber commitment to business advocacy

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber is among 12 chambers in California to receive the 2024 President’s Circle Award from the California Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes chambers’ exceptional work in advocating for their members and promoting business growth in California. The representatives of these chambers were honored on May 8 during the CalChamber Capitol Summit in Sacramento, where they were applauded for their efforts in fighting for California businesses.

“We are deeply honored to be among the distinguished recipients of the 2024 President’s Circle Award,” said President and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, Janelle Capra. “This accolade reaffirms our commitment to our members and our pursuit of fostering business prosperity. From the streets of Bakersfield to the bustling halls of our state’s capital, the chamber stands as a strong advocate for our members, ensuring their voices resonate loud and clear.”

The President’s Circle Award recipients have published vote records of their state legislators

on critical business issues, joined coalition efforts to inform state elected officials about community sentiment on matters of interest to members, voiced the local chamber’s position at legislative policy committee hearings and took part at an exemplary level in the CalChamber compliance product resale program.

These chambers have proved their commitment to excellence in business advocacy and have helped their members follow California employment laws.

“Our top local chamber partners play leading roles as community problem solvers and the voice of business on public policy,” said Nick Ortiz, CalChamber vice president of local chamber relations. “We commend them for all their hard work over the last year fighting on behalf of California business.”

Three of the chambers have received the award all 16 years it has been presented. The award, first presented in 2009, recognizes chambers for excellence in business advocacy and helping their members follow California employment laws.

2024 President’s Circle Award recipients at the CalChamber Capitol Summit on May 8, 2024. Photo Courtesy of CalChamber.

Grand Opening

Solstice Senior Living 8200 Westworld solsticeseniorlivingbakersfield.com

Grand Opening

Victor’s Mexican Grill

Date: Thursday, June 11

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location:3123 Panama Lane Suite 102 victorsmexicangrill.com

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.

A Better Bakersfield and Boundless Kern (B3K)

1725 Eye Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-279-0819

b3kprosperity.org

“B3K is a regional collaborative of industry, government and civic stakeholders dedicated to growing a more prosperous and inclusive future in the Bakersfield-Kern region.”

A Better Way Psychiatry & TMS

5329 Office Center Court Ste 224

Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-445-7770

abetterwaytms.com

“Providing psychiatry services for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Using the current and successful treatment including TMS therapy and Spravato that help conquer symptoms.”

Angry Chickz Bakersfield Inc.

2765 Calloway Drive Ste 100 Bakersfield, CA 93312

661-564-9030

angrychickz.com

“Quick Service Chicken Chain.”

Bakersfield Prosthetics & Orthotics

2023 Truxtun Avenue

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-281-2127

bpocusa.com

“We offer a full range of artificial limbs and orthopedic braces to enable individuals living with limb loss and musculoskeletal limitations to regain mobility.”

Collective Purpose Philanthropy

7704 Las Cruces Avenue

Bakersfield, CA 93309

661-343-4067

collectivepurposephilanthropy.com

Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services 2001 28th Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-868-7582

kernbhrs.org

“Provide mental health and substance use disorder services to the county of Kern.”

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.

A La Mode Luxury Aesthetics - 2022

Alpha Media, LLC - 2015

American Business Machines - 1999

ARRC Technology - 1996

Arts Council of Kern - 2023

BMW Management, Inc. - 1997

Centre For Neuro Skills - 1999

Community Action Partnership of Kern - 1995

Community Connection for Childcare/KCSOS - 1988

Culligan Water - 2017

Emcore - 1963

Emser Tile - 2015

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Bakersfield - 1989

Good Samaritan Hospital - 2011

Heart Vascular and Leg Center - 2010

Homewood Suites by Hilton - 2004

Hospital Council of Northern & Central California - 2018

J.D. Rush Company, Inc. - 1994

KABI LLC - 2014

Links for Life - 2003

Miramar International - SilverKeyEmpire - 2023

Moneywise Wealth Management - 2004

Principal Financial Group - 2005

The Station - Kern County Fire Fighters - 2017

Valley First Credit Union - 2022

Bakersfield Wingstop - 2023

Upcoming Events

Member News

June 2024

Tuesday, June 11

Ribbon Cutting

10:30 a.m. | Victor’s Mexican Grill

Wednesday, June 12

GRC

Noon | Chamber

Saturday, June 22

Beautiful Bakersfield Awards

5 p.m. | Mechanics Bank Theater & Convention Center

Tuesday, June 25

Ambassador's Meeting

11:30 a.m. | Chamber

Friday, June 28

GRC

8 a.m. | Chamber

Aurora Payments

Aurora Payments recently appointed Jim Luff as Association Relationship Manager. Luff has long served as Corporate Communications Manager for Aurora, a Merchant Services Provider serving GBCC and many chamber members. Luff has been involved with the Chamber since 1987 and previously served as Ambassador Chair. In his new role, Luff will serve as a liaison between nonprofit associations and Aurora Payments. Chamber members can get a complimentary no-obligation rate comparison by contacting Jim Luff at (661)706-7955 or send email to jim.luff@risewithaurora. com. Visit their website at risewithaurora.com.

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

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Carney's Business Technology Center offers consulting and technology solutions to clients in central California's public and private sectors. Its team of twenty is dedicated to meeting the local business community's needs, rather than just expanding its client base. The company is committed to serving its friends, neighbors, and community partners. For them, true success means reaching out to those who support them.

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