METR
A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | November 2022
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CEO MESSAGE See how the Chamber is working on behalf of you - our members
2022 MIDTERMS Our Endorsements for the Nov. 8 Midterm Election
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BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARD
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SHOP LOCAL, SHOP NOW
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Winner of A Better Bakersfield - Kern Community Foundation
Learn more about Small Business Saturdays
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RIBBON CUTTINGS Celebrate the grand openings of local businesses
NEW MEMBERS
COVER PHOTO
2022 California Economic Summit. Pictured: Raji Brar, Countryside Corportation. Photo courtesy by April & Co.
Welcome our new Chamber members
CONTACT US
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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 info@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
Message from the CEO
Photo courtesy by April & Co.
During November, a month we focus on gratitude, I'm thankful for all of you who join us in building something better, one day at a time. This has been an amazing year, due to the support and engagement we've received from you: Our members and the community.
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Local Host Committee Co-Chairs: Nick Ambrosini, CEO of Valley Strong Credit Union and Connie Perez-Andreesen, Chief Administrative Officer of the United Farm Workers
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Local Sponsors: Valley Strong Credit Union, California Resources Corporation, Aera Energy, Chevron, Kern Community College District, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, The Wonderful Company and CSUB.
I’d be remiss to not extend special gratitude to our partners at the City of Bakersfield, without whom the event would not have happened: •
Karen Goh, Mayor Andrae Gonzales, Councilmember Bob Smith, Councilmember Christian Clegg, City Manager Greg Terry, Police Chief Paul Saldana, Economic Development Director Gregg Strakaluse, Public Works Director
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All of the city employees who made our city welcoming and safe for attendees
California Economic Summit Bakersfield sparkled last week when our community hosted the 2022 California Economic Summit, bringing together diverse viewpoints and geographic perspectives to learn from one another and gain common ground.
It’s clear that inland California is the state's future innovation engine. This was highlighted by none other than Gov. Gavin Newsom, who made a surprise appearance during Friday’s plenary session. The governor affirmed his support for Kern County while also emphasizing his position that California’s climate change and energy transition policies are here to stay. The future of energy production in Kern County is a critical topic. Stakeholders across the state must recognize the crucial role we play in fueling California’s economic success. This was clearly articulated by local representatives like Assemblyman Vince Fong and Supervisor Zack Scrivner. Thank you to California Forward for choosing Bakersfield to host this year’s summit and for selecting the Chamber as its local host partner. It was an honor to co-chair both the summit and the local host committees. I want to specifically thank a handful of local leaders and corporate citizens who stepped up to invest their time and finances to make this year’s summit a success.
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Midterm Endorsements Unless you haven’t turned your TV on recently, you shouldn’t be surprised that next Tuesday, Nov. 8 is Election Day. Thank you to our Chamber's Governmental Review Council (GRC) and Political Action Committee (BAKPAC) for taking positions on local and state measures and endorsing candidates for local office. •
The Chamber’s positions and BAKPAC’s endorsements are on the next page.
The Chamber’s political decisions are driven by a desire to see businesses thrive, so that our entire community can prosper. We set aside personal beliefs and partisanship to recommend candidates and issues that support local jobs, economic vitality and improved quality of life. Happy Thanksgiving! Nick Ortiz President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber
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"A Better Bakersfield" Award Recipient - Kern Community Foundation Kern Community Foundation’s mission is Growing Community, Growing Philanthropy. Our annual tentpole event is Give Big Kern (GBK), which is one day to celebrate the giving spirit of Kern County. I’m proud to be from Bakersfield, and I have seen firsthand how our city and county can come together to help our neighbors. On behalf of the Foundation and our Board of Directors, I offer gratitude to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, and everyone involved with hosting the 2022 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards. The event was fantastic, ran on schedule, and demonstrated how diverse and supportive we are in Bakersfield. It's an honor to win the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for A Better Bakersfield, which recognizes an annual event that enhances the quality of life in our community. Full disclosure: I did not work at the Foundation during Give Big Kern 2021. Our previous leaders, Louis Medina and Kristen Beall Watson, deserve credit for building the event over time and having success in 2021. Winning the Beautiful Bakersfield Award validates our mission to our community, our donors and ourselves. We need a healthy nonprofit ecosystem to both meet donor needs and improve outcomes across Kern County. The Foundation has deep relationships within the nonprofit sector. To directly support local nonprofits with fundraising efforts, the Foundation hosts GBK annually and provides educational workshops to help nonprofits succeed. Nonprofits need money and volunteer hours, and we help them get those through GBK. In 2021, GBK helped our nonprofit partners raise $832,940 and thousands of volunteer hours. This is real money that helps organizations solve real problems in real time. The Foundation hosts GBK at no cost to participating nonprofits. I’m proud of our organization, our Board of Directors, our nonprofit partners and everyone who donated through Give Big Kern. I’m proud to be part of a generous community such as Kern County. Kern Community Foundation assists people, companies and government organizations that want to focus on
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local philanthropy. We enable them to use tax-deductible donations to build a customized giving plan. Our donors grow their funds over time and use the available funds for local philanthropy such as scholarships, grants and disaster relief. The Foundation manages a strong scholarship program and works with recipients to help them navigate their first year in college. While each scholarship is unique, students only fill out one application to apply to all 40+ scholarships we have available. And, starting this year, we have partnered with the City of Bakersfield on the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program. This program will create 400+ paid internships and fellowships for local youth over the next four years. KCF has also facilitated grants totaling millions of dollars to local nonprofits to help address homelessness, substance abuse, nature conservancy, food insecurity, leadership development, animals and so much more. Our nonprofit organizations provide immediate, targeted support to address these local problems. We help nonprofits tell their story, advertise events and build their fundraising networks. For Bakersfield and Kern County to continue to grow and compete, we need a robust commercial sector and nonprofit sector. We connect those two through philanthropy. A healthy nonprofit sector improves our quality of life and helps Bakersfield grow. Give Big Kern 2022 was another record year. Cristina Camacho, our Associate Director of Community Impact, helped set new records and deserves praise for this year’s success. We hope GBK continues to grow to meet local needs as we come out of the pandemic and plan the way forward. We’re already ramping up for Give Big Kern 2023. Please contact us if you would like to participate or learn more about Give Big Kern by visiting our website at kernfoundation.org. – Aaron Falk, President & CEO, Kern Community Foundation
Submit your nominations today at beautiful.bakochamber.com!
Humanitarian Group
A group whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community.
Humanitarian Individual
CATEGORIES:
An individual whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community.
A Better Bakersfield
An annual event or project that enhances the quality of life in the community.
Architecture & Design
The completion of a brand new interior and/or exterior building design integrating the environment with space and materials.
The recognition of a large business (26 employees or more) whose volunteer hours and/ or financial donations have made a meaningful difference.
Next Gen
Arts & Culture
Efforts by a group or individual to improve and/or enhance the arts and culture within our community.
Business Person of the Year
A local business owner/manager whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Education
Efforts by an educator, project or school/college that promotes or benefits education in our city at all levels.
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement
A local long-time community leader, age 55 and over, who has made a lasting impact to Bakersfield and its residents.
Health
Large Business/Corporation of the Year
An individual, group or organization impacting healthy living - above and beyond their normal scope of activities - through education, prevention or medical services.
An individual or group in grades K-12 that, through personal involvement and endeavors, has answered the challenge of good citizenship.
Nonprofit of the Year
Efforts of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that impacts the community.
Renovation & Tenant Improvement The completion of a renovated design that upgrades an existing structure and/ or incorporates the use of landscaping to enhance the aesthetic value of the property.
Small Business of the Year
A small business (25 employees or less) whose contributions and/or products and services instill community pride.
Young Professional
An individual, age 18-40, whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
PLEASE NOTE:
Nominations must be for work completed in 2022 to be eligible for consideration. No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, February 3, 2023
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Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield /Tehachapi I (661) 833-7418 eric.steinback@valleystrong.com
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Grow Your Possibilities
2022 FALL Photo courtesy by April & Co.
mixer
View and purchase all photos.
NOVEMBER AFTER HOURS Date: Tuesday, Nov. 15 Time: 5:30 -7:30 p.m. Location: Dave & Buster’s, 1914 Wible Rd.
Drinks, Appetizers, Networking and Games $ 5 per person, (Limited to 100 Attendees) MUST RSVP IN ADVANCE
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Thursday, December 1 8-10 a.m. Lino’s Venue, 1931 H St.
Breakfast, Networking, Raffle Prizes $5 Per Person
HONORED TO BE KERN COUNTY’S Best LAW FIRM
Young Wooldridge, LLP – 2022 Best Law Firm Top row L to R: Brett Stroud, Mo Basharaheel, Thomas Brill, Robert Noriega, Kevin Danley, Ned Dunphy, Jerry Pearson, Mark Bateman. Bottom row L to R: Alan Doud, Steven Torigiani, Lauren Naworski- Smith, Scott Kuney.
Thank you for voting Young Wooldridge the Best Law Firm by The Bakersfield Californian 2022 Readers’ Choice Poll. Young Wooldridge has been serving the Central Valley for over 80 years. We will continue to provide award-winning legal services to those in our community.
Save Time & Money Shop Local This Season at Chamber Member Businesses
The holiday season is upon us, and this year shoppers will face increased costs for nearly everything. Rising interest rates and persistent inflation are fueling a new level of uncertainty, recession seems imminent. We spoke to our Chamber members and heard loud and clear that small businesses need our support more than ever as they navigate, reestablish and pivot from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Small Business Saturday is an annual event held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The goal of Small Business Saturday is to encourage shoppers to support small, locally-owned businesses. This year, the Chamber is encouraging our community to celebrate and support our local businesses and everything they do to help our community on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26.
Rik Samoylenko, the owner and creative mastermind behind Sandstone Goods + Trading, knows the importance of the in-person shopping experience. He decided to open his brick-and-mortar store while many large retail chains were closing stores across the country.
"...when people support us, we’re able to support our community and it becomes a full-circle."
Bakersfield’s locally-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy. They work tirelessly to provide unique services and products, and they are consistently the first ones to step up and give back to our community. With that said, we know that every dollar you spend feels different this year. Inflation is real, and, if you’re like most people, you need ways to cut costs and save money. You can increase the impact of every dollar you spend and support a better Bakersfield by choosing to shop local.
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The benefits are tremendous when supporting locally run businesses. One of the many reasons to shop local from places like Sandstone Goods + Trading is the increasing cost and frustration of managing online returns.
Inside his store, you can find one-of-akind products and make purchases with a specific person in mind. You probably won’t need to include a gift receipt or make a return.
“There's a difference between actually being able to see or touch what you are considering purchasing and ordering the product online and having to wait for it and then being disappointed,” said Samoylenko. “More often than not, when you order things online, you’ll find that the photo doesn't match the product or it's not the right description and you’ve got to ship it back.” Samoylenko, opened his store in June 2022 at 1403 Allen Rd., Ste. 100. He’s proud that all of the products he carries in his store are all created or produced by locally-owned small businesses.
“I would rather shop in a brick-and-mortar store and be able to support a small business or local artisan,” he said. Spending will continue this year despite it feeling like a pinch, and people can make their purchases count by shopping from small businesses. By supporting small businesses and shopping locally, we help real, genuine people who have put their passion ahead of convenience and whole-heartedly believe in the business they are running. Many of these businesses also support local nonprofits and give back in more ways than one. “I try to support different organizations and charities as much as possible, and it’s easier for small businesses like mine to do that when people buy at our stores,” said Heather Abbott, the owner of Bella, a fashion boutique in the Town & Country Center at the intersection of Coffee Road and Stockdale Highway. “For example, we just did the Fashion Show for the Wine Women and Shoes event benefiting The League of Dreams. It’s easier for us to do things like that when we can sell more products in our stores. So when people support us, we’re able to support our community and it becomes a full-circle,” said Abbott. Now more than ever, we need to encourage our community, friends and family to shop small, support local businesses, and ultimately, invest their money toward a better tomorrow.
To support and celebrate our member businesses, the Chamber is reactivating our Shop Local, Shop Now campaign. We’re encouraging everyone to shop local this season as a way to help bolster economic vitality and support our members. You can find Chamber member businesses by visiting our website shoplocalshopnow.com and support small businesses by visiting local events. Beginning in December, you can visit our site to read more in-depth stories about stores and businesses like Bella, Sandstone Goods + Trading and many more. You can also kick off the holiday shopping season on Black Friday with Bella at the Towne & Country Christmas tree lighting. Check our social media channels to learn more as Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26 approaches.
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RIBBON CUTTINGS PAST RIBBON CUTTINGS
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS Grand Opening The Garden of Hope & Mural at Mercy House 1900 E. Brundage Ln. mercyhouse.net A Leadership Bakersfield Project
SOS Recycle Center Date: Wednesday, November 9 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 6823 Stine Rd.
RSVP
My Spot Downtown Grill Grand Opening Dave & Buster's 1914 Wible Rd. (Valley Plaza Mall) daveandbusters.com
Date: Monday, November 14 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 1412 17 St., Ste. F (Inside the Haberfelde Building)
RSVP
Grand Opening CLIMB by LVL Fitness
10436 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 200. climb-fitness.com
Advance Auto Parts Date: Thursday, November 17 Time: 11 a.m. Location: 2411 F St.
RSVP
10 Year Anniversary Salty's BBQ 9425 Rosedale Hwy. saltysbbq.com
Boot Barn Date: Friday, November 18 Time: Noon Location: 5437 Gosford Rd.
RSVP
For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com. METRO | PAGE 14
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.
Bio Life Plasma Services 4456 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 719-359-7359 biolifeplasma.com
Hungry Howie’s Pizza 10530 Rosedale Hwy., Ste. 1 Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-427-0777 hungryhowies.com
“We collect life-saving plasma from donors to create therapies and medications for patients all over the world.”
“With more than 45 years of experience, we are consistently ranked as one of the top pizza franchises in the nation. From our humble beginnings outside of Detroit, MI; we’ve grown to more than 550 locations in 20 states. Our pizzas are made from the finest ingredients: 100 percent mozzarella cheese and dough made fresh daily. Choose from eight mouthwatering crust flavors: butter, butter cheese, asiago cheese, ranch, onion, Cajun, sesame & garlic herb. Order by phone or online!”
Boot Barn 5437 Gosford Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-404-1991 bootbarn.com “We are the nation’s largest western and workwear retailer offering the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear and westerninspired fashion.” Central Valley Medical Supplies 1121 W. Columbus St., Ste. A Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-578-6688 “We are a DME company specializing in wound care, ostomy, catheter, incontinence and tracheostomy. Through working with providers and insurance companies, we are able to provide our patients with their medical supplies.” Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 3310 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93304 615-444-5533 crackerbarrel.com/bakersfield “From restaurant to retail, we rise above American’s interstate highways, as a familiar sign greets travelers and local communities. Eggs break, biscuits bake, the scent of homestyle cooking rises. A cash register dings, chairs rock and checkers pass the time.” Human Resources Consulting Services, Inc. 661-978-5618 hrcsinc.com “We provide a wide array of customer-focused HR management consulting services and products supporting our client’s specific business needs and objectives.” Hungry Howie’s Pizza 1475 White Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-397-3777 hungryhowies.com
Ivy Park at Seven Oaks 4301 Buena Vista Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-410-7080 ivyliving.com “We provide assisted living and memory care community to seniors that can no longer be home. We offer a full spectrum of amenities and care levels specific to each individual’s needs.” Key Staffing Inc. 2251 Ouprieus Ct. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-566-9333 hirekeystaff.com “We are a diverse recruitment firm based in Bakersfield that specializes in industrial, admin, accounting and highlevel direct hire roles.” Mama Vega Enterprises 813-765-2548 MamaVega.com “I am a nationally award-winning WOSB, international best-selling author, Medicare RDN, chef, fourth-generation nutritionist, blogger, TV content producer, podcaster, micro-influencer and gut guru.” My Spot Downtown Grill Inc. 1412 17th St., Ste. F Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-742-1483 myspotdowntowngrill.com “We are a family-oriented restaurant. We are a small local business located inside the Haberfelde Building. We strive to bring good quality and delicious food at a reasonable price. Our goal is to bring the local community together by bringing in some vendors from the farmers market into our establishment.”
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New Members (continued)
Nadrich & Cohen Accident Injury Lawyers 1105 Douglas St. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-410-7008 personalinjurylawcal.com/bakersfield
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.
Assured Senior Living Solutions - 2021
“We are personal injury attorneys serving Bakersfield & Kern County with more than 30 years of experience handling auto accident and injury claims. We offer free consultations.”
BCT Consulting, Inc. - 2021 BHE Renewables, LLC - 2014 Bland Company - 2015 Bristol Hospice Bakersfield - 1998
Rev Renewables revrenewables.com
Chevron - 1920 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - 2017
“We are an industry leader in the development, acquisition and operation of renewables and energy storage.” Sip and Style Salon 9500 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 306 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-927-0750 sipandstylesalon.com “We are Bakersfield’s only blowout barn & locally owned business with more than 25 years of experience in the beauty industry. We use only the finest products and have the best well-trained staff. We can service all of your blowout and makeup needs for any and all occasions. Whether it’s date night, proms, weddings, birthday parties or you simply just don’t want to do your own hair – we got you covered – all while enjoying a complimentary “Sip” of your choice for that added fun experience. We also have memberships and packages available for added savings. We can’t wait to blow you away! Hope to see you soon.” Tejon Ranch Conservancy 661-248-2400 tejonconservancy.org “We’re a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving, enhancing and restoring the native biodiversity and ecosystem values of Tejon Ranch and the Tehachapi Range.” Water Associates 34929 Flyover Ct., Ste. W Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-281-6095 waterassociates.com “We have moved water in the San Joaquin Valley for more than 20 years, selling pumps, power and pivots to ag customers.”
For more information about joining the Chamber or renewing your membership dues, please email cwillingham@bakochamber.com.
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California Veterans Assistance Foundation Inc. - 2009 City of Bakersfield - 2001 Clark Pest Control - 1951 Community Services Employment Training (CSET) - 2021 Darlene Denison State Farm Insurance - 2008 Global Family Care Network - 2010 Hacienda Guerrero Catering - 2015 Hodel's Country Dining - 1986 Hourglass Hotel - Ascend Collection - 2010 Kern Autism Network, Inc. - 2015 Kern County Superintendent of Schools - 1989 KW Plastics of California - 1994 Northwestern Mutual - Eric D. Shumate, M.B.A. - 2021 OneLegacy - 2015 Onyx Aesthetics and Wellness - 2019 Pacific Advisors - 2004 Padre Hotel, LP - 2009 Panama-Buena Vista Union School District - 2018 Pastoria Energy Facility - 2001 Prochorus, LLC - 2019 Signature Home Lending - 2014 T & T Liberty Safes, Inc. - 2018 The Price Company - 1998 Unitek College - 2018 Valley Achievement Center - 2003 West Coast Maintenance - 2013 Western States Petroleum Association- 1990
Member News Tri Counties Bank, in partnership with the Community Foundation of the North State, issued more than $100,000 in scholarships this May to graduating high school seniors throughout California. The scholarships ranged between $1,000 to $2,500 each and were awarded to 55 students from 44 high schools in 21 counties. Tri Counties Bank provides two scholarship opportunities: an income-based scholarship for students whose families have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,846 or less, and a merit-based scholarship for students with a Weighted Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher & sent directly to the students’ chosen accredited college, university or trade school to assist with education expenses. Students can apply for the 2023 scholarship application cycle starting on Tuesday, Nov. 1. HERE. For more information, contact Nikki Espinosa at the Community Foundation of the North State at 530244-1219. Get ready to get your grub on once again! JJ’s Legacy is thrilled to announce the Seventh Annual Grillin’ and Brewin’ taking place on Thursday, Nov. 3 at The Iron Lily Venue (424 24th St.). This much anticipated fundraising event will have the same delicious, mouthwatering barbecue prepared by the local award-winning competition BBQ team, The Ridge Route Boys. The popular Kelly Twins Dueling Pianos will also return again this year for another joyous night of entertainment! Ticket prices are $75 in advance, $85 at the door (includes BBQ meal and 2 drink tickets per person) For more information click HERE. To purchase tickets, contact Lorim@jjslegacy. org or 661-489-4430. The annual Heart Never Forgets Gala benefiting the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County is happening on Friday, Nov. 4 at ADAKC, 4203 Buena Vista Rd. The VIP cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and program at 6 p.m. and entertainment at 9 p.m. The cost is $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10. For more information, call 661-665-8871 or visit adakc.org. North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) is excited to recognize the service of local veterans in the
District’s first-ever Veteran’s Day Slideshow to be shared online through NOR’s website at norfun.org and on NOR social media accounts on Friday, Nov. 11. “America’s veterans ensure the protection of our country’s freedom and NOR wants to honor these noble servicemen and women,” says Monya Jameson, NOR General Manager. “Please join us this November in thanking our local military personnel and expressing gratitude to their families for their dedication.” To feature a loved one or exemplary veteran, make a submission to NOR’s website at norfun.org. The Mayor’s Ball benefiting CityServe is happening on Saturday, Nov. 12! The Mayor’s Ball is about bringing together leaders who care to invest in our community and see it become a flourishing place to live and thrive for all. One night a year, this exclusive premier gala unites multiple organizations and harnesses the power of generosity for a better community. To purchase tickets, visit: For questions, cityservenetwork.com/ bakersfieldmayorsball. Dance performers wanted! Kern Dance Alliance has a call for youth performers for the Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event being held on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater. The Children’s Dance Education and Outreach Event provides children with a live dance performance, dance class + choreography and the opportunity to perform on the Fox stage. Additionally, children learn about the history of The Fox, they will be provided afternoon snacks and a commemorative T-shirt. Kern EDC is hosting the 2022 Kern County Energy Summit on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 7:30 a.m. to Noon at the Bakersfield Marriott. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting kernedc.com/meetingsevents/energy-summit. The keynote speaker is former Secretary David Bernhardt, who served as the 53rd secretary of the Department of the Interior and led a U.S. cabinet department with an asset portfolio that exceeded $300 billion, a $16 billion annual budget and nearly 70,000 employees. For more information, contact Sophia Gligorevic at sophia@kedc.com or call 661-862-5156.
Upcoming Events November 2022 11.8.22 Election Day 11.11.22 Veteran Day Chamber Closed 11.15.22 Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. | Zoom
11.15.22 Mixer 5:30 p.m. | Dave & Buster's 11.18.22 GRC Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber
11.29.22 Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber
11.24.22 - 11.25.22 Thanksgiving Holiday Chamber Closed METRO | PAGE 17
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS Hall Ambulance Service, Inc.
2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Rick Jhaj Countryside Corporation Incoming Chairman Ken Keller Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital Immediate Past Chairman Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17
Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. was founded by Harvey L. Hall in 1971. Built on his ideals of care, compassion and community, the company has grown to serve as the 9-1-1 paramedic provider for 94 percent of Kern County. This includes the cities of Bakersfield, Arvin, Tehachapi, California City, Taft, Shafter, Wasco, Delano; and the communities of Lamont, Frazier Park, Mojave, Rosamond and Boron. Hall Critical Care Transport provides ground and air regional interfacility transport solutions to the area’s hospitals and medical centers.
MAJOR INVESTORS
Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz President/CEO Hillary Haenes Vice President, Member Engagement Concepcion "Cepi" Willingham Member & Business Development Manager Kami Gonzalez Director, Administration & Operations Cynthia Gonzalez Operations Administrator
Get Social Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media platforms.
@bakochamber
BYNUM INC.