A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | November 2023
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Live Your Best Life 9 Exciting New Floor Plans 6 Gated Communities 2 Resort-Style Recreation Centers 1 Woofin' Dog Park
Ming Ave. and Allen Rd | Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
On the
INSIDE
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CEO MESSAGE
Read a message from our Interim President/CEO, Hillary Haenes
BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS 2023 Award Recipient – Humanitarian Individual of the Year
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10 REPORT FROM THE CAPITOL View Photos From Event
12 LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD
Learn what the class experienced on Government Day
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NEW MEMBERS Welcome our new Chamber members
17 RIBBON CUTTINGS
Celebrate the grand openings of local businesses
19 MEMBER NEWS
Find out what our members are doing in the community
10 COVER PHOTO Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains. Photo courtesy of 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 info@bakochamber.com. © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
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Message from the CEO Chamber Q4 Update: Recap and Events Ahead! We have an action-packed end-of-year! Last month, we welcomed our members back to our signature event: Report from the Capitol presented by Adventist Health & Kaiser Permanente. Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains delivered a candid, first-hand update from Sacramento to an eager audience of business and community members. This event provides an opportunity for our members to reconnect, stay informed about the latest legislative developments and engage in meaningful discussions. You can view photos from the event on page 10. We just celebrated and recognized the Leadership Bakerfield Class of 2023 at their graduation dinner hosted at Stockdale Country Club. A big thank you goes to Kami Gonzalez for her support in leading this program as well as this year’s LB Advisory Council Chair Christina Springstead. Congratulations to the 26 graduates and their incredible achievements in building a better Bakersfield! At the end of the month, Bakersfield Young Professionals (BYP) will make a comeback! Join us at Charizma Studio on Wednesday, Nov. 29 as we kick off with the BYP Relaunch Mixer. Come connect with young professionals in our community, meet some of our previous BYP leaders and discover how you can get involved. All professionals are welcome and encouraged to participate.
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Our final mixer of the year promises to be a festive event. Bring your holiday cheer and join us on Wednesday, Dec. 6 for a morning of networking, a delicious breakfast from Lino’s Catering and the chance to win exciting raffle prizes. To make this season even more special, we’re donating half of all admission proceeds to a local nonprofit organization. Lastly, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with the City of Bakersfield to enhance our communications for our Shop Local, Shop Now campaign this holiday season. On Monday, Nov. 20, we will launch our Small Business Saturday and Holiday Campaign. Building on the success of the 2022 campaign and incorporating insights from the National Retail Federation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, this year’s campaign aims to encourage Bakersfield residents to shop early, shop local and support Chamber member businesses throughout the extended holiday season. Let’s make this festive season one to remember as we shop local and champion sustainable practices. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! Cheers!
Hillary Haenes
Interim President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber
R E L A U N C H
Wednesday, Nov. 29 4:30-6:30 p.m. Charizma Studio 910 18th St. $20 Early Bird; $35 After Nov. 17 Join us at Charizma Studio as we kick off the relaunch of Bakersfield Young Professionals! Get ready to connect with YPs in our community. Meet some of our previous BYP Leaders and learn how to get involved. All professionals are welcome to participate.
Charcuterie Cups by Charcuterie by M, Hot Chocolate Bar by 502 Coffee, Wine, Mocktails by Straight Up Zero Proof & Networking. These events aim to educate young professionals about local commerce and government, support local development initiatives, facilitate connections with community leaders and more. BYP’s mission is to encourage professional development, foster social connections and provide philanthropic opportunities for young professionals to contribute to the community.
For more informatio n , e m ail inf o@ bakoc h amber.c om
METRO | PAGE 5
2023 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Recipient – Humanitarian Individual of the Year After losing my late Husband, Chris Kreiser, to Follicular Lymphoma in December 2018, I wanted to give back to our community and show my three children that each one of us can make a difference. Never did I think my husband would get cancer, let alone pass away from it at 39 years old. But instead of dwelling on the negative, I leaned into my faith and decided to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), so that one day we can find a cure. I raised more than $108,000 in 10 weeks for LLS for its Woman of the Year campaign, now known as Visionaries of the Year. The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The three pillars of LLS are Research, Patient Support and Advocacy. LLS has invested more than 1.6 billion dollars in the most pioneering science worldwide since 1949. LLS is the leading source of free education and financial support for blood cancer patients and families. LLS is driving policy changes that accelerate new cancer treatments and break down barriers to care. Being a volunteer for LLS has been so rewarding and when a job opened, I jumped at the fantastic opportunity. I am now the Campaign Development Manager for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society here in Bakersfield. My goal is to spread awareness and raise money through the Visionary of the Year and Student Visionary of the year campaigns. If you would
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like to know more, you can email me at katie.kreiser@lls.org. I am so blessed to have received the award for Beautiful Bakersfield’s Humanitarian Individual of the Year award. I was told that the Humanitarian Individual award was the hardest award to win and I was just happy to have been nominated. The other nominees were all so wonderful and deserving, so when my name was called, I was taken by surprise. Receiving this award means the world to me and to know that my peers see me as someone who has made a significant impact on the community is heartwarming. Thank you all. Katie Ivester Kreiser Campaign Development Manager, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Central Valley Region
2024 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.
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
Submit your nominations today at
beautiful.bakochamber.com! Large Business/ Corporation of the Year
The recognition of a large business (26 employees or more) whose volunteer hours and/or financial donations have made a meaningful difference.
Next Gen
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
A local business owner/manager whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Efforts of a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that impacts the community.
Education
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.
Efforts by an educator, project or school/ college that promotes or benefits education in our city at all levels.
Renovation & Tenant Improvement
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement
Small Business of the Year
Health
Urban Revitalization
Humanitarian Group
Young Professional
A local long-time community leader, age 55 and over, who has made a lasting impact to Bakersfield and its residents.
An individual, group or organization impacting healthy living - above and beyond their normal scope of activities - through education, prevention or medical services. A group whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community.
A small business (25 employees or less) whose contributions and/or products and services instill community pride. An individual, business or organization that has made a meaningful contribution in the past year to placemaking, reimagining how we live, work and play. An individual, age 18-40, whose efforts truly impact and enhance the quality of life in the community.
Humanitarian Individual
An individual whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community. PLEASE NOTE: Nominations must be for work completed in 2023 to be eligible for consideration. No more than two nominations per individual, business or organization will be considered.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, February 2, 2024 METRO | PAGE 7
REPORT FROM THE
CAPITOL 2023
Thank you to all of our sponsors: Presenting Sponsors Adventist Health Kaiser Permanente Co-Sponsor Chevron Supporting Sponsors Berry Corporation Western States Petroleum Association
METRO | PAGE 10
All photos are courtesy of April & Co. View all the photos from the event here. Password: RC2023
METRO | PAGE 11
Growth/Community Issues/ Government Process Day Leadership Bakersfield
Bakersfieldʼs “Growth/Community Issues/ Government Process” Day, hosted by The Law Offices of Klein, Denatale, Goldner, and Safe 1 Credit Union, was held on Friday, Oct. 13, showcasing a lineup of influential speakers and insightful activities. Mayor Karen Goh commenced the event with a detailed overview of city and county government, setting the tone for a day focused on civic engagement. Jeremy Adams followed with an inspiring discourse on democracy and the principles embedded by the founding fathers in shaping the federal government. City Manager Christian Clegg and Kern County Chief Administrative Officer Jim Zervis, both prominent figures in the community, elaborated on the intricacies of city and county governance, emphasizing collaborative efforts to enhance the communityʼs well-being. The morning continued with a Downtown walking tour guided by City Councilman Andrae Gonzales and Kern EDC President/CEO Richard Chapman. They addressed challenges and celebrated progress in Downtown redevelopment, featuring the recently acquired 19th Street Woolworthʼs building, now under the ownership of Moneywise Wealth Management. Sherod Waite, co-owner of Moneywise, provided historical insights, shared future plans, and toured the facility, highlighting the preservation of tradition alongside modern METRO | PAGE 12
integration. Stops at Radio Sandwich and the CUE underscored Central Bakersfieldʼs dual role in commercial and residential development, presenting a promising vision for the community. Over lunch at The Rice Bowl, political consultant Russell Johnson and District 3 Supervisor Jeff Flores shed light on the political process and community involvement. The afternoon session ventured to the County Administrative building, where Jimmy Yee detailed the development of the upcoming Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. State Assemblyman Vince Fong shared his experiences in local, state, and national politics, addressing the ongoing challenge of balancing personal and professional life. The day concluded with “mock hearings” in the Supervisor Chambers, engaging class members in scenarios mirroring real community issues. Participants assumed roles such as County Supervisors and representatives of special interest groups, sparking lively exchanges. In summary, the event proved both informative and engaging, thanks in part to the support of Golden Empire Transit, providing transportation throughout the day. Thank you to our Program Underwriter
Thank you to our Transportation Sponsor
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 8-10 a.m. Lino’s Venue, 1931 H St
$10 Members/Non-Members Raffle Tickets $5 for 6 Half of all the admission proceeds will be donated to a local nonprofit organization For sponsorship opportunities email info@bakochamber.com METRO | PAGE 13
Class of 2023 Graduation Night
Team 1
METRO | PAGE 14
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4
All photos are courtesy of April & Co. View all the photos from the graduation here.
METRO | PAGE 15
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.
Cendecon PO Box 20254 Bakersfield, CA 93390 661-932-4343 cendecon.com
Sage Equities 1800 Q St. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-333-7709 eastchesterliving.com
“We are a full-service damage restoration business. We specialize in crime scene cleaning, hoarding cleanup and mold remediation.”
“Developing market rate, luxury multi-family living in downtown to create a welcoming, well-designed environment enhanced by the walkability to downtown.”
Charizma Studio 910 18th St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-549-8682 charizmastudio.charizma.co
Solar Negotiators 19456 Colombo Rd., #B-C Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-330-4140 solarnegotiators.com
“Charizma Studio is a private studio located in the thriving core of downtown Bakersfield, Calif. Best utilized for private meetings, team strategy meetings or workshops.”
“Solar Negotiators is unique because we offer a complete package for energy management: installation, maintenance, repair and monitoring for solar customers.”
JD Telecom 831-234-8720 “JD Telecom is a telecommunication contractor that specializes in fiberoptics.” Kona Ice of Central Bakersfield 661-742-5662 kona-ice.com “Kona Ice is the shaved ice truck that brings a one-of-akind, tropical experience to you. Guests can flavor their own Kona Ice on our signature Flavorwave, dance to our island tunes, and enjoy a nutritious and delicious treat.” New Frontier Consulting 661-750-2183 newfrontierconsult.com “We use our 4M process of Mindset, Management, Marketing and Money to help scale and grow businesses to new heights and greater impact.” Rooster’s Honky Tonk 1818 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-428-4834 “Rooster’s Honky Tonk Bar is bringing live country music to downtown Bakersfield four nights a week WednesdaySaturday. Enjoy great drinks, dancing and live music.”
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Sportsplex Bakersfield 6825 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-885-8082 sportsplexbakersfield.com "New one-of-a-kind multi-sports facility including: 5v5 soccer fields, Futsal, Basketball, Pickleball, Tennis, Volleyball, Jorkyball, Teqball, Panna cages and technologybased training equipment." Temblor Tavern 1420 17th Pl. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-374-8433 temblorbrewing.com “Temblor Tavern is an intimate tap room with a music theme serving beers exclusive to Temblor Brewing Co. and LP records.” Wealthwave “The Seven Milestone Company” 5401 Business Park South, Ste. 124 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-703-3148 wealthwave.com/katherinehall “We show people how money works because it’s not really taught in schools. The seven money milestones are critical action steps, a financial road map.”
RIBBON CUTTINGS PAST RIBBON CUTTINGS
30th Anniversary Continental Labor and Staffing Services 900 Mohawk St., Ste. 120 clsri.com
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS Mango Haus Date: Thursday, Nov. 30 Time: 3 p.m. Location: 700 Truxtun Ave.
RSVP
Grand Opening Temblor Tavern
1420 17th Pl. temblorbrewing.com
Sarah Ruth Interiors Date: Tuesday, Dec. 5 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 2003 20th St.
Grand Opening The Apple Core Project – Leadership Bakersfield Team 1
612 Grace St. applecoreprojectinc.com/community-hub
RSVP
SCHEDULE YOUR CEREMONY For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact us at info@bakochamber.com. METRO | PAGE 17
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.
Amazon Fulfillment Center - 2021 Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative - 2020 Barber Honda - 1997 Central/Mother Lode Regional Consortium - 2017 Dewar’s Candy Shop, Inc. - 1994 Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery - 2022 Global Family Care Network - 2020 Gundlach’s - 1995
Kern County Raceway Park - 2013 Kern County Superintendent of Schools - 1989 McDonald’s - Ming Ave. - 2010 Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation - 1996 Outlets at Tejon - 2014 Pastoria Energy Facility - 2001 The Price Company - 1998 Realty Management Services - 2010 Reveal Medical Aesthetics, Inc. - 2019 Signature Home Lending - 2014
H&R Labor Contracting LLC - 2022 The Hampton Inn Bakersfield - 2006 Houchin Community Blood Bank - 1977
T & T Liberty Safes, Inc. - 2018 Tejon Ranch Conservancy - 2022 TM Signs and Graphics - 2020
J. Webb Consulting - 2021
Wiki’s Wine Dive & Grill - 2013
Upcoming Events November 2023 11.23 - 11.24.23 Chamber Closed Thanksgiving Holiday 11.28.23 Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber 11.29.23 BYP Relaunch Mixer 4:30 p.m. | Charizma Studio
METRO | PAGE 18
Member News Bakersfield Condors - The ONLY way to the best seats for the Bakersfield Condors’ Teddy Bear Toss night on Saturday, Nov. 25 is with a Teddy Bear Toss 3-Pack. 3-Pack holders get premium seating locations not available to the general public! If you have any questions, email tickets@bakersfieldcondors.com or call the office at 324-PUCK (7825). Click HERE to purchase tickets: For as low as $70 receive: •
(1) ticket to Teddy Bear Toss
•
(2) flex vouchers to use at any other Condors game of your choice
•
(1) Little Caesars Pizza
•
(1) Skating pass to Valley Childrenʼs Ice Center
The Downtown Business Association - is hosting a Festival of Businesses Downtown Holiday Party from 6-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at The Iron Lily Venue, 424, 24th St. The event is $85 members; $95 nonmembers. Call Melanie Farmer to book your tables at 661-330-8470 or email melanie@bakersfielddba.com. To purchase tickets, click HERE. Ivy Park at Seven Oaks - This holiday season, purchase delicious, fresh baked pies and cakes to support a great cause! Ivy Park at Seven Oaks, 4301 Buena Vista St., is having a holiday bake sale from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30 for residents, family and friends. Select from a variety of decadent desserts made by an Ivy Park Chef. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will benefit organizations that advocate for a cure to Alzheimer’s. Baked goods must be picked up from the concierge on Wednesdays and Fridays after 3 p.m. Orders must be placed with the concierge at least 48 hours prior to pick-up. For more details, call 661-837-1337 or visit ivyliving.com/sevenoaks. Choose from: •
Homemade roasted pumpkin pie - $13
•
Vanilla bean cranberry bundt cake with orange rum glaze - $14
•
Dutch apple pie with toasted pecan and oatmeal streusel - $15
Safe 1 Credit Union - is proud to partner with The Mission at Kern County to help make this winter and holiday season a better one for those in need! Stop by any Safe 1 branch office in Bakersfield between now and Friday, Nov. 17, to drop off jackets, coats and sweaters to be given away on Thanksgiving Day. All donations for men, women and children are welcome in order to provide much needed assistance to the most vulnerable in our community. Bakersfield locations for Safe 1 Credit Union are: 8200 Granite Falls Dr., 1400 Mill Rock Wy., 400 Oak St., 3601 Panama Ln. Assistance and donations from the community are greatly appreciated!
ADAKC – Save the Date for ADAKC presents Heart Never Forgets Gala featuring singer Jay Allen on Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the iconic Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace. To sponsor this event or for more details, visit adakc.org or email events@adakc.org. City Serve - The Mayor’s Ball, the annual benefit for CityServe that brings together local community leaders who are committed to see Bakersfield continue to flourish, will take place Saturday, Dec. 2. The gala will be at CityServe, 3201 F St. in Downtown Bakersfield. Table sponsorships are available HERE. Benefiting CityServe Bakersfield is a local nonprofit organization with an extensive church-based network aimed to transform individuals and families from dependency to sustainability. The Mayor’s Ball has enabled CityServe’s network to make a profound impact on thousands of lives deep in the community. Each year the black tie event takes place in the former Montgomery Ward building on F street in Downtown Bakersfield, which is now occupied by CityServe. The gala includes a reception hour, decadent dinner and dessert, music entertainment, celebrating stories of impact and dancing. Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County - We are thrilled to unveil our Club’s brand new “Panda Cares Center of Hope” to serve as a multi-functional, multi-purpose space that brings to life the values of Boys & Girls Clubs and Panda Cares by creating a safe space that encourages each Club member to dream big, reenergize, express their emerging identities, and fuel their educational passions. The Grand Opening will be on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. at the E. L. Jack and Monica Armstrong Youth Center, 801 Niles St. Please save the date and join us in December as our Club members and Youth Development Professionals celebrate the renovated Club space with the local Panda Express team. Bakersfield ARC - is collaborating with the Greater Bakersfield Chamber to find and secure employment for their clients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are encouraging local businesses to utilize this opportunity to participate in Bakersfield ARC’s Paid Internship Program at no cost to the employer. This program not only provides business with hard working, loyal, and enthusiastic employees, but also encourages Bakersfield ARC’s clients to become integrated into a real-world work environment. Please contact Savanah Adams at sadams@bakochamber.com for more information.
For more Member News click here
METRO | PAGE 19
CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE FOCUS 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Ken Keller Bakersfield Memorial Hospital - Dignity Health Incoming Chairman Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company
Castle & Cooke - Castle & Cooke is a local Bakersfield developer and homebuilder with more than 30 years of experience creating lifestyle-oriented, gated communities complete with resort-style amenities, beautifully landscaped parks and architecturally diverse, energy efficient homes. Castle & Cooke is proud to not only develop the homes and communities that Bakersfield residents live in but also award-winning shopping centers like The Marketplace, The Shops at River Walk and Gosford Village.
MAJOR INVESTORS
Mark Bateman – Young Wooldridge LLP Deanna Blaise – Valley Strong Credit Union Bruce Davis – Bolthouse Properties Octavio Escobedo – Tejon Indian Tribe Kamal Gill – Brimhall Pharmacy/Panama Pharmacy Maybelle Liquigan – Kaiser Permanente Denise Newton – PG&E
CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBERS
Jacob Panero – Varner Bros, Inc. Veronika Placencia – KERO-TV 23 G Riar – Riar, Inc. Willie Rivera – Aera Energy
CHAMBER STAFF Hillary Haenes Interim President & CEO Kami Gonzalez Director, Administration & Operations Concepcion "Cepi" Willingham Member & Business Development Manager Savanah Adams Manager, Stakeholder Engagement
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@bakochamber
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