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INSIDE
4 B3K PROSPERITY
Read about the launch of the Better Bakersfield & Boundless Kern initiative.
5 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Read about member business Bratcher Home & Design.
6 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD
6
Tune into KGET-TV 17 and watch the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards!
7 BYP SUMMIT SERIES
Join other young professionals for the 2020 BYP Virtual Summit Series.
10
11
10 STAYING IN COMPLIANCE
Labor Law on Covid-related caselaws and 2021 legislation.
11
VOTE
11
GRC MEETING
Find out where the Chamber stands on statewide ballot initiatives.
Hear from Christian Clegg, Bakersfield City Manager as he gives an update on the city's response to COVID-19.
Cover Cover photography of CSUB Campus by Alex Horvath, The Bakersfield Californian.
Contact us
12 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 jscheiber@bakochamber.com. © Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.
METRO | PAGE 3
W
hat is the future of the Bakersfield-Kern Region? That is the question that keeps us up at night. Not because we fear it but because, despite the very best efforts of well-intentioned organizations and hardworking individuals, every day we see the consequences of decisions, actions and policies that shape that future. This area is special, and the people of Kern and Bakersfield deserve a positive and prosperous destiny. Now is the time for us to come together, roll up our sleeves, and create a vision for the future. As we seek that future, we must be clear-eyed about the risks to our economy, our quality of life and to the health and success of our neighbors. The businesses and industries that sustain our economy – including energy and agriculture – have been buffeted by regulation, market conditions and intense global competition. For too many in Kern County, quality jobs that create pathways to the middle class are hard to come by. From educational attainment and access to quality, affordable health care, to environmental quality and social justice challenges, there are many barriers that contribute toward inequitable social and economic outcomes, as evidenced most recently by the COVID-19 crisis. With these challenges in mind, and that positive destiny as a goal, a diverse coalition of business, government, community, and education partners, have launched “A Better Bakersfield and Boundless Kern: Regional Action for Economic Prosperity” to develop an economic roadmap and investment plan for enduring economic growth, prosperity and inclusion in the region. “B3K Prosperity” recognizes that the path toward a more vibrant and inclusive future for the Bakersfield-Kern region is growth. But that growth must look beyond traditional measures of economic success and toward a future of inclusive economic prosperity. Inclusive economic development evaluates success not solely on the number of jobs created and dollars invested in a region. It also considers the quality of jobs created and the growth potential of the industries represented. The future vitality of our region depends on creating good, quality jobs that pay sustainable wages and diversifying our industry sectors, so that every person who calls the Bakersfield-Kern region home can prosper.
METRO | PAGE 4
We have to deploy the region’s assets and opportunities to compete for talent, investment and growth. Other regions are already organizing and having success in attracting investment from government and private interests. Up the road in Fresno, they’re aiming to be the leaders in agricultural innovation; while to the west, the Central Coast is organizing to rival East Kern as the focal point of California’s aerospace future. We can’t stand still, we must harness our boundless ingenuity, our grounded values, and our collective desire to continue striving for something better. B3K Prosperity builds on and leverages many of the institutions and leaders already working to advance regional prosperity in Kern County. In addition to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber and Kern Community Foundation, the B3K Prosperity Core Team includes the Kern Economic Development Corporation, California State University, Bakersfield, Kern Community College District, the City of Bakersfield and County of Kern. B3K Prosperity has engaged experts from the Brookings Institution, one of the top organizations working with regional coalitions across the United States to address issues of economic competitiveness and inclusive growth, including five other regions in California Next Spring, we will produce a strategic action plan and prospectus to attract investment and promote growth, prosperity and inclusion. That said, B3K Prosperity won’t end when these deliverables are completed. Rather, B3K Prosperity will continue as the forum for our region’s diverse stakeholders to collaborate and cooperate on efforts that improve all of our quality of life for years to come. The success of this work hinges upon support and involvement from residents. We encourage you to visit our website, www.B3KProsperity.org, to learn more about B3K Prosperity, sign-up to receive official communications, and find opportunities to participate in future workgroups, surveys and other outreach and engagement activities. We hope you’ll join us. - Nick Ortiz, President/CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber - Kristen Beall Watson, Ed.D., President/CEO of Kern Community Foundation
Member Spotlight My name is Brooke Bratcher and I am the founder and creative director of Bratcher Home & Design. I have been in the interior design industry since 2011, starting my career as a design assistant for a local designer, Judy Hampton. In those years of working as a design assistant, my personal life was continually developing as well. I got engaged, married, and my husband, Kevin, and I eventually welcomed our son, Beau. I knew from the moment I became a mother in 2014, that I wanted to spend as much time as I could at home. So naturally, I resigned from my job, enjoyed the newborn stage, and eventually decided to start designing small projects on the side. I found myself shopping around town and ordering from designer lines to complete my new projects. By 2015, Brooke Bratcher Design was officially in business.
Fast forward to 2016, we were blessed with our daughter, Brielle. Motherhood is amazing and I would not trade it for anything. However, I felt as if something was missing from my life. My passion for design never seemed to go away after having children, so I decided it was important for me to continue my career and grow my business. Three years later, I decided to take a major leap toward my goal. The decision to rebrand and open a showroom/design studio was something I had always wanted for myself. Bratcher Home & Design officially opened in downtown Bakersfield on November 26, 2019. My business is continuing to develop - we are making it through the pandemic. Most recently, we added our retail inventory to our website! I could not be where I am today without the love and support of my employees, family, followers, customers and clients. I am currently booking clients for consultations. During our meeting, we will further discuss details and pricing. Please contact the design studio at 661-447-4028 to book an appointment. We are located downtown at 1219 18th St. and are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Brooke Bratcher, Bratcher Home & Design
Bratcher Home & Design Located Downtown 1219 18th St. 661-447-4028 www.bratcherhome.com Open Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
METRO | PAGE 5
TELEVISED, OCT. 24 AT 7 P.M. ON KGET-TV 17
T
he 30th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards honors the efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations that build a better Bakersfield. We look forward to highlighting the positive, feel-good stories from our fellow community members.
Watch on KGET-TV 17 or streamed online on KGET's Facebook page or website. There will still be that element of surprise with the winners being announced during the program. We encourage you to safely have a watch party with family and friends from the comfort of your home! We hope you will tune in to celebrate the achievements of all of our nominees!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Presented by
Broadcast Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Award Sponsor
Category Sponsors
LL
VIRTUAL
BYP Summit Series J
oin other young professionals for the 2020 BYP Virtual Summit Series, fueled by inspiring speakers, insightful panels, messages that motivate and opportunities to connect with the leaders of today and tomorrow.
BYP is excited to help you engage your peers, empower yourself and expand your career!
SUMMIT 2020
To register for these FREE events, please click HERE.
Topic: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace
RSVP HERE
Date: Wednesday, October 14 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Are you interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices in Bakersfield and Kern County? Join a local panel of Diversity & Inclusion professionals, Jane Myneni, Inclusion Diversity & Engagement Lead at Aera Energy LLC; Abel Guzman, Executive Director of Rural Initiatives at Bakersfield College; Claudia Catota, Chief Diversity Officer & Special Assistant to the President at CSU Bakersfield; and our moderator Carla Barrientos, Local Educator and Co-Host of Hello Bakersfield Podcast as they discuss the following topics:
• Recruiting, hiring and retaining diverse talent • Why representation matters in your workplace • How 2020 has impacted the work being done in the DE&I setting • How small businesses can implement diversity and inclusion practices Speakers
Moderator
Carla Barrientos
Jane Myneni
Abel Guzman
Topic: Plan Your Career, Then Work For It
Claudia Catota
RSVP HERE
Date: Wednesday, October 21 Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Ryan Nelson
Companies create programs and build tools to show employees potential career paths, but many companies and employees miss a key component to making these tools successful. Join Ryan Nelson, Talent Acquisition Lead at Aera Energy, as he shares insights, observations and learnings he has researched, witnessed, and experienced to 1. Encourage young professionals to find a meaningful job that turns into a successful career; 2. Challenge those with leadership aspirations (or currently in leadership) to consider how they might use this information to make an impact in their organization, so that the employees can find meaning and purpose.
BYP Program Sponsor
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
METRO | PAGE 7
“Valley Strong’s assistance provided us financial flexibility. We were able to keep a good cash flow, which allowed us to keep people full time. We were even able to give a few people a raise!” Contractors Equipment Rental (CER) Guy Robertson & Sean Kim / Owners METRO | PAGE 8
Grow your business with services that fit your business — whether you employ two people or 200. Find local reps dedicated to your success and helpful services designed to take the burden of operational tasks off your plate. With help, you’ll also find it’s so much easier to focus more on growing your business. Business Online and Mobile Banking
Pay a bill or check your balance — anytime, anywhere — with 24-7 access to your Valley Strong accounts, thanks to DataNet online banking and DataMobile.
Merchant Services
Sign up with *Payment Systems Worldwide, Inc., an established and well-respected local merchant services company, to take care of all your business support needs. Consider it your one-stop-shop for smart solutions, updated technology, and superior service.
Business Mobile Deposit
With Business Mobile Deposit, you can use your phone’s camera and our app to deposit checks the same day if submitted by 3 p.m. PST Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Cash Management
Our cash management services offer wire transfers, ACH payroll and payments, positive pay, bill payment, and online banking – helping you create efficiencies through progressive technology.
Payroll & HR Services
Valley Strong has teamed up with *BenefitMall, a provider of employee benefits, payroll, compliance, HR, and employer services. They enable more than 200,000 small and medium sized businesses easy access to affordable quality workforce solutions. *Valley Strong Credit Union has partnered with service providers to offer these services to our Members.
Grow Your Possibilities Call (661) 833-7530 or visit valleystrong.com to learn how our local Business Banking team can help grow your business. Federally Insured by NCUA I Equal Opportunity Lender
COVID-19 Labor Law Update Webinar
H
ow has COVID-19 changed the employment law landscape? Find out on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10-11:30 a.m. Join Attorney Jerry Pearson from Young Wooldridge, LLP for this interactive session on new caselaw and legislation confronting employers following the pandemic. This webinar will also cover new employment legislation for 2021. Some of the items that Jerry will cover include: • Expansion of CFRA and LOA’s • Supplemental Sick Leave • Expansion of AB5 Exemptions To register for this webinar, please click HERE. You will be emailed a Zoom link the day before the event.
Date: Wednesday, October 21 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Location: Zoom Cost: Free RSVP: HERE
Speaker
Presenting Sponsor
LLP
Jerry Pearson
T
he 2020 State of the City was televised on KGET-TV 17 on Sept. 5. The event featured Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh and City Manager Christian Clegg.
Sponsored by Dignity Health - Mercy & Memorial Hospitals and hosted by KGET-TV 17, the 2020 State of the City provided businesses with an update on the City's response to COVID-19, the City's budget and efforts to improve the economy, community development and public safety. Click HERE to watch the event!
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presenting
Hosted By
METRO | PAGE 10
Gold
Bronze
ADVOCACY
N
ext month, on Nov. 3, voters will be voting on local, statewide and federal initiatives. Our staff has tracked the list of statewide ballot initiatives. We are committed to keeping our members informed of how these proposed measures will impact their bottom line as well as the cost of doing business locally and statewide. Below is a list of statewide propositions and how the Bakersfield Chamber stands. This is just one of the many ways that the Chamber is working to ensure a better business climate for all.
STATEWIDE PROPOSITIONS
OPPOSE
Proposition 15 - Property Tax Increase
SUPPORT Proposition 19 - Transfer Property Tax Base SUPPORT Proposition 20 - Stiffer Penalties for Crimes OPPOSE
Proposition 21 - Rent Control
SUPPORT Proposition 22 - App-Based Driver Reclassification/AB 5 Fix OPPOSE
Proposition 23 - Regulating Dialysis Clinics
OPPOSE
Proposition 25 - Repeal Money Bail
G
RC has gone virtual! GRC (Government Review Council) is now meeting biweekly at 10 a.m., every other Friday. We encourage you to attend and get engaged on policy related initiatives and discussions.
Email kpeterson@bakochamber.com to be added to the email list.
* Chamber Members only
Join us on Friday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. and hear from Bakersfield City Manager Christian Clegg. Mr. Clegg will give us an update on the City's response to COVID-19 as well as update us on how he is adjusting since joining the city in March, at the onset of the pandemic. We encourage you to join us and bring your questions to get to know our city manager better! This meeting is for Chamber Members only. To RSVP, please click HERE and you will be sent a link to join the meeting. METRO | PAGE 11
• The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bakersfield is hosting the Virtual Farm to Tableaux on Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.! Still the same event you know and love featuring Kidz Art, Silent and Live Auction, and performances from BGCKC's Music Fusion. And, of course, we have a few tricks up our sleeves! Join us by REGISTERING FOR FREE at https://event.gives/ farmtotableauxbako. • M.A.R.E. Riding Center invites you to their 30th Anniversary Virtual Fundraiser on Oct. 10 at 6 p.m. Raffle tickets are $100 with a grand prize of a 2015 Honda Accord from Barber Honda. The virtual fundraiser opened Oct. 3 and will feature a “pay it forward” silent auction benefiting 8 local nonprofits. Visit https://www. mareridingcenter.com/raffle for more information. • The Kern County Heart and Stroke Walk is a meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. Your Heart and Stroke Walk donation supports the American Heart Association and fuels innovative science, advocacy efforts, CPR trainings and promotes better health within communities. Register for the event experience today: bakersfieldheartwalk.com. • Please join Dignity Health Mercy & Memorial Hospitals in our challenge to protect and restore young survivors of human trafficking and exploitation here in Kern County and around the world. Any amount from $10 to $10,000 (and everything in between) makes a big difference. To register and make a donation, visit https://cbo.io/bidapp/ index.php?slug=globalfamily.
METRO | PAGE 12
• Bakersfield Museum of Art is proud to announce the 22nd Annual Via Arté Italian Street Painting Exhibition, which will be held on Oct. 17 & 18 at The Marketplace in Bakersfield. As always, professional artists will transform the parking lot of The Marketplace into a gallery of amazing chalk masterpieces inspired by classic Italian Street Painting. Due to concerns about the coronavirus, we worked with the Kern County Department of Public Health and The Marketplace to ensure that this year's exhibition would be a safe event for everyone. Read more about our rigorous COVID19 Via Arté protocols at viaartebakersfield.com. These requirements will be strictly enforced to protect the health and safety of our artists, staff, volunteers and spectators. To apply to become an artist at the exhibition, visit viaartebakersfield.com/artists. • The CSUB School of Business and Public Administration Deans Executive & Research Seminar Series presents a webinar on Finding Entrepreneurial Opportunities in the new normal with Co-owner and VP of Sales & Marketing for Stria, Scott Garrison. Join on Oct. 14 from 12-1 p.m. • MCSC Kern Women's Business Center presents “Start, Run & Grow Your Business,” a 10-week Entrepreneurial Training Course. Start, Run & Grow Your Business is designed for anyone who is/or aspires to be a small business owner. This in-depth course will teach you the fundamental principles of operating, managing and growing your own business. This course runs Oct. 6 to Dec. 8 and meets every Tuesday 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information call 661-567-0410 or email KWBCinfo@mcscorp.org.
• October 31st marks the 227th day of the COVID-19 lock down. Commemorate this day and raise money for Adventist Health, by completing 227 minutes of exercise anywhere you want, between 12 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Halloween. Exercise for 227 minutes (doesn’t have to be consecutive) to earn a T-shirt, medal and spooky bragging rights! If you are interested in sponsoring this challenge, please contact info@Spooky227.com today! • The Guild House is open! The temporary schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for outdoor dining or take-out order only. Reservations are appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. To make a reservation or order takeout, call 661-325-5478. Visit www.guildhousebakersfield.org to view the monthly calendar. • Headquartered in Temecula, BMW Management, the largest Sizzler franchisee and independent, familyowned operator of 22 Sizzler locations in California, was informed on Monday, Sept. 21 of Sizzler USA’s decision to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for Sizzler USA’s 14 companyowned restaurant locations. BMW Management wants to inform their beloved communities and loyal guests that it is NOT filing bankruptcy, nor are they a part of Sizzler USA’s legal decisions. BMW Management will continue to operate their restaurants as they have since 1983. BMW Management’s Sizzler locations in Bakersfield are open for business and look forward to serving only the highest quality, fresh cut Certified Angus Beef steaks and other handcrafted favorites.
NEW MEMBER We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the companies who have joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Thank you for investing in our mission to Build a Better Bakersfield. Forefront Power, LLC 100 Montgomery St., Ste. 725 San Francisco, CA 94104 510-282-0389 www.forefrontpower.com "Forefront Power, a California-based company, is a leading provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions for the public sector."
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. Affordable Dental Care – 2016 Dale Pretzer Jr. Inc. dba All American Glass – 2009 AltaOne Federal Credit Union - Riverwalk Office – 2012 Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital – 2016 Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra – 1994 Bakersfield Women's Business Conference – 2016 California City Landowners Association – 2014 California Veterans Assistance Foundation Inc. – 2009 Century 21 Jordan-Link & Co. - Jeanne Radsick – 2009 Conservation Committee of CA Oil & Gas Producers – 1995 Covenant Community Services, Inc. – 2017 El Pollo Loco - White Lane – 2015 eMedia – 2011 Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy – 2019 Goodwill Industries of South Central California – 1991 Greenlawn Funeral Homes, Cemeteries & Cremations – 2007 Independent Living Center of Kern County – 2017 Wm. K. Lyons Agency, Inc. – 1991 RA Johnsfam dba McDonald's-Ming Ave. – 2010 Mechanics Bank Arena Theater & Convention Center – 1998 Mossman's Catering – 2016 Murray Family Farms, Inc. – 2004 NAPD New Advances for People with Disabilities – 2016 Optimal Hospice Care – 1998 Pastoria Energy Facility – 2001 The Price Company – 1998 Purpose Driven Home Health – 2019 Residence Inn By Marriott – 1990 Rio Tinto Borates U.S. Borax – 2008 Signature Home Lending – 2014 State Farm Insurance - Roger Hess – 1991 Stria – 2005 Valley Strong Credit Union - Administration – 1989 Weill Child Guidance Foundation – 2018 West Coast Maintenance – 2013 Willis and Williams Design Studios – 2012
OCTOBER 2020
10.9.20
GRC Meeting 10 a.m. | Zoom
10.13.20
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Noon | Zoom
10.14.20
BYP Summit Series 10:30 a.m. | Zoom Webinar
10.21.20
BYP Summit Series 10:30 a.m. | Zoom Webinar
10.21.20
Labor Law & HR Forum 10 a.m. | Zoom Webinar
10.23.20
GRC Meeting 10 a.m. | Zoom
10.24.20
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards 7 p.m. | KGET-TV 17
10.27.20
Ambassador Committee Noon | Zoom
For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakochamber.com.
METRO | PAGE 13
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. is a full-service, certified woman-owned public relations firm in Bakersfield, Calif. Providence has experience in regional as well as statewide campaigns and specializes in creating modern and effective digital marketing and advertising campaigns, stakeholder and public outreach as well as media relations.
2020 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17
Chairwoman Elect of the Board Kristen Beall Watson Kern Community Foundation
Providence was founded on a passion for business – a recognition that the risk-takers, entrepreneurs and employers need creative and effective support for their endeavors. Providence assists clients with strategic marketing campaigns, engaging the media, winning project approvals, securing key endorsements and building a grassroots effort that will effectively impress the targeted audience.
MAJOR INVESTORS
Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company
Vice Chair Economic Vitality Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC
Vice Chair Member Engagement Tasha Clayton Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Treasurer Andy Paulden Brown Armstrong Accountants
Member-at-Large Rick Jhaj Countryside Construction/ Countryside Markets
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
BYNUM
General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
INC.
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Cathy Albyn | Membership & Business Development Manager Frances Klingenberger | Manager, Strategic Programs Hillary Haenes | Vice President, Member Engagement Kaelyn Peterson | Manager, Policy & Public Affairs
EVERYTHING FOR YOUR OFFICE
Jean Scheiber | Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer
LLP
GET SOCIAL Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media platforms.
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