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Model Home Tours by Appointment
HIGHGATE SWIM & FITNESS CLUBHOUSE
Breathtaking private clubhouse accessible to residents of Highgate Place, Park, and Estates. Sparkling swimming pool, spa, fitness center, gourmet kitchen, meeting rooms, children's water spray park, tot lot playground, expansive park, amphitheater and basketball courts.
PARKSHIRE POOL & PAVILION
Located in Highgate Park, the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion offers recreational amenities like a resort-style pool with lap lanes, spa, pickle ball courts and more. And just like the Swim & Fitness Clubhouse, the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion is available to all residents of Highgate Park, Place and Estates.
Professionally Managed, Gated Community From the Original Creator of Seven Oaks
Ming Ave. and Allen Rd Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
HighgateSevenOaks.com
4 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Read about member business Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
5 STAYING IN COMPLIANCE
Keep up-to-date on potential impacts to your business.
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BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD Seats are on sale now!
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
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MEMBER NEWS
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NEW MEMBERS
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Celebrate important milestones of fellow Chamber members.
Discover the latest news and happenings with other members.
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Check out the list of new Chamber members.
Cover
Cover photo Maestro Kirov and the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestras.
Contact us
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 2021. 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
Member Spotlight S
ince 1932, the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra (BSO) has been a staple of Bakersfield’s art and culture scene, working tirelessly to provide quality music and education programming to every corner of Kern County. Maestro Stilian Kirov, music director and conductor of the BSO, has recently Maestro Kirov renewed his contract through 2026 with the Symphony, embedding himself in the mission to support arts, education and economic development through helping to build a robust arts community in Bakersfield and Kern County. Because of Stilian’s reputation as a conductor and his deep connections in the national music-world, the Bakersfield Symphony has been able to attract worldrenowned guest artists to perform with the Orchestra. One such guest artist, Martin Chalifour, principal concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, looks forward to returning as a guest artist again this coming March. Chalifour notes, “Stilian is a very gifted and accomplished conductor who stands out among his peers. He is a natural musician, and I am thrilled to perform again with him and his orchestra musicians.” The Bakersfield Symphony is offering a beautiful 2021-2022 concert season, opening on October 9 with a stunning performance featuring virtuosic violinist Simone Porter performing on a 1740 Carlo Bergonzi violin. In November, we will honor one of our own long-time members, Michael Raney, who is retiring from his position as principal trumpet of the BSO. In March, Martin Chalifour of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, will dazzle our audience with a stunning performance of Dvořák’s violin concerto, and in May, we once again honor one of our own incredibly talented musicians: Laura Arganbright, principal oboe, will play the Legacy oboe concerto, and then sit METRO | PAGE 4
with the orchestra to bid farewell to an incredible season with a thrilling performance of Mahler’s First Symphony. The Symphony hosts a number of familyfriendly events as well. The December holiday concert is full of festive music and is sure to delight the entire family. In April this year, we are also presenting a family matinee performance of "Peter and the Wolf" – a musical fairy tale that has been loved by generations. Students in local schools are granted access to the Symphony through our education programs, which were shifted into a virtual format in 2020. We found that school and student participation increased dramatically in the virtual setting, as many schools in rural and outlying areas were unable to attend events in person due to travel logistics or financial difficulties but were easily able to access content virtually. This season, the Symphony is offering all education programming in a hybrid format: Student groups are welcome to participate in person and attend live events, but students from outlying communities will still be given access virtually, helping to close the gap in access to quality music education in our schools. We hope that you will join us for our 2021-2022 concert season! You can find more information about our season concerts and education programs on our website: www.bsonow.org, or you can call our office for more information or to purchase tickets: 661-323-7928. – Holly Arnold, Executive Director Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra
SERIES Speaker
Daniel Klingenberger
B
usinesses have an ever-increasing Employee Handbooks: A Key challenge of staying abreast of Component of Every Business employment law changes and additional rights afforded to employees in the workplace. Date: Thursday, Oct. 7 Many of those changes create obligations on Time: 9-11 a.m. the employer’s part to establish policies and Cost: FREE to communicate those policies to employees. Location: Zoom Webinar Defending claims brought by current or former RSVP: HERE employees often begins with demonstrating that the business has an up-to-date policy addressing the issue. This presentation will cover the most important policies California employers should have in place in today’s business environment and explain why the policies are central to protecting the company. Daniel Klingenberger, attorney and partner at LeBeau-Thelen LLP, will cover key topics such as sick leave, leave of absence, meal and rest periods, pregnancy disability leave and unlawful harassment will be discussed. To RSVP, click HERE and save your spot today! You will be emailed a Zoom link.
Sponsor
METRO | PAGE 5
Finance Your Equipment to Help You Grow Your Business Equipment and Machinery Financing Valley Strong is here to help you secure equipment financing for your unique business needs. We look to understand your business and how you are moving forward, so we can structure a loan to meet your cash flow demands.
Tiffany Lawrence
Robert Martinez
Lucy Trancoso
Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield I (661) 833-7681 tiffany.lawrence@valleystrong.com
Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield I (661) 833-7417 robert.martinez@valleystrong.com
Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield I (661) 833-7415 lucy.trancoso@valleystrong.com
Eric Steinback
Aaron Williamson
Mark Shelton
Senior Business Banking Officer Bakersfield /Tehachapi I (661) 833-7418 eric.steinback@valleystrong.com
Senior Business Banking Officer Visalia/Tulare I (559) 226-9788 aaron.williamson@valleystrong.com
Senior Business Banking Market Manager Tulare/Visalia I (559) 731-3369 mark.shelton@valleystrong.com
Contact one of our experienced Business Bankers to get started today!
Grow Your Possibilities Federally Insured by NCUA I Equal Opportunity Lender
Saturday, November 13
Mechanics Bank Theater & Convention Center 5-9 p.m. For more information, call 661-327-4421. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Presented by
Award Sponsor
Broadcast Sponsor
Hospitality Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Category Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors The Bakersfield Californian California Resources Corporation Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock Deprigo, Inc. Golden Empire Transit District Kern Health Systems METRO | PAGE 8
Kern Medical Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al LeBeau-Thelen LLP Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation Pacific Gas & Electric Company Stinson’s
SAVING ENERGY JUST GOT TWICE AS EASY Whether you’re trying to make a difference at home or at your small business, saving energy is simple. When you make smarter energy choices, you are helping California to reach its energy goals and helping to fight against climate change. Check out the tips and energy-saving actions you can take below to help strengthen your community through energy efficiency!
Replace Incandescent Bulbs with LEDs Don’t let incandescent bulbs fool you. They typically last about 1,000 hours (about 1 and a half months) whereas a 12-watt LED bulb can last up to 25,000 hours (about 3 years). Making the switch can add up to huge energy savings!
Install Motion Sensor Lights Reduce the amount of electricity you use by never forgetting to turn off a light again! Motion sensor lights do the work for you and help you take the guesswork out of saving energy.
Use a Smart Thermostat Automatically manage the temperature of your building or home and save an extra 10% on annual heating and cooling. It’s a smart choice for your home and your business!
Change Air Filters Regularly Swapping out dirty air filters with new ones increases airflow throughout your HVAC system, helping it run more efficiently.
Small businesses can also go the extra mile to become more energy efficient by getting an energy audit and becoming a certified green business. Requesting an energy assessment from your local provider can help identify any opportunities to save energy and money. Your local energy provider can also help you become certified as a green business and reduce your carbon footprint.
For more information on how you can save energy and to sign up for energy saving updates for your home and business, visit www.energyupgradeca.org.
Ribbon Cuttings A
fter more than a year of offering virtual ceremonies, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber is happy to announce that we are accepting applications for in-person ribbon cuttings! A ribbon cutting is the ceremonial opening of a new/newly renovated, relocated or expanded business. It can inaugurate a first day of business, take place weeks after a soft opening or commemorate a milestone anniversary. Because the ribbon cutting marks a very significant moment in history for each business, this is a chance for the owner or manager to publicly thank their family and friends, employees, customers and/or business partners. For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com.
Autism Society - Kern Autism Network 2200 Oak St., Ste. A 661-489-3335 www.kernautism.org
Lino's Venue
1931 H St. 661-479-5111 https://linosvenue.com
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS GRAND OPENING
10TH ANNIVERSARY
GRAND OPENING
Reveal Medical Aesthetics, Inc. Date: Thursday, October 7 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 5300 Lennox Ave., Ste. 101
Milan Institute Date: Wednesday, October 13 Time: 10 a.m. Location: 2822 F St. RSVP HERE
The ROC Cafe & Bakery Date: Tuesday, October 19 Time: 11 a.m. Location: 501 S. Mount Vernon Ave. RSVP HERE
In partnership with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
RSVP HERE METRO | PAGE 10
• The Kern County Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is hosting the 24th Annual Kern County SHRM Symposium & Exposition from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Mechanics Bank Conference Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave. This one-day event is the premier conference for Kern County human resource professionals and business leaders who have HR responsibilities. A keynote speaker for this year's conference is Jill Christensen, one of the top-rated and in-demand employee engagement speakers in the world today. Christensen was named a Top 200 Global Thought Leader to Watch in 2021 and Top 101 Employee Engagement Influencer. Karith Foster is another fantastic keynote speaker for this year's conference. For two decades, Foster has taken her passion for entertaining and critical thinking nationwide from the airwaves to organizations; from universities to corporations, creating a seismic shift in mindsets and revolutionizing the way we address issues of leadership, diversity and wellness. Persons interested in participating in this dynamic event are encouraged to register via the Kern County SHRM website: https://kcshrm.com/ symposium/. • CSET’s Back2Work program offers paid transitional employment opportunities to underserved adults. This second chance program helps participants develop valuable work history, employment soft skills, paid job training and much more. Veterans have priority enrollment. They are currently hiring for their Veterans Crew. Click HERE for more information.
• Did you know that a single donor can save up to 8 lives through organ donation? As Southern California’s federally designated organ, eye and tissue recovery organization, OneLegacy is the bridge to life for millions in Southern California – working to facilitate donation between hundreds of hospitals and transplant centers and saving more than 1,650 lives each year. We are constantly innovating to save more lives and increase donations each year. To learn more about organ donation and OneLegacy’s lifesaving work throughout the greater Los Angeles region, click HERE. • The Golden Empire Gleaners announce Chevron as the 2021 Oil Can Do It Food Drive campaign winner. In collaboration with Aera Energy, Energy API, California Resources Corporation and Chevron, the Gleaners hosts the popular Oil Can Do It food drive fundraiser each year in support of their mission to alleviate hunger in Kern County. Together through this initiative, the Gleaners has distributed more than a million pounds of food for underserved individuals and families throughout Kern County. This year, the Oil Can Do It campaign raised 30 percent more food than in 2020, with $81,048 and 69,972 pounds of food for a combined total of 232,068 pounds worth of food. For more information about the Golden Empire Gleaners and ways to get involved, visit its website at https://www.goldenempiregleaners. com/. • The Bakersfield Association of REALTORS© is hosting its annual Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Links at Riverlakes Ranch Golf Course. Sponsorships and team sign-ups are available now. For more information, call Claudia at 661-635-2311. You can
download the team sign-up form HERE: https://www.bakersfieldrealtor.com/ images/flyers/F_Golf.pdf • The Women’s and Girl’s Fund, a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation, is announcing the grant cycle for 2021-2022. Approximately $60,000 will be awarded in Spring 2022 to nonprofits delivering education and training programs/services to women or girls in Kern County. The maximum award is $25,000. The process begins with the submission of a letter of intent to apply for funding by 5 p.m. Nov. 11. For more information on how to apply, Click HERE. • Energy Upgrade California® is a statewide initiative committed to uniting Californians to strive toward reaching our state’s energy goals. Small businesses can play a big part in increasing energy efficiency across the state — to help Keep it Golden® for future generations and ensure we remain leaders in energy conservation. Whether you are at work or at home, saving energy can be simple! There are many small changes you can make in your day-to-day that could make a huge difference for our state and your fellow Californians. For energy savings tips or to learn more about energy efficiency, visit www. EnergyUpgradeCA.org. Want to see just how energy efficient you are? Sign up for an energy assessment to learn how you can increase your energy efficiency and help California reach its energy goals today!
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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. Advance Auto Parts 4014 Niles St. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-336-4746 www.advanceautoparts.com “We are here to serve local communities with an excellent source for quality auto parts, advice and accessories.” BCT Consulting, Inc. 7910 N. Ingram Ave., Ste. 101 Fresno, CA 93711 661-308-1400 www.bctconsulting.com “We are a provider of computer network support, web design, application programming and other technology services. Our support staff and technicians specialize in technology in addition to computer networking services.” Brightway Insurance, The Harp Family Agency 6077 Coffee Rd., Ste. 1 Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-526-4300 www.brightway.com/agencies/CA/Bakersfield/0422 “We are a full-service insurance company that sells Auto, Home, RV, Life and Commercial insurance for many different carriers. We are an independent agency.” Central Valley Commercial Brokers, Inc. 930 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 101 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-404-4090 www.cvcbrokers.com “We are a commercial leasing and sales office located in Downtown Bakersfield. We specialize in Downtown Bakersfield and outlying areas of Kern County.” Iron Nikkel Construction, Inc. |10014 Rosedale Hwy., Ste. 8 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-829-2929 “Established in 2006, Iron Nikkel specializes in pre-engineered steel buildings. From concept to completion, we get the job done right.” La Mina Cantina 8020 District Blvd. #4802 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-831-2777 www.laminacantina.com “La Mina is a local favorite! Family fueled and authentic Mexican food served along with some Tex-Mex BBQ and traditional American cuisine. Come visit us or let us cater your next event.” Make-A-Wish® Northwestern & Central California and Northern Nevada 2800 Club Center Dr. Sacramento, CA 95835 661-489-1341 METRO | PAGE 12
https://necannv.wish.org “Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.” McCullough Dental 210 S. Montclair St. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-397-0665 “We enhance our patient’s health & confidence through long-lasting, beautiful dentistry. We aim to be Bakersfield’s oasis for comprehensive & rejuvenating dental care. Our staff treats patients like family & strive to deliver the very best dentistry possible.” Premier Pain Management 3850 Riverlakes Dr., Ste. B Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-241-9330 www.premierpainbakersfield.com “We are a premier interventional pain center in Bakersfield. Led by Philip Khoury, DO, a board-certified anesthesiologist.” Richland School District - Nutritional Services 331 N. Shafter Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 661-746-8640 “Richland School District is located in Shafter. We provide all students in our district with the skills to reach their full potential in a positive atmosphere that promotes the development of good character.” Rylieryen Inc. DBA Spoiled Rotten Boutique 10014 Rosedale Hwy., Ste. 8 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-829-2905 “Our motto is everyone deserves to feel spoiled. Shop Spoiled on our online boutique or come see us in-person. Show off your individual style with affordable fashion, accessories and gifts. We want you to love you!” Tacos La Villa Mexican Grill 7530 Rosedale Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-255-4277 www.tacoslavillamexicangrill.com Tacos La Villa Mexican Grill 5646 State Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-829-5663 www.tacoslavillamexicangrill.com Tacos La Villa Mexican Grill 1400 Wible Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-835-8505 www.tacoslavillamexicangrill.com
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. 1C13 Medical – 2018 Alianza Recycling and Recovery LLC – 2010 Autism Society - Kern Autism Network – 2015 Bolthouse Properties, LLC – 2006 California Veterans Assistance Foundation Inc. – 2009 Golden Empire Concrete Sales – 1989 Grapevine MSP, LLC – 2013 Greenlawn Funeral Homes, Cemeteries & Cremations – 2007 Greenlawn Southwest – 2011 Grimmway Enterprises Inc. dba Grimmway Farms – 2008 Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire ReStore SW – 2016 Independent Living Center of Kern County – 2017 Janet Hopkins Insurance Agency, Inc. – 1998 Kern Community College District – 2004 Kern County Airports – 2011 Kern County Superintendent of Schools – 1989 Knights Jewelers – 2019
Law Office of Kyle W. Jones – 2013 Mossman's Catering – 2016 OneLegacy – 2015 Optimal Hospice Care – 1998 Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation – 1996 Panama-Buena Vista Union School District – 2018 Pastoria Energy Facility – 2001 Prochorus, LLC – 2019 RA Johnsfam dba McDonald's Ming Ave. – 2010 Residence Inn By Marriott – 1990 Robert Half International – 2003 Signature Home Lending – 2014 T & T Liberty Safes, Inc. – 2018 The Price Company – 1998 Townsend Design – 1995 West Coast Maintenance – 2013 Willis and Williams Design Studios – 2012
OCTOBER 2021
10.7.21
Labor Law & HR Forum 9 a.m. | Zoom
10.8.21
GRC Meeting 7:30 a.m. | Chamber
10.12.21
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Noon | Mechanics Bank Theater
10.22.21
GRC Meeting 7:30 a.m. | Chamber
9.26.21
Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES Advertising in Metro and email blasts – it’s an exclusivity that only Chamber members enjoy. Regardless of your budget or needs, the Chamber offers competitive pricing to help you determine which advertising option works best for your company.
MEMBER TO MEMBER EMAIL BLASTS
Member to Member email blasts are paid advertisements that the Chamber sends out on behalf of our members. With a reach of more than 4,500 email contacts, it’s the perfect option to promote your brand.
METRO
A staple of news and information for members, METRO is sent out monthly to more than 5,800 email contacts. This digital publication features Chamber programming and events as well as regulatory changes that can impact our members' bottom lines. All advertisements will link back to your company's website.
For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakochamber.com.
For more information, contact Jean Scheiber at jscheiber@bakochamber.com. METRO | PAGE 13
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS
2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman of the Board Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17
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
Valley Children’s Healthcare – one of the largest pediatric healthcare networks in the nation – provides Central California’s only high-quality, comprehensive care exclusively for children, from before birth to young adulthood.
MAJOR INVESTORS
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield
Member-at-Large Rick Jhaj Countryside Construction/ Countryside Markets
General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP
BYNUM INC.
CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Cathy Albyn | Membership & Business Development Manager Hillary Haenes | Vice President, Member Engagement Kaelyn Peterson | Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Executive Director of BAKPAC Jean Scheiber | Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer
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METRO | PAGE 14
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