Metro October 2022

MARCO! POLO!

Remember how much fun summer vacations were as a kid? Summers are still like that at the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion in Highgate at Seven Oaks. And although you may not be a kid anymore, you can still enjoy living in a community where life feels like a vacation every day.

Located within gated Highgate Park and Highgate Place, the lush green lawns, pickle ball courts, children's playground, giant fire pit, and BBQ facilities of the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion make it easy to live your best life ever!

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

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Opening day at the 2022

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET-TV 17) —

The 2022 Kern County Fair opened on Wednesday, Sept. 21, returning with a full lineup of events, activities and vendors.

Fair organizers hoped for big crowds to head to the fairgrounds as there was a higher presence of security and law enforcement and no COVID-19 restrictions at this year’s fair.

Of course, those who did attend saw all that makes the Kern County Fair special: the food and attractions. And, yes. The pig races. The fair returned this year in full after a year of pandemic closure in 2020 and one year of a limited form of the fair in 2021.

(Right) Mark Wilder, juggling while riding a giraffe unicycle on opening day. Wilder has been riding unicycle for over 20 years and this is his sixth year at the Kern County Fair. Wilder works the fair circuit and was last at Tulare County Fair. Photos courtesy of Mason Rockfellow/KGET-TV 17

2022 Kern County Fair

Message from the CEO

the fair board picks a person of the year to honor, and this year that person was longtime oil advocate, Chamber leader and Taft booster Les Clark, Jr. For years, Les led the Independent Oil Producers Agency, a marketing and advocacy group for small oil producers in California. For many people in Kern County, and in Sacramento for that matter, Les IS Kern County Oil, almost the personification of the industry.

chaired the Energy Committee and served as a member of our PAC. Les has done so much to boost Kern County small businesses and protect our vital industries.

Fall is officially here and that means that it’s Kern County Fair Time – the food, the rides, the carnival games. Even though life is much busier now, for those of us who grew up in Bakersfield, “fair season” holds a great deal of nostalgia. It also usually means the last gasp of hot weather, which after this summer would be a sweet relief. The fair was special to me this year for reasons having nothing to do with ferris wheels or funnel cakes. Each year

I met Les in 2006, shortly after returning to Bakersfield from the Bay Area, and since then Les has been a great friend, advisor, mentor, and sometimes friendly tormentor. Les is also an important leader in the Chamber. Over Les’ career he’s served on the Chamber’s Board a number of times, chaired our Air Quality Task Force, was a voting member and chair of our Governmental Review Council,

Les was also the subject of a recently released documentary short about the Taft community and the oil industry. You can read a profile from the New Yorker (yes, the liberal intelligentsia is interested in West Kern it seems) and watch the documentary here. It tells a poignant story and reveals the softer side of Les Clark, though those of us who know him have always recognized how big his heart is for his family, neighbors, community and fellow oil industry colleagues. Hats off to Les and the Kern County Fair.

- Nick Ortiz President/CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Photo: Chamber CEO Nick Ortiz and his wife Tera, with Les Clark, Jr.

(Above) Onlookers watch as fair attendees are spun and flipped while riding Crazy Train at the 2022 Kern County Fair opening day. Photos courtesy of Mason Rockfellow/KGET-TV 17

Beautiful Bakersfield Education Award Recipient

On a beautiful spring day in Bakersfield, I was sitting on my back patio chatting with my mom, who was in town to house-sit, as I was preparing to fly to NYC to support our five local high school teams in the Virtual Enterprise national competition. We were discussing how lucky and blessed I feel to live and work in Bakersfield – to belong in Bakersfield. I am not originally from here. I have lived in five states and 10 cities. It was hard to “root” as a kid because we moved around a lot. I was sharing with my mom how special it feels to be rooted and blooming here. I was reflecting on all the amazing people I get to work with, the wonderful friendships I have, the incredible ways that the people, businesses and organizations come together in this community to make a positive difference in one another’s lives. I looked at her and said, “Mom, I get to be a part of it, and I just am so grateful.” In the next moment, the email came through notifying me that I had been nominated for a Beautiful Bakersfield Award in Education. WOW! It was one of those, “all the stars align, and all is right with the world” moments. I was simply blown away; it was such an unexpected, pleasant surprise. It is a great honor to be nominated for a Beautiful Bakersfield Award as it is an acknowledgement that you have indeed made a positive impact in our community. The awards evening was an amazing Saturday night; I was so proud to be a nominee amongst giants in our community. Winning the award in education is an incredible accomplishment in my life.

As I shared in my acceptance speech, I believe education is the most powerful investment you can make in YOU. During the past 13 years, I have had the opportunity to teach with the Kern Women’s Business Center, CSUB’s School of Business and Public Administration, CSUB’s SBDC, Taft College, in my business Apollo Consultancy Group with executives and their teams, and in the newly formed KHSD Entrepreneurship Resource Centers. I believe the intersection of entrepreneurship and education is invaluable and necessary for the success of individuals as well as businesses, organizations and

institutions. Individuals and these entities do not grow and excel without the infusion of education. Education opens our minds not only to learning new concepts, but new ways of behaving and interacting with our environment. Entrepreneurship is a driving force of innovation that creates increased economic prosperity for individuals as well as the community at large.

Entrepreneurial education is at its heart, a mindset. An entrepreneurial mindset holds the belief that every problem faced by a business, organization, an institution or an individual is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to create value for others by solving their problem. By solving a problem for others and creating value, you validate your value. Who you are and what you do, matters. Every successful entrepreneurial endeavor is designed to be a generator of value creation. Although vitally important to our economic well-being, value creation is not exclusive to a business making sales. Value creation is found in organizations whose missions are designed to serve communities in ways that elevate the lives of others. It is found in our institutions designed to provide us with safe prosperous ways to live and excel in life and it is found in the individual who realizes they are the one who has the talent, skills and education to make a difference by creating opportunities from a problem. And, this is what I teach, every day to everyone I encounter.

I am so grateful to my nominators for thinking of me and taking the time to nominate me. Thank you for being an integral part of one of the best experiences in my life. Congratulations to all nominees, winners and our community of Bakersfield; what an incredible display of community excellence in action. I am proud and grateful that I live where making a positive impact in the lives of others is the heartfelt mindset of the community. I am so happy to belong here.

– Angel Cottrell

Kern High School District’s ROC & CTEC Entrepreneurship Resource Centers Program Manager

Every successful entrepreneurial endeavor is designed to be a generator of value creation.

CATEGORIES:

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

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

An individual, group or organization impacting healthy living - above and beyond their normal scope of activities - through education, prevention or medical services.

Humanitarian Group

A group whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community.

Humanitarian Individual

An individual whose personal volunteer efforts have made a significant impact in the community.

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

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

Shelton

Valley

Tiffany

Steinback

LABOR LAW & HR FORUM LEAVES OF ABSENCES

goal at the Chamber is to help you stay in compliance through our Labor Law & HR Forums. Get the guidance, tools and information you need to handle your employee relations concerns.

Be sure to attend our final Labor Law & HR Forum of the year with attorney Jerry Pearson of Young Wooldridge LLP, who will cover various leaves of absences, including:

Recent major changes to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) that apply to nearly all California employers

intricacies of Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), CFRA and Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)

Which leaves apply to your business

can run concurrent

How to navigate the interactive process,

accommodation and the maze of leaves

Jerry Pearson, Attorney / Partner

by

Topic: Leaves of Absences

Wednesday, October 12

a.m. Check-In/Networking;

a.m. Forum

Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St.

members; $50 nonmembers

Salty’s

&

CLIMB by LVL Fitness

Happy Whole You

Dave & Buster’s

MOVING FORWARD

With Castle & Cooke

For over a quarter of a century Castle & Cooke has been developing luxury master planned residential communities and commercial properties across the country. In Bakersfield the name Castle & Cooke is synonymous with quality, value, and lifestyle-oriented master planned communities and shopping destinations.

You may have heard of some of them. Seven Oaks, Brighton, The Marketplace, The Shops at Riverwalk...and now Highgate at Seven Oaks.

To continue this mission of creating inclusive communities accessible to all homebuyers, Nathan Stockmeir now assumes leadership of Castle & Cooke Mainland as its new president. Scan the QR code to meet Nathan and learn about his background and his plans for the future of Castle & Cooke.

NATHAN STOCKMEIR President, Castle & Cooke Mainland

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.

Bakersfield American Society of Safety Professionals

661-344-2050 bakersfield.assp.org

“We are a global association for occupational safety & health professionals providing education, standard developments, advocacy and a professional community to support the advancement of our members and the work industry as a whole.”

Brainy Actz

5880 District Blvd., Ste. 23 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-858-6608 brainyactzescaperooms.com/bakersfield-ca

“We accommodate corporate events & birthday parties with family fun and team-building activities such as escape rooms, archery & Nerf wars, axe & knife throwing, rage room and splatter paint.”

Blue Star Trading LLC

661-747-5175 awesommm.com

“We import the world’s finest, best quality coffee beans from Rwanda farmers to support the humans who work very hard to produce extraordinary products for us. We supply the best quality products for a reasonable price to U.S. consumers.”

Chelle Austin - Damsel In DefenseIndependent Damsel Pro 9530 Hageman Rd., Ste. B177 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-333-2040

damselsforjustice.com

“Women often find themselves in situations that leave them vulnerable. It is my mission to educate you on situational awareness, creating a safety plan, leveling the playing field against an attacker with personal protection tools & to share simple yet effective tips to keep you from being an easy target.”

El Cuscatleco Restaurant

1525 18th St.

Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-742-1507 elcuscatlecorestaurante.com

“We are an authentic Salvadorean & Mexican food restaurant with excellent customer service and a new concept of food in the downtown Bakersfield area.”

Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery

6300 District Blvd. Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-396-3291 ferguson.com

“We are your premier destination for access to the latest concepts of quality home fixtures, lighting and appliances.”

Fit Pantry

5519 Calloway Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-706-3859 fitpantry.com

“We feed our guests what we feed our families. We source fresh produce, fruits and whole grains from suppliers we know and trust. We slice, dice, spice and make all sauces and dressing. Our meals are created with just the right balance of protein, carbohydrates and greens to give your body the fuel it needs, without sacrificing taste.”

Haro Garage Doors Inc. 1412 17th St., Ste. 407 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-203-1838 harogaragedoors.com

“We are a family-owned and operated business with 21 years of overhead door industry experience.”

Hydrostor

1412 17th St., Ste. 407 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-203-1838 hydrostor.ca/willow-rock

“We use proprietary Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) to offer low-cost, durable, large-scale energy storage with site flexibility and without environmental impacts.”

Kern Auto Parts Inc. dba NAPA Auto Parts 9453 Taft Hwy. Bakersfield, CA 93311 855-842-6272 kapnapa.com

“We are a supplier of auto, truck and ag repair parts and supplies. We also make custom hydraulic hoses while you wait.”

New Chamber Members

Member News

Killian Pest Control, Inc.

2311 Perseus Ct.

Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-931-0699

killianpestcontrol.com

“We are a family-owned and operated business specializing in general pest control, termite & pest guard systems, serving Bakersfield & surrounding communities.”

Law Office of Monique Castruita Galvan

661-489-4647

“My law office areas of practice are in family law and guardianships.”

Oildale Mutual Water Company

2836 McCray St.

Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-399-5598 oildalewater.com

“We are a California corporation established in 1919, providing domestic water service to the Oildale and Southeast Shafter residents.”

Pilot Company LLC 17047 Zachary Ave. Shafter, CA 93263 pilotflyingj.com

“We are the largest network of travel centers in North America.”

VST Research and Strategies

661-345-2538

vanessasterry.com

“We partner with businesses seeking solutions to functional problems and opportunities to improve their work environments.”

The Guild House Restaurant invites you to join them for a delightful Fall Tea on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. There will be an assortment of sweet & savory traditional tea delicacies while being entertained by a fashion show featuring Victoria’s and Sugardaddy’s. The cost is $50 per person. Please reserve by Monday, Oct. 3. For additional information and reservations, please contact Bobby Scrivner at 661-399-0344 or sscrivner@bak.rr.com. You can also visit: www.guildhousebakersfield.org.

Wine, Women & Shoes benefiting The League of Dreams is back on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the private residence of Russ & Jeannine Johnson. There will be wine tasting, designer shopping, shoe guys, a glamorous fashion show, savory food bites, the Best in Shoe contest, exciting live and silent auctions and a chance to win your dream closet! Tickets are still available to purchase by visiting HERE

Kern Dance Alliance was just awarded $4.2 million by the California Arts Council to administer the California Creative Corps grant program throughout the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra region of the state. And while celebrating is certainly in order, we are also aware that the Ca Creative Corps grant will not support our daily and annual operating needs. KDA will continue to need funding and our community to provide resources for programs like Books in Motion: DANCE + LITERACY and ADAPTIdance: DANCE + DISABILITY. For more information or to make a donation, visit: kerndance.networkforgood.com/

Mark your calendars because Party in the Park is back in-person! Make plans to attend Party in the Park on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6-9 p.m. at CSUB’s Alumni Park. Proceeds will benefit the Alumni Association of Cal State Bakersfield. There will be so much to celebrate, and important work to support, when the community gathers under the stars at CSUB Alumni Park for the first time in three years. It’s a chance for alumni and friends to re-connect at what will be the 25th Anniversary of a community favorite event and to celebrate Halloween. And most importantly, it's a chance to raise money for alumni programs that proved more important than ever during the height of the pandemic: Scholarships that help alumni afford a graduate education and mentoring initiatives that help students compete in a competitive job market. To purchase tickets, visit: events.csub.edu/e/alumni-party-in-the-park/.

Dust off your capes and run in your favorite superhero or villain costumes. CASA of Kern County is hosting its annual Superhero Run on Saturday, Oct. 29 at The Park at Riverwalk, 11200 Stockdale Hwy. There will be a media race, a mascot dance-off, costume contest, local vendors, yummy food options and lots of fun energy! Sign-up for the in-person or virtual 2K, 5K or 10K race by registering at: kerncasa.org/

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/meetings-events/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.

Valley Achievement Center will be hosting a Job Fair on Friday, Oct. 7 between 9-11 a.m. at their office (1300 Stine Rd.) Come resume in hand! They’ll be hiring for various positions including: Instructional Assistant, Job Coaches, Direct Care Staff, & Special Education Teacher.

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. Attach a headshot of the veteran and include their name, military branch, and rank. NOR will be accepting submissions through Wednesday, Oct. 12. Submit a photo of your vet today and join us in honoring local community members. For additional information, please contact Jasmin LoBasso, Superintendent of Recreation at jlobasso@norrecreation.org or 661-3922000.

Cuyama Buckhorn LLC’s Chuck Wagon Bar-B-Qs is wrapping up their outdoor BBQs for the season. Mark your calendars & don’t miss out! The last event of the season will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16 between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music by Rosy Nolan Band! Specialty dishes served on this day will include a collaboration with In Good Company, Tehachapi Grain Project, and Rancho Gordon Beans. We will be serving a Smoked Lab Chili, green beans, corn bread, potato salad and pumpkin pie! Click HERE for more information or to purchase tickets.

Bakersfield ARC is hosting its annual golf tournament on Monday, Oct. 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Dr. Proceeds for the tournament benefit the services to people with disabilities and will help fun projects such as The Edible School Yard, Tailored Day Services, Access Now, Supported Employment, a new Kids Camp and more. The deadline for sponsorships is Sept. 20. To purchase a sponsorship, email Erika Dixon at edixon@barc-inc.org or call 661-9320215.

Via Arte Italian Street Painting Festival hosted by the Bakersfield Museum of Art will be held 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 22 & 23 at The Marketplace, 9000 Ming Ave. Watch as hundreds of artists transform the pavement of The Marketplace into stunning works of art. Funds raised from this event enable BMoA to continue its mission of ensuring that the visual arts, and access to them, remain a success in our community. The deadline for artists to register is October 2. Registration and admission is free. For more information, visit viaartebakersfield.com Andrea R. Hill, CPA and recent leukemia survivor, has created a team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light The Night Event being held at Bakersfield Country Club on Thursday, Oct. 27. Join us at Light The Night, it will be an incredibly inspirational evening for all ages with food, music, fireworks and more. You can create your own team HERE.

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/ Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) today announced an additional multi-million-dollar collaboration with Landi Renzo USA for 200 new Ford F-250 service pickup trucks to join the utility’s fleet. Acquisition of these 200 trucks is expected to reduce SoCalGas fleet emissions by an additional 2,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), equivalent to removing 1,800 passenger vehicles from California roads for one year. Once these trucks are in service, approximately 44 percent of SoCalGas’ service vehicles will run on clean fuels. This is one of many initiatives that SoCalGas has planned to support California’s ambitious climate goals as well as our company’s sustainability goals. SoCalGas’ clean fleet goals include a 100% zero-emission over-theroad fleet by 2035. Clean fuels such as hydrogen and RNG are an important tool in SoCalGas' efforts to reach both California's and the company's climate goals. You can also visit @SoCalGasNews on Twitter or socalgas. com/newsroom for up-to-date info.

The Junior League of Bakersfield is now looking for volunteer opportunities! Through Junior League of Bakersfield’s Impact Bakersfield program, nonprofit organizations within Bakersfield can request JLD volunteers to support their activities. JLB volunteers are ideally suited to single day events or short-term projects. Previous opportunities have included assisting with the Bakersfield Marathon, collecting hygiene items for the homeless, Read Across America and collecting books for children. To request volunteer support from JLB, please email impact@jlbakersfield.org at least six weeks in advance of the event or project date.

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.

A Right Place For Seniors, Inc. - 2021

Advanced Data Storage - 2009

Adventist Health Bakersfield - 1958

Agape Mortgage - 2004

All American Glass Co. - 2009

AltaOne Federal Credit Union - Riverwalk Office - 2012

American Red Cross - Kern Chapter - 2010

American Society of Safety Professionals - 2016 Applied Technology Group, Inc. - 2019

Bakersfield Condors Hockey - 1995

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - 1994 Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP - 2015 Berry Petroleum Company, LLC - 1997

California City Landowners Association - 2014 Centre For Neuro Skills - 1999

Century 21 Jordan-Link & Co. - Jeanne Radsick - 2009 Countryside Market & Restaurants - 2017

Dmohowski Consulting Services - 2015 Dress For Success - Bakersfield - 2013

El Pollo Loco - California Ave. - 2015

El Pollo Loco - Stockdale Hwy. - 2015

El Pollo Loco - White Lane - 2015

Environmental Sound Solutions, Inc. - 2010 Euro Pro, Inc. - 1996

Gentiva/Kindred Hospice - 2017

Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy - 2019 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

Jaco Oil Company - 1990

JSS Almonds - 2015

Kern High School District - 1984 Kern Medical Supply LLC - 2021

Law Office of Kyle W. Jones - 2013

Mody Pumps Inc. - 2011

NAPD - New Advances for People with Disabilities - 2010

Ordiz-Melby Architects, A Professional Corporation - 1996

Pilot Company LLC - 2022 Platt Electric Supply - 2016 Purpose Driven Home Health - 2019

RA Johnsfam dba McDonald’sMing Ave. - 2010

Saba Agency - 1990 Safe 1 Credit Union - 1994 Solace Healthcare, Inc. DBA Solace Hospice Care - 2021

Solstice Senior Living at Bakersfield - 2018

Staples Energy Services - 2019

Stockdale Country Club - 2004 Stria - 2005

Taft College Foundation - 2008 Team Busby - 2017

Temblor Brewing LLC - 2015

The League of Dreams - 2012

TownePlace Suites Bakersfield - 2015

Townsend Design - 1995

Woodbridge Pacific Group - 2017

Upcoming Events

We create

Greater Bakersfield

local business

leading

that build

and generate value.

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

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

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

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS

The Wonderful Company

The Wonderful Company is a privately held $5 billion company committed to offering highquality healthy brands and helping consumers make better choices, every day. We grow, harvest, bottle, package, and market a diverse range of products, including fruits, nuts, flowers, water, wines and juices. The Wonderful Company’s diverse holdings make it the world’s leading grower of tree nuts, America’s largest citrus grower, and the world’s largest flower delivery service with the Teleflora network of florists. We believe there is incredible power in the Wonderful family of brands to inspire healthier choices and to support our communities. By helping nourish our neighbors with high-quality, healthy products, we believe we can grow a better world.

MAJOR INVESTORS

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

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