A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | September 2022
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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
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Houchin Community Blood Bank. Pictured: Rachel Parlier, Marketing Manager 1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA bakochamber.661.327.442193303com CONTACT US See how the Chamber is working on behalf of you - our members LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD Registration for the Class of 2023 is now open 5 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARD LABOR LAW AND HR FORUMS Houchin Community Blood Bankwinner of the BBA Health Category Register for our upcoming forums15106 RIBBON CUTTINGS Celebrate the grand openings of local businesses MEMBER NEWS Discover the latest news and happenings with other members 11 1165 NEW MEMBERS Welcome our new Chamber members 13
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CEO MESSAGE
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Finally,16.
we'll be looking for opportunities to continue to highlight and support our small businesses. Look for more information later this fall about our Shop Local Shop Now campaign. We appreciate your support and we look forward to assisting you in any way we can in building something -better.
Cal Chamber Award
Message from the CEO
For the 14th year in a row, The California Chamber of Commerce named The Greater Bakersfield Chamber as one of the recipients of the 2022 President’s Circle Award. First presented in 2009, the award recognizes chambers for excellence in business advocacy and helping their members comply with California employment laws.
President’s Circle Award recipients published vote records of their state legislators on key business issues, generated letters to state elected officials on issues of interest to members and participated in the CalChamber compliance product resale program at an exemplary level. The award-winning chambers were announced during the CalChamber Capitol Summit on June 1, 2022.
It's September, and while everyone is working on getting back to the routines of school and work after the last bit of summer break, we've been incredibly busy. Over August we've been monitoring the end of the legislature's session and engaging on a variety of issues that impact our members, including labor law legislation, privacy issues, and proposed new restrictions on oil and gas development. We're working aggressively with our state and regional partners to support Kern County businesses.
Over the last third of 2022, we're also ramping up our opportunities for members to build their networks, educate themselves on the latest labor law changes, and develop their leadership capabilities. We're excited to announce that this fall will see the return of mixers, with events planned for October, November and December. Look for more details in our Trending newsletters and our social media channels. Please join us for two additional Labor Law and HR Forums in September and October. Learn from our community's best legal talent about how to avoid wage and hour lawsuits in September; and managing leaves of absence in October. These forums are also great for networking, but are a key piece of our continuing efforts to assist our members with human resources issues and labor law compliance.
In addition to our networking and educational offerings, if you're interested in expanding your leadership skills, growing your professional network, and learning more about our major industry sectors and key organizations, consider applying to Leadership Bakersfield. Leadership Bakersfield runs from January 2023 to October 2023, competitively selecting a class of roughly 30 individuals for the region's premier leadership development program. Alumni include some of our community's most notable, elected, business and nonprofit leaders. Applications are due by September
Nick Ortiz GreaterPresident/CEOBakersfield Chamber
Apply Today
Grow your professional network and build your leadership skills. Apply for the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2023!
Our 10-month leadership program convenes emerging leaders in Kern County to grow their networks, develop leadership skills and gain a stronger understanding of local industries and government.
Deadline is Friday, September 16, 2022
Expand your leadership skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of our community’s needs to help build a better Bakersfield. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. For more information about the program, email info@bakochamber.com
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Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2023
Leadership Bakersfield consists of monthly class meetings with local industry themes and issues on topics such as public health, education, law enforcement, governmental affairs and more. Participants receive the opportunity to take informational tours of local industries and collaborate on projects that address issues and needs of our community.
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Houchin Community Blood Bank was extremely honored to be this year’s awardee for the Beautiful Bakersfield Health Category. We are all so incredibly thankful for the support that we continually receive from our giving and loving community. Houchin would not be able to operate without the people of Bakersfield coming together to save lives! This award is a reminder to all of us that when you give blood to Houchin, you are making a positive
has been the sole provider of blood products for our local hospitals and cancer facilities within the county for the past 71 years. We specialize in providing red blood cells, plasma and platelets to those in need. One car accident victim can use up to 80 units of blood. Our mission is to make sure that Kern County always has a safe and adequate blood supply to help those in need. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our country saw a national blood shortage. However, when we put out the call for assistance, our community was quick to respond to that need.
–Live!Contributed
Houchin loved working with our local public safety heroes that save lives on and off the clock every day.
Houchin just recently hosted a community blood drive called “Answer to the Call.” This was a month-long blood drive where our local first responders competed against each other to see who could get the most blood donations. The departments that competed against each other were the Bakersfield Police Department, Bakersfield City Fire, Hall Ambulance, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and Kern County Fire. In total, our local first responders were able to bring in 234 units of blood. Those units helped save more than 702 lives in our community. We are extremely grateful that we can come together as a community and help each other. Houchin loved working with our local public safety heroes that save lives on and off the clock every day.
Houchin’s CEO, Sean McNally, recently stated, “This donor center signifies the growth of Houchin Community Blood Bank as well as the continued support from our East Side community partners and the growing and vital Hispanic community that we all admire and rely upon.”
Houchinimpact.
by Rachel Parlier, HCBB Marketing Manager
Blood donations are a continuing need both locally and nationally. Patients are relying on volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving products. If interested in helping those in need, please visit our website at hcbb.com/schedule or call us at 661-323-4222 to schedule an appointment. We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support as we continue to provide blood and blood products to Bakersfield and our larger communities in Kern County. When You Give, People
2022 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Recipient – Health
Recently, Houchin opened a new location at 2671 Oswell St., Ste. C, near Hwy. 178. This new facility provides a great opportunity for individuals on the east side of Bakersfield to be able to donate blood back to their community. With around 39 percent of our overall donor base being from the east side of the city, this allows people a more convenient opportunity to donate for those who live in that area. This new location has four whole-blood donation beds and two beds for platelet or plasma donations.
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Join us for our next Labor Law & HR Forum in which attorney Daniel Klingenberger of LeBeau Thelen LLP, will cover how to be proactive in avoiding wage and hour litigation. The presentation will also address the retention of personnel, medical, and confidential files, and I-9 documents.
Date: Wednesday, October 12
Location: Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St.
Location: Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St.
Time: 7:30 a.m. Check-In/Networking; 8-10 a.m. Forum
• Leaves can run concurrent
• Recent major changes to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) that apply to nearly all California employers
Leaves of Absences
RSVP: Email info@bakochamber.com
Time: 7:30 a.m. Check-In/Networking; 8-10 a.m. Forum
Daniel Klingenberger, Attorney / Partner
Sponsored by
• How to navigate the interactive process, reasonable accommodation and the maze of leaves
Presented by
LABOR LAW & HR FORUMS
Our 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.
Date: Wednesday, September 14
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:
• Which leaves apply to your business
Cost: $25 members; $50 nonmembers
Cost: $25 members; $50 nonmembers
RSVP: Email info@bakochamber.com
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Wage & Hour Lawsuits
Jerry Pearson, Attorney / Partner
• The intricacies of Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA), CFRA and Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)
Crumbl Cookies of Bakersfield – Gosford 5649 Gosford Rd. cagosfordvillagecrumblcookies.com/
Grand Opening Pilot Travel Centers
Grand Opening
Grand Opening
Bakersfield Flying J Travel Center, 17047 Zachary Ave. locations.pilotflyingj.com
UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS ElRestaurantCuscatleco Date: Wednesday, September 14 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 1525 18th St. Ascend Real Estate & ManagementProperty Date: Thursday, September 15 Time: 4 p.m. Location: 7606 Meany Ave. RIBBON CUTTINGSRIBBON CUTTINGS For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.comRSVP RSVP
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 3310 California Ave. crackerbarrel.com
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A standout feature of the Summit is that a different region within the state hosts the event each year, giving the host region the opportunity to make a distinct and important
This year’s Summit features an impressive list of speakers, including California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, California State Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, civil rights activist Dolores Huerta and CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council. Other local, regional, state and cross-sectoral leaders are confirming their attendance at the Summit every day.
“I think what makes this Summit unique is that you’re not just dreamers, you’re doers. California is the world’s fifth largest economy because of the hard work each and every one of you are doing to drive innovation and create high-quality jobs across every region of the state,” said Governor Gavin Newsom, honorary Summit chair.
CA FWD’s Summit is the only event of its kind where regional leaders from business, community, government, philanthropy and industry come together each year to develop a shared economic agenda—one that balances racial and geographic equity, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
impact on attendees from across California. The Summit’s priorities each year are directly responsive and scaled to create solutions that meet the challenges of today.
Summit attendees help drive advancements forward during working sessions covering several priority areas, including expanding homeownership, advocating for digital equity and supporting solutions to reduce wildfire risk, among others.
The Summit is a powerful catalyst of action that has been instrumental in numerous statewide advancements, including the $600 million Community Economic Resilience Fund (CERF), $6 billion in broadband budget funding and the newly passed California Dream For All homeownership program.
Registration is now open for the 2022 California Economic Summit, which will take place here in Bakersfield on October 27-28. This year’s Summit, produced by California Forward (CA FWD) in partnership with members of its California Stewardship Network, marks the 11th annual gathering of private, public and civic leaders from across the state’s diverse regions committed to building an inclusive and sustainable economy where all Californians can prosper.
This year’s Summit features the launch of several new or updated action priorities, including fostering economic prosperity in a changing climate, advancing inclusive regional economic development, ensuring California’s creative communities and cultural heritage thrive and more. CA FWD is excited to be joined by expert speakers on the plenary stage to explore these action areas.
Nick Ortiz, CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, and Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, serve as co-chairs of this year’s Summit.
“Every year, the California Economic Summit is the place where folks across California’s diverse regions work together to develop solutions to some of our most critical issues,” says Micah Weinberg, CEO of CA FWD. “With a focus on energy evolution and building a sustainable energy future, this year’s Summit is an opportunity for leaders across California to work together to develop a shared agenda that sets the stage for action.”
Register Today METRO | PAGE 12
Early bird registration is available until September 6.
Register for the 2022 California Economic Summit
“Dr. Rao understands the connection of mind, body and spirit for total wellness. Her goal is to enhance your natural look from the inside out as a board-certified Internist. She offers her expertise in the biology of skin in addition to the latest technology has to offer in aesthetic applications. Consultations are free, all of your questions will be answered to find the right treatment for you.”
“We are a locally owned father and son restaurant serving seafood and American food. Our business was established in 2018 by James (father) & Garrison (son). The goal is to provide delicious comfort food, excellent customer service and reasonable pricing.”
9539 Langley Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-615-6610 europhoria.com
“Our goal is to equip women and build relationships to walk with God in a deeper way. We want to expand our ministry all over the world.”
9500 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 707 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-847-4772
EuroPhoria Medical, Inc.
EuroPro, Inc. 6023 Coffee Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-615-6610 europhoria.com
Smithco Surveying Engineering 2005 Airport Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-393-1217
“We are a professional Land Surveying company that specializes in boundary and topographical surveys.”
EuroPro, Inc. 9539 Langley Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-615-6610
10436 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 200 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-570-0112 climb-fitness.com
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.
“We are a professional Land Surveying company that specializes in boundary and topographical surveys.”
EuroPro,europhoria.comInc.
EuroPro,europhoria.comInc.
Heritage Construction Services, Inc. 4927 Calloway Dr., #102 Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-546-6313 heritageconstructionco.com
5649 Gosford Rd., Ste. 200 Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-241-0977 crumblcookies.com
CLIMB by LVL Fitness
8200 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. H-4 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-836-9951 europhoria.com
“Unlike other Bakersfield construction contractors, we are a customer builder that’ll meet your needs in every step of your build.”
Women of Hope Ministries 661-309-6577
For more information about joining the Chamber or renewing your membership dues, please email cwillingham@bakochamber.com METRO | PAGE 13
Taxma 911 Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-340-8283
Garrison's 1900 Union Ave., Ste. 300 Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-204-3773 gse18.org
Welcome New Chamber Members
“We have served Bakersfield for more than 26 years by making people feel and look their best!”
“We pride ourselves in creating an environment to bring family and friends together to enjoy the best cookies in the world!”
“We are a studio specializing in a workout exclusively on the VersaClimber. All fitness levels are welcome to CLIMB with us! During this 30-minutes class, expect to be pushed to the limit with non-stop climbing. You will climb a total of 1,500 to 4,000 feet in one class. But don’t worry, our bumping music and amazing instructors will keep you pumped up and motivated to climb even higher.”
Crumbl of Bakersfield
Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital Southwest - 2000
J.D. Rush Company, Inc. - 1994
WorklogicHR - 2000 Wounded Heroes Fund - 2018
Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center - 1994 Bakersfield PACE - 2020 Blue Sky Sales, Inc. dba Famoso Nut Company Sales1996
AAA Quality Services - 2018 Achilles Prosthetics & Orthotics - 2020 Agape In Home Care, Inc. - 2000 ARCpoint Labs of Bakersfield - 2013 ARRC Technology - 1996 ASU Commercial - 1987
S.C. Anderson - 1990 Secure Systems - 1992 Sparkle Uniform & Linen Service - 2021 SpringHill Suites by Marriott - 2014
Fallgatter-Rhodes Insurance Services - 1993 Freestyle Event Services - 2012
Kern Glass & Aluminum Company - 2021 Kern Health Systems - 2012 KERO-TV 23 - 1946
Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital Downtown - 1948
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.
Good Samaritan Hospital - 2011
Pacific Gas and Electric Company - 1920 Paul Pilger - 2019
Renewing Members
Hoffmann Hospice - 1996 House of Flowers - 2017
Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant - 2009
Upcoming Events September 2022 Leadership9.1.22 Bakersfield Advisory Council 8 a.m. | Chamber Labor9.5.22Day Chamber Closed BYP9.6.22Council Meeting 4 p.m. | Chamber Beautiful9.13.22 Bakersfield Committee Meeting 11:30 a.m. | Chamber Labor9.14.22Law & HR Forum 8 a.m. | Chamber GRC9.16.22Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber Ambassador9.27.22 Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber METRO | PAGE 14
Chevron - 1920 Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - 2017
Mendiburu Magic Foundation - 2019 Mercy & Memorial Hospitals - 1983 Mission Bank - Riverwalk/Business Banking Center - 2014
Cuyama Buckhorn LLC is thrilled to announce that they are bringing back their historic Chuck Wagon Bar-B-Qs as a nod to our past! These BBQs will take place on the third Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. till October and will feature live music. Chuckwagon BBQ tickets are available for purchase upon arrival at $30 per adult and $18 per child, and include a choice of protein, two sides, bread, and dessert. Click HERE for more information or to purchase tickets.
Kern EDC is hosting its 34th Annual Dinner Sponsored by Valley Children’s Healthcare at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 at JEH Ranch, 10421 Round Mountain Rd. Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit kernedc.com.
Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) is pleased to announce that we have recently approved new Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training providers ahead of the upcoming RBS Training Program Act deadline. The new training providers offer approved RBS training in Korean, Chinese (Simplified), and Chinese (Traditional). This is in addition to the total of 52 training providers who have already been approved. We now have approved training providers offering training in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese (Traditional), and Chinese (Simplified). The RBS exam is currently available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Hindi, and Punjabi. ABC hopes this will help support more communities in California as they strive to comply with the law. I have included a link to our press release and links to our social media posts in different languages so that you can share this information with your members and followers. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Kern Community Foundation has operated the Oscar and Libbie Rudnick Scholarship Fund since its inception in 2012. The endowed scholarship was established with a $500,000 gift in memory of Elynor Rudnick Falk by her husband Dr. David Falk. In August 2022, after Dr. Falk’s passing, Kern Community Foundation received another $5,500,000 gift for the Fund to be used for scholarships. This historic gift will transform the lives of deserving Kern County students in perpetuity. This Fund honors the memory of Oscar and Libbie Rudnick, the parents of Elynor Rudnick Falk. They immigrated to the United States of America to escape persecution and oppression in Czarist Russia. Settling in Kern County, they raised a
Dress For Success would like to announce its inaugural Dress for the Stars Gala, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17. This will be a black-tie event, which will be held at The Petroleum Club, located at 6218 Sundale Ave. We are hoping to raise $50,000 with this event through silent auctions, live auctions and even a wine pull! The funds will be used right here in our own community to help local families achieve financial independence through employment. We are seeking sponsors and donors and contributors will receive a donation letter from this 501(c)3 organization for their financial records. This event promises to be stellar with delicious food, beverages, dancing and entertainment. Anyone with questions or wishing to participate in this event are encouraged to reach out to the Founder and Executive Director of Dress for Success Bakersfield, Elaine McNearney. Elaine can be reached at 661-703-4353 or Bakersfield@ dressforsuccess.org
family and through hard work, talent and skill, established an agribusiness industry of major importance to the economy of Kern County. Dr. and Mrs. Falk were lifelong philanthropists. This gift is the single largest donation ever made through Kern Community Foundation. “This gift is an eternal mitzvah,” said Aaron Falk, President & CEO of Kern Community Foundation. “The Oscar and Libbie Rudnick Scholarship Fund has established an everlasting bond between the Rudnicks and the future of Kern County.” Since 2012, the Fund has granted $161,300 in scholarships to Kern County students. Students have access to all our scholarship resources through one simple application HERE.
Member News METRO | PAGE 15
The Outlets at Tejon presents its Second Annual Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. This family-friendly event is free to attend and will have music, delicious food options, an awards ceremony, cars from various generations and, of course, great shopping. All Outlets guests will receive a complimentary raffle ticket that can be collected at a car show tent for a chance to win prizes throughout the show. The awards ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. Awards will be given for the following categories: Best by Year/Generation, Best Overall Make/Model, Best Work in Progress, Crowd Favorite and Overall Event Winner. To enter your vehicle in the show, register on Eventbrite or call 858-2155 for more information. Tickets start at $20 per vehicle and give auto-owners a chance to take home a trophy. Vehicle entry fees will be discounted for auto-owners or car clubs who enter five or more cars.
MAJOR INVESTORS
Get Social Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media @bakochamberplatforms.
Ordiz-Melby Architects, a Professional Corporation, has been enriching communities through collaborative design, innovation and lasting relationships since 1993. We guide our clients from the initial design phases through the completion of construction. Our award-winning firm specializes in institutional, health care and commercial facilities design.
FOCUSOrdiz-Melby Architects
METRO | PAGE 16 2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF ChairmanDIRECTORSoftheBoard Rick CountrysideJhaj Corporation Incoming Chairman Ken DignityKellerHealth - Memorial Hospital Immediate Past Chairman Derek KGET-TVJeffery17 Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob SouthernDuchowCalifornia Gas Company Vice Chair Economic Vitality Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield General Counsel Mark YoungBatemanWooldridge LLP CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz President/CEO Hillary Haenes Vice MemberPresident,Engagement Kaelyn Peterson Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Executive Director of BAKPAC Concepcion "Cepi" Willingham Member & Business Development Manager Kami Gonzalez Director, Administration & Operations Cynthia Gonzalez Operations Administrator
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS
BYNUM INC.
