Chamber advocates for high-speed rail maintenance facility in Kern

March 2015
Coming up
Monday, March 12!
Building a Strong Economy
New Members.............................................. 8
Renewing Members................................... 14
Providing Business Education &
Networking Opportunities
Branding Your Business............................... 2
2015 Map, Directory.................................... 3
Bakersfield Young Professionals.................. 4
Small Business Newtworking Breakfast...... 5
Social Media Therapy.................................. 5
Mixer Overhaul............................................ 6
Business After Hours Mixer......................... 6
Social Media Therapy.................................. 7
Facing the Media Seminar........................... 8
SBA Entrepreneurship Program................. 10
Committee Reports.................................... 12
Ribbon Cuttings......................................... 13
Promoting Our Community
Chairman’s Circle Focus.............................. 2
Member News............................................ 11
Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
High-Speed Rail Advocacy.......................... 1
Hydraulic Fracturing EIR.......................... 10
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber
of Commerce is dedicated to:
• Building a Strong Economy
• Providing Business Education
& Networking Opportunities
• Promoting Our Community
• Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
Providing leadership for a healthy business community
Chamber advocates for high-speed rail
maintenance facility in Kern County
Once completed, the California High-Speed Rail project will connect Los Angeles with San
Francisco.
By Nathan Ahle
Manager of Government Affairs
Joining with groups such as the Kern County
Board of Supervisors, the Greater Bakersfield
Chamber of Commerce recently wrote to the
California High-Speed Rail Authority urging it to
locate one of the high-speed rail system’s heavy
maintenance facilities in Kern County. This move
would make Kern County a major hub on the rail
system and could be a major source of highly
skilled jobs.
Multiple locations exist within Kern County
that would not only be appropriate but would
be the ideal location for the heavy maintenance
facility. Locations in both Shafter and Wasco have
been investigated and offer several benefits, such
as proximity to the preferred track alignment,
a lack of existing development to relocate and
proximity to state highways. In addition, the
Shafter location offers infrastructure advantages
such as donated land, fiber-optic network
connections and upgraded utility lines.
“Combining these factors with Kern County’s
highly skilled workforce and central location, our
area unquestionably offers the most advantages
when determining the location for a heavy
maintenance yard for this project,” wrote the
Chamber in its letter. “Our county boasts a
workforce ranked No. 4 for STEM jobs and No. 9
for engineering jobs in the state, according to Area
Development, a leading economic development
publication. In addition, as Kern County is
providing a substantial amount of financing for
the overall project through cap and trade dollars;
it would be appropriate to return a portion of
that investment to Kern with the location of this
facility.”
The high-speed rail project is designed to
quickly and efficiently transport passengers
from San Francisco to Los Angeles in just under
three hours, traveling at a speed of more than200
miles per hour. The entire project is expected to
be completed by 2029, which will include 24
stations, 800 miles of track and require an initial
state investment of $2.6 billion. The authority also
estimates a net economic impact of more than $8
billion, and the generation of 66,000 jobs annually
for 15 years.
Business
Supporting
Business
Advance Beverage Company
Aera Energy LLC
The Bakersfield Californian
Bakersfield Family Medical Center
Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman
Bright House Networks
Brown Armstrong Accountants
Jim Burke Ford Lincoln
California Resources Corporation
California State University, Bakersfield
Carney’s Business Technology Center
Castle & Cooke California, Inc.
Chevron
Citizens Business Bank
Daniells, Phillips, Vaughan & Bock
Dignity Health-Mercy & Memorial Hospitals
GEMCare
Golden Empire Transit District
Gregory D. Bynum & Associates, Inc.
Hall Ambulance Service
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Kaiser Permanente Kern County
Kern Community College District
Kern Health Systems
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
KGET-TV 17
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al
Law Offices of Young Wooldridge LLP
McKee Electric Company
Mid State Development Corporation
Motor City Auto Center
Multi Business Systems
Ordiz-Melby Architects, Inc.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Rabobank, N.A.
San Joaquin Community Hospital
Southern California Gas Company
State Farm Insurance Company
Stinson’s
Stria
Taft College Foundation
Tejon Ranch Company
Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Valley Republic Bank
Branding is more than just a logo
Three Chamber staff members – Nathan Ahle,
Hillary Haenes and Melissa Rossiter – recently
attended the Western Association of Chamber
Executives (WACE) annual conference in
early February, and returned with a wealth of
knowledge. The conference brings Chambers
from all over the western states together to learn
what is trending in the industry and uncover
techniques and ideas that can help us better serve
our membership.
One keynote speaker stood out to staff – Maria
Ross, a branding and marketing expert, author
and consultant for several major corporations.
One item that Ross continually drove home
was a brand is much more than just a company’s
logo and its visual identity. A company’s brand
forms the foundation of a company’s marketing
efforts, and also tells the story the company
wants to convey to consumers.
Ross used Starbucks as an example. Not only
is the Starbucks logo recognized worldwide, it
immediately causes a person to come up with a
story or opinion about the coffee giant, whether
they love or can’t stand its coffee.
Starbucks is what Ross calls a power brand, a
company people are proud to work, partner and
shop with you; customers willingly spread your
message and story; can elegantly recover from
mistakes; have some people who don’t like you;
and the media talks about your impact on the
industry and the global economy.
How do you get there? Ross said it comes
down to looking at brand as a three-legged stool,
conveyed visually, verbally and experientially.
Visually is a company’s logo, colors and design
while verbally is how a company projects its
messages and which ones it chooses to deliver.
Once you have the verbal and visual message, it
is important that both help create an experience
you want your customers to have. For example,
Ross said if everything screams high-end luxury,
it that what the customer will get?
Marketing your business successfully doesn’t
mean having to throw a bunch of money at it.
Ross said it comes down to having a carefully
crafted message that is clear and concise,
something she said many businesses struggle to
get right.
Ross offered three tips to crafting the perfect
message. First, she said customers care about
what products and services your company can
provide for them, and how your products or
services can make their lives better. Ross said
the best messages lead with benefits from the
customer’s point of view.
Next, back up your company’s benefits
with proof points, which can be anything from
customer testimonials to awards and accolades or
return on investment studies.
Perhaps most importantly, Ross said
remember to be human. Your message should
speak directly to the person reading it. She said
focus on your company’s ideal customer when
crafting your message.
Tune in to get all your business news, tips
and resources live every Monday,
10-11 a.m., on www.bakersfield.com.
Chairman's Circle Focus
GEMCare has served the community since 1992. We offer a quality
physician network, medical group management and health care
administrative services. It all adds up to care you can count on.
METRO Business Journal is the official publication of the
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
1725 Eye Street • PO Box 1947 •Bakersfield, CA 93303
Phone (661)-327-4421 • Fax (661) 327-8751
www.bakersfieldchamber.org • www.bakersfieldadvocacy.org
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The Chamber of Commerce President/CEO has the sole right
to refuse any advertisement in any Chamber publication.
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Chamber’s 2015 maps and directories
are now available
W
ith an expanded distribution that will reach
more than 10,000 residents, businesses, visitors
and newly relocated employees, these publications
provide an in-depth look at the Greater
Bakersfield area and a detailed business directory
of Chamber member businesses. Editorial
features highlight the area’s health care, travel and
transit, entertainment, history, lifestyle, tourism,
education and the economy.
y
r
o
t on
c
e
r
Di racti
Ret
To pick up your free copy
of the map and directory,
stop by the
Chamber office today!
Information regarding Grimmway Farms incorrect
The Chamber would like to apologize to
Grimmway Farms for a mistake made in our
2015 Guide and Business Directory. On page 15,
the article said that Grimmway Farms is owned
by Roll Global. This is inaccurate. Grimmway
Farms is a family-owned company with strong
ties to the community, and serves not only as
the county’s largest vegetable producer, but the
largest agricultural employer as well as largest
private employer in Kern County. Again, the
Chamber would like to extend our sincerest
apologies to Grimmway Farms for this error.
This is your home.
IT’S OURS TOO. For more than 60 years, KDG has offered an unrivaled track record, depth of
knowledge, and experience unique to the San Joaquin Valley. Nobody knows you like a neighbor,
and nobody can meet your legal needs and achieve successful, cost-effective results like KDG.
With more than 40 highly skilled attorneys, KDG provides advanced legal services for matters ranging from business and commercial litigation
to business counseling, intellectual property, and corporate and real estate transactions, as well as estate planning and employment law issues.
W W W . K L E I N L A W . C O M
4550 California Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309• 661.395.1000 | 5260 N. Palm Avenue, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93704• 559.438.4374
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Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Giving young professionals a purpose
A program of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber’s Bakersfield Young
Professionals (BYP) are giving its members a
way to make a difference in the community, while
enhancing their own professional and personal
growth.
Rachel Evey, Serving Kern chair for BYP, said
her crew, which focuses on community service,
and the Next Crew, which focuses on professional
development, will hold a joint meeting on
Tuesday, March 12, that will feature local
nonprofit organization Links for Life. Jennifer
Henry, the nonprofit’s executive director, will
explain what it takes to run a nonprofit and how its
work has impacted the community. After Henry’s
presentation, young professionals will then break
out into planning sessions to come up with ways
to get involved with the Links for Life Gala,
scheduled for Saturday, April 25.
“Young professionals will be able to learn
about a local, effective nonprofit. They will also
be able to volunteer for the gala in three possible
ways: soliciting companies to renew their donated
auction items, volunteering at the gala, and/or
donating items to create a BYP auction basket,”
Evey said.
Started in 1992, Links for Life’s mission is to
help individuals and families affected by breast
cancer, and provide several free programs to
help women navigate through the unknown of
a cancer diagnosis. The nonprofit provides free
mammograms, ultrasounds and needle biopsies for
women who are under the age of 40.
“With the needle biopsies, we helped diagnose
seven women under 40 with breast cancer last
year,” Henry.
A program of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
Calendar of Events
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Links for Life’s annual gala helps the nonprofit fund the free services it offers to the community.
This photo is from the gala in 2014.
According to Henry, more women under 40
receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and the cancer
tends to be more aggressive when the patient is
younger. She recommends women know their
bodies, and if they notice something is different,
contact their doctor to get a referral for testing.
Links for Life also has a wig boutique that is
open to any woman going through chemotherapy.
Henry said there are two locations – one at
the Links for Life office on Chester Avenue
and a second at the Comprehensive Blood and
Cancer Center. Appointments should be made in
advanced, and can last from 20 minutes to two
hours.
The nonprofit also hosts a breast cancer
support group the first Tuesday of every month
at 6:30 p.m. at the Links for Life office. With 30
members, Henry said the group is open to current
cancer patients to 30-year survivors.
“We here to help them to get the support they
Next and Serving Kern
The crew will hold a joint meeting with the
Serving Kern Crew on Tuesday, March 12,
from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jennifer Henry, executive
director of Links for Life, will speak about how
the nonprofit benefits local people and families
affected by breast cancer. Young professionals
will be able to network, ask questions about
Links for Life and find out opportunities to get
involved with their upcoming gala.
Serving Kern
The Serving Kern Crew will be serving dinner
at the Bakersfield Homeless Center on Sunday,
need,” she said.
Henry said her organization is constantly
looking for volunteers to run everything from
public relations and outreach to coordinating
fundraisers. Links for Life currently has four
part-time staff members who run day-to-day
operations, and any support volunteers can offer is
appreciated.
“Young professionals are our future. We need
their energy and technical brainpower to move us
forward,” Henry said.
“The best way to get involved with a nonprofit
is by donating time or dollars. Every nonprofit
needs a healthy source of both,” Evey said.
For more information on Links for Life, call
(661) 322-5601 or email [email protected].
If you’re interested in getting involved with a
local nonprofit, contact Serving Kern crew chair
Rachel Evey at [email protected].
March. 15, 3-6 p.m. The Bakersfield Homeless
Center is located at 1600 E. Truxtun Ave.
Socialize
The Socialize Crew will host the March Pub
Club on Thursday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. A
location will be announced soon.
Urbanist
The Urbanist Crew will hold its next crew
meeting on Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. A
location will be announced soon.
For event information, follow BYP on their
Facebook page
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Connecting small, large companies together
Work with the Outlets at Tejon and the American Cancer Society
L
earn what it takes to land contracts with some
of the area’s largest companies at the Chamber’s
next Small Business Networking Breakfast on
Thursday, March 12.
With Bakersfield hosting one of the nation’s
largest Relay for Life events, Marcella Ives, senior
marketing manager, community engagement for
the American Cancer Society, will explain the
simple ways that companies can get involved in
saving lives in the “Fight to End Cancer.” Jenifer
Natto, general manager with the Outlets at Tejon,
will explain how companies can partner with the
county’s newest shopping center.
The breakfast will be held at the Chamber
office, 1725 Eye St. Check-in and networking
begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program will last from
Jenifer Natto
8-9:30 a.m. Cost is $25 for members; $50 for
nonmembers. A catered breakfast will be provided.
Please park in the parking structure located on
the northwest corner of 18th and Eye streets.
To register, call the Chamber at (661) 327-4421
or online at www.bakersfieldchamber.org.
Marcella Ives
Brought to you by:
Avoiding backlash on social media
What you think is a perfectly crafted post on
social media could cause a backlash for your
company that you may not be expecting. At the
Chamber’s next Social Media Therapy session,
Charlie McKay, graphic artist and social media
manager for the Saba Agency, will explain how
you can avoid and handle negative feedback
online. You will:
• Discuss the various types of negative
feedback and how to deal with them.
• Learn how to handle negative feedback
on various social media platforms,
including Facebook, Twitter, Google+
and Yelp.
• Develop a comprehensive plan on how
to handle any situation that may arise
with your company’s online presence.
This session will be held on Thursday, March
26, at the Chamber office, 1725 Eye St. Checkin and networking begins at 11:30 a.m., and the
session will run from noon to 1 p.m.
Cost is $20 for members and $40 for
nonmembers. A boxed lunch will be served.
Please park in the parking garage on the northwest
corner of 18th and Eye streets.
To register, call the Chamber at (661) 327-4421
or online at www.bakersfieldchamber.org.
Brought to you by:
Charlie McKay
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Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Breathing new life into Chamber mixers
By Hillary Haenes
Project Manager
T
he Chamber is looking at new ways to deliver
engaging mixers to our members.
A main goal of the Ambassador/Mixer
Committee for 2015, the Chamber stopped putting
on these highly popular monthly events, because
attendance declined in recent years. Our members
are now asking for more networking opportunities,
something the Chamber is excited to deliver.
Mixers allow members to network with
potential clients in a fun, social atmosphere, while
showcasing their business’ location, products,
services and meeting potential new clients.
The Ambassador/Mixer Committee is
asking member businesses who are interested
in promoting their business to reach out to the
Chamber at (661) 327-4421 or send an email
[email protected].
Networking Opportunity
The Chamber’s annual Holiday Mixer in December drew nearly 100 people. Mixers are a great way
to showcase your business’ location, products and services while networking with other members in a
fun, social atmosphere.
Mix and mingle with Chamber, CSUB Athletics
Get ready to leave work at the office and come
unwind at the Business After Hours at Hardt Field
Mixer on Thursday, March 26, from 5:30-7:30
p.m.
Connect with old friends, meet potential
business contacts and enjoy stadium style
foods right in the middle of the infield of Hardt
Field, home to the California State University,
Bakersfield Roadrunners baseball team.
CSUB is located at 9001 Stockdale Highway.
To get to Hardt Field, take Gosford Road south,
and turn right onto Camino Media. Continue west
to Roadrunner Drive and turn right. Take the first
left onto Rowdy Way and Hardt Field will be on
the right.
The Business After Hours at Hardt Field is
sponsored by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of
Commerce and CSUB Athletics.
Valley Air District to offer air quality concentrations by neighborhood
Valley residents will soon be able to check
air quality levels for their neighborhoods just by
entering an address.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control
District is currently developing a website,
called Web-Based Archived Air Quality System
(WAAQS), which will allow residents to find
out historical air quality information for their
neighborhood.
Once launched, WAAQS will allow residents
to have access to a variety of statistics, including
the number of days with good air quality, the
number of days with unhealthy air quality, days
over federal standards for ozone and PM2.5 and
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neighborhood air quality compared to trends for
the county and San Joaquin Valley.
The new website will expand on the Air
District’s Real-Time Air Advisory Network
(RAAN), which provides hour-by-hour local air
quality conditions to Valley residents. RAAN
relies on data from air quality monitors that are
typically found in locations that measure the
worst case concentrations. With the Air District
covering a vast geographical area, its governing
board felt providing the worst case air quality
measurements may not accurately reflect the
actual conditions of certain neighborhoods.
Last year, the Air District developed a
modeling technique to quantify neighborhood
ozone and PM2.5 concentrations. The data
generated from the new model will serve as a
foundation for providing historical air quality
information to Valley residents.
The Air District will release a beta version of
the website to the public on March 1. Comments
and recommendations will be collected to better
help the Air District improve the information
provided on this site.
For more information, visit
www.valleyair.org.
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
In case you missed it
WordPress: No limit to what it can do
for your business
Dustin Pitcher
W
ordPress is the brainpower behind
the websites for some of the world’s most
recognizable brands, including Vogue, General
Motors and the New York Times. The world’s
most widely used content management system
was the topic of the Chamber’s latest Social Media
Therapy session on Jan. 28.
“We started using WordPress five years ago
and haven’t looked back. We can build things
faster and more efficiently,” said Dustin Pitcher,
technical director for The Marcom Group.
With more than 100,000 developers, Pitcher, the
session’s presenter, told attendees there is no real
limit to what WordPress can do for your business.
A business owner can browse thousands of
themes, the majority of which are free. WordPress
also includes more than 35,000 plug-ins, which
can extend the system’s core functionality.
“Plug-ins are like the app store on your phone,”
Pitcher said. “When something doesn’t work right
with what it comes with, you can browse the plugins to make your site more efficient. There’s no
limit to what WordPress can do.”
You do not have to be your desk to make
changes to your website. Pitcher said pictures
and color schemes can be changed or added,
press releases can be uploaded and inquiries can
be checked all from your smartphone or tablet.
WordPress can also link up to a company’s social
media platforms or email blast service, like
Constant Contact.
Pitcher said the system can help all aspects of a
person’s business, including sales. WordPress can
increase a company’s search engine optimization
and can improve response times. He said The
Marcom Group uses a plug-in called Zapier, to
enhance its response time. The plug-in sends
emails and text messages to listed contacts if an
inquiry comes in.
“We need to respond quickly if something
happens to a site we manage, we want to know
about it and fix it right away,” Pitcher said.
WordPress also helped one of The Marcom
Group’s clients that set up an employment
application on its website. A plug-in allowed
that client to customize the form, and once an
interested applicant completed the form, the
plug-in created a spreadsheet and PDF of the
information for the client’s human resources
department.
“This would probably have been a $20,000 job
if we didn’t set it up through WordPress,” Pitcher
said.
Managing WordPress is easy, Pitcher said. A
business can assign certain employees to be an
editor, author, administrator or subscriber, or can
create custom roles for specific employees.
This Social Media Therapy session was
put on by the Chamber’s Business Education
and Enhancement Committee, which works
together to develop and implement seminars
that help businesses enhance operations through
educational, informative sessions.
If there is a topic you would like to see featured,
call the Chamber at (661) 327-4421.
METRO 7
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
In case you missed it
Facing the Media: Tips to owning a media interview
Promoting your business in less than three
minutes can seem daunting, especially when you
have a camera pointed right at you. Crafting a
clear, concise message and taking it to the media
was the topic of a recent Chamber seminar on Feb.
10.
Former news anchor, Lisa Krch, now the public
information and communications manager for the
Kern High School District, and Jim Luff, CEO
of the Limousine Scene and involved in several
local charities, shared their tips and tricks to help
attendees take their message to the media.
“When you’re on the news, you don’t have a lot
of time to get your message out there,” Luff said.
The key to a successful interview is being
prepared ahead of time – advice both Krch
and Luff stressed. They said to prepare talking
points ahead of time, and know the who, what,
where, when, why and how of the event you
are promoting, and be sure to say the date and
location of an event first. If two people plan to do
the interview together, plan ahead of time which
topics each person will discuss.
“One of the most uncomfortable things as an
anchor is when you ask a question and they look at
each other,” Krch said.
Another tip is to provide all event information,
logos and even video or pictures ahead of time.
When it comes time for the interview, do not
worry about keeping track of time and look at the
person interviewing, not the camera.
“It’s the anchor’s job to interview, but it’s your
job to deliver the message to the viewers,” Luff
said.
Both Krch and Luff said not to slouch in the
chair. They stressed to remember good posture and
cross your legs because it makes a person appear
more relaxed than they may be.
When it comes to deciding what to wear, Krch
said dress for what event you are promoting.
“You don’t want to show up in a three-piece suit
if you’re promoting a golf tournament,” she said.
Other tips for apparel include wearing a logo
shirt of the event or company, knowing what
colors look the best on you and avoiding vertical
stripes.
Luff and Krch put their tips to practice, showing
attendees the difference between what makes a
great interview and a bad one.
The seminar was put on by the Chamber’s
Business Education and Enhancement Committee,
Welcome our new Chamber members
Jan. 15 - Feb. 15, 2015
Bittleston Law Group
1037 17th St., Ste. B
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-616-5561
www.dobjd.com
“Attorney Dawn Bittleston is a Certified
Family Law Specialist certified by the
State Bar of California Board of Legal
Specialization. Kelly Francisco, Business
Attorney with 36 years experience.”
Clean Water Solutions
4320 Amour Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-444-1303
www.cleanwatersolutionsca.com
“Clean Water Solutions uses a mobile
reverse osmosis system to remove
unwanted minerals in pool water without
draining, conserving thousands of gallons
of water.”
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Mary DeGeare
Denny’s Restaurant
2627 Buck Owens Blvd.
Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-395-3014
www.dennys.com
“Denny’s is America’s largest full-service
family restaurant chain serving classis
American food and everyday value. Home
of the famous Grand Slam breakfasts,
Denny’s.”
Denny’s Restaurant
2309 Panama Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-832-5150
www.dennys.com
“Denny’s is America’s largest full-service
family restaurant chain serving classis
Story continued on page 9
Lisa Krch and Jim Luff show what can happen
when a media interview goes bad.
which works together to develop and implement
seminars that help businesses enhance operations
through educational, informative sessions.
If there is a topic you would like to hear during
an upcoming seminar, call the Chamber at
(661) 327-4421.
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Welcome our new Chamber members
Story continued from page 8
American food and everyday value. Home
of the famous Grand Slam breakfasts,
Denny’s.”
Denny’s Restaurant
2851 White Lane
Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-831-6961
www.dennys.com
“Denny’s is America’s largest full-service
family restaurant chain serving classic
American food and everyday value. Home
of the famous Grand Slam breakfasts,
Denny’s.”
GPS Tracking & Safety
Bakersfield, CA 661-480-2361
www.gpstrackingandsafety.com
“GPS Tracking & Safety offers a full line
of GPS products to help you protect your
loved ones, fleet vehicles or valuable
assets.”
My Home Your Home Care for
Elderly, LLC
6712 Jetta Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-699-8145
www.myhomeyourhomecareforelderly.
com
“With our compassionate and
experienced caregivers, we provide a
home setting environment and care to
the seniors who cannot live on their own
unassisted.”
provide site based training and activities.”
Social Vocational Services
3601 Union Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93305 661-323-0533
www.socialvocationalservices.org
“SVS is a California nonprofit
organization incorporated in 1978.
SVS serves adults with developmental
disabilities in both community and
facility settings. SVS assists consumers to
lead healthy and productive lives within
the community, helping enhance their
self-esteem and offering the opportunity
for personal growth. SVS is licensed to
VEDC – Valley Economic
Development Center
1712 19th St., Ste. 127
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-817-8048
www.vedc.org
“VEDC is the largest nonprofit
development organization in California,
providing direct micro and small
business loans as well as SBA7 (a) and
SBA 504 loans for the past 37 years. We
are an alternative solution when small
businesses don’t meet the bank’s credit
parameters.”
The Village at Seven Oaks
4301 Buena Vista Road
Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-837-1337
www.villageatsevenoaks.com
“The Village at Seven Oaks is one of the
newest and finest assisted living and
memory care communities in Bakersfield
offering a unique lifestyle for those 62
and better.”
THE 6TH A NNUA L
IS COMING
to RABOBANK ARENA
SATURDAY MARCH 21, 2015
SPONSORSHIPS & BOOTHS NOW AVAILABLE
THIS IS AN EXPO YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
Powerful Ad Campaign to Attract Qualified Buyers
The Bakersfield Californian will launch a massive advertising campaign including newspaper,
magazine, TV, radio, streaming video, electronic billboards and Facebook.
For sponsorship opportunities and booth reservations
please contact your sales executive or
Shauna Rockwell
661.392.5716
[email protected]
METRO 9
Representing the Interests of Business with Government
Chamber speaks in favor of hydraulic fracturing
Public comment needed on EIR that would regulate well stimulation
By Nathan Ahle
Manager of Government Affairs
As the public continues to learn more about
hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as
“fracking,” governmental entities are ramping up
their efforts to regulate – and in some cases, overregulate – this important work.
Recognizing the vital importance of the oil
industry to Kern County, the Greater Bakersfield
Chamber of Commerce provided testimony at a
public hearing on Feb. 23 on an environmental
impact report (EIR) required by Senate Bill 4
(SB 4), which deals with well stimulation on a
statewide level.
SB 4, which recently passed the California
Legislature, places many restrictions on companies
wishing to receive permits for well stimulation
projects. It requires, among other items,
mandatory disclosure of fracturing fluid, well
integrity testing both before and after fracturing
and heavy restrictions on groundwater use. The
EIR, prepared by the Division of Oil, Gas, and
Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), has been
released in draft form and the public can comment
on the document until March 16.
The Chamber understands the necessity
to mitigate impacts to the environment, and
supports the concept of an EIR. However, these
mitigation measures cannot severely impact
local energy development, and must allow for
local jurisdictions (such as Kern County, which
is working on its own EIR) to have authority
and oversight to allow
for responsible energy
development. While the
Chamber has made its
collective voice heard,
we encourage members
and local businesses to
share their concerns with
DOGGR.
The public review period
for this Draft EIR ends
March 16. Comments on the
Draft EIR may be submitted
and must be received in
writing. Written comments
may be sent by regular U.S.
Mail or other carrier to:
Ms. Adele Lagomarsino,
Department of
Conservation, Division of
Oil, Gas and Geothermal
Resources, 801 K St., MS
18-00
Sacramento, CA 95814 Written comments
submitted via e-mail
communication are
encouraged; however, please remember to include
your name and return address in the e-mail
message. E-mail messages and attachments should
be sent to:
[email protected].
For more information on SB 4, visit
www.conservation.ca.gov/dog/Pages/Index.aspx.
SBA to launch free entrepreneurship program in Bakersfield
Small businesses in the Bakersfield area are
encouraged to apply for free specialized training
to help grow their companies.
For the first time, the U.S. Small Business
Administration (SBA) is offering its Emerging
Leaders executive-level training program in
Bakersfield. The program runs from April until
November, and includes approximately 100
hours of classroom time per participant. Small
METRO 10
business owners are linked to experienced
mentors, attend workshops and develop
connections with peers, city leaders and financial
communities. The SBA covers 100 percent of the
tuition.
The program will only accept 17 small
businesses in the Bakersfield area. Acceptance
into the program is competitive, and applications
are currently being accepted. To be eligible,
businesses must be in operations for at least three
years, have between $400,000 and $10 million in
annual revenue, at least one full-time employee
besides the owner, be interested in business
growth and the business is in good financial
shape with no tax, legal or other significant
challenges.
For more information about Emerging
Leaders, please visit www.sba.gov/
emergingleaders or contact the Fresno SBA
District Office at (559) 487-5791.
Building a Strong Economy
Member News
From and about your fellow Chamber members
The Bakersfield Art Association offers
a variety of classes and receptions throughout
each month. For more information on what
classes are available, call (661) 869-2320 or email
[email protected].
Lightwave Education invites you to attend
its third annual Benefit Concert on Friday, March
6, 6:30 p.m., at the Stockdale Country Club,
7001 Stockdale Highway. The event will feature
Nuhjume, the trip from The STARS. Proceeds will
benefit Lightwave Education’s Freedoom School, a
six-week summer literacy and leadership program
for children ages 6-13. For more information, call
(661) 381-7644.
SCORE invites you to attend a “Double or
Triple Your Income” seminar on Tuesday, March
10, at DeVry University, 3000 Ming Ave. Attendees
will learn how to work smarter, not harder, find
that one skill that could help double your income
and learning SMART goals. Registration begins at
11:30 a.m., and the seminar will last from noon to
1:30 p.m. For more information, call Michael Monji
at (661) 588-2092 or email [email protected].
The Kern River Valley Chamber of
Commerce invites you to its Casino Night on
Saturday, March 14, 5-10 p.m., at the Kern River
Valley Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd.
Tickets are $25 and includes deep pit dinner. For
more information, call (760) 379-5236.
Hoffmann Hospice invites you to attend its
“Voices of Inspiration” dinner and fundraising
event on Tuesday, March 17, 5:30 p.m., at the
Rabobank Theater and Convention Center, 1001
Truxtun Ave. This year’s keynote speaker will be
legendary Dodgers announcer Vin Scully. For more
information, call (661) 410-1010 or visit www.
hoffmannhospice.org.
Bakersfield Art Association invites you
to attend its Bunco Party on Thursday, March 19,
at 6 p.m., at its art center, 1607 19th St. Come to
the association’s first event at its new location and
win great prizes. For more information, call (661)
869-2320.
The Kern River Valley Chamber of
Commerce invites you to attend the 26th annual
Isabella Lake Fishing Derby on March 28-30.
There will be prizes, drawings and raffles and up to
10,000 pounds of trout guaranteed to be in the lake.
For more information, call (760) 379-5236 or visit
www.kernrivervalley.com.
CASA invites you to participate in the 2015
CASA Superhero Run! on Saturday, April 11, at the
Park at Riverwalk. The event will feature activities
for the kids, vendors, face painting and more. To
register for a 10K, 5K or 2K walk, visit www.
active.com or www.kerncasa.org.
Bakersfield Convention and Visitors
Bureau has been named as one of the 2015
Readers’ Choice Award winners by SportsEvents
Media Group. Sports event professionals nominate
destinations and venues that they believe display
creativity and professionalism toward groups they
host.
Community Action Partnership of Kern
will have its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) program open throughout tax season. To
find a location near you, call (661) 834-1724.
Kern Economic Development Foundation
is partnering with the Community Environmental
Council to launch Solarize Kern County. The
program will offer discounted, group-purchase
pricing for solar panels from vetters, local installers
for small businesses and homeowners, and will be
available for three months. For more information,
visit www.kedc.com.
Health South Rehabilitation Hospital, San
Joaquin Community Hospital, Bakersfield
Memorial Hospital and Center for Neuro
Skills are partnering to launch a new community
stroke support group. The group will meet the
last Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the
Health South Rehabilitation Hospital gym, 5001
Commercial Drive. Stroke survivors, family
members and caregivers are welcome to attend. For
more information, call (661) 323-5500 ext. 4059.
STATE WRESTLING
CHAMPIONSHIPS
MARCH 6-7
BAKERSFIELD
SYMPHONY
ORCHESTRA
MARCH 14
BROADWAY IN BAKERSFIELD
SISTER ACT
MARCH 29
VAREKAI BY
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
APRIL 1-5
Public Skating - Ice Hockey
Birthday Parties - Figure Skating
661.852.7400
www.sjchicecenter.com
California State University, Bakersfield
received a five-year, $7.3 million grant to
improve STEM educational programs in rural
school districts. CSUB will be partnering with
Buttonwilliow, Lamont and Semitropic school
districts to establish a 15-month credential/master
residency program and specialized professional
development tailored to needs of rural teachers.
METRO 11
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Committee Reports
Ambassador Committee
Chair: Jacob Henry
STACK Technologies
The Ambassador Committee kicked off
its first meeting in January with plans to
revive this program for 2015, including
implementing a point system and having
a uniformed look for the Chamber’s
Ambassadors to wear at ribbon cuttings
and other community events. There was
also discussion about planning upcoming
mixers and other networking events. The
Ambassador Committee meets the fourth
Tuesday of each month.
Staff contact: Hillary Haenes
Bakersfield Young Professionals
Chair: David Denison
Alert Disaster Restoration
The Bakersfield Young Professionals
Leadership Team met in late January and
again in mid-February to put together
a plan of work for the year, including
discussion on membership, Crew events
and large-scale events.
Staff Contact: Hillary Haenes
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee
Chair: Orlando Trevino
Boys & Girls Club of Kern County
This committee finished assigning
categories and discussed marketing plans
for the nomination period, which ends
March 20. There was a tentative timeline
presented to the committee to follow
when working with the nominees. This
committee meeting the first Wednesday of
each month.
Staff contacts: Hillary Haenes & Jordan
Green
Business Education and
Enhancement Committee
Chair: Shonna Shearson
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
This committee approved its 2015 Goals
& Objectives and discussed the idea of
forming subcommittees for the three
events the committee is responsible
for putting on quarterly – Labor and
Employment Law Update Forums, Social
Media Therapy and the Seminar Series.
This committee meets the fourth Monday
of each month.
Staff contacts: Hillary Haenes & Jordan
Green
METRO 12
Chamber Palooza Committee
Chair: Chelsea Esquibias
Goodwill Industries of South Central
California
The Palooza Committee had its first
meeting in mid-February to start planning
for the Chamber’s largest fundraiser of
the year, which will be held on June 12.
The committee discussed the 2015 Goals
& Objectives, suggested themes for this
year’s event and selected subcommittee
chairs for various categories such as
auction items, decorations, sponsorships,
etc. This committee meets the first and
third Tuesday of each month until the
event.
Staff contacts: Hillary Haenes & Jordan
Green
addressed issues facing Kern County
schools, and class members had a chance
to learn about higher education in Kern
County and what the future holds for
local institutions, students and potential
employers. Class members also had the
opportunity to tour several alternative
education facilities and learn about unique
student needs and the programs offered in
Kern County. Thank you to the Advisory
Council Chairs Kristen Doud, Pacific Gas
and Electric Company, and Wesley Neal,
Kern County Superintendant of Schools. This session was made possible by the
generous support of the Dignity Health –
Mercy & Memorial Hospitals and Pacific
Gas and Electric Company.
Staff contact: Jean Scheiber
Energy Committee
Chair: Jenifer Pitcher
Western States Petroleum Association
The Energy Committee met on Feb. 13
along with the Governmental Review
Council to review and prepare comment
on the environmental impact report for
well stimulation regulations in California.
A recommendation from both committees
was made to the Chamber’s Board of
Directors.
Staff contact: Nathan Ahle
Youth Leadership Bakersfield
Advisory Council
Chair: Colleen Dillaway
Bright House Networks
The Council was very busy in February
organizing two programs. During the Arts
and Culture day, students gained a better
understanding of how art and culture
define our community. They also gained
experience of what it takes to be a leader.
Special thanks are extended to Advisory
Council Chairs Liz Sherwyn, Bakersfield
Museum of Art and Laura Wolfe, United
Way of Kern County. Health and Human
Services was the focus of the Feb. 18
class. Students gained insight into careers
in those fields and ended the day with a
better understanding of the network of
health and human services available and
the types of issues where the need for
such services arises. Thanks to Advisory
Council Chairs Michelle Corson, Kern
County Department of Human Services;
Maggie Cushine, Boys and Girls Club
of Kern County; and Amy Smith,
American Red Cross – Kern Chapter. These outstanding day programs were
made possible through the sponsorship
support of program underwriters Aera
Energy LLC, Bright House Networks
and San Joaquin Community Hospital
and day sponsors Houchin Community
Blood Bank, Fritch Eye Care Center,
Law Offices of Timothy Lemucchi, Boys
& Girls Clubs of Kern County, Dignity
Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals
and Kaiser Permanente of Kern County.
Staff contact: Jordan Green
Governmental Review Council
Chair: Patty Poire
Grimmway Farms
The Governmental Review Council
hosted Dan Klingenberger on Feb. 6.
Klingenberger outlined new legislation
for 2015 and its impact on employment
law. On Feb. 13, the GRC reviewed the
environmental impact report (EIR) for
well stimulation regulations in California
and made a recommendation to the
Chamber’s Board of Directors. On Feb.
20, GRC heard a budget presentation
from Kern County, and on Feb. 27, held
a follow-up meeting on the Senate Bill 4
EIR, initially reviewed on Feb. 13.
Staff Contact: Nathan Ahle
Leadership Bakersfield Advisory
Council
Chair: Dustin Dodgin
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, et al
The February Leadership Bakersfield
session focused on education in our
community. Local education leaders
Providing Business Education and Networking Opportunities
Ribbon Cuttings
Celebrating new businesses in our community
Nothing Bundt Cakes
600 Coffee Road, Ste. 5
Pam Rose, representative for State Senator Jean
Fuller; Mayor Harvey L. Hall; and Chamber
Ambassadors Lisa Elzy Watson, Lightwave
Education; Jacob Henry, STACK Technologies;
Paul Alcala, ACT *1 Personnel; David Taylor,
Hall Ambulance; Carolyne Richtarsic, Boys &
Girls Club of Kern County; Stephanie Hernandez,
Mission Bank; Marcella Ives, American Cancer
Society; Jessica Potter, Hope Academy Charter
School; Leslie Elliott, ARCpoint Labs of
Bakersfield; and Elisha McKinney, Bakersfield
Condors, celebrated the grand opening of this retail
bakery.
Aera Academy
10000 Ming Ave.
Vince Fong and Keenan Hochschild,
representatives for Congressman Kevin
McCarthy; Courtney Mayo, representative for
State Senator Jean Fuller; Michael Bowers,
representative for State Senator Andy Vidak;
County Supervisor Zack Scrivner; Mayor
Harvey L. Hall; and Chamber Ambassadors
Jacob Henry, STACK Technologies; Pat Frase,
Bakersfield Jazz Workshop; Kelly Clanton,
Charpentier Wealth Strategies; David Taylor,
Hall Ambulance; Alan Rollolazo and Ryan
Rico, Diamond Technologies; Marcella Ives,
American Cancer Society; Paul Alcala, Act
*1 Personnel; Emilie Bowe, TEKsystems;
Lisa Elzy Watson, Lightwave Education;
Bob Meadows, Mission Bank; Leslie Elliott,
ARCpoint Labs of Bakersfield; Paul Anderson,
Moneywise Wealth Management; Marisol
O’Neil, Charles Schwab; and Tasha Rios,
Bakersfield Marriott Hotel, gathered for the
opening of Aera Energy’s Aera Academy – a
cutting edge learning center.
American Dream Services
4609 New Horizon Blvd., Ste. 7
Mayor Harvey L. Hall and Chamber Ambassadors Marty Kuban and Steve Bohn, Principal
Financial Group; Kelly Sloan, Hilton Garden Inn Hotel; Angel Giltner, PathPoint; Alan
Rollolazo, Diamond Technologies; Derron Juarez, Aerotek; Jacob Henry, STACK Technologies;
David Taylor, Hall Ambulance; and Lisa Elzy Watson, Lightwave Education, attended the ribbon
cutting for the relocation of this local heating and air conditioning company.
METRO 13
Building a Strong Economy
Renewing Members Support Chamber
The following members renewed their commitment to the Chamber and local business community during the period
of Jan. 15 - Feb. 14, 2015
Member Since
A-C Electric Company....................................... 1951
ADT Security Services, Inc................................ 1978
Advanced Laser Source.................................... 1995
Aera Energy LLC............................................... 1981
AJ’s Tuxedo Junction......................................... 1994
AltaOne Federal Credit Union – Ming.............. 2007
American Cancer Society, Bakersfield Unit....... 1986
AmeriPride Uniform Services........................... 1957
AV Smart Technologies.................................... 1997
Bakersfield Art Association............................... 2013
Bakersfield City School District......................... 1979
Bakersfield College.......................................... 1974
Bakersfield Electric Motor Repair, Inc.............. 1967
Bakersfield Family Medical Center................... 1983
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation..... 1982
Bakersfield Museum of Art.............................. 1996
Bakersfield Racquet Club................................. 1965
Bakersfield Jazz Workshop............................... 2011
Banks Pest Control.......................................... 1978
Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman................... 1983
Baymarr Constructors, Inc............................... 1997
Bella at the Marketplace.................................. 2000
Bill Wright Toyota, Inc...................................... 1982
Bright House Networks.................................... 1966
BSK & Associates.............................................. 1972
Business and Entrepreneurship Center........... 1991
Business Initiatives.......................................... 2001
Gregory D. Bynum & Associates, Inc................. 1985
California Resources Corporation.................... 1970
California State University, Bakersfield............ 1968
California Water Service.................................. 1943
Cambria Pines Lodge....................................... 2009
S.A. Camp Pump and Drilling Company........... 1955
CAMS Juniper California.................................. 1988
Castle & Cooke California, Inc.......................... 1988
Clark Pest Control............................................ 1951
Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency.............. 1946
Coca-Cola Bottling Company............................ 1995
Commercial Trade Inc...................................... 1988
Community Connection for Childcare/KCSOS.. 1988
Costco Wholesale............................................ 1985
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel............................. 1997
Creative Financial Staffing................................ 2002
CSUB Extended University, BDC 30.................. 2001
CSUB Politics Research Center......................... 2001
METRO 14
Member Since
Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock..................... 1956
Darling & Wilson.............................................. 1948
Denim & Diamonds Realty............................... 2010
DSJ Insurance Services, LLC............................. 2013
Eagle Mountain Casino.................................... 2004
Eagleson Body Works, Inc................................ 1970
Econo-Air......................................................... 1984
Family Motors Auto Body & Paint, Inc.............. 2005
First 5 Kern...................................................... 2001
Four Points Hotel by Sheraton......................... 1983
Frito-Lay, Inc.................................................... 1995
Functional Ergonomics, Inc.............................. 2008
Globe Loan Jewelry Company.......................... 1992
Golden Empire Transit District......................... 1985
Golden Empire Youth Tackle Football.............. 2010
Griffith Company............................................. 1930
Guarantee Shoe Center................................... 1986
H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection................................... 2007
Hilton Garden Inn Hotel.................................. 2003
Hodel’s Country Dining.................................... 1986
Houchin Community Blood Bank..................... 1977
Howard Financial & Wealth Management........ 2000
Inland Empire Job Corps Center...................... 2012
Jaco Oil............................................................ 1990
Junior Achievement of Bakersfield................... 1994
KBAK-TV / KBFX-TV........................................... 1953
Kern Assistive Technology Center..................... 2008
Kern County Fair/15th District Agriculture Assn.. 1958
Kern County Medical Society........................... 1948
Kern Medical Center........................................ 2014
Kern Trophies.................................................. 1966
KERO-TV 23..................................................... 1946
KGET-TV 17...................................................... 1978
KIA Insurance Associates, Inc........................... 1971
Kisco Sales, Inc................................................ 1974
Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Gerard........ 2005
M & S Security Services, Inc............................. 2011
McIntosh & Associates..................................... 1990
Merrill Lynch – Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc...... 1978
Minuteman Press............................................ 1991
Mission Linen & Uniform Service..................... 1940
Mr. Tuxedo...................................................... 1991
MTS Solutions................................................. 1998.
Nabors Completion & Production Services Co..1995
Nighbert Group............................................... 1972
Nile Point Veterinary Hospital, Inc................... 1966
Member Since
Omni Family Health......................................... 1986
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church................. 1993
Placer Title Company....................................... 2008
Point Loma Nazarene University...................... 2008
Beckie Diltz/Proforma Solutions for Printing.... 2010
Pyrenees French Bakery, Inc............................ 1958
Quad Knopf, Inc.............................................. 1984
Quality Steel Builders, Inc................................ 2002
Rand Employment Solutions........................... 1982
Reed Print, Inc................................................. 1986
Robert Heely Construction, LP......................... 2014
Rotary Club of Bakersfield Breakfast................ 2014
J.D. Rush Company, Inc................................... 1994
San Joaquin Valley College.............................. 1984
Santa Barbara Business College...................... 1983
Santiago Sales................................................. 2011
The Sequoia Sandwich Company..................... 2000
Serban Sound and Communications............... 1986
DS Services of America Sparkletts/DS Services of
America........................................................... 2010
Stanley, Wes.................................................... 1997
State Farm Ins. – Keith Stonebraker Insurance Agency
................................................................... 2004
Stewart Title of California, Inc.......................... 1975
Stinson’s.......................................................... 1953
Stockdale Property Management, Inc.............. 1987
Subway........................................................... 1986
Sun World International, LLC........................... 1978
Gene Tackett Consulting Services..................... 1986
Target Distribution........................................... 2003
Travelodge...................................................... 2009
UBS/Financial Services.................................... 1987
Varnet Land Administration, Inc....................... 2008
Vascular and Leg Center.................................. 2010
Volt Workforce Solutions................................. 1984
Vulcan Materials Company, Western Division.. 1957
Wallace & Smith Contractors, Inc..................... 1963
Watson Realty ERA........................................... 1981
Weatherby’s Furniture Guild........................... 1994
Wholesale Fuels.............................................. 1987
Wilson Brothers, Inc. dba Wilson Bros. Roofing
................................................................... 1998
Wilson, Paves & Associates Insurance Agency... 1988
Wood & Randall.............................................. 2004
Work Force Staffing......................................... 1981
Law Offices of Young Wooldridge LLP.............. 1993
Chamber Monthly Planner - March 2015
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Chamber Meetings and Events
Date
Committee/Event
Time
Place
Tune in to Strictly Business every Monday, 10 a.m. at www.bakersfield.com
March 3
Chamber Palooza
Noon
Chamber
March 4
Beautiful Bakersfield
11:45 a.m.
Chamber
March 5 LB Advisory Council
7:45 a.m.
Chamber
March 6
Governmental Review Council
7:30 a.m.
Chamber
March 9
YLB Advisory Council
11:45 a.m.
Chamber
March 12 Small Business Networking
7:30 a.m.
Chamber
March 13
7:30 a.m.
Chamber
March 17 Chamber Palooza
Noon
Chamber
March 18
Energy Committee
8 a.m.
Chamber
March 18
Board Meeting
11:45 a.m.
Chamber
March 20
Governmental Review Council
7:30 a.m.
Chamber
March 23
Bus. Ed. & Enhancement Committee Noon
Chamber
March 24
Ambassador Committee 11:45 a.m.
Chamber
March 26 Social Media Therapy
11:30 a.m.
Chamber
March 26 Mixer
5:30 p.m.
CSUB
March 27 Governmental Review Council
7:30 a.m.
Chamber
Governmental Review Council
Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings
Support new businesses in our community
My Home Your Home Care for
Elderly, LLC
A ribbon cutting will celebrate the
opening of this new assisted living/
residential care for the elderly.
Date: Tuesday, March 10
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: 6712 Jetta Ave.
Like us,
join us,
follow us...
Fresh Foods International Market
A grand opening celebration will
welcome a new international grocery
store to the community.
Date: Thursday, March 19
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: 4800 White Lane, #M
Chairwoman of the Board
Danielle Wade
Bright House Networks
Murray Family Farms
Law Offices of John F. Stovall
Karen King
Golden Empire Transit District
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
Paid
Bakersfield,
CA
Permit #61
2015 Board of Directors
Chairman of the Board Elect
Steve Murray
Vice Chair Administration
John Stovall
Vice Chair Networking Division
Vice Chair Business Advocacy
Vice Chair Member Education
Christine Frazier
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Aera Energy LLC
Andy Paulden
Brown Armstrong Accountants
Vice Chair Community Outreach
Kathy Miller
Treasurer
Immediate Past Chair
Danny Ordiz
Ordiz-Melby Architects, Inc.
Moneywise Wealth Management
Director-at-Large
Paul Anderson
Please post this newsletter on your company
bulletin board. All employees of member
businesses are invited to Chamber functions.
Derek Abbott
Tejon Ranch Company
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
1725 Eye Street • PO Box 1947
Bakersfield, CA 93303
Board Members
Brooke Antonioni Trans West Security Service, Inc.
Susan M. Benham
Dignity Health Memorial Hospital
Tasha Clayton
Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc.
Greg Chamberlain Bakersfield College
David Dobbs Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant
Karen Goh Garden Pathways, Inc.
Scott Guseman
Paramount Farming Company
Ronald Johns RA Johnsfam dba McDonald’s
Duane Keathley
Cushman & Wakefield/Pacific
Darlene Mohlke
Castle & Cooke California, Inc.
Bill Murray
DoubleTree by Hilton
Carla Musser Chevron
Pritesh Patel Valley Republic Bank
Tom Saba
Creative Concepts/Saba Agency
Rick Stevens
Stevens Transportation, Inc.
DeAnn Straub Kern Federal Credit Union
Chamber Staff
President/CEO
Manager of Operations
Government Affairs Manager
Director of Membership
Project Manager
Project Manager
Communications Manager Administrative Assistant
Search in progress
Jean Scheiber
Nathan Ahle
Joy Davis
Jordan Green
Hillary Haenes
Melissa Rossiter
Janet Ursery
Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
1725 Eye Street • PO Box 1947
Bakersfield, CA 93303
661-327-4421 • FAX: 661-327-8751
http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org
METRO 16
TICKETS NOW ON SALE!