Metro 2019 September

METR

A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | September 2019

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on the

INSIDE

4 LOCAL BRANDING LAUNCH Bakersfield and Kern County are a unique region. Read about an in-depth initiative the Chamber has partnered on to help improve the local external image.

9 GET READY TO PARTY

The ultimate downtown party is back.

See what's planned for the fifth annual Downtown Street Party and how to get your business involved.

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PRICELESS LEGAL INFORMATION

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LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

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MEMBER NEWS

Learn how to navigate California's legal landmines.

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Chamber announces the Leadership Bakersfield class of 2020.

Celebrate important milestones of fellow Chamber members.

Discover the latest news and happenings with other members.

4 Cover

Panel at the Branding Launch event at The Padre Hotel.

Photo courtesy: April & Co.

Contact us

1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakochamber.com

9 Metro is the official publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. This publication is produced and digitally distributed to the Chamber’s membership at the beginning of each month. Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this publication is correct and accurate as of the publication date.

Metro does not warrant the accuracy or claims of its advertisers. The Chamber President/CEO has the sole right to refuse any advertisement.

Please send any comments, questions, article suggestions or advertising inquiries to jscheiber@bakochamber.com. © Copyright 2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.

METRO | PAGE 3

BRANDING LAUNCH New Brand for Bakersfield and Kern County Presents Community’s “Best Self” By: Cheryl Scott, KernEDC

More and more, people are talking about being their “best self,” a term that means something different for everyone, but generally it means identifying what you want in life, recognizing your natural strengths, and then leaning into those strengths in order to, indeed, be your very best.

Over the past two years, a coalition of community members representing Bakersfield and Kern County has been working on a similar process, but the focus was on how our community can take a good look at itself, and then how we can present our best image (or “brand”) to the outside world.

A Positive Image Attracts Positive Attention Branding is not just about feeling good about ourselves as a community. A positive and honest image for Bakersfield and Kern County helps us recruit new businesses, and also attract new talent (and, hopefully, retain our young talent as well!). When a person or business considers moving here, they typically use the internet and other resources to learn more about our community.

It’s up to us to change the narrative and tell our story. Five partner organizations, together with 15 private sector funders, set forth in 2017 with an ambitious goal of developing a cohesive approach for presenting our region. North Star Destination Strategies (renowned for working with states, counties and cities throughout the U.S.) conducted extensive research within our community, and also with people in other Central Valley communities, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles. The data helped develop a clear understanding of our region and how it was perceived by the outside world. Next came the creative development phase.

The result is a collection of new brands for the City of Bakersfield, Kern County, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, Visit Bakersfield, and the Kern Economic Development Corporation. Each brand stands alone, yet they are connected in color and style. Other local organizations and businesses are encouraged to adopt the look, logos and taglines, as they exist or by putting their own “spin” to them.

Signs of the New Brand Already Appearing Even before the official unveiling of the brands in early September, local creative partners have been busy developing websites, magazines, signage, advertisements and other items that utilize the new theme. The new look is already appearing all over the community!

Bakersfield: The Sound of Something Better The key takeaways from the research are that Bakersfield is a generous community that provides residents and visitors with something better, whether it’s a warm welcome, a home of your own, friends you can count on that share your values, or the chance to rise up generationally and personally.

Kern County: Grounded & Boundless Kern County, the research showed, is “grounded,” with an appreciation for natural beauty, hard work and affordability (where young people can buy a home and can even own a business). On the other hand, Kern County is “boundless” in its innovation, opportunities and economic growth (on earth and even in space thanks to our opportunities in East Kern).

Now it’s time to put the research and creative work into action. By joining together and showing off our new brands, we can present our boundless opportunities and “best self” to the world.

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REPORT FROM THE CAPITOL On September 3, the Chamber welcomed House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy at our latest Report from the Capitol. Rep. McCarthy addressed a packed crowd at the newly remodeled DoubleTree Hotel.

Rep. McCarthy discussed important issues happening at the federal level and how they could affect local business here in Kern County. In addition, the issue of homelessness and the need to act fast regarding possible solutions was also mentioned.

Report from the Capitol is sponsored by Valley Children’s Healthcare, as well as Chevron, Aera Energy, Castle & Cooke and California Resources Corporation.

METRO | PAGE 6

Mayor Karen Goh, City of Bakersfield and Congressman Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Leader

CHAMBER SOCIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Gold Sponsor W.A. Thompson Silver Sponsors Advance Beverage Co. Bank of the Sierra Carney’s Business Technology Center Chosen Payments Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock Varner Bros., Inc. Bronze Sponsors Bakersfield Hyundai California Mentor-North DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers LLC Hacienda Guerrero Catering Moneywise Wealth Management Pepsi Beverages Co. Staples Energy Services Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc. Here’s a look at some of the photos from the event captured by April & Co. For more photos, visit the Chamber's Facebook page.

METRO | PAGE 7

BYP PUB CLUB

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hank you to The Padre Hotel for hosting our BYP Pub Club on August 15, where attendees enjoyed small bites, happy hour specials and the opportunity to connect. We collected $125 and many school supplies to donate to Children First Campaign. Here’s a look at some of the photos from the event captured by April & Co. To see all of the photos, visit BYP’s Facebook page.

Hosted by:

METRO | PAGE 8

DOWNTOWN STREET PARTY

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on't miss the fifth annual Downtown Street Party, benefiting the Bakersfield Young Professionals Program.

This event is planned by our Bakersfield Young Professionals (BYP) Council, whose goal is to inspire professional development, encourage networking and social connectedness and provide philanthropic opportunities for YPs (ages 21-40) to give back to the community.

We have partnered with the Kern Dance Alliance again this year to bring you Ten Tiny Dances®. Ten local dancers will showcase choreography in the tiniest of spaces, a 4x4 stage! Enjoy live music by local artists Tim Davis and Hate Drugs. There will be food trucks, a beer garden, cocktails, games, dancing and more!

Sponsorships are still available, contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com or call 661-327-4421.

Purchase your tickets on Eventbrite for only $20 till Sept. 30 or $30 (Oct. 1-10); and $35 at the door.

Thank you to our sponsors: Strata Credit Union, Jim Burke Lincoln, Carney's Business Technology Center, Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center, The Mark Restaurant and Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling.

LIVE MUSIC • FOOD VENDORS • CRAFT BEER • COCKTAILS • GAMES • & MORE!

Friday, Oct. 11 7-11 p.m.

The Park at The Mark & Wall Street Alley $20 (Now - Sept. 30) $30 (Oct. 1 - Oct. 10) $35 at the door

KDA & BYP will produce Ten Tiny Dances® during the street party.

Presented by: Gold Sponsor

Jim Burke Lincoln

Silver Sponsors

Carney’s Business Technology Center Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center The Mark Restaurant

Bronze Sponsor

Coca-Cola Bottling For sponsorship opportunities, contact Hillary Haenes

at hhaenes@bakochamber.com

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE. PURCHASE TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE!

alley Republic Bank has become an invaluable strategic partner who intimately understands the energy and construction business sectors.�

C RAIG B ONNA Chief Executive Officer RHC - Robert Heely Construction Founded in 1977, RHC has expanded from California to Texas and New Mexico offering industrial construction and maintenance services. The team is focused on delivering projects with the highest quality, on schedule, and in the safest manner. RHC’s expertise is in field and plant mechanical and maintenance, heavy civil, concrete, and well abandonment services.

Local. Responsive. Reliable.

5000 California Avenue, Suite 110 | 4300 Coffee Road, Suite A6 11330 Ming Avenue, Suite 400 500 Woollomes Avenue, Suite 101, Delano

valleyrepublicbank.com | 661.371.2000 Valley Republic Bancorp

(VLLX)

Managing Performance, Discipline and Retaliation Thursday

Presenting Sponsor

A program of

September 26

Jerry Pearson

Every day employers face critical decisions about their employees. How to get the best out of their employees; how to improve performance; when and how to implement effective discipline. In a worst case scenario, what steps can an employer take to protect itself when terminating an employee? This presentation will discuss how employers can effectively navigate these issues and offer practical advice for navigating California’s legal land mines in the process.

To RSVP or for more information, call the Chamber at 661.327.4427

Registration: 7:30 a.m.

Program: 8-10 a.m.

Chamber office 1725 Eye St. $25 members $50 nonmembers *Cancellations must be received 24 hours in advance to preclude billing.

LET'S MEET THE LB CLASS OF 2020

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his month, 32 individuals came together to begin their journey as the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2020.

Throughout the 10-month program, participants, each from different industries and backgrounds, will discover more about their own leadership styles, build lasting connections, meet and interact with current leaders and more.

Each of the 10 class sessions combines top-tiered speakers and panels, within key industries, exclusive tours and

hands-on activities to educate the class on the day’s topic.

Participants will also utilize their talents and knowledge they have learned to design a project that fulfills a need within the community. Each year, these projects touch the lives of hundreds of people and bring in thousands of dollars to improve the local quality of life.

Roxanne Aguilar | Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Sandra Alvarez | City of Bakersfield Lisa Amarillas | County of Kern Mac Avancena | County of Kern Stephanie Baltazar | Bakersfield Baltazar Arjun Bharadwaj | GEI Consultants, Inc. Lexi Blythe | County of Kern Deidre Brown | Golden Empire Transit District Tim Davis | The Abbey Company Josh Finney | Bakersfield Police Department Asta Fowler | Empire Management Group Lauren Gillespie | California Resources Corporation Angel Giltner | BARC - Bakersfield ARC Alison Hickman | Tangram Designs Bridget Hoefner | Castle & Cooke California, Inc. Magdee Hugais | Adventist Health Bakersfield Tiara King | Retrain the Night

Runa Lemminn | Arts Council of Kern Matthew Lemon | Mission Bank Joseph Lopez | U.S. House of Representatives Tanner Ottaway | Aera Energy, LLC Tosha Pequeno | Kern Schools Federal Credit Union Danielle Plotner | Darlene Denison State Farm Insurance Michelle Ricker | GEI Consultants, Inc. Daniel Rodela | California State University, Bakersfield Carlos Rojas | Kern County Superintendent of Schools Kyle Saunders | A-C Electric Company Mary Scott | Alliance Against Family Violence Charley Scott-Johnson | Aera Energy, LLC Joshua Sharp | Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital Morgan Topper | Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital

Downtown Robin Woodward | Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital

METRO | PAGE 12

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Mountain Pacific Insurance

Orangetheory Fitness

2601 Union Ave. https://agency.nationwide.com

12838 Stockdale Hwy. www.bakersfield.orangetheoryfitness.com

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS BEAUTIFICATION Rio Aรงai Bowls Downtown Date: Wednesday, October 2 Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 1914 Chester Ave.

GRAND OPENING Aspire Behavioral Health Date: Thursday, October 3 Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 8307 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 1705

GRAND OPENING Profile by Sanford Date: Thursday, October 10 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Frugatti's Plaza, 600 Coffee Rd., Ste. W

GRAND OPENING Onyx Aesthetics & Wellness Date: Thursday, October 17 Time: 4 p.m.

Location: 8327 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 702

Interested in celebrating a grand opening, renovation or major milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony? Contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com for an application.

METRO | PAGE 14

MEMBER • The Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® is hosting a forum on Sept. 20 for attendees to get the inside scoop on development projects and recent activities at Tejon Ranch. Guest speaker is Barry Zoeller, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations for Tejon Ranch Co. Networking and breakfast starts at 8 a.m.; forum and speaker is at 8:30 a.m. To RSVP, email claudia@bakersfieldrealtor.org or call 661-635-2300.

• The Guild House, 1905 18th St., is now open for the season! Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Call 661-3255478 to make a reservation. The Guild House is hosting a special events orientation for volunteers on Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. Find out how you can help by calling Mary VanderWerff at 661-330-0514. Visit www. guildhousebakersfield.org to view the menu.

• The Guild House is hosting a Downton Abbey Tea on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m. Period attire is optional, but encouraged. Mingle while enjoying live music during the champagne welcome reception. Meet celebrity guest Susanne Dietze, local author and tea enthusiast. The cost is $50 for adults; $30 children 10 and under.

Reservations may be made at www. guildhousebakersfield.org, or by calling 661-325-5478.

• The Bakersfield Condors is hosting its Charity Golf Classic on Oct. 7 at Rio Bravo Country Club with a 12:30 p.m. shotgun start. Each foursome will be paired with a Condors player or coach. Enjoy lunch, food and drinks on the course and a post-round awards mixer. All proceeds benefit the Condors Community Foundation. For sponsorships or to participate in the tournament, call 324-PUCK (7825).

• Register or sponsor the second annual Strides for CJD, a 2-Mile Leisure Walk & 5K Run in memory of Mayor Harvey L. Hall on Oct. 13 at Lake Ming. Last year, Strides4CJD Bakersfield was recognized as Top Fundraising Site and Team Big H was the top fundraising team in the United States! CJD Foundation raises funds to provide family support, medical educations and funding for research programs related to CreutzfeldtJakob Disease. To register or donate, visit www.strides4cjd.com. For more information, contact Mark Corum of Hall Ambulance at corumm@hallamb. com.

• Six Flags Magic Mountain is having their annual Dinning with the Dead event from September 14-November 3!

Join in on a Spooktacular night during the biggest Fright Fest ever!

Experience thrills by day and fright by night, plus try to survive Dining with the Dead. Tickets and information visit: www.sixflags.com/magicmountain use Promo Code Fright1.

• Empire Eye & Laser Center is hosting its 10th Annual Medical Aesthetics Bazaar on Oct. 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Palazzo Destefani.

Don't miss out, get your tickets at www.10thannualbazaar.eventbrite.com.

• The Autism Society-Kern Autism Network is hosting its Inaugural Autism Gala on Nov. 16 at the Petroleum Club of Bakersfield with special guest speaker, Curt Warner of the NFL Seattle Seahawks and author of “The Warner Boys: Our Family’s Story of Autism & Hope.” Celebrate the night in old Hollywood fashion – arrive to walk down the red carpet and enjoy an evening of inspiration, dinner and a silent auction. For sponsorships or more information on tickets, contact Ramona Puget at kernautism@gmail. com or call 661-489-3335.

• Lifestyle Home Care now offers Lifestyle Lift for a flat rate of $248 for four hours of driving. This is a locally owned, affordable and convenient service for anyone who may need a lift.

Baggage and wheelchair assistance is available. Call 661-479-7270 for more information.

• Sno Shack opened a permanent year-round shaved ice location on Aug. 24 located at 11000 Brimhall Rd., Ste. S, where customers can book this vendor for birthday parties, events, fundraisers and weddings.

• Dementia resources are offered every fourth Wednesday of the month between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alzheimer’s Association office, 1401 Commercial Way, Ste. 210. Join us to learn more about the resources, education and support available in your community through the Alzheimer’s Association. Contact 661-912-3053 for additional information.

Attention Chamber Members Have an announcement, event or news you would like us to share?

If so, please email the information to marketing@bakochamber.com *Member news is a benefit to Chamber members only.

METRO | PAGE 15

NEW MEMBERS We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the companies who have joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Thank you for investing in Building Somethng Better. If you know of a company interested in joining, please contact Cathy Albyn at calbyn@bakochamber.com.

Glinn and Giordano Physical Therapy 1201 23rd St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-327-4357 www.ggphysicaltherapy.com “Glinn and Giordano is a local, physical therapist owned business that has provided our physical and occupational therapy services to the community since 1980.”

Knight’s Jewelers 8200 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. D8 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-397-5070 www.knightsjewelers.com “Knight’s Jewelers is a three generation family business (71 years). We have great products and services at fair prices. If you don’t know jewelry, know your jeweler!”

MNZ Unlimited Supply Company 3700 Tracey Ct. Bakersfield, CA 93301 818-268-8186 www.mnzsupplyonline.com “MNZ Unlimited Supply Company exists to serve the medical needs of valued clients and customers by providing quality service and dedication to exceeding the expectations of those we serve.”

RENEWING MEMBERS Thank you to our members who have reinvested in the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.

Your continued support helps the Chamber continue Building Something Better.

AAA Quality Services, Inc. – 2018 Advanced Data Storage – 2009 Adventist Health Bakersfield – 1958 Agape Mortgage – 2004 ARCpoint Labs of Bakersfield – 2013 Aspire Counseling Services – 2016 ASU Commercial – 1987 Bank of America/Merrill Lynch – 2017 Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP – 2015 California MENTOR - North – 2007 City of Bakersfield – 2001 Conservation Committee of CA Oil & Gas Producers – 1995 Dale Pretzer Jr. Inc. dba All American Glass – 2009 Empowered2Lead Consulting Services – 2017 Hall Letter Shop Inc. – 1990 House of Flowers – 2017 J Home Improvement Inc – 2017 Jack Davenport Sweeping Services, Inc – 1992 Kern County Airports – 2011 Kern County Veterans Service Department – 2014 Kern Medical – 2017 March Consulting – 2013 McKittrick Waste Treatment Site – 2006

METRO | PAGE 16

Mody Pumps Inc. – 2011 NAPD - New Advances for People with Disabilities – 2010 National University – 1999 Pacific Advisors – 2004 Pacific Western Bank – 2017 Robin's Envirovac – 2017 Russo McGarty & Associates – 2016 Saba Agency – 1990 Secure Systems – 1992 Southern California Reproductive Center – 2016 The Petroleum Club – 2002 Today Cleaners – 2003 Townsend Design – 1995 Uricchio's Trattoria – 1995 White Stone Painters – 2014 Woodbridge Pacific Group – 2017

SEPTEMBER 2019 9.24.18

Ambassador Committee Noon | Chamber

9.26.18

Labor Law & HR Forum 7:30 a.m. | Chamber

9.27.18

Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m. | Chamber

DID YOU KNOW?

A complete list of the Chamber's membership can be found on our online business directory. Visit bakochamber.com to check it out!

For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakochamber.com.

•Free Checking •Monthly Cash Rewards •ATM Fee Refunds

stratacu.org | 661.327.9461

Loans For Life’s Priorities • Auto • Home • Personal

HOW WE WORK FOR OUR MEMBERS Trusted Advocacy

We fight job-killing legislation and work hard to maintain a favorable business climate in Bakersfield and Kern County.

Compliance

We provide the tools, resources and access to keep members in the know about California’s always-changing laws and latest HR topics.

A Strong Brand

Near universal name recognition and the highest positive rating among similar business organizations.

Lasting Connections

Bridge the gap between nonprofits, small businesses and large corporations with mixers, procurement events and our Ambassador Committee.

Members-Only Benefits

Includes notary public services, marketing opportunities, certificates of origin, ribbon cuttings and more.

Invaluable Promotion

We receive hundreds of inquires and we only refer our members. Your listing in our online and annual printed directories is also seen by thousands.

1725 Eye Street • Bakersfield, CA 93301 • Phone 661-327-4421 • www.bakochamber.com

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairwoman of the Board Darlene Mohlke Castle & Cooke California, Inc. Chairman Elect of the Board Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17 Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company Vice Chair Economic Vitality Susan M. Benham Dignity Health Memorial Hospital Vice Chair Member Engagement Tasha Clayton Tel-Tec Security Systems, Inc. Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company Treasurer Andy Paulden Brown Armstrong Accountants Member-at-Large Pritesh Patel Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP

Residents of Kern County can bank with Kern Schools Federal Credit Union and receive the benefits of an extensive loan program, including home and auto, the latest in online and mobile technology, wealth management services, and a lifelong financial partner. With convenient locations in and around Bakersfield, Kern Schools has grown to become the largest financial institution headquartered in Kern County.

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

BOARD MEMBERS

Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC Mary Barlow Kern County Superintendent of Schools Kristen Beall Watson Kern Community Foundation Sharlet Briggs Adventist Health Bakersfield Don Bynum Temblor Brewing LLC Bynum Inc. Dr. Sonya Christian Bakersfield College Leslie Golich Kaiser Permanente Kern County Rick Jhaj Countryside Construction/Countryside Markets Ken Keller Dignity Health Memorial Hospital Jacob Panero Varner Bros. Inc. G Riar Deprigo

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR OFFICE

CHAMBER STAFF

Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Jean Scheiber | Vice President/

Chief Operating Officer Cathy Albyn | Membership & Business

Development Manager Patrice Black | Member Relations Coordinator Kaelyn Peterson | Manager, Policy & Public Affairs Hillary Haenes | Vice President,

Member Engagement Sarah Hinzo | Executive Assistant,

Leadership & Operations

LLP

GET SOCIAL Stay engaged and connected with what's happening at the Chamber by following us on these social media platforms.

@bakochamber