METRO

METR

A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce | February 2018

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INSIDE

4 CEO MESSAGE

January's come to a close. See how the Chamber is working on behalf of you – our members.

5 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD

Honor those who exemplify the community's generous spirit. Now is the time to nominate for the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards.

COUNTY 6 KERN ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Find out how to attend the region's largest economic forecast event.

7

CONNECTION OPPORTUNITIES Who you know is crucial to build contacts and exposure. We have the events to help you create your support system.

8 ANNUAL CELEBRATION

The Chamber celebrated new beginnings and past achievements at our Board Installation event. See a full recap.

12

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT See how our leadership programs are meeting our members' needs.

Cover

Cover photography by April & Co.

16

MEMBER NEWS

17

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Discover the latest news and happenings with other members.

Celebrate important milestones of fellow Chamber members.

Contact us

#YourBusinessAdvocate 1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakersfieldchamber.org

Metro is the official publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. This publication is produced and digitally distributed to the Chamber’s membership on the first business day 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 mrossiter@bakersfieldchamber.org. © Copyright 2018. All rights reserved.

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

METRO | PAGE 3

GBCC

Working for you

OUR MEMBERS

A

s we close the books on the first month of 2018, I want to share with you what the Chamber team, with the support of our amazing sponsors and volunteers, has been working on. As I reflect back and think about what we’ve accomplished in just one month, I’m extremely proud of the organization I am blessed to lead.

This year started out with Nick Ortiz our Annual Board Installation Luncheon, where we celebrated our incoming Chairwoman of the Board, Carla Musser, of Chevron, and thanked our 2017 Chairman Derek Abbott, of Tejon Ranch Company, for his service. We had a packed room at Seven Oaks Country Club, and we closed the event with a panel on the 2018 election that featured longtime Sacramento columnist Dan Walters and insider Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable.

I hope attendees found the discussion as insightful and interesting as I did. The panelists provided news-making commentary about the potential for the Central Valley to play a decisive role in the upcoming gubernatorial election; the sexual harassment scandals pervading the capitol; and the chances for drama in other statewide elections.

January also marked the beginning of our latest class of students in Youth Leadership Bakersfield. This program puts high school sophomores, juniors and seniors through a four-month leadership academy aimed at enlightening them about our community, local industries and career opportunities and how they can make a difference in our city. This program is a favorite of our board, staff and members. I want to thank the amazing Youth Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council, led this year by Amy Smith, of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, for all of the time they

3.14.18

Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala METRO | PAGE 4

Nick Ortiz

President/CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

2018 SIGNATURE EVENTS

Kern County Economic Summit

6.2.18

put into making this program top-notch. Chamber team members Melissa Rossiter and Sarah Hinzo do a great job of staffing this program.

We also held our first Labor Law & HR Forum, providing our members with the information and tools they need to stay current on changes in employment laws and compliance requirements. Sponsorship from two local law firms – Presenting Sponsor Young Wooldridge LLP and Co-Sponsor LeBeau-Thelen LLP – allowed us to provide every attendee with a free labor law poster, which every employer must have in order to be in compliance with state and federal guidelines. We also provided free posters to every member who joined in 2017, to again demonstrate the clear value of a Chamber membership.

One of the Chamber’s core competencies is advocacy and political affairs. Our Government Review Council meets nearly weekly, and in January, we hosted 2018 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Mike Maggard and Assemblyman Vince Fong. These local elected leaders provided updates on key issues and fiscal policy shaping our county and state.

Our first ambassadors committee meeting of 2018 was practically standing room only. A big kudos to our volunteers who keep that committee going strong, and to Hillary Haenes and Andrea Johnston on the Chamber team for engaging our members. This committee is our volunteer corps, and they help us with everything from greeting event attendees, celebrating ribbon cuttings, to assisting us at our mixers. Speaking of mixers, don’t miss out on our first mixer of the year, at The Station, an event hall that won a 2017 Beautiful Bakersfield Award for its architecture.

This is just a sampling of what your team at the Chamber is doing for your business, our economy and this community every day. It’s a privilege to serve our members and the Bakersfield business community.

7.11.18

State of the City Luncheon Forum

10.12.18

BYP Street Party

PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY

BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD Nomination process ends Feb. 7

T

he glitz and glamour of award shows doesn’t just happen in Hollywood. The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce has hosted the community’s own Academy Awards-style event – the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala – for nearly three decades. With just one week left to honor those who bettered Bakersfield in 2017, the Chamber is still seeking nominations.

The awards celebrate the people, projects, businesses and organizations that better our community each year. Eleven categories – ranging from architecture to art to education to health – will be judged by community members. Four other categories – Nonprofit, Corporation, Small Business and Business Person of the Year – will be judged by the Chamber’s Executive Board of Directors.

Beautiful Bakersfield has honored countless recipients who have left lasting legacies in our community. The 2017 awards gala was no different, honoring a record-breaking total of 111 nominations. Sixteen winners were recognized in front of a sold-out crowd of 540 attendees.

Nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, February 7.

Forms can be found on bakersfieldchamber.org.

2017 WINNER – LIFE AS IT SHOULD BE Bakersfield Marathon

2017 WINNER – HUMANITARIAN – INDIVIDUAL Kathy Vochoska

Presented by

Things to know…

Submission Deadline Feb. 7 The nomination process is simple and only takes about 5 minutes. Submit your nominations at bakersfieldchamber.org.

Save the Date Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala Saturday, June 2 DoubleTree by Hilton Awards are based on work that occurred or was completed in 2017. Winners will be announced at an awards gala on Saturday, June 2, at the DoubleTree by Hilton.

2017 WINNER – EDUCATION The Fab Lab at CSUB

2017 WINNER – CORPORATION OF THE YEAR Aera Energy LLC METRO | PAGE 5

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Understanding the

PULSE

of the local economy

K

ern’s economy is as diverse as the county itself. The desert is on the cutting edge of aerospace technology.

The mountains are home to the largest wind farms in the nation. The county also still ranks as a leader in oil and agriculture, and is a key distribution hub for dozens of brand name companies. Other sectors, including health care and manufacturing, are also booming.

To help members understand what’s trending in the local economy now as well as future projections, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber partners with the Wednesday, March 14 Kern Economic 7-11:30 a.m.

Development DoubleTree by Hilton Corporation and Tickets go on sale Feb. 5 California State For more info University, Bakersfield EconomicSummit@kedc.com each year to host the Kern County Economic Summit.

Top-tiered economists and business leaders will discuss ways to sustain and advance the region's economic prosperity, and the impacts for the future.

Dr. Victor Davis Hanson will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Hanson is a Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. An award-winning author, Hanson has written hundreds of articles, book reviews and editorials on matters ranging from ancient Greek, agrarian

METRO | PAGE 6

and military history to foreign affairs, domestic politics and contemporary culture.

Other confirmed speakers include Richard Gearhart, assistant professor of economics at CSUB; Nyakundi Michieka, assistant professor of economics at CSUB; and Jeremy Adams, author and political science teacher at Bakersfield High School and CSUB. Dr. Victor Davis Hanson The 2018 Kern County Economic Summit will be held Wednesday, March 14, from 7-11:30 a.m., at the DoubleTree

by Hilton, 3100 Camino Del Rio Court.

Ticket sales for the Kern County Economic Summit open on Feb. 5. Purchase tickets at kedc.com.

There is also still time to sponsor this event and receive all the benefits. For more information, contact Kim Schaefer at 661-203-8500 or email EconomicSummit@kedc.com.

Platinum Sponsors

CONNECT

SOCIALIZE & GROW in 2018

N

etworking is a vital part of establishing your company’s brand. It can lead to your next big contract or connect you to a new partnership that may not have existed before.

The Chamber is committed to providing outlets for our members to socialize in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Our most popular platform is the Chamber After February 22 Hours Mixer series.

5:30-7:30 p.m.

These events draw more The Station – than 100 attendees Kern County Fire Fighters to different locations $5 members | $10 nonmembers throughout Bakersfield.

And 2018 is also shaping up to offer a diverse line-up.

Join us for the first Chamber After Hours Mixer of the year at The Station – Kern County Fire Fighters on Feb. 22! Come socialize after work from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at this beautiful event center while enjoying margaritas, beer, wine and delicious food by Fresco Mexican Grill. The Station is located at 7900 Downing Ave. in the Northwest.

Cost is $5 for members; $10 for nonmembers at the door.

Drink tickets are $5 each.

B

akersfield Young Professionals (BYP) is also kicking off 2018 with its first Pub Club of the year. These widelypopular gatherings have become the place for young professionals to gather after work for a night of socializing, drinks and small bites.

This time, BYP will be taking over Eureka! on February 20 from 5:30-7:30 February 20 p.m. Eureka! is located in 5:30-7:30 p.m. the Southwest at 10520 W. Eureka!

Stockdale Hwy. $5 @ the door See what’s shaking in the community, develop valuable partnerships with other young professionals and find your next business lead.

Cost is $5 at the door.

Follow BYP on social media for more information.

PUB CLUB

SAVE THE DATE FOR UPCOMING CHAMBER AFTER HOUR MIXERS MARCH 22 Southern California Orthopedic Institute 5:30-7:30 p.m.

2400 Bahamas Drive, Suite 200

JUNE 28 Empire Eye & Laser Center 5:30-7:30 p.m.

4105 Empire Drive

APRIL 26 Castle & Cooke – Highgate Regents at Seven Oaks 5:30-7:30 p.m.

14407 Rokeby Way

JULY 26 Bakersfield Hyundai 5:30-7:30 p.m.

5300 Wible Road

MAY 24 Kern Law Enforcement Association 5:30-7:30 p.m.

3417 Pegasus Drive METRO | PAGE 7

GBCC

CELEBRATING SUCCESS & LOOKING FORWARD

C Derek Abbott (center), 2017 Chairman of the Board, is joined by 2018 Chairwoman of the Board Carla Musser (left) and GBCC President/ CEO Nick Ortiz (right).

Outgoing board members Duane Keathley, Cushman & Wakefield/Pacific; Steve Murray, Murray Family Farms; and Rick Stevens, Stevens Transportation, Inc. stand with 2017 Chairman of the Board Derek Abbott.

ommemorating past accomplishments and looking forward to new opportunities were the themes of the Chamber’s 2018 Board Installation & Awards Luncheon on Jan. 11. More than 300 people attended the annual event at Seven Oaks Country Club.

The event served as the installation of the Chamber’s 2018 Board of Directors, including Carla Musser, of Chevron, as the Chairwoman of the Board. Thank you to our 2017 Chairman of the Board, Derek Abbott, of Tejon Ranch Company, for your service and support.

The volunteers and community partners who helped make the Chamber’s high-caliber events and programs a success were also honored. Marcella Ives, of m.i. Marketing, and Jim Luff, of Chosen Payments, were named Ambassadors of the Year. The Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® received the Advocacy Partner of the Year Award, and Pacific Gas & Electric Company and KGET-TV 17 were honored with the Chamber Champion Award.

The upcoming election in November could change California's political landscape. In a panel discussion, Dan Walters, columnist for CalMatters; and Rob Lapsley, President/CEO of California Business Roundtable, discussed key races and ballot initiatives as well as potential impacts to Kern and the rest of the Central Valley.

To see more photo highlights from the event, visit bakersfieldchamber.org.

Thank you to our sponsors Premier Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Rob Lapsley, President/CEO of California Business Roundtable, offers his opinion on the upcoming 2018 election as Dan Walters (center), columnist for CalMatters and moderator Richard Beene (left), of KERN Radio, listen.

METRO | PAGE 8

Chamber Champion Award KGET-TV 17 – Award accepted by Derek Jeffery

Ambassadors of the Year Juff Luff, Chosen Payments SR17_7.5x4.875_Bakersfield_HalfPage_v2.pdf Marcella Ives, m.i. Marketing

Chamber Champion Award Pacific Gas & Electric Company – Award accepted by Denise Newton (left) and Kristen Doud (center)

1

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Advocacy Partner of the Year Bakersfield Association of REALTORS® Award accepted by Linda Jay

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METRO | PAGE 9

othing beats banking local. Our friends at Valley Republic Bank feel like family who share our philosophy — for years they’ve provided the support, products, and services we need to grow. They’re accessible, transparent, and in touch with Kern County. We’re grateful.”

M OLLY & B RUCE B USACCA Owners, Secure Systems Keeping one of California’s biggest ‘small towns’ safe and secure is what they do. Bruce started Secure Systems in 1980 after graduating from Bakersfield High School; he and Molly married in 1988, and in 1996 they welcomed ‘the’ triplets of Bakersfield. As life progresses, so does the business. In 2017, they grew to a new space at 23rd and H. In Bruce’s words, “Valley Republic Bank has been our business partner for years. Like us, they serve the community we grew up in, we know and we love!”

Local. Responsive. Reliable.

5000 California Avenue, Suite 110 | 4300 Coffee Road, Suite A6 11330 Ming Avenue, Suite 400 510 Woollomes Avenue, Suite 106, Delano

valleyrepublicbank.com | 661.371.2000 Valley Republic Bancorp

(VLLX)

ECONOMIC VITALITY

Programs to nurture

CAREERS & ASPIRATIONS Leadership Bakersfield – Media Day

Youth Leadership Bakersfield – Leadership & Ethics Day

C W

hether it’s fielding questions at a press conference or gaining exposure for a company’s cause, professionals need to know how to work with local media outlets. LB participants spent Jan. 19 interacting with local journalists and PR experts to hone their media skills.

The session began at KGET-TV 17 where participants toured the studio and sat in on a morning news meeting. Two panel discussions offered tips on how to pitch a story to reporters, the importance of social media and what steps to take to handle a PR crisis.

The media training wrapped up with a mock press conference, where participants learned how to handle situations that could place their companies in the spotlight.

Each participant answered questions from experts with the Kern Press Club about their individual scenario.

The Chamber would like to thank Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Day Chairs Derek Jeffery, KGETTV 17; and Patricia Keefer, Dignity Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals. Thank you to Golden Empire Transit District for providing the day’s transportation.

Program Underwriter

METRO | PAGE 12

reated from a Leadership Bakersfield class project in 2001, YLB kicked off its 2018 program on Jan. 10, introducing 33 high school students to what qualities define a leader.

Zane Smith, executive director of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County, started the day’s program with ice breaker activities. Students learned about their love language and how to work together to construct a wedding dress completely out of toilet paper. The county’s chief administrative officer, Ryan Aslop, and City Councilmember Andrae Gonzales also discussed what it takes to make government entities run efficiently.

To understand their personality tendencies, Juanita Webb, of P•A•S Associates, provided DiSC assessments of each student. Based on their profiles, students completed a series of exercises.

The class session wrapped up with an ethics panel, moderated by Dr. Chris Meyers, a retired CSUB professor.

The future of driverless cars was at the heart of the discussion, and students explored the ethical concerns behind this new technology.

The Chamber would like to thank Youth Leadership Bakersfield Day Chairs Patricia Marquez, Legacy Family Services; Lauren Skidmore, Assemblyman Vince Fong’s office; and Jake Slayton, Goodwill Industries of South Central California. Thank you to our day sponsors Jake’s Tex-Mex Café, Patricia Marquez, Lauren Skidmore and Jake Slayton.

ADVOCACY

Return on investment

& PEACE OF MIND

W

ith California’s constantly-changing legal climate, staying informed can be a daunting task. It’s one reason the Chamber hosts its quarterly Labor Law & HR Forum series. These events give members access to Bakersfield’s top legal experts on what new legislation took effect, key HR rulings and tips for staying in compliance and out of a courtroom.

At the Jan. 18 event, Jerry Pearson, of Young Wooldridge LLP, and Dan Klingenberger, of LeBeau-Thelen LLP, explained the new laws that recently took effect.

“As usual, California didn’t disappoint. There are a lot of legal changes that employers across the state now must follow as of January 1,” said Klingenberger.

Key changes you need to know Businesses with 20 or more employees must provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave for employees to bond with a new child. To be eligible, employees must have been at a company for one year, have worked at least 1,250 hours in a 12-month period and be located at a site where a company employs at least 20 workers in a 75-mile radius.

New Ban-the-Box legislation restricts employers with five or more employees from asking about criminal history on job applications. Inquiries can be made regarding an applicant’s criminal history once a conditional job offer of employment is made. Employers can rescind the offer, but must provide reasoning in writing to the applicant.

The applicant then has a chance to respond before the employer can make a final decision.

Employers can no longer ask for a job applicant’s prior salary history on an application or during the interview.

The Small Business Gender Discrimination in Services Compliance Act prohibits companies from charging different pricing on in-kind services because of a client’s gender.

Labor Law & HR Forum Series Presenting Sponsor

Co-Sponsor LLP

Thank you TO OUR 6TH ANNUAL BAKERSFIELD REAL ESTATE FORECAST BREAKFAST SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSOR: M.D. Atkinson Co., Inc. PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

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Anderson Group International Bakersfield Association of Realtors Citizens Business Bank Colliers International Cushman & Wakefield Gregory D. Bynum and Associates, Inc. Mission Bank Newmark Grubb ASU & Associates S.C. Anderson Inc. Stockdale Property Management, Inc.

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Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Kelly Management Rabobank

SILVER SPONSOR n

Bakersfield Building Maintenance

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Alcorn Aire Bank Of The Sierra CAM Services HSI Premier Management Company Realty Management Services

Save the Date: JANUARY 19, 2019 7th Annual Bakersfield Forecast Breakfast

Presented by IREM Institute of Real Estate Management San Joaquin Chapter No. 85 ©

METRO | PAGE 13

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

O

ver the next two months, the Chamber will introduce you to new members of our Board of Directors. The new board members come from various industry sectors and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help the Chamber better serve its membership.

Mary Barlow

Superintendent, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Appointed in 2017, Dr. Mary Barlow serves as the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. In this role, she provides leadership for the county office-operated programs and the supporting divisions for 47 school districts countywide, serving more than 185,000.

Barlow has spent the majority of her career in education, serving as a teacher, director of children and family services Dr. Mary Barlow and superintendent of the Kernville Union School District. During her tenure in Kernville, she successfully modernized all district schools, constructed a new middle school and increased student achievement. The district also received many awards and recognition. She went to work for KCSOS in 2009.

She is a tireless advocate for education and collaborative services, and donates her time to various community and education boards, which includes the California County

METRO | PAGE 14

Superintendents Educational Services Association, Association of California School Administrators, Kern County Network for Children and the California Living Museum Foundation.

Barlow has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from CSU, Bakersfield, and received her Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, a Master’s Degree in Educational Management and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from the University of LaVerne.

She and her husband Steve have three children. In her downtime, Barlow enjoys hiking, yoga and fitness, travelling, the arts, and most recently, stand-up paddle boarding.

Rob Duchow

Public Affairs Manager, Southern California Gas Company As public affairs manager for Southern California Gas Company since 2008, Rob Duchow serves as the liaison between the utility and the community. He covers Kern County and the Antelope Valley, maintaining relationships with community groups, local elected and appointment government officials, business leaders and media outlets.

Duchow is also serves on various boards in the community, including the Boys

Rob Duchow

NEW BOARD MEMBERS & Girls Clubs of Kern County, Kern Economic Development Corporation, Kern County Taxpayers Association and Taft College Foundation. He also coaches at Bakersfield Southwest Baseball, and previously coached and refereed for AYSO Region 359.

Duchow has also been active in other areas of the Chamber, serving on the Government Review Council and Youth Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Counci. He was also in the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2009.

A New York native, Duchow is a 1989 graduate of Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Communications. He and his wife have two children. In his spare time, Rob enjoys all things baseball, particularly rooting for the Boston Red Sox.

Leslie Golich

Director of Public Affairs & Brand Communications Kaiser Permanente of Kern County Leslie Golich joined Kaiser Permanente in 1999, and has served in the county’s health care field for nearly 35 years. She currently serves as Kaiser’s director of public affairs and brand communications.

Golich is extremely active in the community, with a passion to serve youth and underserved populations.

She has served on numerous boards and committees, Leslie Golich including the Kern Economic Development Corporation, Kern County Network for Children and CASA of Kern County. Golich also started a nonprofit aimed at improving perinatal outcomes locally. She also enjoys volunteering weekly at the Tuesday Night Ministry in East Bakersfield.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and a Master’s in Health Care Administration, both from CSU, Bakersfield. Leslie grew up in Illinois, attended the University of Wyoming and then moved to Bakersfield in 1983.

Golich is a 1999 graduate of Leadership Bakersfield and was chair of the Chamber’s Government Review Council in 2014. She and her husband have been married for 35 years and have two grown children.

Free Estimate & Design Consultation

ADVOCACY

R

etaliation once again topped the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s list of workplace discrimination the agency received in the 2017 fiscal

year.

CalChamber reports that retaliation claims accounted for nearly 50 percent of all charges filed with the EEOC. Race, disability and sexual discrimination charges were the other top three claims made.

The EEOC resolved more than 99,000 claims last year. It secured more than $398 million for victims of discrimination in the private sector and state and local government workplaces through voluntary resolutions and litigation.

The EEOC also received 6,696 claims of sexual harassment and obtained $46.3 million in monetary benefits for victims of sexual harassment.

California also came in third for the number of discrimination charges in the nation behind Texas and Florida.

For more information, visit the EEOC’s website at eeoc.gov.

BREAKDOWN 48.8% Retaliation is the number one charge with 41,097 charges filed.

33.9% Race discrimination charges came in second with 28,528 charges.

31.9% Disability discrimination charges took third with 26,838 charges.

30.4% Sex discrimination charges were a near fourth with 25,605 charges.

21.8% 9.8% 4.1% 3.8% 1.2%

Age – 18,376 (21.8 percent)

0.2%

Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act (GINA) – 206

National Origin – 8,299 Religion – 3,436 Color – 3,240 Equal Pay Act – 996

Source: CalChamber

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PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY

MEMBER NEWS The Bakersfield Art Association will hold various workshops and satellite exhibits throughout February. The satellite exhibit at the Chamber office features artwork by Norma Neil and Charlotte White. For more information, visit bakersfieldartassociation.org.

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its 2018 Installation and Business Awards Gala on Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. No host cocktails begin at 6 p.m., with the program following at 7 p.m. For more information, call 661-633-5495.

Dress for Success – Bakersfield will hold its winter clearance sale from Feb. 6-9. It's your chance to get designer and brand name clothing at great prices. For more information, visit bakersfield.dressforsucess.org.

The Downtown Business Association will host its Valentine at the Haberfelde networking event on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 5:30-8 p.m., at 1412 17th St. Cost is $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers. For more information, visit bakersfielddba.com.

The Taft District Chamber of Commerce will host its Kudos and Cocktails Installation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 5:30 p.m., at the Taft Petroleum Club, 450 Petroleum Club Road in Taft. RSVP by Feb. 7 to 661-765-2165.

The Downtown Business Association will host the State of the Downtown Breakfast and Installation of Officers on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 7:30-9 a.m., at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave. Tickets are $60 for members; $65 for nonmembers. For more information, visit bakersfielddba.com.

METRO | PAGE 16

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital will host a job fair on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 5201 White Lane. Dress for success and bring copies of your resume. Employers will be hiring for entry level to professional positions.

For more information, visit bakersfieldbehavioral.com.

Hall Ambulance Service, Inc. has opened recruitment for Class 34 of the Hall EMT Academy that begins in April.

The 12-week program is comprised of classroom and field training. The deadline to apply is Feb. 19. For more information or to apply, visit hallamb.com/emt.

California Employers Association will host a 2018 Employers Labor Law Update workshop on Thursday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Ewing Irrigation, 4501 Ashe Road. Lunch will be provided. Email meganr@riosdesign.com to reserve your spot.

Bakersfield Museum of Art will host its first Art After Dark event of 2018 on Feb. 22, from 7-9 p.m., at 1930 R St. Come enjoy this afterhours art experience featuring fine art, entertainment and drinks. For more information, visit bmoa.org.

The CSUB School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering is now accepting applications for the annual summer Chevron REVS-UP program. The program offers hands-on research experience for high school students in biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, mathematics and physics. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 23. For more information, visit csub.edu/revsup.

Local high school students can now apply for the Kern Future scholarship

program. Administered by the Kern Community Foundation, students can fill out one application to be considered for dozens of scholarships.

The deadline to apply is March 2. Fill out applications at kernfoundation.org.

Registration is now open for the 18th annual Kern County Teacher Recruitment Fair. The event, hosted by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, will be held Saturday, March 17, from 8 a.m. to noon, at the Larry E. Reider Education Center, 2000 K St. All eligible individuals are encouraged to pre-register at trf.kern.org.

California State University, Bakersfield is seeking vendors to participate in the CSUB Fab Fest on April 7. Fab Fest is looking for wood workers, metal workers, knitters, crafters, artists and those who “make” just about anything else. To register, visit csub.edu/fabfest.

Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al has named Chris Hamilton as a partner at the firm. Hamilton has worked at the firm since 2016 and has more than 10 years experience in the area of corporate and business transactions.

Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et al has added Mayra G. Estrada to its litigation practice. Estrada earned her juris doctorate from Notre Dame Law School and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2017.

Optimal Hospice is recruiting volunteers in Kern County. Volunteer opportunities are available in Patient Family Respite, Facility Patient Companionship, Bereavement Program support, Hairstylists/Barbers, Carepals Pet Therapy, Karaoke Singers, Veteran to Veteran Program Support and Seamstress Program Support. For more information, call 661-716-4000 or email rfrankhouser@optimalcares.com.

PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Entruity Wealth

Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital

11601 Bolthouse Drive, Suite 120 entruity.com

5201 White Lane bakersfieldbehavioral.com

FEBRUARY RIBBON CUTTINGS NEW OWNERSHIP PostNet CA 187 Date: Friday, Feb. 2 Time: 11 a.m.

Location: 6077 Coffee Road, Suite 4

GRAND OPENING CaliBurger Bakersfield Date: Monday, Feb. 26 Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: 5646 State Road

GRAND OPENING Rio Bravo Cancer Center Date: Tuesday, March 6 Time: 4 p.m.

Location: 4500 Morning Drive, #105

GRAND OPENING Adventist Health Physician’s Network Date: Friday, Feb. 23 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 4909 Centennial Plaza Way

GRAND OPENING Junk Atique Outlet Date: Thursday, March 1 Time: 4 p.m.

Location: 212 21st St.

Want to keep on what ribbon cuttings are coming up?

Subscribe to the Chamber's weekly e-newsletter #TrendingattheChamber!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Help shape the future of local business. SCORE provides free business consultations and workshops for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

To find out how you can get involved, call SCORE at 661-861-9249

METRO | PAGE 17

RENEWING MEMBERS Thank you to our members who have reinvested in the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Your continued investment helps the Chamber continue its mission to ensure a healthy business climate for our community.

8minutenergy Renewables, LLC – 2013 AC Plating – 2011 Advance Beverage Company – 1955 Advance Communications & Consulting, Inc. – 2001 AECOM Technical Services Inc. – 1957 Aera Energy LLC – 1981 Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault – 1992 AltaOne Federal Credit Union – Ming – 2007 American Jewelry Company – 1958 AmeriPride Uniform Services – 1957 Bakersfield Country Club – 1991 Banks Pest Control – 1978 Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman – 1983 BC Laboratories, Inc. – 1998 Belmore’s Building Maintenance Company – 2011 Bill Wright Toyota, Inc. – 1982 Blackwell Land, LLC – 1983 Law Offices of Borton Petrini LLP – 1951 Brookdale Riverwalk – 1999 Buck Owens Production Company, Inc. – 1965 Business Initiatives – 2001 Camelot Park – 2011 Cannon Corporation – 2004 Carney’s Business Technology Center – 1984 Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency – 1946 Coldwell Banker Realtors – Gail Malouf – 1992 Cook’s Computer Maintenance & Engineering, Inc. – 1978 Costco Wholesale – 1985

FIND YOUR PASSION

February 6 5:30-7 p.m.

Temblor Brewing Company Free to attend

Featured Nonprofit

METRO | PAGE 18

Croad Vineyards and Inn – 2016 DB and Company – 1990 DoubleTree by Hilton – 1983 Driller to Driller Foundation – 2016 Environment Control Building Maintenance Company – 1986 Foundation Wealth Management/ Wells Fargo Advisors – 2012 Golden Empire Transit District – 1985 Golden West Casino – 1996 Golden Youth Rejuvenation Centre & Spa – 2007 Gosford Village Dental Group and Orthodontics – 2012 Hacienda Guerrero Catering – 2012 Andrea R. Hill, CPA – 2017 Hillcrest Sheet Metal, Inc. – 1963 Christopher D. Jacobs CPA – 1984 Jim Burke Ford Lincoln – 1951 Jim’s Supply Company, Inc. – 1990 Karpe Real Estate Center – 1920 KBAK-TV / KBFX-TV – 1953 Kern County Fire Department – 2011 Kern County Raceway Park – 2013 Kern Print Services – 1973 Kern Trophies – 1966 KGET-TV 17 – 1978 Kisco Sales, Inc. – 1974 KW Plastics of California – 1994 La Costa Mariscos – 2017 Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center – 1994 McIntosh & Associates Engineering, Inc. – 1990 Mission Bank – 1998 Mr. Tuxedo – 1991 MTS Solutions – 1998 Olivieri Commercial Group, Inc. – 2003 Omni Family Health – 1986

Y

oung professionals are spearheading efforts to raise awareness for Bakersfield’s biggest causes. The Chamber’s Bakersfield Young Professionals strives to be the conduit to help young professionals find their calling within the local nonprofit sector.

One avenue BYP is aims to promote philanthropic awareness is through its partnership with the Kern Community Foundation, which formed Philanthropy on Tap. This free monthly event series allows nonprofits to discuss their services and volunteer opportunities, and allows young professionals to build connections.

Pacific Coast Energy Conservation Services Inc. – 2016 Pacific Gas and Electric Company – 1920 Post Net – Coffee Road – 2016 Quad Knopf, Inc. – 1984 Jeanne Seal Bookkeeping & Accounting Inc. – 1972 The Sequoia Sandwich Company – 2000 Serban Sound and Communications – 1986 DS Services of America Sparkletts/DS Services of America – 2010 Stockdale Affairs Event Center – 2013 Stockdale Property Management, Inc. – 1987 Target Marketing – 1994 Telehealthdocs Medical Group – 2016 The Station – Kern County Fire Fighters – 2017 W.A. Thompson – 1955 Tortuga Bay – 2015 Total Western, Inc. – 2015 Urner’s Appliance and TV – 1920 Valley Children’s Healthcare – 2012 Valley Public Radio-KVPR/KPRX White Ash Broadcasting – 1985 Valley Yellow Pages – 1988 Vascular Health – 2010 Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente – 2013 Walker-Lewis Rents – 1988 Watson Realty ERA – Terri Collins – 1997 Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic – 1981 Work Force Staffing – 1981

February's featured nonprofit is Bike Bakersfield. Since 2005, this nonprofit has provided various programs and resources to encourage biking as a safe, fun and environmentally friendly means of transportation. Volunteers are an intricate part of this nonprofit's mission, including helping with its educational programs, event coordination and providing testimony at public hearings.

Come learn how to get involved and enjoy complimentary beer, wine and appetizers. To see what else BYP is up to in our community, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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 our mission to provide a healthy business climate in Kern County. If you know of a company interested in joining, please contact Andrea Johnston at ajohnston@bakersfieldchamber.org.

FEBRUARY 2018 2.1.18

Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council 7:30 a.m. | Chamber

2.2.18

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

2.6.18

Philathropy on Tap 5:30 p.m. | Temblor Brewing Co.

2.9.18

Government Review Council 7:30 a.m. | Dark

2.12.18

Youth Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council 11:45 a.m. | Bakersfield Musuem of Art

2.13.18

Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Noon | DoubleTree by Hilton

2.16.18

Government Review Council 7:30 a.m. | Larry Reider Education Center

2.19.18

Chamber Closed | Presidents' Day

2.20.18

BYP Council Noon | Chamber BYP Pub Club 5:30 p.m. | Eureka!

2.22.18

Chamber After Hours Mixer 5:30 p.m. | The Station

2.23.18

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

2.27.18

Ambassador Committee Noon | Chamber For more information about any of our events, committees or councils, visit bakersfieldchamber.org.

Dunn-Edwards Paint – North Bakersfield #181 9680 Hageman Road, #A Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-829-4864 dunnedwards.com “Dunn-Edwards Paints is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and distributors of premium architectural, industrial and high-performance paints and paint supplies.”

Kern County Cancer Fund 6401 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 280 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-862-7145 kerncountycancerfund.org “The fund is a program dedicated to assisting Kern County residents who need financial assistance in obtaining screening, diagnosis and treatment for cancer and associated diseases.”

Kern Marketing Ninjas 1707 Eye St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-735-1411 kernmarketingninjas.com “Kern Marketing Ninjas provides all marketing resources for realtors at very competitive prices, including professional photography, 3-D virtual tours, drone, print, listing preparation, etc.”

PMI Property Star 4900 California Ave., Tower B, 2nd Fl. Bakersfield, CA 93309 800-743-7687 bakersfieldproperty managementinc.com

“Our Bakersfield area property managers will safeguard your property, manage your tenants and protect your investment, saving you time and money, both in the long- and shortterm.”

Purveyor House 951-317-5420 purveyorhouse.com “Purveyor House helps forward thinking and innovative small businesses define, plan and execute big picture ideas through brand development, creative marketing and design.”

Tarina Homes, Inc. 4560 California Ave., Ste. 400 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-322-2030 tarinahomesinc.com “As a local company, we are aware of our impact on the environment and build energy efficient homes at the best possible price for our neighbors.”

WFG-WSB Bakersfield – Sol & Connie Saludes 4900 California Ave., Tower B, Ste. 210 Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-472-3748 worldsystembuilder.com “We are a community of financial professionals on a mission to deliver the best financial education and revolutionize the financial service industry through a reliable, buildable system.”

New federal income tax guidelines issued The IRS has released new income tax withholding information for employers to use in 2018. The new guidelines are in response to changes made under the tax reform legislation that passed in December.

The new withholding tables are designed to work with the Forms W-4 that workers have already filed with their employers to claim withholding allowances. They also reflect the increase in the standard deduction, repeal of personal exemptions and changes in tax rates and brackets.

Employers should begin using the 2018 withholding tables no later than Feb. 15.

Many employees will begin to see increases in their paychecks to reflect the new law in February. The time it will take for employees to see the changes in their paychecks will vary depending on how quickly the new tables are implemented by their employers and how often they are paid.

This is the first in a series of steps that IRS will take to help improve the accuracy of withholding over the next few years. Plans are also underway to revise the Form W-4 and other online resources.

For more information regarding the changes, visit irs.gov.

METRO | PAGE 19

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairwoman of the Board Carla Musser Chevron Chairwoman Elect of the Board Darlene Mohlke Castle & Cooke California, Inc. Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Don Bynum Temblor Brewing LLC Gregory D. Bynum & Associates, Inc. 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 Paul Anderson BetterPlan, LLC Treasurer Andy Paulden Brown Armstrong Accountants Member-at-Large Pritesh Patel Valley Republic Bank Immediate Past Chair Derek Abbott Tejon Ranch Company General Counsel Mark Bateman LeBeau-Thelen LLP Dan Klingenberger LeBeau-Thelen LLP

Saba Agency was established in Bakersfield, Calif. in 1989 by Tom Saba. Over the last 28 years, the agency has evolved into a diverse, full-service agency offering an extensive array of professional creative marketing ideas; web design and hosting, internet marketing, public relations, event planning, media services, project campaign creative and print design, radio and television, webcast production, promotional advertising products, and HR-based recognition programs.

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

BOARD MEMBERS

Mary Barlow Kern County Superintendent of Schools Kristen Beall Kern Community Foundation Dr. Sonya Christian Bakersfield College Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company Leslie Golich Kaiser Permanente Kern County Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17 Ronald Johns RA Johnsfam dba McDonald’s Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company G Riar Deprigo Tom Saba Saba Agency

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR OFFICE

CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Jean Scheiber | Director of Administration

& Operations Patrice Black | Member Relations Coordinator Hillary Haenes | Member Programs &

Engagement Manager Andrea Johnston | Business Development

Manager Melissa Rossiter | Manager of Marketing &

Communications Sarah Hinzo | Executive Assistant,

Leadership & Operations Janet Ursery | Executive Assistant,

Information Services

METRO | PAGE 20

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