Message from the CEO Eagerly Working for Our Members

Dear members,

June has arrived, and we are delighted to highlight the incredible accomplishments and the series of exciting events in store for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.

First and foremost, we are thrilled to announce that the Chamber was recently honored with the inaugural California Chamber of Commerce HR Champion Award. This recognition was presented to us at the CalChamber Capitol Summit in Sacramento on May 17. It demonstrates our commitment to championing the success of our members and helping them navigate the complex landscape of labor and employment laws in California. It is a testament to the hard work of our entire team, and we could not be more proud of this achievement. We extend our gratitude to Sen. Shannon Grove, Assemblymember Vince Fong and Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains for their valuable time and meeting with our delegation during our visit to Sacramento. A big thank you to our Chairman Ken Keller, Incoming Chair Rob Duchow and Governmental Review Council Chair Ron Nelms for accompanying us on our visit to the State Capitol.

We would like to shine a spotlight on the success of our Shop Local, Shop Now Mother’s Day Campaign, which generated more than 1.3 million media impressions and resonated across various platforms, including broadcast, social media and radio. The campaign gained traction thanks to a strong focus on helping residents find gifts that keep moms of all kinds healthy from the inside out. Thank you to everyone who chose to shop locally during Small Business

Month and support our members. By rallying behind this cause, we not only bolstered the local economy but also helped foster entrepreneurial dreams.

As many of you are aware, the much-anticipated Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Gala is only a few days away. This year, we have the honor of recognizing the remarkable accomplishments of more than 100 individuals, businesses and organizations that played a pivotal role in making Bakersfield a better place in 2022. This esteemed event, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union and hosted by the Chamber at Mechanics Bank Theater and Convention Center, is proof of the exceptional talent throughout our region. We are excited to celebrate with our community at this sold-out event!

Looking toward the future, I urge you to mark your calendars for the annual State of the City Luncheon presented by Valley Strong Credit Union, taking place on July 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Marriott Convention Center. During this event, Mayor Karen Goh and City Manager Christian Clegg will delve into the concerns at the forefront of our city and outline a visionary path for the future.

As we embark on a month brimming with noteworthy events, I want to express my sincere appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication and contribution. Together, we will continue to shape a thriving business community that empowers and uplifts all.

Hillary Haenes Interim President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Business Person of the Year: DeAnna Lewis

“WOW!” That was literally my response to hearing my name called. When I was nominated, I was overjoyed reading the email of being recognized in my hometown and feeling seen in business. Having the community’s support, that was already a WIN for me. Honestly, I was so nervous leading up to the awards gala, not knowing what the outcome would be. The energy in the arena and the love being spread throughout the evening was amazing, so I settled in my seat still nervous but feeling proud to just be named amongst other amazing business owners in Bakersfield. My name was called, and I completely lost it, screams and tears flowed, now I know what it feels like to win an Oscar. What my partner and husband, Clint Lewis, has always said from the first day we opened Wingstop on Gosford Road in July 2006, is that we are here to serve, employ, support and give back to our community of Bakersfield. We are still committed today to the same core values. We are forever grateful to be noticed.

In receiving the Beautiful Bakersfield Award, we continue to show up and support great causes in our community - there has also been some amazing new connections and collaborations happening. I was asked to be the keynote speaker for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Gala and look forward to partnering with them, offering youth internships this summer. We continue to offer scholarships for high school students as well as college students at Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield. This year, we had more collaborations with local high schools for fundraiser nights in our restaurants as well as sponsored their food sale days on campus to raise monies for their various on-campus clubs.

We are excited to announce that our newest project, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, will open later this month at The Shops at River Walk. We feel blessed to have the continued support of our five Bakersfield Wingstops for more than 17 years – To God Be The Glory. My mom, Marie (Mickey) Daniel-Sturdivant, passed away in December 2020. She gave all she could to serve the underserved population of Bakersfield. She set the best example of what it means to give and love others, I stand on her shoulders, and I’m committed to keeping her legacy alive through my efforts of community support. I will be launching our Community Service Scholarship program in her honor.

Thank you, Tejon Ranch Company, for sponsoring the award last year for Business Person of the Year. Thank you, Greater Bakersfield Chamber, for a night of glamour and stars, my award and recognition are forever cherished in my heart.

DeAnna Lewis, Multi Unit Owner, Bakersfield Wingstop