May Metro 2022

METR A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | May 2022

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BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD Hear from a 2021 Beautiful Bakersfield Award Winner

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PRIMARY ENDORSEMENTS

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LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD

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Get an inside track on the canditates for key local and statewide races

Learn more about LBs participation in Law Day this year

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RIBBON CUTTINGS Celebrate the grand opening of local businesses

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SHOP LOCAL, SHOP NOW

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NEW MEMBERS

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Find out more about why local businesses are worth supporting

Welcome our new Chamber members

COVER PHOTO

Imbibe Wine & Spirits. Pictured: Beau Woessner Cover photo by Hey Salty, Inc.

CONTACT US

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

12 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 2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited.

METRO | PAGE 3

WINNER OF 2021 BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS

Small Business of the Year

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s the owner and manager of Hacienda Guerrero Catering, being named Small Business of the Year is a tremendous honor, not only for me, but for my family and my staff as well. As a team, we were humbled to receive this recognition. We have had the pleasure of serving the wonderful Bakersfield community and its surrounding areas for the past 22 years. We work hard as a team to ensure that every event is a success, and our clients are happy with our services. Even during the pandemic, whether it was raising funds or providing meals as a team, we continued to serve our community, which has supported us throughout our years in business. We look forward to continuing that same support for years to come.

More than 20 years ago, while I was working on my Business Management Degree at the University of Phoenix, one of my courses was “How to Create a Business Plan for a Small Business.” Upon graduating, I had an idea to create a family business. My dad had experience as a cook, working for Happy Jack’s Pie ‘N Burger when they first opened and then working in the kitchen at Dignity Health Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. I approached him, my mom and my stepdad about starting a catering business. As the sole proprietor, I took on the financial responsibility and expenses of purchasing the equipment, permits, business insurance and licenses needed to get the catering business off the ground. Some people told me it was a crazy idea and that it would not be successful because there was too much competition.

The first few years were a struggle but thanks to my family’s encouragement and support, along with some hard work and sacrifice, here we are 22 years later serving the Bakersfield community for various events and fundraisers.

METRO | PAGE 4

Eventually, my two nieces helped with the catering business. As the years went by and the business continued to grow, we began to hire more staff.

Even though my father passed away, my mom and stepdad eventually retired from the catering business, and my nieces went on to work full-time elsewhere, I kept the business going. Throughout the years, we had a number of high school students join the team, which for some was their first job. They have eventually gone off to college and a few have done some great things in our community. To this day, we still have high school and college students working for Hacienda Guerrero Catering. Along with gaining work experience, they also gain knowledge and do community service. I always tell them that each staff member is an important part of the team, and we can all learn from one another to have a successful team.

As a team, we strive to provide a variety of services for the Bakersfield area and its surrounding communities.

Since the beginning of the catering business, we have made numerous monetary donations, assisted with fundraising or volunteered our services whenever we can for various causes, such as the Jamison Children’s Center, Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House, Kern Autism Network, Inc., League of Dreams, VFW, Marine Corps League and Honor Flight, as well as assisting some of our local high schools with their fundraising events.

Some of our upcoming projects and events that we are going to be involved in include working with OG’z Car Club of Bakersfield by sponsoring their annual Feeding the Health Care Heroes event by providing meals for our heroes and the annual Christmas Wish List for the Jamison Children’s Center. Hacienda Guerrero Catering will also be sponsoring OG’z Car Club’s First Annual Show & Shine Car Show, which will be highlighting Old Town Kern and supporting local businesses. This event is geared toward revitalizing Old Town Kern and uniting our local community.

We will be making a monetary donation to the Kern County World War II Veterans Memorial and Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Kern County, as well as working with the Jim Burke Education Foundation and their Ford Dimension and Dream Builders programs and Latina Leaders of Kern County. Hacienda Guerrero Catering’s goals are to encourage and support our community.

– Martín Guerrero, Owner of Hacienda Guerrero Catering

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, JUNE 25 MECHANICS BANK THEATER & CONVENTION CENTER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presented by

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METRO | PAGE 5

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber Political Action Committee (BAKPAC) announced its endorsements of the following candidates for key local and state races.

Jeff Flores

Board of Supervisors District 3 Jeff Flores has served Kern County for decades. Flores is the current President of the Kern High School District Board of Trustees as well as Chief of Staff to Supervisor Mike Maggard. Flores is also actively involved in many boards and organizations in Kern County.

Vince Fong

California State Assembly District 32 Vince Fong has a long background as a public servant, working as a legislative staffer for both Congressman Bill Thomas and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy. He has served in the California State Assembly since he was first elected in 2016. Fong represents the new Assembly District 32, which encompasses parts of Kern County.

Leticia Perez

California State Assembly District 35 Leticia Perez currently serves on the Kern County Board of Supervisors, representing District 5. Perez has a long history in Kern County and has a background serving the residents of district 35 through her work as an attorney and community advocate.

Shannon Grove

California State Senate District 12 Shannon Grove is a small business owner who was first elected to the State Assembly in November 2010. In 2018, she was elected to the State Senate where she also served as Minority Leader. Grove is the first female veteran to have served in the California State Legislature.

Nicole Parra

California State Senate District 16 Nicole Parra is a former State Assemblywoman, having first been elected to the legislature in 2002. After three terms in the State Assembly, Parra held various positions including roles in the Schwarzenegger Administration, the oil and gas industry as well as serving various groups and organizations in Kern County.

METRO | PAGE 6

WATCH THE 2022 KERN COUNTY ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Click here to watch On April 23, the 22nd Annual Kern County Economic Summit aired on KGET-TV 17. This year’s program featured three economists who provided their perspectives on the region’s economic future and local community leaders who gave an update on the work underway for B3K – the region’s economic development and job creation initiative.

The Summit is hosted by Kern EDC, California State University, Bakersfield and the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.

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Law Day Recap

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he world of law enforcement is one that encompasses so many facets and to be able to help educate the community on the function of law enforcement, as well as the challenges it faces, is so important. The Leadership Bakersfield class was able to experience a variety of topics as it relates to law enforcement and the criminal justice system and were able to visit some of the facilities associated with Bakersfield’s commitment to public safety.

On Friday, April 8, the class began its day at the Bakersfield Police Department Training Facility located at 4646 California Ave. While at the training facility, the class got a tour of the newly created building where the Bakersfield Police Department Training Division is located, and where the basic police academy is held.

The class was able to have a Q&A with Bakersfield Police Department Chief Greg Terry, District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, and local Criminal Defense Litigator Jared Thompson about the challenges in law enforcement, as well as how the criminal justice system is designed to function.

The class transitioned to the Bakersfield Police Activities League (BPAL) to tour the facility, which provides officers with the opportunity to build relationships and connections with youth and provides many afterschool resources. After the tour, the class was able to place themselves in the shoes of an officer while going through real-life scenarios with BPD officers as actors.

The Leadership Bakersfield class was then able to observe demonstrations from many of the Bakersfield Police Departments’ specialized units, specifically the SWAT team, Bomb Squad, K9 team, Unmanned Ariel Vehicle team, A Life Interrupted program and actively participate in a simulator. The day wrapped up at the Kern County Sheriff's Office Headquarters where the class was able to see and obtain information about the Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit.

The Chamber would like to thank Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Day Chair Lt. Ryan Kroeker for hosting the day. Special thanks to program underwriter Chevron; day sponsor Bakersfield Police Officers Association; and to Golden Empire Transit District for providing the day’s transportation.

– Lt. Ryan Kroeker, Bakersfield Police Departmen

METRO | PAGE 10

Program Underwriter

Day Sponsor

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Grand Opening Advance Auto Parts

Grand Opening CaliDental Bakersfield

4605 Planz Rd. advanceautoparts.com

3318 Niles St. calidentalsmiles.com

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS MCSC Kern Women's Business Center

Bakersfield Homeless Center’s Housing & Job Development Satellite Office

Date: Thursday, May 12 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 10800 Stockdale Hwy., Ste. 201

Date: Wednesday, May 18 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 1420 Union Ave.

mcscorp.org/kern

bakhc.org

Sandstone Goods + Trading sandstonegoods.com

Date: Thursday, June 2 Time: 10 a.m.

Location: 1403 Allen Rd., Ste. 100

For more information or to schedule a ribbon cutting, please contact Hillary Haenes at hhaenes@bakochamber.com.

Did you miss us? If so, plan to join us at our first meeting of the year!

This year, we are changing things up and inviting all interested young professionals to participate in our BYP Council meetings.

We will be going over trending community topics, networking opportunities & ways to get plugged in. Our guest speakers are from The Hub of Bakersfield and will be sharing what this group does for the community, past and future projects as well as how to get involved!

After the meeting, we plan to walk over to The Padre for drinks & networking!

RSVP HERE

Date: Tuesday, May 10 Time: 4-5 p.m.

Location: Greater Bakersfield Chamber Office, 1725 Eye St. (Parking is available on the street or in the parking garage across from our building on 18th & Eye street.)

METRO | PAGE 11

Imbibe Local

Good drinks & company This month as part of our Shop Local, Shop Now campaign we are pleased to feature Imbibe Wine & Spirits, local wine and spirits merchant and tasting room, owned and operated by David Dobbs. He’s worked in the wine business for over 40 years and has served Bakersfield for more than a decade. At Imbibe you’ll find a wide selection of carefully curated wines, beers and spirits that will satisfy everyone’s unique taste.

"We’re a family-run business and we have built great relationships with our customers and that resonates with us,” said Dobbs. “The people who come to Imbibe are just great."

Here are some great perks they’re offering through the month of May: For a limited time only, if you buy a case of wine, you receive two free wine glasses. Additionally, if you visit Imbibe and mention you heard about them through the Chamber, you will be entered to win a 3-liter bottle of Conundrum, a California red wine blend (as pictured on the cover). The winner will be drawn on May 31!

METRO | PAGE 12

To learn about and find more locally owned businesses, visit www.shoplocalshopnow.com.

Welcome New Chamber Members We’d like to extend a warm welcome to the companies that have joined the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Thank you for investing in our mission to Build a Better Bakersfield.

Advance Auto Parts 4605 Planz Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-834-3444 advanceautoparts.com “We’re a source for quality parts, advice and accessories.

We offer online shopping, as well!”

Agape Lash Studio 2235 H St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-404-5292 agapelashstudio.com “We are a luxury eyelash extension studio. Offering facial services, as well as retail of beauty/wellness products.”

Bakersfield Home Buyers 11837 Bolthouse Dr., Ste. 200 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-564-9216 bakersfieldhomebuyers.com “We are a real estate brokerage & real estate investment firm that specializes in providing a wide array of real estate solutions. Whether you need to sell a home immediately at a discount or want to list your home for full market value, we can help. With our huge inventory of offmarket properties, investors & traditional home buyers are able to find properties without the hassle of bidding wars on MLS.”

Carpet Cave 2929 F St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-821-5537 carpetcave.com “Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, carpet cave is back and bigger and better than ever! We sell everything that is carpet related.”

Cellan Central Valley College 2901 H St., Ste. 110 Bakersfield, CA 93301 cellancentralvc.com “We are a private nursing school that has had the privilege of helping hundreds of individuals and their families start their career in health care.”

FoodMaxx - Ming Ave. 4400 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-835-5696 foodmaxx.com

Bear Valley Springs Association 29541 Rolling Oak Dr. Tehachapi, CA 93561 661-821-5537 bvsa.org

FoodMaxx - Niles St. 6465 Niles St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-363-7754 foodmaxx.com

“We’re a private nonprofit Homeowners Association located in Bear Valley Springs. We feature two restaurants, a saloon, equestrian center, golf course, recreation center, lakes, swimming pool, parks, hiking, equestrian trails and so much more! Amenities are open to all members and their guests.”

FoodMaxx - White Ln. 6300 White Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-832-0929 foodmaxx.com

Blue Line Solutions, Inc. Tehachapi, CA 661-237-5850 blsolutions.org “We specialize in criminal and administrative investigations and high-end individual or business security.”

continued on page 14

METRO | PAGE 13

Welcome New Chamber Members Golden 1 Credit Union 4106 California Ave., Ste. 1 Bakersfield, CA 93309 877-465-3361 golden1.com “We deliver financial solutions with value, convenience and exceptional service to more than 1 million members across California. When you become a member of Golden 1, you’re part of a not-for-profit financial institution that pays you back in the form of lower rates on loans, higher returns on savings and more free services - All Californians can join!”

In-Shape Health Club – California Ave. 4230 California Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-215-8071 inshape.com “With 45 health clubs across California, we create fitness experiences for our communities to motivate and support living life well.”

In-Shape Health Club – Calloway Dr. 5423 Calloway Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-387-3671 inshape.com In-Shape Health Club – Coffee Rd. 3409 Coffee Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-387-3608 inshape.com In-Shape Health Club – Ming Ave. 11340 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-218-1446 inshape.com In-Shape Health Club – Oswell St. 2681 Oswell St. Bakersfield, CA 93306 661-404-7317 inshape.com In-Shape Health Club – White Ln. 4801 White Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-404-7868 inshape.com METRO | PAGE 14

KVMP Precious 95.7 1615 V St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-374-8118 “We’ll be Bakersfield’s first HD station with a clear, crisp signal sharing great music and up-to-the-minute information.

No. 1 source for music and lifestyle, reaching the listeners from valley to valley sharing music & information.”

Save Mart 9600 Hageman Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-588-4420 savemart.com The UPS Store #2179 1201 24th St. B110 Bakersfield, CA 93311 661-631-9904 theupsstore.com “We’re here to help individuals and small businesses by offering a wide range of products and services. We are your local pack and ship experts providing professional printing services!”

Viridis Property Management 5329 Office Center Ct., Ste. 201 Bakersfield, CA 93309 viridismgmt.com “We are Kern County’s newest real estate property management company that believes in quality management through efficient communication and forthright service.”

Walk the Plank – Hard Flooring Company 2929 F St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-777-5265 walktheplankflooring.com “We are Bakersfield’s new hard surface flooring store selling hardwood, luxury vinyl, plank, waterproof floors, ceramic, countertops and more!”

For more information about joining the Chamber or renewing your membership dues, please email info@bakochamber.com.

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 Build a Better Bakersfield.

A-C Electric Company - 1951 Adventist Health Bakersfield - 1958 ALPHA Canine Sanctuary - 2011 Andrea R Hill, CPA, AAC - 2017 AT&T California - 1946 Bakersfield Heart Hospital - 1998 Bakersfield Museum of Art - 1996 Bank of America - 1920 Bank of the Sierra - California Ave. - 1920 Baymarr Constructors, Inc. - 1997 Bella - 2000 Best Western Plus Hill House - 1999 Bike Bakersfield/Biking for Fun - 2007 Castle & Cooke California, Inc. - 1988 Coffee-Brimhall LLC - 2008 Colombo Construction Company, Inc. - 1978 Commercial Trade Inc. - 1988 Core Chiropractic + Wellness - 2018 CSF Medical Nonprofit Foundation - 2017 Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock - 1956 Dewar's Candy Shop, Inc. - 1994 Dignity Health Management Services - 1993 Educational Services - 1991 Esparza Enterprises, Inc - 2001 First Assembly of God - 2002 G.H. Slack and Son Company - 1999 GAF Corporation - 1995

Granite Construction - 1977 Greg's Petroleum Service - 2018 Grow Public Schools - 2019 Hathaway LLC - 2007 Heart Vascular and Leg Center - 2010 Hyatt Place Bakersfield - 2019 ICON Printing Solutions - 2016 In-Shape Health Club Ming Ave. - 2015 Kaiser Permanente Kern County - 1987 Kern Bros. Trucking, Inc. - 1990 Kern County Family Magazine - 1996 Kern County Taxpayers Association - 1991 Kern High School District - Career Resource Department - 1994 Key Properties dba Intrados Inc. - 1982 KIA Insurance Associates, Inc. - 1971 M & S Security Services, Inc. - 2011 M.H. Wolfe & Associates Environmental Consulting, Inc. - 2005 Merrill Lynch - Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. - 1978 MTS Solutions - 1998 Pacifica Senior Living - 2009 Placer Title Company - 2008 Price Disposal - 1997 Project Clean Air, Inc. - 2017 ProParks Management Company - 2011

Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. - 2004 Rival Technology Inc. - 2018 S.A. Camp Pump and Drilling Company - 1955 Serban Sound and Communications - 1986 Spectrum Reach - 1966 sPower - 2015 State Farm Insurance - Jasmin Samano, Agent/Owner - 2019 Sunpower by Quality Home Services - 2017 The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County - 1989 The Mission at Kern County, formerly BRM - 1989 The Palms at San Lauren Assisted Living and Memory Care - 2019 Tolman & Wiker Insurance Services, LLC - 2000 Tri Counties Bank - 2004 Trinity Consultants, Inc. - 2000 Valley Bible Fellowship - 2017 Westec - 2011 Yard House Restaurant - 2019 Young Wooldridge LLP - 1993

UPCOMING EVENTS MAY 2022 5.10.22 Beautiful Bakersfield Committee 11:30 a.m. | Chamber

5.13.22 GRC Meeting 8 a.m. | Chamber

5.10.22 BYP Council 4 p.m. | Chamber

5.24.22 Ambassador Committee Meeting Noon | Chamber

5.30.22 Memorial Day Chamber Closed

METRO | PAGE 15

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE FOCUS Aera Energy LLC

2022 EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman of the Board Rick Jhaj Countryside Corporation Incoming Chairman Ken Keller Dignity Health - Memorial Hospital

As a California company that accounts for about 25% of the state’s oil production, Aera holds the values of Californians: we strive to innovate, we celebrate productivity and advocate for the preservation of our beautiful state. We are relentless in our efforts to produce energy safely and responsibly. That includes innovating in ways that will help California achieve its ambitious carbon reduction goals. The oil we produce enables millions of Californians to travel to work every day, allows businesses to grow and thrive, and helps California-grown food to arrive at the dinner table.

Immediate Past Chairman Derek Jeffery KGET-TV 17

MAJOR INVESTORS

Vice Chair Public Policy & Political Action Rob Duchow Southern California Gas Company Vice Chair Economic Vitality Andy Anderson Aera Energy LLC Vice Chair Leadership & Workforce Development Denise Newton Pacific Gas & Electric Company

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE MEMBERS

Treasurer Kristen Beall Watson California State University, Bakersfield General Counsel Mark Bateman Young Wooldridge LLP

CHAMBER STAFF Nick Ortiz | President/CEO Hillary Haenes | Vice President, Member Engagement Kaelyn Peterson | Executive Vice President, Public Affairs & Executive Director of BAKPAC Jean Scheiber | Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer

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

@bakochamber METRO | PAGE 16

BYNUM INC.