Metro July 2026

METR

A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | July 2026

Built & Protected

Together

2026 State of the City highlights progress & shared responsibility

Brought to you by

LAZIN' IN THE GRASS. Whenever you feel like taking a break, relaxing, and recharging, Highgate at Seven Oaks makes it simple. Just pack up the picnic basket, pack up the kids, and take a short walk to the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion for a day of family fun!

Located within gated Highgate Park and Highgate Place, the lush green lawns, pickle ball courts, children's playground, giant fire pit, and BBQ facilities of the Parkshire Pool & Pavilion make it easy to live your best life ever!

HighgateSevenOaks.com

Live Your Best Life 9 Exciting New Floor Plans 6 Gated Communities 2 Resort-Style Recreation Centers 1 Woofin' Dog Park

Ming Ave. and Allen Rd | Monday – Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM | Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM

METRO | PAGE 2

ON THE

4 6

INSIDE CEO MESSAGE

Read a message from your President/CEO, Janelle Capra

MEET A BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARD WINNER Learn more about Savannah Oates

10 STATE OF THE CITY 2026 Get exclusive updates from Bakersfield city leaders

AFFAIRS 16 GOVERNMENT UPDATE

Stay updated on the latest advocacy efforts of the Chamber

20 NEW MEMBERS

10 COVER PHOTO City Manager Christian Clegg, Mayor Karen Goh, Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr., and Janelle Capra at the 2026 State of the City luncheon.

Photo by Lettratto.

Welcome our new Chamber members

21 MEMBER NEWS

Hear from our Members

6 Metro is the official publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber.

This publication is produced and digitally distributed to the Chamber’s membership at the end 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 info@bakochamber.com. © Copyright 2026. All rights reserved.

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

CONTACT US 1725 Eye St. • PO Box 1947 Bakersfield, CA 93303 661.327.4421 bakochamber.com METRO | PAGE 3

Message from the CEO The Power of Showing Up There is a quote by Maria Shriver that has stayed with me: "The world needs your voice. It needs your compassion. It needs your heart."

As I reflect on the first half of 2026, I find myself returning to those words. We live in a time when it's easy to feel overwhelmed by headlines, uncertainty, and constant change. Every day brings a new challenge, a new debate, or a new obstacle competing for our attention. In the midst of that noise, it can be tempting to believe that progress belongs to someone else, that someone else will solve the problem, lead the conversation, or build the future.

I don't believe that's true. Communities don't move forward because of one person. They move forward because people choose to show up. They choose to invest in their businesses, mentor the next generation, volunteer their time, serve their neighbors, and work alongside others to solve challenges that no one organization can solve alone.

That is why the annual State of the City remains one of our signature Chamber traditions. This edition of Metro celebrates an event that is about much more than reflecting on the accomplishments of the past year. It is a reminder that progress is a shared responsibility. As Mayor Karen Goh said during this year's program, "Bakersfield's progress belongs to all of us, and so does the responsibility to protect it." That message perfectly captures the spirit of our community.

I see that responsibility lived out in countless ways.

Employers joined us for a sold-out Labor Law & HR Forum because staying informed and prepared is essential in today's evolving business climate. Through our Government Review Council, we welcomed Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton for an honest conversation about public safety, transparency, and the partnerships that help businesses and neighborhoods thrive. We also celebrated young leaders through the Boys & Girls Clubs Summer Jobs Program, where students, including our own Chamber intern, completed the program equipped with the confidence and skills to enter the workforce.

Our work isn't simply about hosting events or filling calendars. It's about advocating for policies that help businesses succeed, creating opportunities for leaders to learn from one another, developing tomorrow's METRO | PAGE 4

Maria Shriver and Janelle Capra, in May 2017, post work out, following the Alzheimer's Move For Minds event.

workforce, and bringing together people who believe Bakersfield's future is worth investing in. Every program, every partnership, and every conversation is rooted in one purpose: helping our members succeed so our community can continue to grow and prosper.

As we begin the second half of the year, I'm encouraged by the momentum we've built together.

August will bring new opportunities to connect through Coffee with the Chamber, workforce development workshops, government contracting resources, and the John Brock Community Service Award Dinner honoring Bill Lazzerini, a leader whose lifetime of service reminds us that lasting impact is measured not only by professional success, but by what we give back to our community.

Change doesn't always begin with a grand gesture.

Sometimes it begins with showing up to a meeting, mentoring a young professional, supporting a local business, volunteering for a cause you believe in, or simply choosing collaboration over complacency.

Thank you for lending your voice, your leadership, and your heart to the work of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. Together, we are doing more than strengthening our business community; we are helping write the next chapter of Bakersfield's story. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together during the rest of 2026.

Blessings,

Janelle Capra

President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

G R E AT E R B A K E R S F I E L D C H A M B E R

COFFEE WITH THE CHAMBER Wednesday, Aug. 5 | 9 a.m.

RSVP Featuring METRO | PAGE 5

Making Bakersfield Beautiful, Together "Young Professional of the Year" Winner Savannah Oates shares her experience at the 2026 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Winning the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for Young Professional of the Year is still something I struggle to put into words. Even now, I remain shocked, humbled, and incredibly grateful for the recognition.

Walking into the event that evening, I was simply excited to be there. Looking around the room, I saw friends, colleagues, mentors, and community partners, people I have the privilege of working alongside every day. It was inspiring to be surrounded by individuals who care deeply about making Bakersfield a better place.

Then our category came up.

I could feel my heart in my throat. When my name was called, complete shock took over. Walking to the stage felt like a blur, and when I began speaking, I could hear my voice quivering.

That reaction surprised me. Public speaking is a major part of my job as Advocacy & Public Relations Manager at Community Action Partnership of Kern.

I regularly represent the organization at public meetings, community events, legislative discussions, and media engagements, advocating for programs and policies that support low-income families throughout Kern County. I spend my days building

METRO | PAGE 6

partnerships, developing outreach strategies, leading public awareness campaigns, and connecting community members with critical resources. Yet standing in front of a room full of respected peers and talking about myself felt far more vulnerable than

speaking on behalf of a mission I believe in.

What drives me has never been recognition.

Throughout my career, I have focused on bringing people together to create meaningful change.

Whether leading initiatives that connect families to services, supporting neighborhood revitalization efforts, collaborating with local nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies, or advocating for resources that strengthen our community, I have seen firsthand that lasting impact only happens through partnership.

One of the greatest privileges of my role is helping amplify the voices of those who are often unheard while creating opportunities for organizations and community leaders to work toward common goals.

The successes I have been fortunate to be part of are not individual accomplishments; they are the result of collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to making Bakersfield stronger.

While this award bears my name, it truly reflects the efforts of countless people who answer phone calls, show up to meetings, volunteer their time, share ideas, and work every day to improve our community.

I am grateful to stand alongside them and proud to continue doing the work of making Bakersfield beautiful, together.

-Savannah Oates Public Relations and Communications Professional

Nominations for the 2027 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards are open! beautiful.bakochamber.com

METRO | PAGE 7

Grow Grow your your business business with with easy-to-understand easy-to-understand products products and and services services that that work work with with you you every every step step of of the the way. way.

Business BusinessChecking/ Checking/ Savings Savings Choose Choosefrom fromaavariety varietyof ofchecking checking and andsavings savingsaccounts accountswith withaa number numberof ofbenefits benefitsyou youwon’t won’tfind find at the big banks. at the big banks.

Business BusinessLoans Loans Build Buildon onyour yourbottom bottomline linewith with aaloan that helps you reach loan that helps you reach big biggoals. goals.

AutoBooks AutoBooks

Accept Acceptand andmanage manageonline onlinepayments, payments, create digital invoices, create digital invoices,and andautomate automate tedious tediousbookkeeping bookkeepingtasks. tasks.

Business Business Credit CreditCard Card Choose ChooseaaBusiness BusinessVisa® Visa®Credit Credit Card that fits your business Card that fits your business needs. needs.

Treasury TreasuryManagement Management Choose Choosefrom fromaavariety varietyof ofcomprecomprehensive solutions to streamline hensive solutions to streamline operations operationsand andimprove improvefinancial financial performance. performance.

Commercial Commercial Cash CashVault Vault

Secure Securesafe safedeposits, deposits,armored armored transportation, transportation,and andan anonline onlinecash cash ordering orderingportal. portal.

Visit Visit valleystrong.com valleystrong.com to to learn learn how how our our local local Business Business Banking Banking Team Team can can help help grow grow your your business. business.

This Thiscredit creditunion unionisisfederally federallyinsured insuredby bythe theNational NationalCredit CreditUnion UnionAdministration Administration METRO | PAGE 8

METRO | PAGE 9

State of theCity

Built Together. Protected Together.

Bakersfield leaders celebrate progress, shared responsibility at 2026 State of the City

Greater Bakersfield Chamber event highlights partnerships protecting the city's future Hundreds of business leaders, elected officials and community stakeholders gathered Wednesday, July 15, for the 2026 State of the City, presented by Adventist Health and hosted by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber at the Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center.

“Bakersfield’s progress belongs to all of us, and so does the responsibility to protect it,” said Mayor Karen Goh. “The future we are building depends on the partnerships we continue to strengthen today.”

Centered on the theme “Built Together. Protected Together.,” the annual event showcased investments, collaboration and shared commitment shaping Bakersfield’s future.

“The Chamber is proud to bring together the leaders and organizations driving Bakersfield’s success,” said Janelle Capra, president and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. “When business, government and community partners work together, we position Bakersfield for long-term success.”

City Manager Christian Clegg opened the presentation Greater Bakersfield Chamber President & CEO Janelle Capra, City Manager Christian Clegg, and Mayor Karen Goh.

METRO | PAGE 10

by focusing on protecting the community, highlighting investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks, neighborhoods and city services.

Above, Bakersfield City Council Below, Mayor Karen Goh

Clegg shared that overall reported crime decreased 7.5% over the past year, continuing a multiyear trend that includes a nearly 30% reduction in violent crime and nearly 35% reduction in property crime over three years. Since the implementation of the city’s gun violence reduction strategy, shootings have declined 68%, demonstrating the impact of data-driven solutions and community partnerships.

He outlined new approaches to public safety and service delivery, including the Real Time Information Center, expanded technology, improved emergency response efforts and investments supported through Measure N. Beyond public safety, Clegg highlighted road improvements, transportation projects, downtown revitalization, park enhancements and community beautification efforts that improve Bakersfield’s quality of life.

Goh focused her remarks on protecting opportunity and Bakersfield’s future. She addressed homelessness, affordable housing, workforce development and economic growth.

While homelessness remains one of California’s most

City Manager Christian Clegg

METRO | PAGE 11

complex challenges, Goh highlighted measurable progress. According to the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, homelessness in Bakersfield decreased 3% from the previous year, while unsheltered homelessness declined 7.2%.

Over the past two years, unsheltered homelessness has decreased 16.3%, representing nearly 200 fewer people living on city streets.

Through coordinated efforts with organizations including The Open Door Network, The Mission at Kern County, CityServe and other community providers, more individuals are being connected to shelter, supportive services, workforce opportunities and permanent housing.

Goh also highlighted nearly 300 City-supported affordable housing units expected to become available this year, expanding housing opportunities for residents. She said continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, economic competitiveness and community collaboration will drive Bakersfield’s next chapter.

The event concluded with a call for residents, businesses and community leaders to continue building on Bakersfield’s momentum together.

Presented by

Top picture: Greater Bakersfield Chamber staff Bottom picture: Mayor Karen Goh & Vice Mayor Manpreet Kaur

“Bakersfield’s progress belongs to all of us, and so does the responsibility to protect it. The future we are building depends on the partnerships we continue to strengthen today.” - Mayor Karen Goh METRO | PAGE 12

Guests, sponsors, and speakers at the 2026 State of the City Luncheon

METRO | PAGE 13

Missed the 2026 State of the City?

WATCH IT HERE

Thank you to our sponsors

METRO | PAGE 14

METRO | PAGE 15

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

UPDATE

July 2026

By Joel Paramo, Senior Director of Strategic Communications As Bakersfield continues planning for the next generation of growth, one of the most significant policy initiatives currently underway is the Bakersfield RISE 2045 General Plan.

The General Plan serves as the City's long-range blueprint for land use, housing, transportation, economic development, infrastructure, public safety, environmental stewardship, and quality of life over the next 20 years. The Public Draft is now available for community review, and because its policies will shape future business investment, workforce development, housing opportunities, and economic competitiveness, we encourage our

members to become engaged in the process.

To help facilitate that conversation, the Chamber will welcome the City of Bakersfield for a special Government Review Council meeting on Friday, Aug. 21, at 8 a.m. Chamber members are invited to learn about the draft plan, understand how it may affect businesses throughout our community, and hear how they can participate during the public review period before the General Plan is finalized.

Throughout July, the Chamber continued advocating for policies that strengthen Kern County's economy, improve California's business climate, expand infrastructure investment, and support long-term economic growth at the local, state, and federal levels.

Monitoring & Emerging Issues One of the Chamber's top priorities this month was supporting meaningful reform of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).

As a member of the statewide Reform CIPA Coalition, the Chamber advocated for SB 690, legislation designed to curb abusive litigation targeting California businesses while preserving legitimate consumer privacy protections. Following extensive advocacy efforts, including coalition testimony and participation by more than 70 organizations, the bill advanced out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee with bipartisan support. While additional METRO | PAGE 16

reforms remain necessary, the bill represents meaningful progress toward addressing costly lawsuit abuse that affects employers across California.

The Chamber also strengthened its commitment to infrastructure investment by joining more than 400 state and local chambers of commerce nationwide in support of the BUILD America 250 Act (H.R. 8870).

The bipartisan legislation would provide nearly $500 billion in long-term funding for roads, bridges, freight corridors, rail, transit, and ports while streamlining project

permitting and improving the long-term stability of the Highway Trust Fund. The proposal closely aligns with the Chamber's policy priorities supporting economic competitiveness, efficient project delivery, and modern transportation infrastructure that benefits Kern County's role as one of California's leading logistics and goods movement regions.

surrounding the Californians for Affordable Living coalition, which opposes local ordinances restricting self-checkout technology. Coalition members argue that such mandates would increase operating costs, reduce convenience for consumers, and ultimately contribute to higher prices at a time when affordability remains a top concern for California families.

Locally, the Chamber continued to support Kern County's Opportunity Zone 2.0 initiative by working alongside the County Administrative Office as it developed recommendations for 27 Opportunity Zone nominations prior to submission to the State.

The proposed zones are intended to attract private investment into strategic commercial and industrial areas while encouraging workforce housing, manufacturing, logistics, aerospace, healthcare, and other economic development opportunities throughout Kern County.

In addition, the Chamber joined several statewide business associations in submitting technical comments to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) regarding its proposed Cancer Inhalation Unit Risk Factor for acrolein. The coalition expressed concerns that the draft risk assessment relies heavily on a single animal study, combines biologically distinct tumor endpoints, and incorporates multiple conservative assumptions without sufficient sensitivity analysis.

The Chamber urged OEHHA, the California Air Resources Board, and the Scientific Review Panel on Toxic Air Contaminants to fully evaluate the scientific uncertainties before adopting a revised standard that could significantly affect California businesses and existing air quality regulations.

The Chamber also remained engaged on one of California's most significant statewide policy discussions by continuing its support for the Building an Affordable California Act, now officially Proposition 45, which will appear on the November ballot.

Throughout July, the Chamber participated in coalition outreach supporting permitting reforms designed to accelerate construction of housing, transportation, water, healthcare, energy, and other essential infrastructure while maintaining environmental protections. Chamber leadership also engaged local elected officials and statewide partners regarding the measure's economic benefits and the importance of maintaining local government neutrality during the campaign process.

The Chamber also continued monitoring statewide legislative proposals affecting employers, infrastructure, consumer affordability, environmental permitting, and regulatory policy while coordinating with CalChamber, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, California Business Federation partners, and regional business organizations to ensure the greater Bakersfield region’s voice remains represented in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Finally, July brought encouraging economic Recognizing that workforce availabilityThe remains news. According to a national ConsumerAffairs Chamber’s Political Action Committee, BAKPAC, continues to support candidates and initiatives that protect jobs, one of the greatest challenges facing employers, analysis, the Bakersfield-Delano metropolitan area economy, and the advance business interests. the Chamber joined the newly launchedstrengthen American the local ranked among Top 10 metropolitan regions in Alliance for Workforce and Border Security, a national the nation for young-adult homeownership, making As the June primary approaches, BAKPAC is focused on three coalition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The it the only West Coast metro to rank in the Top 30. priorities: coalition advocates for bipartisan immigration reforms The recognition highlights Kern County's relative that maintain border security while modernizing affordability andElection reinforces the importance of 1. Positioninghousing for Success in the 2026 Cycle: legal workforce programs, expanding employmentcontinuing policies that support housing Supporting pro-business candidates who understand production, based immigration pathways, and helping employers economic development, infrastructure the challenges of running a business in Kern County. investment, 2. Maximizingand Member Engagement address persistent labor shortages across critical workforce growth.and Contributions: Encouraging members to participate in shaping the industries.

As always, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber Chamber’s advocacy efforts.

The Chamber continued its advocacy on3.behalf of remains committed to advocating Strengthening BAKPAC’s Visibility and Trust: for policies that consumers and employers by joining in opposition to foster a competitive business climate, encourage Highlighting the Chamber’s leadership in local and state AB 2564, legislation that could significantly increase responsible economic development, and create policy discussions. legal liability for businesses offering customer loyalty opportunities for employers, workers, and families Membership contributions, small gifts, provide a direct programs, rewards, and personalized discounts. throughouteven Kern County. way to influence the local political landscape. Contributions Chamber staff also participated in discussions under $99 do not require reporting, making it simple for members to support pro-business leadership.

METRO | PAGE 17

To contribute, mail a check payable to BAKPAC or email info@

Benefits of a

Save Time So You Can Focus On Your Business

The Greater Bakersfield Chamber 401k Plan By joining The Greater Bakersfield Chamber 401k Plan you are able to provide a powerful retirement plan, help save money, and spend less time with administration.

Member Benefits • Cost savings on the investments using economies of scale • No individual Form 5500 reporting • Minimal plan maintenance • Flexible plan features, including safe harbor, Roth, and profit-sharing • Customizable options involving eligibility, matches, vesting schedules

Strength In Numbers When you utilize The Greater Bakersfield Chamber 401k Plan, you have all the advantages and flexibility of a stand-alone plan sponsor, but avoid the expenses and administrative burden associated with sponsoring a single employer plan. This provides companies of all sizes with a retirement plan that rivals those of large employers in terms of costs, flexibility and service.

METRO | PAGE 18

Let Us Handle The Paperwork For You By participating in The Greater Bakersfield Chamber 401k Plan, virtually all administrative tasks can be offloaded from you.

Tasks that can be shifted may include: Administrative Responsibilities Employee Eligibility Tracking Distribution Processing Plan Compliance Nondiscrimination Testing Annual Reporting Participant Enrollment/Education Annual Disclosure Distribution To schedule a complimentary, plan design evaluation contact the Moneywise business services team: 661-847-1000 justin@moneywiseguys.com Before adopting any plan you should carefully consider all of the benefits, risks, and costs associated with a plan. Information regarding retirement plans is general and is not intended as legal or tax advice.

Retirement plans are complex, and the federal and state laws or regulations on which they are based vary for each type of plan and are subject to change. In addition, some products, investment vehicles, and services may not be available or appropriate in all workplace savings plans. Plan sponsors and plan administrators may wish to seek the advice of legal counsel or a tax professional to address their specific situations. Securities offered through Transamerica Investors Securities Corporation (TISC), member FINRA, 440 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528.

All Transamerica companies identified are affiliated, but are not affiliated with Moneywise Wealth Management.

661.847.1000 661.847.1001 moneywiseguys.com 1907 K Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Moneywise Wealth Management does not offer legal or tax advice. This material is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or attorney. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.

Securities and Retirement Plan Consulting Program advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. LPL Financial and Moneywise Wealth Management are not affiliated.

METRO | PAGE 19

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.

Allied Home Care

5001 California Ave. Suite #115 Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 450-3020 allied-homecare.com “Allied Home Care provides compassionate, dependable in-home support services, helping seniors and families maintain independence, comfort, dignity, and quality of life every day with confidence.”

Cherokee Community of Central California, Inc

PO Box 82401 Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 859-4971 cherokeecommunityofcentralcalifornia. yolasite.com “Educate ourselves & others Cherokee culture and history. Encourage community connections with native Americans and other people. Teach Cherokee traditions of Cherokee people.”

Cyverion Security LLC

“Our vision is to uplift the overall health and well-being of individuals, creating a better, more fulfilling life for everyone. By nurturing the mind, body."

In the Waiting Doula Services LLC 930 Truxtun Ave. Ste 108 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 330-2831 inthewaitingdoulaservices.com

“In the Waiting Doula Services LLC honors birth as a sacred rite of passage.

Our mission is to provide grounded, heart-led doula care."

Kids Book Joint LLC

2210 Chester Ave. Ste A Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 447-3836 “Kids bookstore & Literacy Center"

The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani 714 W. Olympic Blvd. Suite 300 Los Angeles, CA 90015 (661) 438-1463 calljacob.com

13821 Pemberley Passage Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 443-6900 cyverionsecurity.com

“Law firm in Southern California, looking to expand into Bakersfield. I would be the only one on the ground for Bakersfield."

“Cyverion Security LLC is a cybersecurity consulting practice that takes a risk based approach to securing a company.

(Risk Management, Security Strategy, Business Exposure Reduction)”

Mechanics Bank - Truxtun Ave.

Equipment Share

9701 Enos Ln Bakersfield, CA 93314 (661) 671-6555 equipmentshare.com

Everar Vitality & Serenity Wellness 2817 N. Chester Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 633-9498 everarwellness.com METRO | PAGE 20

900 Truxtun Ave. Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 324-6260 mechanicsbank.com

Mechanics Bank - Riverlakes 3800 Riverlakes Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661) 334-6900 mechanicsbank.com

Salty's BBQ & Catering 3214 Coffee Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 587-8437 saltysbbq.com

“Full service restaurant; indoor and outdoor seating, with drive through as well."

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.

Applied Technology Group, Inc. - 2019 Ascend Behavioral Health - 2025 Ascend Real Estate and Property Management - 2016 Associated Builders & Contractors, Central CA Chapter - 1998 ASU Commercial - 1987 Bakersfield Art Association - 2013 Bakersfield Plumbing Company - 2024 Bakersfield Rehabilitation Hospital - 2021 Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman - 1983 Belden Blaine Raytis, LLP - 2015 Blue Zones Project - 2023 BMW of Bakersfield - 2018 Brandt Oliver Holmes, Inc. - 2025 Central/Mother Lode Regional Consortium 2017 Charcuterie by M - 2023 City of Bakersfield - 2001 Clean Harbors Buttonwillow LLC - 1990 Clifford & Bradford Insurance Agency - 1946 Colliers International - 2011 Crescendo Coaching Group LLC - 2024 Fallgatter-Rhodes Insurance Services - 1993 Grapevine MSP, LLC - 2013 H&R Labor Contracting LLC - 2022 Kern Community College District - 2004 Kern County Chapter NECA - 2025 Kern Health Systems - 2012 Kern High School District - 1984 Kern Medical - 2014 Kern Valley Printing - 1995 LINEAN - 2025 Make-A-Wish Central Coast and Southern Central Valley - 2024 March Consulting - 2013 Mechanics Bank - 2024 Mody Pumps Inc. - 2011 The Mora Partners, Inc. - 2024 Rio Bravo Cancer Center - 2024 Safe 1 Credit Union - 1994 Safety Training Seminars - 2024 The Sequoia Sandwich Company Downtown - 2000 Stockdale Country Club - 2004

Member News Join Make-A-Wish Central Coast & Southern Central Valley on Thursday, September 3rd, for Trivia & Treats for Wishes at KC Steakhouse. Gather your team, test your trivia knowledge, and save room for one of the sweetest parts of the evening: our dessert auction.

What is the Dessert Auction? It’s a fun and meaningful way to help grant wishes. Do you have a favorite family recipe for cookies, cake, or pie? Sign up to donate your signature dessert! During trivia night, guests will have the chance to bid on a variety of beautifully crafted treats generously donated by individuals, local bakers, and community partners. All proceeds help fund wishes for local children!

•

Bakersfield Trivia & Treats for Wishes

•

September 3, 2026 | 6-9 PM

•

KC Steakhouse | 2515 F St, Bakersfield, CA

Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas), a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE), recently announced that the cost the company pays for natural gas on behalf of residential and small business customers across the SoCalGas and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) service areas reached a five-year low for the March through May period in 2026, averaging 22.8 cents per therm1.

Click here for the full story.

Les Schwab’s Tires for Purpose awards local nonprofits that are making positive impacts in our communities with a set of free tires for their organization’s vehicle. It’s a meaningful way Les Schwab helps local organizations stay on the road to do more good. Apply now!

The Bakersfield Police Department is proud to partner with our community and offer the “Trespass Enforcement Authorization” program. If you own or manage a business or property in the City of Bakersfield, participating in this program will assist the Police Department in enforcing unauthorized individuals from loitering or camping on private property. With the completion of a simple form, your acknowledgement allows BPD to arrest violators, even when the responsible owner is not present.

Officers will easily access your authorized form to enforce common issues, including trespassing, camping and loitering.

Participation in the program is simple. Email trespassletters@ bakersfieldcity.us to request the form. Once your form is completed and processed, a unique QR code will be generated to be affixed to a “No Trespassing” sign posted outside the restricted property. This QR code allows officers to easily access the form and proceed with enforcement. For more information or should you have any questions about the program, please contact the Bakersfield Police Department at 661-852-7151.

Taft College Foundation - 2008 Temblor Brewing LLC - 2015 Tejon Gaming Authority - 2025 Valley Strong Credit Union - 1989 Vibe Marketing Agenci - 2024 Victory Family Services - 2018 The Wonderful Company - 1994

CLICK HERE FOR MORE MEMBER NEWS

METRO | PAGE 21

METRO | PAGE 22

RIBBON CUTTINGS JULY RIBBON CUTTINGS

Upcoming Events Tuesday, Aug. 4 Government Review Council: Ballot Initiative Briefing • Noon | Greater Bakersfield Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 5 Coffee with the Chamber • 9 a.m. | Greater Bakersfield Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 5 Ribbon Cutting • 9 a.m. | Lululemon Thursday, Aug. 6 Hiring Talent with Zero Risk Workshop • 9 a.m. | Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Grand Reopening Friar Tux 600 Coffee Rd. friartux.com

Thursday, Aug. 6 Ribbon Cutting • 10 a.m. | Salty's BBQ Tuesday, Aug. 18 Ribbon Cutting • 9 a.m. | Kids Book Joint Thursday, Aug. 20 Ribbon Cutting • 9 a.m. | Everar Vitality & Serenity Wellness Friday, Aug. 21 Government Review Council: City of Bakersfield General Plan Update • 8 a.m. | Greater Bakersfield Chamber Wednesday, Aug. 26 Government Contracting Workshop • Noon | Virtual

Let’s Cut the Ribbon Together!

Celebrate your business milestones with the Chamber, and we’ll facilitate the ceremony for you!

SCHEDULE YOUR CEREMONY

METRO | PAGE 22

METRO | PAGE 23

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE FOCUS 2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair of the Board Dr. Vernon B. Harper, Jr., California State University, Bakersfield Chair Elect of the Board Emily Duran, Kern Health Systems Immediate Past Chair Deanna Blaise, Valley Strong Credit Union Treasurer Lisa Carbajal, Cen Cal Business Finance Group

Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) is a non-profit trade association that represents companies in petroleum exploration, production, refining, transportation and marketing in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. WSPA is dedicated to guaranteeing that every American has access to reliable energy.

Learn more at wspa.org.

Vice Chair, Public Policy & Political Action Willie Rivera, Campo Bar and Bottle Vice Chair, Economic Vitality Octavio Escobedo III, Tejon Indian Tribe Vice Chair, Leadership & Workforce Development Molly Busaca, Secure Systems

MAJOR INVESTORS

Vice Chair, Member Engagement Veronica Placencia, KERO TV-23 General Council Mark Bateman, Young Wooldridge LLP Lindsay Barnes, KGET TV-17 Angela Barton, Barton Marketing Group Patrick Beck, Bakersfield Hyundai Nik Boone, Ascend Real Estate Jason Cater, City of Bakersfield Maggie Cushine, Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Melissa Frank, The Wonderful Company Kamal Gill, Brimhall Pharmacy & Panama Pharmacy Cherif Guirguis, LINQride DeAnna Lewis, Wingstop Maybelle Liquigan, Kaiser Permanente Jessica Pounds, Moo Creamery Austin Smith, Sage Equities Erin Tenter, Bolthouse Properties Sherod Waite, Moneywise Wealth Management Karen Zuber, Bank of America

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBERS

CHAMBER STAFF Janelle Capra President & CEO

Joel Paramo Senior Director of Strategic Communications Savanah Adams Director of Community & Member Engagement Lorrie Guinn-Magers Director of Operations & HR Kimberly Price Community Events Manager Raegina Sanchez Program Specialist

Get Social

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

METRO | PAGE 24 @bakochamber

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR OFFICE