METR
A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | June 2026
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ON THE
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INSIDE
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CEO MESSAGE
Read a message from your President/CEO, Janelle Capra
LEADERSHIP BAKERSFIELD HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES DAY Get insight into this month's Leadership Bakersfield class
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BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS
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Learn more about Maverick Medical
SOUND OF OUR CITY 10 THE 2026
Meet the winners from the 2026 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
AFFAIRS 20 GOVERNMENT UPDATE
Stay updated on the latest advocacy efforts of the Chamber
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NEW MEMBERS Welcome our new Chamber members
25 RIBBON CUTTINGS
Welcome new businesses to Bakersfield
8 COVER PHOTO Maverick Medical Wins the "Small Business of the Year" award at the 2026 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Photo by April & Co.
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 Building the Next Chapter As Independence Day approaches, Bakersfield comes alive in a special way. Families gather, local businesses welcome an influx of customers and visitors, community events fill our calendar, and we are reminded that the strength of our region has always been found in the people who choose to invest in one another. This year, those celebrations are especially meaningful as America marks its 250th birthday. This milestone reminds us that our nation’s enduring strength has always been rooted in communities like ours, places where innovation is encouraged, hard work is valued, and neighbors invest in one another. We see that spirit every day in our people whose dedication strengthens our economy, enriches our community, and builds a brighter future for our region. June was a wonderful reflection of that spirit. Our 36th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, The Sound of Our City, celebrated the incredible individuals, businesses, and organizations whose dedication continues to shape our community. Congratulations again to every nominee and award recipient. Your commitment to serving others and making Bakersfield a better place inspires all of us. Thank you as well to our Board of Directors, sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and Chamber team for a memorable event. We also continued investing in the future through Leadership Bakersfield's Health & Human Services Class Day, where participants gained firsthand insight into the organizations and healthcare professionals working every day to improve the quality of life throughout Kern County. Equally important was our June Ambassador Luncheon, where ARRC Technology shared practical guidance on artificial intelligence and how businesses can embrace emerging technologies responsibly and effectively. Looking ahead, July offers two outstanding opportunities to engage with the Chamber. On July 15, we invite you to join us for the State of the City, presented by Adventist Health. This annual luncheon provides an opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Karen Goh and City Manager Christian Clegg as they discuss Bakersfield's accomplishments,
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priorities, and vision for the future. Events like these strengthen the partnership between local government and the business community while helping us all better understand the opportunities ahead. Then, on July 23, our Mid-Year Labor Law and HR Forum will provide employers with timely updates on California's ever-changing workplace laws. From arbitration agreements and PAGA developments to wage and hour regulations, employment privacy, and executive orders, our panel of respected employment attorneys will provide practical guidance to help businesses remain informed, compliant, and prepared. As we celebrate our nation's 250th birthday this summer, I encourage each of us to reflect on the role we play in shaping our community's future. To celebrate "Together for 250" is asking business and association leaders across the country to mark it the way leaders should: by saying something real to their people. They’re calling it A Birthday Letter to America. A letter from you, to your employees, your members, and community. Read ours on page 19. Every business we support, every partnership we build, and every investment we make in Greater Bakersfield contributes to a stronger economy and a more vibrant region for generations to come. Thank you for your continued investment in our Chamber and in the future of the greater Bakersfield region. Together, we are building a stronger business community and a stronger region for generations to come. Blessings,
Janelle Capra
President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber
A GREATER BAKERSFIELD CHAMBER EVENT
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
State of theCity July 15, 2026
To secure your seat or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact sadams@bakochamber.com METRO | PAGE 5
Leadership Bakersfield Experiences Health & Human Services Day On June 12, 2026, Leadership Bakersfield hosted a Health & Human Services Class Day that was lauded as the "best day ever, again" by participants. The event, spearheaded by Advisory Day Chairs Pawan Gill, Mitchall Patel, and Josh Sharp, aimed to deepen understanding of community health needs, local healthcare challenges, and personal well-being, while inspiring active involvement from leaders to positively impact the community's physical and social health. Chevron underwrote the program, with additional sponsorship from Dignity Health, Kern Health Systems, Omni Family Health, and Golden Empire Transit.
Following the welcome, participants boarded a GET bus to the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank. The tour of the CAPK Food Bank was led by Kelly Lowery, Program Administrator. Here, attendees were able to understand the significant role the food bank played in addressing food insecurity within the community, witnessing firsthand the operations and impact of their services.
Following the food bank tour, the group reboarded the bus, this time bound for The Open Door Network Homeless Services Campus on E. Truxtun Ave. Lauren Skidmore, CEO of The Open Door Network, led a comprehensive tour of the campus and facilitated a panel discussion. This The day commenced with participants segment offered a stark and insightful look into parking near the Ronald McDonald House and the challenges faced by the homeless population Hope House at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. A and the critical services provided by the network welcome breakfast and overview of the day took place in the hospital's Founders Hall. The Advisory to support their reintegration and well-being. Day Chairs set the stage for the packed agenda, Next, the bus did a loop around the block emphasizing the objectives of the day, particularly of the new Homeless Services Campus at 529 the revelation of community-wide needs and Dolores St. that is under construction. The bus resources, insight into local healthcare, and defining paths for personal health and well-being. then transported the group back to Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
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The afternoon began with a compelling "State of the Union of Healthcare" presentation by Ken Keller, President/CEO of Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, which offered invaluable insights into the current landscape of healthcare, outlining challenges, advancements, and the strategic direction of the hospital and broader healthcare system. Following his presentation, participants were divided into small groups. After the State of the Union address, the "Clinical Experience" segment began, offering a hands-on and immersive look into various medical procedures and technologies offered at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. This was a multifaceted experience, with participants engaging in a CPR Competition in Founders Hall, gaining insights into life-saving techniques. Concurrently, a Stryker Laparoscopic Demo was conducted in the new Pediatric Surgery Department, showcasing advanced minimally invasive surgical technologies. The Cath Lab Demonstration within the Cath Lab provided an up-close view of cardiac interventions, highlighting the precision and urgency involved in treating heart conditions. These practical demonstrations provided a deeper appreciation for the skill, technology, and dedication of healthcare professionals.
the hospital helipad. Mercy Air provided an overview of their team’s skillsets and capabilities. A group photo on the helipad captured the day's camaraderie and shared experience. The day left participants with a heightened awareness, a sense of inspiration, and a renewed commitment to positively impact the health and human services landscape of their community. It was indeed a day filled with impactful learning, deepening connections, and reinforcing the mission of leaders in Bakersfield.
Are you Leadership Bakersfield Alum? Sign up for our 40th reunion celebration!
LEARN MORE Program Underwriter
The intense day of learning and engagement concluded with Mercy Air flying in a landing on
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Maverick Medical honored as Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards When we learned that Maverick Medical had won a Beautiful Bakersfield Award, the first thing I felt wasn't pride in myself — it was pride in our team. This recognition belongs to every person who shows up here each day committed to doing important work, and to the patients who trusted us enough to let us be part of their care.
As a Black physician, I know there aren't many of us serving in this community. Being able to relate to cultural health struggles in a way that resonates — and watching patients respond to that connection — has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey. This award tells us that approach matters, and that it's reaching the people it was meant for.
More than anything, this award is validation. When I opened Maverick Medical, I set out to bring "old-school," relationship-based care back to this community — the kind of medicine where you're a person, not a number. In larger organizations and big bureaucracies, that personal connection can get lost, and too often there's friction between the patient and the physician. We wanted to do the opposite: slow down, listen, and make sure every patient walks out feeling genuinely heard.
So to our team: thank you for making this possible. Winning a Beautiful Bakersfield Award is a sign that we're on the right track — doing important work, making a positive impact, and helping our patients feel heard. We're more motivated than ever to keep it going.
That's the work this award honors. Day in and day out, our team helps patients with chronic care management, medical weight loss, hormone replacement for men and women, and in-clinic lab services — true wrap-around care for people of every background and income level. But the services are only part of it. What I'm proudest of is the experience behind them: patients who feel seen, respected, and cared for.
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— Dr. Terrance McGill Founder & Family Medicine Physician, Maverick Medical
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bakersfield's biggest night The Greater Bakersfield Chamber honored Bakersfield’s most inspiring individuals, businesses and organizations on Saturday, June 13th, at the 36th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. More than 700 community leaders, residents, business professionals and supporters gathered to celebrate the people and projects helping make Bakersfield a better place to live, work and visit. This year’s theme, “The Sound of Our City,” celebrated the voices, ideas and actions that create a stronger Bakersfield. A total of 95 nominees across 17 categories were recognized for their contributions to community service, education, health care, economic development, arts and culture, hospitality and civic leadership.
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MEET THE WINNERS Each award recipient honored at the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards exemplifies the spirit of service, innovation and leadership that makes our community shine.
Chairman's Award Bryan Burrow
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement Award – Sponsored by Hall Ambulance Service
Jaubrae Ryan Dixon President's Award Nik Boone
Business Person of the Year – Sponsored by Tri Counties Bank
Chris Kelley, Hard Rock Casino Tejon and Octavio Escobedo III, Tejon Indian Tribe METRO | PAGE 14
Savannah Oates
Young Professional of the Year – Sponsored by AFC Urgent Care
Kern Family Health Care
Upside Academy, Inc.
Maverick Medical
Small Business of the Year – Sponsored by Bank of America
Jamison Children's Center Leadership Bakersfield Team 2
The Open Door Network
Dr. Albert Ma
Large Business/ Corporation of the Year – Sponsored by ARRC Technology
Nonprofit of the Year – Sponsored by Kern Family Health Care
Emerging Nonprofit – Sponsored by Kern Community Foundation
Humanitarian Group – Sponsored by Chevron
Humanitarian Individual – Sponsored by Dignity Health Mercy & Memorial Hospitals METRO | PAGE 15
Amanda Goforth
Bakersfield College
Adventist Health High-Risk Genetics Clinic
Woolworth's Building
Ella Jane Magdalene Porter
Southwest Library - Leadership Bakersfield Team 4
Heart of Hospitality – Sponsored by Hard Rock Casino Tejon
Educational Excellence – Sponsored by California Resources Corporation
Urban Core – Sponsored by City of Bakersfield
Health & Wellness – Sponsored by Heart Vascular and Leg Center
Next Gen – Sponsored by Kern County Superintendent of Schools METRO | PAGE 16
Arts & Culture – Sponsored by Tejon Ranch Company
Habitat for Humanity Golden Ford Dimension and Dream Empire Inc. Builders Student Leadership Architecture & Design – Sponsored by Ordiz Melby Architects
A Better Bakersfield – Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Kern County
View full nominee list View all event photos Photos by April & Co. Password: BBASound2026
Submit your nominations for the 2027 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Nominations must be for work completed in 2026 to be eligible.
beautiful.bakochamber.com Nominations close on Friday, January 29, 2027 METRO METRO| |PAGE PAGE17 17
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presented by
Broadcast Sponsor
Community Sponsor
Hospitality Sponsor
Media Partner
Category Sponsors
After Party Sponsor
Audio Visual Sponsor
Award Sponsor
Centerpiece Sponsor
Chamber Corner
Entertainment Sponsor
Red Carpet Sponsor
Registration Sponsor
In-Kind Sponsors Adaptive Networks • Boys & Girls Clubs Of Kern County • Career Technical Education Center • Fairy Godmother Events, Inc. • Icon Printing Solutions • Linqride My Goodness Co. • Patio Spaces • The Nourishing Cocina • Vibe Marketing Agenci METRO | PAGE 18 Vecchio’s Pizzeria & Gelateria • Walker Lewis Rents
A Birthday Letter to America Dear America,
succeed, communities prosper.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a bold idea changed the course of history. Our nation's founders believed that ordinary people, empowered by liberty, could accomplish extraordinary things. They envisioned a country where freedom would create opportunity, where hard work would be rewarded, and where communities, not governments alone, would shape the future. That promise still lives today.
But our story has never been just about business. It has always been about people. The dreamers who opened their doors with nothing more than an idea. The workers whose dedication built careers and livelihoods. The civic leaders who invested their time to strengthen neighborhoods. The volunteers who quietly gave back without expecting recognition. Together, they have built not only a stronger economy, but a stronger community.
Here in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, we see America at work every day. We see it in the entrepreneur opening a small business with a dream. We see it in the farmer whose harvest helps feed families around the world. We see it in the energy workers who help power California and beyond. We see it in the manufacturers, healthcare professionals, educators, truck drivers, first responders, and countless others whose work reaches far beyond our community. Kern County may be one place on the map, but what we produce, grow, innovate, and build serves millions. From the fields that help feed the world to the energy that powers homes and businesses, our local industries remind us that America's greatest strength has always been found in communities willing to do extraordinary work with extraordinary purpose. America has never been perfect. Our history includes moments of tremendous achievement and periods of profound challenge. Yet what has always defined this nation is our willingness to keep building, to innovate, to solve problems, to overcome adversity, and to leave something better for the next generation. For more than 106 years, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber has had the privilege of helping write our community's chapter of the American story. Since our founding in 1920, we have stood beside local businesses, championed economic opportunity, and worked to create a community where employers can grow, families can thrive, and future generations can succeed. Through world wars, economic uncertainty, technological revolutions, and remarkable growth, one truth has remained constant: when businesses
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, we are reminded that the strength of this nation has never rested solely in Washington, D.C. It has always been found in places like Bakersfield, in communities where neighbors invest in one another, where businesses create opportunity, where innovation meets determination, and where every generation works to leave the next one better off. The next chapter of America's story is not yet written. It will be written by those willing to dream bigger, work harder, and lead with purpose. It will be shaped by entrepreneurs willing to take a chance, educators preparing tomorrow's workforce, farmers feeding a growing world, innovators solving tomorrow's challenges, and community leaders who believe that progress begins close to home. As the Greater Bakersfield Chamber looks toward the future, we remain committed to building the kind of community where opportunity continues to grow, businesses continue to thrive, and future generations can write their own remarkable chapters in the American story. Happy 250th Birthday, America. Thank you for proving, generation after generation, that freedom, opportunity, innovation, and community remain worth believing in, and worth building together. With gratitude, Greater Bakersfield Chamber METRO | PAGE 19
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
UPDATE
By Joel Paramo, Senior Director of Strategic Communications
The legislative calendar now enters its final and most consequential phase, when all bills must pass both houses before the Legislature adjourns for the year. During this critical period, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber will continue working with our legislative delegation, statewide business partners, and local stakeholders to advocate for policies that improve California’s business climate, reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen the Greater Bakersfield region. This month, Chamber staff had the privilege of traveling to Sacramento to participate in the California Business Outlook, hosted by
June 2026
the California Chamber of Commerce, joining business leaders from across the state to discuss California’s economic outlook, workforce challenges, infrastructure investment, energy policy, and legislative priorities. The visit also provided opportunities to meet directly with members of the Kern County legislative delegation and their staff to discuss issues affecting employers throughout the Central Valley. As always, we appreciate the engagement of our members. Your insight helps shape our advocacy efforts and ensures the Chamber remains a strong, respected voice for business at the local, state, and federal levels.
Monitoring & Emerging Issues The Chamber continued its statewide advocacy efforts throughout June by supporting several significant policy initiatives and coalition efforts. One of the most notable developments came with the official certification of the Building an Affordable California Act as Proposition 45, which will appear before California voters this November. Supported by a coalition of more than 125 organizations, including the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, Prop 45 seeks to modernize California’s project approval METRO | PAGE 20
process by establishing clearer permitting timelines, improving accountability, and reducing unnecessary delays while maintaining California’s environmental protections. Supporters believe Prop 45 will help accelerate the delivery of housing, transportation infrastructure, water projects, clean energy facilities, healthcare campuses, schools, broadband expansion, and wildfire resilience projects, helping lower housing, energy, water, and other everyday costs for Californians.
The Chamber also joined the Wildfire Victims First coalition, supporting reforms designed to improve wildfire prevention, strengthen insurance availability, and promote a more efficient recovery process following catastrophic wildfires. Additionally, after reviewing the proposal through the lens of the Chamber’s Policy Platform, the Chamber announced its support for the Retirement & Personal Savings Protection Act, a proposed statewide ballot measure that would prohibit new taxes on retirement accounts, personal savings, and business ownership interests while preventing retroactive tax increases. The Chamber also joined a statewide coalition supporting continued investment in California’s ports and goods movement infrastructure, recognizing the importance of efficient supply chains to Kern County’s agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and logistics industries. Legislative Priorities As committee deadlines approach, the Chamber remains actively engaged on several pieces of legislation with significant implications for California employers. Among our highest priorities is continued opposition to AB 1776, legislation that would substantially expand California’s antitrust laws and expose businesses of every size to increased legal liability without clear economic standards. We also remain opposed to AB 2564, which could significantly impact businesses’ ability to offer customer discounts and loyalty programs while increasing litigation risks.
policies that promote investment, encourage innovation, and strengthen California’s economy. Workforce Development & Regional Leadership Government affairs extends beyond legislation. Building a competitive economy also requires developing a skilled workforce prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges. During June, the Chamber continued expanding workforce development initiatives through the creation of a structured Government Affairs Fellowship Program. Designed to provide students and emerging professionals with firsthand experience in legislative analysis, public policy, government relations, and business advocacy, the fellowship reflects the Chamber’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of civic and business leaders. The Chamber also continued collaborating with Kern County Employers’ Training Resource, educational institutions, and regional workforce partners while preparing upcoming procurement education opportunities in partnership with Kern Women's Business Center, CalOSBA, California's Small Business Administration, and Golden State APEX Accelerator. These efforts will soon help connect employers with valuable resources while strengthening the talent pipeline supporting Kern County businesses. Looking Ahead
July marks several important milestones in the legislative calendar. Policy committees face their final deadline before Summer Recess on July 2, with The Chamber’s Political Action Committee, BAKPAC, on August 3 for lawmakers returning to Sacramento continues and that protect jobs, committee thecandidates final month ofinitiatives legislative action. Fiscal The Chamber continues monitoring SB 1075, to support strengthen the local economy, and advance business interests. hearings conclude August 14, followed by final floor which proposes additional permitting requirements votes before adjournment on August 31. for projects located in disadvantaged communities, As the June primary approaches, BAKPAC is focused on three and SB 1359, which continues evolving through priorities:the As these deadlines approach, the Greater legislative process as lawmakers debate additional willElection continue advocating for 1. PositioningBakersfield for SuccessChamber in the 2026 Cycle: review requirements for natural gas infrastructure policies that strengthen California’s business climate, Supporting pro-business candidates who understand investments. improve affordability, expand workforce the challenges of running a business in Kern County. opportunities, responsibleand infrastructure investment, and We are also evaluating AB 2575, legislation 2. Maximizingencourage Member Engagement Contributions: position Kern County for long-term economic success. addressing artificial intelligence in healthcare, to Encouraging members to participate in shaping the Chamber’s advocacy efforts. ensure regulatory frameworks encourage responsible encourage our members 3. that StrengtheningWe BAKPAC’s Visibility and Trust: to remain engaged innovation without discouraging technologies bythe attending upcoming Government Council Chamber’s leadership in local and Review state improve patient care and operational efficiency.Highlighting meetings, participating in advocacy initiatives, and policy discussions. sharing the issues affecting your business. Together, The Chamber continues working closely with Membership even small gifts, provide afuture directfor the Greater we are helping shape a stronger statewide business organizations, coalition partners, contributions, to influence the local political landscape. Contributions Bakersfield region. and legislators to advocate for balanced,way predictable under $99 do not require reporting, making it simple for members to support pro-business leadership.
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To contribute, mail a check payable to BAKPAC or email info@
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.
Ames Works LLC
5100 Venus Ct. Bakersfield, CA 93306 (661) 330-3630 bakofornia.com “Bakofornia, celebrating some of the things that make Bakersfield and Kern County great with fun clothing and gear!”
Bobbi's Hallmark
8200 Stockdale Ste. F-3 Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 396-1050 hallmark.com “We are a family owned and operated business for forty years in Bakersfield. We specialize in helping you celebrate life events.”
Club Euro
9539 Langley Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661) 615-6610 europhoria.com “Fitness Studios that conects and transforms indivuals and helps them to sign through Reformer Pilates, Mat Pilates, Yoga, Sculpt, Strength Training and Infrared Sauna.”
Friar Tux
600 Coffee Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 831-4400 friartux.com “Friar Tux provides suits and tuxedos for rental and for purchase.”
Gothic Landscape, Inc. 4300 Armour Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 242-9014 gothiclandscape.com
“Family owned and operated; we are METRO | PAGE 22
a full-service landscape company specializing in installation, maintenance and design throughout California, Arizona and Nevada."
Height Street Skilled Care 1611 Height St. Bakersfield, CA 93305 (661) 319-0144 heightst.com
“A resilient, quality-focused skilled nursing facility delivering compassionate, person-centered care through strong clinical leadership, operational accountability, continuous improvement, and exceptional short-term rehabilitation outcomes."
Kinetic Margins Strategy Company 3713 Pasino Ct. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 900-4450 ndkmstrategy.com
“Profit acceleration software-based strategy company, operating in 50 different countries."
Law Office of Candace Neal 2020 Eye St. #114 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 221-0408 attorneycandace.com
“Legal services in areas of personal injury, real estate, habitability, dependency, contracts, business."
Milan Events Center
8401 E Brundage Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 348-0543 milaneventscenter.com “Milan Events Center is Bakersfield's premier luxury venue, offering two elegant halls with customizable layouts for unforgettable weddings, Quinceañeras, corporate events, and live concerts."
MindDivers - Downtown 2215 G St. Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 903-8323 minddivers.com
“VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED Psychotherapy and Psychiatry Services for Individuals, Couples, and Families SPANISH SPEAKING SERVICES AVAILABLE."
SunnySeal Coating and Striping 10313 Baron Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661) 236-9506 sunnysealcoatingandstriping.com
“We are an Asphalt Maintenance company, specializing in Sealcoat, line striping, asphalt repairs, and crack sealing."
The Skeleton Krew Mixologist Experts Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 376-7304
Tugye Inc.
1520 Niles St. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 374-4921 tugyeartlife.com “Our mission is to enhance mental wellbeing and mental health through art, cultural exploration, innovative activities, and exposure to diverse perspectives."
Unitek College
333 Palmer Dr., 100 Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 270-8120 “College that trains and develops Medical Assisting & Nursing students."
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.
Apex Management Group - 2010 Arts Council of Kern - 2023 Atul Aggarwal MD Cardiology Clinic - 2025 Bakersfield Jet Center by Loyds Aviation 1991 Barbich Consulting - 2005 Bureau of Land Management - 1993 Clean Stride - 2024 Clinica Sierra Vista - 2018 Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center 1997 Empire Aesthetic Center - 2023 Juice It Up Bakersfield - 2024 Kaiser Permanente - Target Clinic - 2022 Kaiser Permanente Kern County - 1987 Leadership Consultants, LLC - 2024 LeBeau-Thelen LLP - 1989 M.A.R.E. Therapeutic Riding Center - 1997 Mission Bank - 1998 Moneywise Wealth Management - 2004 National Cement Company - 2009 Nothing Bundt Cakes - 2015 O'Dell Cross, A Professional Corporation 1991 Personal Express Insurance - 2009 Royal Palms - 1996 Springstead Solutions - 2020 The Daily Report - 1995 The Patio Place - 2017 The UPS Store #2179 - 2022 The Wildlands Conservancy Wind Wolves Preserve - 2016 Tlo Wines - 2023
Member News In 2025, Amazon invested more than $350 billion in the U.S.— more than any other year. Here in California, the company has invested more than $240 billion since 2010, spanning logistics infrastructure, cloud computing, entertainment, and community support. All investment and economic impact figures have been estimated by Keystone Strategy, a third-party consultancy. Learn more here. In November, Amtrak San Joaquins fully rebranded to Gold Runner. Same routes, same schedules, same stations connecting central California and Bakersfield to Sacramento, the Bay Area, and beyond — only the name has changed. The San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission has appointed Chris Orlando as Chief Executive Officer. With two decades of leadership across public transportation and government — including roles at LOSSAN and North County Transit District — Chris steps in as SJRRC advances new service growth and major rail projects across the region. 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.
Water Associates - 2022
CLICK HERE FOR MORE MEMBER NEWS
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RIBBON CUTTINGS JUNE RIBBON CUTTINGS
Upcoming Events Friday, July 3 Fourth of July observance - Chamber closed • All day Tuesday, July 7 Government Review Council • Noon | Greater Bakersfield Chamber Wednesday, July 15 State of the City • 11:30 a.m. | Bakersfield Marriott Thursday, July 23 Labor Law & HR Forum • 8 a.m. | Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Grand Opening Mission Hospice
5500 Ming Ave., Suite 190 homewithmission.com
Friday, July 24 Government Review Council • 8 a.m. | Greater Bakersfield Chamber Friday, July 24 Bakersfield Young Professionals Social • 5 p.m. | Moo Scratch Kitchen Wednesday, July 29 Small Business Resiliency Roadmap Workshop • Noon | Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Grand Opening OneLegacy
500 Old River Rd. onelegacy.org
Grand Opening MindDivers 2215 G St. minddivers.com
SCHEDULE YOUR CEREMONY
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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
KGET TV-17 is the NBC affiliate in the Bakersfield and Kern County region. They are a trusted source for news, sports, weather, and community updates. Whether you're watching through broadcast, cable, social media, or their app, KGET TV-17 helps you stay up-to-date on the stories impacting Kern County. Visit kget.com to learn more.
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
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