Read a message from your President/CEO, Janelle Capra
Hear from a 2025 Award RecipientPatrick Zubiran
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.
Dr. Vernon B. Harper Jr., Janelle Capra and Richard Chapman at the 2026 Kern County Economic Summit.
Photo by April & Co.
Message from the CEO
Celebrating May and Looking Ahead
As we close out May and look ahead to the summer months, I continue to be inspired by the collaboration, engagement, and momentum taking place across the Greater Bakersfield region.
This past month created meaningful opportunities to bring together business leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners around the conversations shaping Kern County’s future.
In early May, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber proudly partnered with California State University, Bakersfield and the Kern Economic Development Corporation to host the 2026 Kern County Economic Summit. The event convened hundreds of attendees from across our region for important discussions surrounding economic trends, workforce development, industry innovation, and the opportunities ahead for Kern County.
From aerospace and defense to agriculture, energy, entertainment, and the growing creative economy, the summit reinforced something we know well: Kern County’s economy continues to evolve, diversify, and position itself for long-term growth and competitiveness.
This year’s summit also marked a meaningful new milestone. For the first time ever, student scholarships were awarded during the program as part of our shared commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders. The Greater Bakersfield Chamber was proud to award a $1,000 scholarship to California State University, Bakersfield student Ernesto Wences Hernandez, while the Kern Economic Development Corporation awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Celina Hinojosa Madrigal.
Supporting workforce development and recognizing emerging talent remain essential to ensuring Kern County continues building a strong pipeline of future professionals, innovators, and community leaders who will help shape our region for years to come.
I was also honored to represent the Chamber this month by participating in Kern Medical Foundation’s “Doc for a Day” program, which offered local business and civic leaders a firsthand look at the incredible work being done every day by physicians, healthcare professionals, and staff serving our community. Programs like these help strengthen understanding between industries and reinforce the important connection between economic vitality and community wellbeing.
As we now look ahead to June, we are especially excited to celebrate one of our community’s most anticipated annual traditions, the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union.
On Saturday, June 13, we will gather for the Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, an evening dedicated to honoring the individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, innovation, and service continue shaping the culture, economy, and spirit of Bakersfield. With more than 90 nominees being recognized this year, the event serves as a powerful reminder that the strength of our community has always been rooted in the people willing to invest in its future.
Thank you for your continued partnership, engagement, and belief in the Greater Bakersfield region. We are proud to serve this business community and remain optimistic about the opportunities ahead.
Blessings,
Janelle Capra President & CEO
Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Patrick Zubiran wins Next Gen award at the 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
Hi, my name is Patrick, and I am the founder of Patrick’s Pantry Project. I started my nonprofit in 2022 while volunteering with my dad at St. Vincent de Paul. While we were organizing food in the pantry, I noticed how low they were on food and supplies for families in need. Seeing that made me want to help even more, and so I told my dad that I wanted to start my own project to give back to the community. Together, we came up with the plan to create Patrick’s Pantry Project.
Since then, I have organized food and clothing donation drives, community events, and projects to help families around Bakersfield. One of my favorite events was the community Christmas party that I hosted in December of 2025. More than 1,000 people showed up, and we were able to give away toys, shoes, free haircuts, and over 500 ham baskets to families during the holiday season. Seeing so many smiles that day reminded me why helping others is so important.
In June of 2025, I was honored to receive the 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Next Gen category. Winning this award means a great deal to me because it demonstrates that even kids like me can make a positive impact in their community, and that I’m truly doing something good for the community. I hope it inspires other young people to help others and follow their ideas and dreams, no matter how young they are.
Winning this award also meant a lot to my family. My parents have always supported and taught me the importance of helping others and giving back to the community. Seeing my family proud of everything Patrick’s Pantry Project has accomplished makes me want to work even harder. This project started as a simple idea while volunteering with my dad, and now it has grown into something that helps so many people in Bakersfield.
I’m excited to announce that I will have my next community donation drive on June 3rd 2026, at Compassion Corner in downtown Bakersfield. My goal is to continue growing Patrick’s Pantry Project and helping as many families as possible. I will continue to make a difference and continue to make Bakersfield beautiful.
Let’s do this!
- Patrick Zubiran, Patrick's Pantry Project
Leadership Bakersfield Goes Behind the Headlines During Media Day 2026
The microphones are live. Cameras are rolling. Breaking news alerts begin flooding news desks across the room. A panel of journalists waits for answers while business and community leaders scramble to respond to a rapidly escalating crisis.
For participants in Leadership Bakersfield’s Media Day 2026, the pressure felt real, because that was exactly the point.
Hosted as part of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber’s flagship leadership development program, Media Day immersed participants in the fastmoving world of communications, journalism, public perception, and crisis response. The experience gave local leaders firsthand exposure to how information is created, distributed, challenged, and consumed in today’s media environment.
“No matter what your profession is, the ability to communicate clearly during moments of uncertainty has become one of the most important leadership skills anyone can develop,” said Leadership Bakersfield Media Day Co-Chair Joel Paramo. “Media Day is designed to place participants directly inside those moments, not to make them comfortable, but to help them grow.”
Throughout the day, participants engaged directly with local journalists, broadcasters, and communications professionals who help shape Kern County’s public narrative. Stops included visits with
local media organizations, including KGET TV-17 and ABC23, where participants gained firsthand insight into newsroom operations, live reporting, and the evolving role local journalism plays in community trust and civic engagement.
A major highlight of the program was the group’s experience at Frequency Broadcasting, where participants stepped behind the scenes of live radio and broadcast media.
Inside the station, participants toured studio spaces, observed production operations, and learned how broadcasters balance speed, accuracy, public interest, and audience engagement in real time.
“The experience at Frequency Broadcasting gives participants a completely different appreciation for the pace and complexity of local media,” Paramo said. “People often only see the final broadcast or headline, but they don’t always realize the level of coordination and decision-making happening behind the scenes every single day.”
The most intense portion of the day came during Leadership Bakersfield’s annual crisis communications simulation.
Designed to mirror the uncertainty of a real emergency, participants were divided into teams and tasked with responding to complex crisis scenarios involving cyberattacks, industrial accidents, infrastructure failures, and public safety incidents.
Simulated breaking developments, social media backlash, and media scrutiny forced teams to make rapid decisions while balancing legal, operational, and reputational risks.
The exercise culminated in a live mock press conference, where participants faced questioning from actual media professionals acting as reporters.
“We intentionally create pressure because real crises do not arrive with preparation time, perfect information, or easy answers,” Paramo said. “The exercise challenges participants to think critically, communicate responsibly, and understand that public trust is often shaped by how leaders respond in the first moments of uncertainty.”
Participants learned that effective crisis communication is rarely about having all the answers immediately. Instead, organizers emphasized transparency, composure, accountability, and empathy as the foundation of public trust.
By the end of the day, participants left with more than media training. They left with a deeper understanding that leadership today requires not only decision-making behind closed doors, but also the ability to communicate with confidence and credibility when the spotlight turns on.
Program Underwriter
2026 Kern County Economic Summit
Annual summit Draws Hundreds for Regional Economic Outlook and Industry Conversations
Business leaders, economists, educators and community stakeholders gathered Thursday, May 7, in downtown Bakersfield for the annual Kern County Economic Summit, where speakers discussed economic growth, workforce readiness and the industries shaping Kern County’s future.
Hosted by the Kern Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber and California State University, Bakersfield, the summit brought together leaders from agriculture, aerospace, healthcare, energy, logistics, entertainment and recreation.
Throughout the four-hour program, speakers examined inflation, workforce shortages, technological change and global market uncertainty while highlighting Kern County’s long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.
One of the event’s keynote presentations came from Dr. Richard Gearhart, chair of the CSUB Economics Department, who outlined regional and national economic trends.
Gearhart said Kern County’s economy has grown slowly in recent years, though some of the county’s
lowest earners have seen notable wage increases. He cautioned that global economic pressures, particularly the ongoing oil shock and inflation, are likely to continue affecting markets in the near term.
Referencing the economic disruption caused by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Gearhart said current conditions resemble a similar economic cycle, and projected inflation would remain elevated through 2026 before easing in the years ahead.
Despite the uncertainty, Gearhart emphasized that consumer spending remains a major driver of economic growth and business attraction.
Speakers throughout the summit stressed that Kern County’s long-term economic success will depend on workforce investment, industry diversification and maintaining economic confidence.
Tourism, entertainment and recreation also emerged as major topics during the summit. Chris Kelly, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tejon, said the resort has exceeded expectations in attracting visitors from outside the region, particularly from the Los Angeles market.
Panelists pointed to tourism and hospitality as
growing sectors that could help diversify Kern County’s traditional economic base while increasing outside investment and regional visibility.
Workforce development remained another central focus of the event. CSUB economics professor Dr. Nyakundi Michieka said most available jobs in Kern County remain concentrated in agriculture, healthcare and energy, despite broader industry growth.
Michieka encouraged workers to diversify their skills and adapt to changing technologies to remain competitive in an evolving economy.
Business and education leaders also emphasized the importance of preparing future workers for industries increasingly shaped by automation, artificial intelligence and changing energy markets.
Beyond economic forecasts, the summit served as a regional forum for collaboration among business, education and public-sector leaders. Discussions focused on economic competitiveness, infrastructure investment, workforce shortages, housing and affordability.
While speakers acknowledged continued uncertainty in national and global markets, the overall tone of the summit remained cautiously optimistic. Panelists cited Kern County’s strategic location, industrial diversity and workforce potential as longterm advantages for future growth.
Photos by April & Co. View full gallery HERE View speaker videos HERE.
Chamber President & CEO becomes "Doc for a Day"
Greater Bakersfield Chamber President & CEO Janelle Capra joined Kern Medical Foundation’s immersive “Doc for a Day” program, gaining a firsthand look at the people, programs, and services that make Kern Medical a cornerstone of healthcare in Kern County.
Capra, alongside 2025 Chairwoman of the Board Deanna Blaise, spent the day touring the hospital’s facilities and learning about Kern Medical’s role as the region’s longest-operating academic teaching hospital. The experience included visits to Pediatrics, the Emergency Department, the Simulation (SIMS) Lab, and the surgical center, where participants suited in white coats for a behind-the-scenes look at patient care and medical training. Kern Medical trains more than 250 medical students, residents, and fellows each year while serving as a critical provider of trauma, behavioral health, specialty, and primary care services throughout Kern County.
“At Kern Medical, we are proud to connect community leaders, stakeholders, and philanthropists with the lifesaving work happening inside our hospital every day through our ‘Doc for a Day’ program,” said Scott Thygerson, Chief Executive Officer of Kern Medical. “Through this immersive experience, participants gain a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, innovation, and compassion demonstrated daily by our physicians, nurses, residents, and staff.”
Capra said the experience deepened her appreciation for the impact Kern Medical has on the health and well-being of local residents.
“Deanna and I left with a greater understanding of the incredible work happening every day at Kern Medical and the vital role the organization plays in serving the healthcare needs of Kern County,” Capra said.
The Chamber extends its gratitude to Thygerson, the Kern Medical Foundation, and the entire Kern Medical team for providing an educational and inspiring look at the future of healthcare, medical education, and patient care in our community.
THE PROBLEM THE PROBLEM
Currently, when a Kern County Supervisor’s seat becomes vacant, the Governor of California gets to pick the replacement — someone who may have never lived in Kern County, who doesn’t know our communities, our economy, or our values. That appointee answers to Sacramento, not to you.
WHAT MEASURE A DOES WHAT MEASURE A DOES
Prevents Sacramento Politicians from appointing to the vacant Supervisor’s seat.
Restores local control by giving the Board of Supervisors the authority to fill the vacancy or call for a special election.
Protects Kern County residents’ voice in who represents us in a transparent and accountable way. Right now, R ight now, Sacramento Sac r a mento
WHY KERN COUNTY NEEDS MEASURE A
WHY KERN COUNTY NEEDS MEASURE A
Bipartisan Support
All 5 Kern County Supervisors — Democrat and Republican — voted unanimously. This isn't partisan. It's about what's right for Kern County.
Local Control
Kern County voters — not Sacramento — should decide who represents our communities.
Local Accountability
A Governor's appointee answers to Sacramento. Measure A ensures vacancies are filled by someone who answers to Kern County voters.
Already Proven
15 major California counties — including LA, Fresno, and San Bernardino — already have this authority. Kern County deserves the same.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE
May 2026
By Joel Paramo, Senior Director of Strategic Communications
As the legislative session continues advancing in Sacramento and major policy conversations intensify nationally, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber remains focused on a simple but important priority: ensuring our region’s business community has a strong, credible voice in the decisions shaping our future.
The policy decisions being made today will have lasting impacts on the businesses, workers, and communities that call the Central Valley home. That is why the Chamber continues investing in Government Affairs, coalition-building, and advocacy efforts that ensure the needs and perspectives of the Greater Bakersfield region are represented at every level of government.
This commitment is particularly important as we approach Election Day on Tuesday, June 2. We encourage every eligible voter to make a plan, participate in the democratic process, and ensure
their voice is heard. Strong communities are built by engaged citizens, and elections remain one of the most direct ways we shape the policies, priorities, and leadership that will guide our region forward.
The Chamber's advocacy work has centered around issues that sit at the intersection of economic growth, public policy, and long-term regional competitiveness. From conversations surrounding healthcare funding and public safety to infrastructure investment, energy policy, and regulatory reform, the Chamber has remained focused on advancing practical solutions that support economic opportunity, strengthen our business climate, and position Kern County for long-term success.
Our goal is not simply to react to policy decisions after they are made, but to help shape them. The future of the Greater Bakersfield region depends on thoughtful leadership, informed civic engagement, and a business community willing to participate in the conversations that will define the next generation.
Monitoring & Emerging Issues
Continued Engagment on SB 1359
While recent amendments significantly narrowed the SB 1359's scope, concerns remain regarding the potential expansion of regulatory review requirements for natural gas infrastructure projects and the broader implications for energy reliability, affordability, economic development, and long-term investment throughout California.
As amended, the bill would require
gas utilities to evaluate alternatives and demonstrate consistency with the state's climate goals before certain distribution infrastructure investments can move forward. While supporters view the proposal as an extension of existing planning requirements, stakeholders continue raising concerns about potential delays to infrastructure projects, increased costs, and uncertainty for commercial, industrial, and economic development projects that rely on timely utility service.
For Kern County, where energy production, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and industrial development remain foundational to our economy, reliable and affordable infrastructure is a competitiveness issue. The Chamber continues coordinating with regional stakeholders and industry partners as the bill advances through the Legislature.
Amendments to SB 1075
The Chamber is evaluating SB 1075 following recent amendments to the bill. Although some of the most concerning provisions appear to have been narrowed, questions remain regarding the bill's continued expansion of AB 617 planning frameworks into local land-use decision-making processes.
We believe local governments are best positioned to balance economic development, housing, infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, and community priorities.
Stakeholders throughout our region continue expressing concerns that additional procedural requirements and permitting uncertainty could create unintended barriers to housing production, infrastructure investment, manufacturing growth, logistics operations, and broader economic development opportunities.
The Chamber is currently working with coalition partners, local stakeholders, and statewide advocacy organizations to assess the amended language and determine the most effective path forward while continuing to advocate for local control, regulatory certainty, and practical implementation.
California Antitrust Law Rewrite of AB 1776
The Chamber is closely monitoring AB 1776, legislation that would significantly revise California's antitrust laws and potentially reshape how businesses operate throughout the state.
California's economy benefits when businesses understand the rules of the road. We believe regulatory frameworks should provide clarity, predictability, and objective standards that allow employers to operate with confidence while maintaining fair and competitive markets.
As the bill continues moving through the legislative process, the Chamber remains engaged with coalition partners and stakeholders to evaluate its potential impact on economic competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and California's broader business climate.
Local & Regional Engagement
In May, the Chamber's Government Review Council welcomed Assistant County Administrative Officer Elsa Martinez for an important discussion on the potential local impacts of H.R. 1 and proposed federal healthcare and safety net reductions.
The conversation reinforced a reality often overlooked in national policy debates: decisions made in Washington, D.C. have direct consequences for Kern County hospitals, county budgets, emergency response systems, workforce participation, and the long-term health of our local economy.
The Chamber also continued engaging regional partners on infrastructure investment, transportation funding, broadband modernization, and economic development opportunities that will help position Kern County for future growth. As California and the nation continue investing in next-generation infrastructure, it is critical that the Central Valley remains competitive in attracting both public and private investment.
Looking Ahead
The Chamber’s Political Action Committee, BAKPAC, continues to support candidates and initiatives that protect jobs, strengthen the local economy, and advance business interests.
As the June primary approaches, BAKPAC is focused on three priorities:
1. Positioning for Success in the 2026 Election Cycle: Supporting pro-business candidates who understand the challenges of running a business in Kern County.
While the stated intent of the measure is to strengthen competition, concerns have emerged regarding the bill's reliance on broad and subjective standards that could create significant legal uncertainty for businesses of all sizes.
2. Maximizing Member Engagement and Contributions: Encouraging members to participate in shaping the Chamber’s advocacy efforts.
Opponents argue the legislation lacks clear guidance on how companies can structure their conduct to remain compliant, potentially increasing litigation risk while discouraging investment, innovation, and business expansion.
As legislative deadlines approach and policymakers continue debating issues, the Chamber is actively engaged on behalf of members. Our responsibility is not simply to monitor legislation. It is to ensure Kern County's business community is represented, informed, and prepared to engage in the conversations shaping the future of our region.
3. Strengthening BAKPAC’s Visibility and Trust: Highlighting the Chamber’s leadership in local and state policy discussions.
Membership contributions, even small gifts, provide a direct way to influence the local political landscape. Contributions under $99 do not require reporting, making it simple for members to support pro-business leadership.
Members are encouraged to stay informed, participate in upcoming Government Review Council meetings, and continue lending their voice to the policies and priorities that will define the next chapter of growth and opportunity in our region. We want to hear from you. For more information please reach out via email at jparamo@bakochamber.com.
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.
A Plus The Employment CO.
4031 Alken St.
Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 605-8367
“A Plus The Employment CO. delivers reliable staffing solutions across Kern County, providing prescreened temporary and full-time employees for clerical, industrial, oilfield, and professional positions.”
Alert Disaster Restoration
3300 Patton Way Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 396-7908
alertdisaster.com
“Your #1 property damage solution. Fire and water damage; mold and biohazard removal serving Kern County working directly with your insurance. 100% local company!”
Citiguard Inc.
1019 Stine Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 866-1223 mysecurityguards.com
“Provide security services to commercial and residential customers."
Discount Tire & Service Centers
6561 White Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (714) 861-9024 discounttirecenters.com
Mission Hospice
5500 Ming Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 864-0490 homewithmission.com
“We Take Care Of People. Providing comfort care to those with a life limiting illness when no longer seeking curative treatment. My Bakersfield Printing
4213 White Ln. Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 633-9200 mybakersfieldprinting.com
Paydirt Studio Bakersfield, CA (661) 333-8667
paydirt.studio
“Paydirt Studio is a brand design studio creating strategic identities, trade show and event design, print collateral, and visual systems for businesses with bold personalities.”
Roto Rooter
709 Workman St. Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 902-3866
Today Site Services Inc. 1707 Eye St., Suite 208 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 218-2100 todaysiteservices.com
“Today Site Services provides clean, portable restrooms, handwash stations, temporary fencing, and fast, local site service solutions for construction, events, and businesses.”
Watson Realty- Rasna Suri 9101 Camino Media Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 706-5345
linktr.ee/rasnarealtor
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.
Adventist Health Bakersfield - 1958
American Mechanical Systems - 2023
Atech MSP - 2024
Aurora Payments - 2016
Bakersfield Recovery Center - 2025
BMW Management, Inc. - 1997
Brand Co. Marketing - 2004
Collective Purpose Philanthropy - 2024
Community Action Partnership of Kern - 1995
Expert Celebrity Branding - 2025
GOT YOUR NUMBERS BOOKKEEPING2025
Guild House - 1993
Home2 Suites - 2019
Homewood Suites by Hilton - 2004
Lamar Advertising - 2011 Links for Life - 2003
Sundale Country Club - 2020
The Wonderful Company - 1994
Whitestone Industries - 2025
WOW Pest Control - 2017
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.
FOR MORE
Upcoming Events
RIBBON CUTTINGS RIBBON CUTTINGS
RECENT RIBBON CUTTINGS
Grand Opening Nothing Bundt Cakes 2660 Oswell St. Suite 115 nothingbundtcakes.com
Let’s Cut the Ribbon Together!
Celebrate your business milestones with the Chamber, and we’ll facilitate the ceremony for you!
SCHEDULE YOUR CEREMONY
Tuesday, June 2
Ribbon Cutting
• 9 a.m. | Kern Women's Business Center
Tuesday, June 2
Government Review Council
• Noon | Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Saturday, June 13
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards
• 5 p.m. | Dignity Health Theater & Convention Center
Thursday, June 18
DGS Workshop
• Noon | Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Thursday, June 18
Ribbon Cutting
• 2 p.m. | OneLegacy
Thursday, June 18
Ribbon Cutting
• 4 p.m. | Mission Hospice
Friday, June 19
Juneteenth - Chamber closed
• All day
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
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
Vice Chair, Member Engagement
Veronica Placencia, KERO TV-23
General Council
Mark Bateman, Young Wooldridge LLP
Anibal Araya, CRC
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
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.
CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE FOCUS
Bakersfield Association of Realtors is a non-profit organization that serves over 3,000 realtors. The association gives realtors access to exclusive real estate tools and resources, and members must abide by a strict Code of Ethics. They are the leading advocate for real estate, their members, and the community, ensuring future home buyers are guided by knowledgeable professionals.
