Metro November 2025

METR

A publication of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber | November 2025

Class of 2025 Brought Brought to to you you by by

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ON THE

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INSIDE CEO MESSAGE Read a message from your President/CEO, Janelle Capra

BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS WINNER Hear from a 2025 Award Recipient Flood Ministries

BAKERSIELD 10 LEADERSHIP GRADUATION

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Celebrate the class of 2025

17 RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate the grand opening of new businesses

18 NEW MEMBERS

Welcome our new Chamber members

19 MEMBER NEWS

Find out what our members are doing in the community

6 COVER PHOTO Leadership Bakersfield class of 2025 Photos by Lettratto

17 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 2025. 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 Thankful for Bakersfield’s Small Business Owners As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, I want to express our deep gratitude to our business community.

November has been a month filled with momentum, celebration, and meaningful milestones for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, and none of it would be possible without you.

Just yesterday, we proudly hosted our press conference to kick off Small Business Saturday® in partnership with American Express. For the second year in a row, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber is honored to serve as the official local American Express Neighborhood Champion®.

Through this program, we support small business owners by sharing free resources, marketing tools, and promotional opportunities designed to help them thrive. Our partnerships with the City of Bakersfield, Downtown Business Association, and the Arts Council of Kern help bring shoppers and small businesses together not only on Small Business Saturday®, but throughout the year.

Everyone in our community can join this movement by choosing to Shop Small, supporting local businesses year-round and especially during the holiday season, Being a Neighborhood Champion® is about nurturing a culture of supporting the dreamers, builders, and innovators who make Bakersfield unique.

And the data speaks for itself: • • •

For every $1 spent locally, $0.68 stays in our community.

Small businesses donate 250% more to local causes than large corporations.

If every Bakersfield resident spent just $40 locally this season, more than $16 million would flow back into our local economy.

That is real, measurable, transformative impact. And it reminds us that every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of city we want to build and the people we want to uplift.

This month, we gathered for our final Ambassadors meeting of the year, a special Friendsgiving to give thanks for their time, leadership, and enthusiasm. Our Ambassadors play a critical role in supporting Chamber

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events, welcoming new members, and fostering community. Your contributions make all that we do possible.

We also joined thousands in celebrating the longawaited grand opening of Hard Rock Casino Tejon.

This project is a powerful testament to the Tejon Indian Tribe’s commitment to honoring its heritage while investing in jobs, economic growth, and community opportunities. With 150,000 square feet of gaming space, multiple dining options, and over 80% of employees hired from within Kern County, Hard Rock Casino Tejon is set to make a major economic impact.

We congratulate the Tejon Indian Tribe, the Hard Rock team, and every partner who helped bring this project to life.

Looking ahead, please plan to join us for the upcoming events to close out the year: •

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CALM HolidayLights Experience: Monday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m., celebrate the season with the Bakersfield Young Professionals at the CALM HolidayLights Experience! Join us for an evening of holiday cheer, networking, and fun.

Text BYPCALM to 366283 to secure your spot.

Chamber Holiday Mixer: Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Lino’s Venue. This annual tradition is open to Chamber members and guests. Text HOLIDAYMIXER to 366283 to join the festivities.

As we gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving weekend, I hope you feel the same gratitude we do, for a resilient, collaborative, and passionate business community that makes Bakersfield stronger every day.

Thank you for your partnership, your vision, and your commitment to creating a thriving future for our region.

Wishing you a warm, safe, and happy Thanksgiving.

Blessings,

Janelle Capra President & CEO Greater Bakersfield Chamber

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Flood Ministries recognized as Humanitarian Group of the Year Flood Ministries was founded nearly twenty years ago out of a desire to love others unconditionally.

Volunteers from the Bridge Bible Church first took to the streets, meeting our neighbors experiencing homelessness and offering hope, dignity, and friendship. This mission to “Flood the streets with the love of God” remains the heart of our work.

Our quickly growing team shares a mutual, quiet dedication to helping people overcome disadvantaged circumstances—not for fame or recognition, but because every person has equal value in God’s eyes and deserves a life free from affliction.

guests, and each other. I am privileged to have such a mentor and to be a part of an organization that fearlessly fights for a better world.

This is why being awarded the 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Humanitarian Group of the Year was so surreal. Although we have witnessed countless miracles, seen lives empowered, obstacles overcome, and watched people re-write their stories, it is not often that Flood is called center stage. We are profoundly moved and honored to have our team's work recognized as an agent for positive change in Bakersfield. This recognition isn’t just an award; it’s a validation of the deep transformation that occurs when we reach out to those that are hurting most, offering kindness and love to those who feel forgotten.

We need your help! If you would like to tangibly improve the life of someone surviving their darkest time, we invite you to join us through volunteering and other partnership opportunities. As a home-grown organization, our doors are always open to those who share our vision of a Bakersfield where everyone has a safe and stable home.

As I watched Flood’s Executive Director, Jim Wheeler, accept the award, all I could feel was immense pride.

This year has brought many changes, but through excellent leadership and a strong, unified mindset within our Street Outreach, Housing Support, and Navigation Center teams, Flood has pushed through every challenge. We have emerged with grace and strength to continue supporting our community, our METRO | PAGE 6

Flood Ministries helps the unsheltered community through essential programs like street outreach to encampments, mobile showers, rural daytime drop-in centers, and housing supportive care for those who attain a new home. We don't just serve Bakersfield; we are a presence throughout all of Kern County, working hard to extend a hand to even our most isolated rural communities.

Beautiful Bakersfield is truly an apt name, and it’s the generous people living here who make it so. Thank you to all who have supported our mission, and to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber for this cherished memory. Together, we can do anything—whatever it takes!

Learn more about Flood Ministries at floodbako.com.

Kari Tiger-Disque Community Engagement & Grant Manager

Nominations for the 2026 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards are open!

Nominate your favorite individual, business, or organization today at beautiful.bakochamber.com.

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Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

The Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2025 has officially graduated, marking the end of an incredible year for 28 individuals committed to shaping a brighter future for Kern County.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Stockdale Country Club, was filled with inspiration and a celebration of community.

The evening began with an invocation by Perry Finzel, followed by a speech from class speaker Shellena Heber. Shellena spoke of the shared growth and camaraderie the cohort experienced over the past year.

Kroeker, Chair of the Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council, who demonstrated unwavering leadership throughout the program.

Chevron, the program’s underwriter, was pivotal in supporting this initiative. Megan Lopez’s inspiring remarks at the ceremony reinforced the importance of investing in local leaders to drive positive change.

Dignity Health Bakersfield contributed to this transformative journey, helping participants connect with the heart of the community. Golden Empire Transit (GET) was also a sponsor this year and provided transportation for the class participants.

The keynote speech by Linean founder Jim Damian offered graduates insights on how to move forward as emerging leaders. With enhanced leadership skills and a newfound knowledge on how to help the community, the graduates are ready to make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.

As the students prepare to take on new roles and challenges, they are encouraged to remember the valuable bonds they have formed, the lessons learned, and the difference they can make within Kern County and beyond.

Program Underwriter:

Congratulations to the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2025!

Special Acknowledgments: The success of this year's program was possible due to the guidance and dedication of Ryan

Interested in sponsoring Leadership Bakersfield?

If you’re inspired by Government's Day impact, seize the opportunity to become a day sponsor for the 2026 cohort. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact us at info@bakochamber.com.

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TEAM PROJECTS

Team One Adaptive Sports Fair Team One was a proud partner of the Kern Adaptive Sports Fair hosted on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Together with Bakersfield Prosthetics and Orthotics Center (BPOC), Team One selected this as a community service project to promote inclusivity and raise awareness of adaptive sports, while connecting participants to essential resources and making a lasting impact on the community. The event was a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the Bakersfield community. More than just a resource fair, the event was a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and community.

This free community event included live sports demonstrations, handson experiences, influential keynote speakers, and connections to local resources that promote accessibility, inclusivity, and independence.

To further its mission, Team One granted two local individuals with a $2,500 mobility voucher for use towards a prosthetic blade runner and/or home modifications. BPOC intends to continue hosting this event annually in Bakersfield for years to come, thanks to the support and guidance provided by Leadership Bakersfield Team One.

Team Two Jamison Children’s Center Intake Experience Team Two partnered with the Kern County Jamison Children’s Center to transform the intake experience for foster youth entering the facility.

The team redesigned and renovated the outdated intake room, creating a warm, welcoming space where children can feel safe and comforted during a difficult transition.

In addition to the physical transformation, Team 2 organized a community-wide drive collecting clothing, hygiene kits, and toys to support youth year-round. The team also updated the center’s 30-year-old intake video — completely revamping it with the help of the Boys & Girls Club and local volunteers to better reflect the children arriving today and the center’s updated policies. Through collaboration with community partners, media outlets, and local leaders, this project now stands as a lasting symbol of compassion and hope for Kern County’s most vulnerable youth.

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Team Three STEM Lab Renovation Project Team Three teamed up with Charmed & Chosen, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth. By providing resources, mentorship, life skills, and valuable introductions to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and financial literacy, they are paving the way for a brighter future.

Recognizing the need for a modern STEM room, the team revitalized the space with support from many local businesses, creating a state-of-the-art STEM laboratory. We acquired essential equipment, including microscopes, lab coats, safety glasses, test tubes, beaker sets, a 3D printer, laptops, screen projectors, charging cart, STEM kits, and cabinets.

This transformed environment now serves as a safe and inspiring haven for underserved youth, empowering them to cultivate their skills and knowledge. The expansion enhances access to the STEM opportunities envisioned by Charmed & Chosen, and continued community support will only strengthen this impactful partnership.

Team Four

Southwest Library Children’s Section Beautification & Enhancement Team Four partnered with the Kern County Library to transform the children’s section of the Southwest Library into a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging space that fosters a love for reading and learning among children and families in Bakersfield. As part of the project, we collaborated with Lakeshore Learning to provide comfortable, childfriendly furniture and interactive stations that promote both play and learning, while integrating technology and sensory tools to support diverse needs. We also worked with local muralist Jennifer WilliamsCordova to install colorful, imaginative artwork designed to inspire young readers to become future leaders in our community. To further support the library team, the group developed a reference guide to help staff respond to patron inquiries with ease. Thanks to the generous support of more than 20 sponsors and donors, the project came to life—culminating in the unveiling of a reimagined children’s section in October 2025 that now serves as a welcoming hub for families across the community.

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Class of 2025

Mike Broida

Eric Celedon

Kimee Earnshaw

Joshua Finch

Garden Pathways

M.D. Atkinson

Cherif Guirguis

Shellena Heber

Keith Jackson

LinQride

Valley Center for the Blind

Akido Care

Imad Jobah

Olivia Kent

Kara McDonald

Dignity Health Medical Foundation

Kern Community Foundation

KCCD - Bakersfield College

Emmanuel Mendoza

Samantha Davis

Bakersfield Police Department

Diamond IT

Perry Finzel

Glenda Garcia

Daniel Green

Office of Assemblymember Stan Ellis

Mission Bank

Jim Burke Ford Lincoln

Tori Jacobs

Raquel Jimenez

CBCC

Access Plus Capital

Bakersfield Police Department

Flor Del Hoyo Galvan Kern Health Systems

Golden Empire Transit

Crystal Meyer

Yesenia Moran

Kassie Mullican

Shawn Patterson

Randy Petris

Emily Phillips

The Gentleman of Bakersfield

Kern County Cancer Foundation

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Bakersfield Police Department

Valley Strong Credit Union

Marlene Ruiz Hernandez

Sarah Tuohy

Hector Vazquez

Kiersten Webb

American Red Cross

KCSOS

Community Action Partnership of Kern

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CSUB

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RIBBON CUTTINGS NOVEMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS

Grand Opening Special Olympics Southern California - Kern

Grand Opening Purveyor Branding Co. 820 19th St. purveyorbranding.com

2020 20th St. sosc.org

Grand Opening Vecchio's Pizzeria & Galleria 3333 Buena Vista Rd. vecchiosbelcourt.com

Let’s Cut the Ribbon Together!

SCHEDULE YOUR CEREMONY

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Welcome New Chamber Members

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.

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.

Ardent Operations Group PO Box 52 Caliente, CA 93518 (888) 622-9771 ardentops.com “Ardent Operations Group helps growing businesses find and fix operational money leaks, align teams, and build scalable systems so owners can grow revenue without chaos.”

Basham Management 1701 Westwind Drive Suite 207 Bakersfield, CA 93301 (661) 334-2776 bashammanagement.com “Basham Management is a locally owned HOA and commercial management company providing personalized, transparent, and community-focused services to associations and properties throughout California.”

Gogo Marketing, LLC 6077 Coffee Road 4 171 Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 304-5934 gogomarketingllc.com “I help businesses grow online through smart-SEO and clean website foundations supported by fractional CMO guidance. Thirty years of hands-on marketing, technology, and strategy experience.”

Kern Magazine LLC 9711 Holland St. Suite 1 Bakersfield, CA 93312 (661) 221-5001 kernmagazine.com “Kern Magazine is a digital lifestyle publication celebrating Kern County’s people, businesses, arts, and culture through community-driven stories, partnerships, and local coverage.”

Maximum Fico Score 4646 Wilson Rd. Suite 101 Bakersfield, CA 93309 (661) 505-8085 maximumficoscore.com “We help Bakersfield individuals and families repair credit, remove inaccuracies, and build financial stability through expert guidance, education, and personalized credit-improvement strategies.”

Mokhamena by Mokha Cafe 6515 Panama Lane Suite 109 Bakersfield, CA 93313 (661) 808-6864

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“Mokhamena by Mokha Cafe is a women-owned Yemeni Cafe Shop.. We serve authentic Yemeni drinks and pastries in the Northwest and Southwest Bakersfield.”

Patrick's Pantry Project 3900 S. Fairfax Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 912-6410 “Patrick (11 y/o) and his Pantry Project coordinate donation drives throughout the year; helping individuals and families in need of food, clothing and other items.”

Radiant Waxing Bakersfield 3357 Buena Vista Rd. Suite 500 Bakersfield, CA 93311 (661) 602-1500 radiantwaxing.com “Radiant Waxing delivers fast, comfortable, all-natural soft-wax services with expert technique, inclusive care, and a boutique experience designed to help every guest feel confident.”

Ripple Fiber 6000 Fairview Rd. Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28210-3663 (470) 693-7761 ripplefiber.com “Telecommunications/ Fiber Internet Service Provider” ZenBusiness 5511 Parkcrest Dr. Suite 103 Austin, TX 78731 (512) 765-4985 zenbusiness.com “ZenBusiness is an AI-powered platform that helps entrepreneurs start strong and stay compliant. We simplify business formation and ongoing compliance while helping protect owners.”

Advanced Data Storage - 2009 Airwave Communications Enterprise - 2024 Alliance Food Security Holdings - USA, Inc. - 2019 Amelia Molloy's Angels - 2023 Aspire Behavioral Health - 2018 Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra - 1994 Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative - 2020 Bank of America - 1920 Built Right Property Inspection and Contracting Service - 2022 California Living Museum Foundation - 2000 California Neurology Institute - 2023 Common Sense Consulting - 2010 Culligan Water - 2017 Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo - 2021 DHM Holdings, Inc. dba Horizon HR - 2022 ECOsource Printers, INC - 2024 Frank St. Clair Management - 1992 F45 Training Seven Oaks - 2023 Generous Brands - 1995 Global Family Care Network - 2010 Greg's Petroleum Service - 2018 Inland Architects - 2022 Kern Community Foundation - 1999 Kern High School Distrcit - 1984 Kern Literacy Council - 2012 Kern Oil & Refining Co. - 2019 Maison Law - 2023 Make-A-Wish Central Coast and Southern Central Valley - 2024 Maya Cinemas - 2022 NextEra Energy Resources - 2023 Parsons - 1991 Pathpoint - 2007 Rev Renewables - 2022 Smithco Surveying Enginnering - 2022 Sunshine Behavioral Health Services - 2023 Synchrony Medical Group - 2024 The Mission at Kern County - 1989 Tobbins, Inc - 2024 TownePlace Suites Bakersfield - 2015 Tri Counties Bank - California Ave. - 2009 United States Cold Storage of California 1993 US Storage Centers - 2024 Victory Family Services - 2018 Women's Business Center - 2019

Member News

Upcoming Events

AltaOneFederal Credit Union has announced a comprehensive support program for members affected by the federal government shutdown and related furloughs, particularly those connected to NAWS China Lake and surrounding communities across Kern, Inyo, Mono, and northern San Bernardino counties. The program provides immediate financial relief and access to essential community resources designed to help members manage expenses during this uncertain period.

Monday, Dec. 1 BYP HolidayLights at CALM 5:30 p.m. | CALM

Inspired Expectations LLC, founded by Obed “Coach” Bey, provides Mindfulness for High-Stress Work Environments — a wellness and professional development program designed for healthcare, education, and human services professionals. After years of leading mindfulness sessions for incarcerated youth, Coach Bey adapted these same evidence-based practices to support frontline professionals working under constant pressure.

Organizations interested in a complimentary 30-minute demo session can reach us directly at info@inspiredexpectations.com.

Learn more at www.InspiredExpectations.com.

Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County, Inc. (ADAKC) released a new Impact Report. Read the report on their website!

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Every smile, breakthrough, and moment of connection at ADAKC is possible because of you—our incredible community.

As Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to rise across Kern County, ADAKC’s new Impact Report highlights how we’re meeting this urgent need: reflecting on where we’ve been, celebrating the strength of today’s programs, and sharing the hopeful path ahead. Thank you for helping us change lives and build a brighter tomorrow for every local family on the Alzheimer’s and dementia journey.

Tuesday, Dec. 2 Government Review Council Noon | KCSOS Future Readiness Center Wednesday, Dec. 3 Holiday Mixer 8 a.m. | Lino's Venue Monday, Dec. 22 Wednesday, Dec. 31 Chamber closed for the holidays All day

AltaOne Federal Credit Union is excited to announce the launch of its new online loan experience, powered by its partnership with WithCLUTCH, the award-winning digital lending platform.

This innovative solution is designed to make borrowing easier, faster, and smarter. Through the new platform, borrowers can now: Instantly see potential savings on auto loans, credit cards, and other lending options with no credit impact. Apply quickly and securely through a streamlined digital process. Enjoy a tailored experience that simplifies lending from start to finish.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County: BGCKC's Meals Program, children and teens ages 18 and younger can continue to eat healthy meals, including supper and snacks, throughout the school year at no cost. Children do not have to be classified as economically disadvantaged to participate; there is no paperwork to complete.

Meals will be served Monday to Friday (except holidays) at the various sites linked. Please note that meal service times and dates vary.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE MEMBER NEWS

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CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE FOCUS 2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair of the Board Deanna Blaise, Valley Strong Credit Union Chair Elect of the Board Dr. Vernon Harper, CSU, Bakersfield Immediate Past Chair Rob Duchow, SoCal Gas Company Treasurer Emily Duran, Kern Health Systems

Hard Rock Casino Tejon is Kern County's newest entertainment hub, with 2,000 of the most popular slot machines and more than 50 table games.

Guests can also enjoy numerous dining options, live music, and historic memorabilia to honor iconic artists.

Visit casino.hardrock.com to learn more.

Vice Chair, Public Policy & Political Action Willie Rivera, Berry Corporation Vice Chair, Economic Vitality Octavio Escobedo III, Tejon Indian Tribe Vice Chair, Leadership & Workforce Development Ken Keller, Dignity Health - Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

MAJOR INVESTORS

Vice Chair, Member Engagement Veronika 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 Molly Busacca, Secure Systems Lisa Carbajal, Cen Cal Business Finance Group 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 Greg Race, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Austin Smith, Sage Equities Erin Tenter, Bolthouse Properties Sherod Waite, Moneywise Wealth Management

CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE MEMBERS

CHAMBER STAFF Janelle Capra President & CEO Joel Paramo Senior Director of Strategic Communications Savanah Adams Senior Manager, Public Affairs 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.

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@bakochamber

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