Greater Bakersfield Chamber

Chamber members, join us for the final Government Review Council Meeting of the year! We’re thrilled to welcome Jennings Imel, Vice President, Western Region, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as he delivers a must-hear post-election analysis: ? What to expect from the new administration and 119th Congress ? Insights on how these changes will impact the business community ? A big-picture look at economic growth and the looming 2025 Tax Cliff Let’s close out the year informed and ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead! Date: Friday, Dec. 6 Time: 8-9 a.m. Location: GRC is held at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber office at 1725 Eye St. Parking: available on the street or in the parking garage across from our building on 18th & Eye. If you park in the parking lot outside our building, your vehicle may be towed as there are assigned parking spots. Please enter the building through the west entrance (facing The Padre). For more information, please contact [email protected]. #GovernmentReviewCouncil #Advocacy #BakoChamber #PolicyInsights #EconomicGrowth #PostElection2024

A Huge Congratulations to the Leadership Bakersfield Class of 2024! We celebrated the graduation of 30 incredible individuals who have completed the transformative Leadership Bakersfield program! The ceremony was a night of inspiration and reflection, featuring: ? Invocation: David Silva ? Class Speaker: Marcus Duarte Smith ? Keynote Speakers: City Manager Christian Clegg and Mayor Karen Goh (@karenkgoh), who shared invaluable wisdom to guide these graduates on their leadership journeys. To the Class of 2024: Your accomplishments are the foundation of a brighter, more united community. Continue to lead with passion, purpose and vision—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next! Special Thanks To: ? Kami Gonzalez (@just.me.keeks), Program Director, for curating an unforgettable experience. ? Zane Smith, Chair of the Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council, for your dedicated guidance. ? Program underwriter Chevron (@chevron) and Megan Lopez for your support and inspiring words. ? Dignity Health Bakersfield for helping make this journey possible. Let’s give a round of applause to these new community leaders as they embark on the next chapter of their incredible journeys. #LeadershipBakersfield #ClassOf2024 #CommunityLeaders #GraduationDay #Congratulations

‘Tis the time of year to celebrate together! ?? Kick off the holiday season in style with our vibrant business community! Enjoy festive refreshments, joyful connections, and plenty of holiday cheer as we come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Let’s spread joy, strengthen connections and make this season unforgettable with friends, colleagues and community partners. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! Get your tickets today and let’s make this holiday season one to remember! Text GBC to 366283 to buy tickets now. Date: Wednesday, Dec. 4 Time: 8 a.m. Location: Lino's Venue, 1931 H St. Price: $10 members, $20 nonmembers Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact [email protected] for more information.

This week, we closed out the year with our inaugural Friendsgiving Ambassador Meeting—a perfect way to celebrate our amazing Chamber family! We shared a delicious meal crafted by NV Catering, one that would surely have made the first settlers proud. A huge thank you to our 2024 Ambassador Chair, Terri Agcaoili (Director of Marketing/Business Development at the California Neurology Institute), and our Community Events Manager, Kim Price, for leading the charge in such an impactful first year. Your dedication and passion for this program shine bright! We missed our 2025 Chair, Blade Griffin (Bakersfield Condors), but we know he’s ready to step into some big shoes next year – and we can't wait to see his leadership in action. The outpouring of gratitude and love within this group was truly heartwarming. It’s a testament to the trust and outstanding efforts of our volunteers and staff throughout the year. To our amazing ambassadors, Chamber members and the Greater Bakersfield community – we are so thankful for you. As we approach the holidays, let’s all remember to be gentle with ourselves and embrace grace during this season of giving. Quick reminders: ?? Ambassadors were invited to a friendly end-of-year drawing to waive their 2025 membership dues. If you know, you know! ?? ?? Official Ambassador Pins are now available – wear them with pride! ?? Interested in joining us next year? Reach out to Kim Price at [email protected] to learn more about getting involved in 2025. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! ?? And remember: You can always sit with us. ?? #ThankfulThursday #ChamberLife #BakoChamber #Friendsgiving2024 #AmbassadorCommittee @nv_catering

Last week, we had the honor of hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Tobbins Gas & Mart at 3001 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93313! It was a beautiful event filled with community spirit and celebration! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to welcome this fantastic new business to Bakersfield. Whether you’re hitting the road, running errands, or simply craving a quick snack, Tobbins Gas & Mart has you covered! Here’s what makes them a must-visit: ?? Quality Fuel: Top-grade fuel for a smooth ride every time. ?? Snacks & Drinks: From fresh coffee to boba tea and delicious snacks, there’s something for everyone! ?? Friendly Service: The team at Tobbins is ready to make every visit seamless and enjoyable. ?? Clean Spaces: A spotless and welcoming environment, inside and out. Let’s show them some Bakersfield love! Swing by for fuel, flavor and fantastic service. Welcome to the neighborhood, Tobbins Gas & Mart! ???? #TobbinsGasStation #FuelUp #GasStationLife #RoadTripEssentials #ConvenienceStore #CustomerService #FillUpAndGo #DriveSafe #LocalFavorite #CommunitySpot

Last Friday, Nov. 15, the Government Review Council (GRC) had the honor of hosting Bakersfield College President Dr. Jerry Fliger and Kern Community College District Chancellor Dr. Steven Bloomberg! They shared exciting updates on the latest developments shaping the future of education in Kern County. A huge thank you to both for spotlighting the transformative educational infrastructure in store for our community! Chamber members: Don’t miss the final GRC meeting of the year! Join us on Dec. 6 at 8 a.m. as we welcome Jennings Imel from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss What to Expect Post-Election. #GovernmentReviewCouncil #EducationUpdates #PostElectionInsights #KernCounty

Last week, we celebrated the 5th Anniversary of Key Staffing Inc. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their offices at 4900 California Ave. Suite 400A, Bakersfield, CA 93309. Key Staffing Inc. is a trusted recruitment firm that connects qualified talent with opportunities in industries like healthcare, IT, accounting, finance, manufacturing, and more. From temporary to temp-to-hire to direct-hire roles, their dedication to aligning candidates with the right careers is unmatched. A big thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone! Your presence made the day even more special. Learn more about Key Staffing Inc. at https://lnkd.in/g9CMMRCz (link in bio). #5YearAnniversary #RibbonCuttingCelebration #Teamwork #CommunityPride #KeyStaffingSuccess @key_staffing_bakersfield

Today, Chamber members got the inside scoop on recent changes to California's Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) law with Daniel Klingenberger of LeBeau Thelen. The forum offered an essential update on the revised PAGA statute and its impact on Kern County employers, who face significant financial challenges due to ongoing lawsuits. Daniel covered key updates to the law, critical wage and hour compliance, and strategies to help employers better protect their businesses. Members walked away with practical insights for navigating these legal changes, improving workplace practices, and managing compliance and risk. PAGA Basics: ? An employee can bring a PAGA claim after sending notice to the LWDA, which has 60 days to decide if it will prosecute (though it rarely does). ? After 65 days, employees may file lawsuits to recover penalties under the Labor Code. ? PAGA allows employees to pursue a broad range of Labor Code violations but does not cover actual unpaid wages (those require individual or class action). Our Labor Law & HR Forum is invaluable for employers adapting to new regulations—today’s event equipped them with the knowledge to stay ahead and protect their organizations. Thanks to everyone who attended! You can learn more with LeBeau Thelen at https://lnkd.in/gEf9NHjM (link in bio).

Last Friday night, our Chamber team had the pleasure of celebrating a monumental milestone—Kern Energy’s 90th anniversary! For nearly a century, Kern Energy has been a powerhouse of innovation and progress right here in Kern County, combining tradition with forward-thinking to fuel California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley. Kern Energy is more than just a leader in the energy sector; they’re a valued community partner dedicated to growth, sustainability, and excellence. Here’s to 90 impactful years—and many more to come! Cheers to Kern Energy! Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gYdvXRKG (link in bio). #KernEnergy90 #KernCounty #CommunityPowered #GreaterBakersfieldChamber @kernenergy

Join us this Friday, Nov. 15, at 8 a.m. for the Government Review Council (GRC) meeting! We’re thrilled to host Bakersfield College President Dr. Jerry Fliger and Kern Community College District Chancellor Steven Bloomberg as they share updates on the latest developments impacting our local college communities. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn and engage in the conversation! No RSVP required. GRC is for members only. Date: Friday, Nov. 15 Time: 8-9 a.m. Location: GRC is held at the Greater Bakersfield Chamber office at 1725 Eye St. Parking: available on the street or in the parking garage across from our building on 18th & Eye. If you park in the parking lot outside our building, your vehicle may be towed as there are assigned parking spots. Please enter the building through the west entrance (facing The Padre). For more information, please contact [email protected]. #GovernmentReviewCouncil #Advocacy #CommunityUpdate #EducationMatters #BakersfieldChamber