MAY 2011
In this issue....
Heartland Saloon Recap.......8-9
Promoting Our Community
Chairman’s Circle Focus ................. 2
Beautiful Bakersfield Nominees ..... 5
Committee Activities ...................... 8
Ambassador of the Quarter ............. 9
My Chamber App............................ 10
Ribbon Cuttings .............................. 12
Member News ................................. 15
Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
Chamber Protects Business ............. 2, 10
Chamber Regulation Survey ........... 3
HSR Chief Visits Kern County ....... 13
Providing Business Education &
Networking Opportunities
The Essential Art of Networking .... 1
Heartland Saloon Recap.................. 6, 7
Online Business Training ................ 11
Connect For Lunch ......................... 15
Bakersfield RV Resort Mixer .......... 16
Building a Strong Economy
Leadership Bakersfield Enrollment. 1
World Trade Day ............................. 4
State of the City Sponsorships ........ 13
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of
Commerce is dedicated to:
• Building a Strong Economy
• Providing Business Education &
Networking Opportunities
• Promoting Our Community
• Representing the Interests of
Business with Government
The Essential Art of Networking
n Building Personal Business Connections
Please join the Chamber
on Tuesday, May 10 for
our latest training semi-
nar, The Essential Art of
Networking with speak-
ers Jim Pentico, Dale
Carnegie Training in
Central California and
Sarah Ketchum, Edward
Jones Investments. Learn
some valuable tips and
techniques through this
interactive workshop
Jim Pentico Sarah Ketchum
while strengthening your
personal skills.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. and the seminar will begin at 12:00 p.m. and end at
1:00 p.m. People tend to do business with people they like. Reservations are required.
Cost is $25.00 per Member / $50.00 non Member, and includes boxed lunch.
The Chamber Seeks Bakersfield’s Next
Community Leaders
Applications are now being accepted for the Greater Bakersfield
Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bakersfield program.
Dedicated to promoting and developing dynamic business and
community leaders, this unique and versatile program offers an
opportunity for participants to become actively involved in the
community and gain knowledge about our area’s challenges and
issues while exploring solutions and alternatives.
Once a month, from September through June, participants attend an all-day seminar
that includes a combination of lectures, panel discussions and hands-on visits to loca-
tions relevant to the day’s theme. Local decision-makers and experts on the topics ad-
dressed are invited to share their insights and views. Group discussions give participants
an opportunity to express their opinions and interact with the experts and each other.
Applications are available online at www.bakersfieldchamber.org. Submission dead-
line is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 24. For more details, email
tsterling@bakersfieldchamber.org or call (661) 327-4421.
“Leadership Bakersfield is truly a gem in our community. I was born and raised in
Bakersfield and was amazed at the information and new relationships I made through
Leadership. It’s an asset for anyone, whether a long-time resident or newcomer to our
community.”
Jarrod McNaughton, Associate Vice President of Marketing
San Joaquin Community Hospital
METRO 1

Businesses
Supporting
Business!
Aera Energy LLC
Barbich Hooper King Dill Hoffman
Bright House Networks
Jim Burke Ford
Carney’s Business Technology Center
Castle & Cooke California, Inc.
Chevron
Continental Labor & Staffing Resources
Daniells, Phillips, Vaughan & Bock
Dowling, Aaron & Keeler, Inc.
Golden Empire Transit District
Gregory D. Bynum & Associates, Inc.
Hall Ambulance Service
Kern Schools Federal Credit Union
Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, et al.
Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield
Mid State Development Corporation
Occidental of Elk Hills, Inc.
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
Rabobank, N.A.
San Joaquin Community Hospital
State Farm Insurance
Stinson’s Stationers, Inc.
Tejon Ranch Company
TelePacific Communications
Wells Fargo Bank
Law Offices of Young Wooldridge LLP
METRO Business Journal is the
Official Publication of the
Greater Bakersfield
Chamber of Commerce
1725 Eye Street • PO Box 1947
Bakersfield, CA 93303
661-327-4421 • FAX: 661-327-8751
http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org
The Chamber of Commerce President/CEO
has the sole right to refuse any advertisement
in any Chamber publication.
METRO 2
Chamber Works to Protect Business,
Economy, Quality of Life
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce (GBCC) is continually working to
improve the business climate, eliminate or minimize California regulations that have
adverse economic impacts, and to speak out on legislation, supporting those bills
that support a strong economy and opposing those that hurt our economy and thus,
our quality of life. A recent win for our Chamber business members was the repeal
by Congress of the “1099” mandate that was imbedded in the Health Care law. The
Bakersfield Chamber supported the repeal which would have expanded 1099 reporting
requirements for all businesses, large and small, whose purchases totaled $600 or more
in a calendar year. But the fight for business is ongoing. Some current issues include:
SB 142 (Rubio) Inter-regional parity in electricity rates - Support
The GBCC Board of Directors supports SB 142 in an attempt to address and fix the
current disparity in electric rates that has a significant adverse affect on those living in
extreme climates like Kern County, by charging them higher rates in comparison with
residents living in milder climates and coastal areas. The bill will require the California
Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to reform the existing electric rate charged by
investor-owned utilities, by reforming the existing “tiered” rate structure that charges
residential customers higher and higher prices that exceed the cost of serving those cus-
tomers. In the phasing out and restructure, the CPUC would be required to meet several
standards of fairness and equity, including fairly and equitably reflecting; the actual
cost of serving customers, differences in climate and other factors that are outside the
control of customers and appropriate and effective incentives to customers to conserve
and manage their energy use.
While the bill is targeted at residential rate payers, it represents an economic devel-
opment issue for our area. Excessive energy costs can, and have, impacted company
decisions to bring a business to an area. Skewing electricity costs against Kern County
and the valley makes us less competitive. In addition the bill would allow rate reforms
that would help mitigate the high costs of surcharges on all customer bills (including
commercial and industrial) that must be paid to cover the cost of certain subsidies. (Bill
currently set for Hearing in Energy Committee, May 3)
AB 10 (Alejo) Minimum wage: annual adjustment - Oppose
AB 10 would increase the cost of doing business for employers in California by
raising the state minimum wage to $8.50 per hour beginning in January 2012, and then
automatically indexing the wage rate, increasing every year thereafter in accordance
with the annual percentage of inflation. The Chamber opposes automatic increases in
minimum wage. In light of California’s economic condition, the Chamber strongly
believes saddling employers with this mandate would further stymie economic growth
and recovery. (Bill referred to Appropriations Committee, Suspense File)
See Chamber Fights for Business Interests on Page 10
Chairman's Circle Focus
San Joaquin Community Hospital (SJCH)
is a 255-bed acute care hospital located in
Bakersfield, CA. Having served the commu-
nity for over 100 years, SJCH continues to be a pioneer of health care innovation in
the San Joaquin Valley. Recently, the hospital became the first between Los Angeles
and San Francisco to have both a Nationally Certified Stroke Center and Nationally
Accredited Chest Pain Center under one roof. In addition, SJCH is home to Kern
County’s only full-treatment burn center; an award-winning Maternity Care Center;
Bariatric Solutions, a weight-loss center; and The Wellness Center for diabetes edu-
cation and cardiac rehab. Recently, the hospital merged with Quest Imaging to pro-
vide the community with top-notch radiology and diagnostic imaging services. The
hospital’s mission is to share God’s love with the community by providing physical,
mental and spiritual healing. Visit them at www.sjch.us or call (661) 395-3000.
Chamber Survey Gauges the Impact of State Regulations on
Bakersfield Businesses
In April the Chamber surveyed
its members on the impact of state
regulations on the Bakersfield business
community.
This survey gathered a massive
amount of narrative information
including: which agencies enforce
regulations on which industries; the
amount of lost employee time due to
regulatory paperwork and reporting;
financial impact of regulation; and the
impact of overlapping and contradictory
regulatory mandates. These narratives
will be used by the Chamber as part of
their continuing effort to reform state
regulation and make California a more
business friendly environment.
In addition, the survey gathered
quantitative data on the types of
regulation that impact our local economy, Californian, for a series of articles she
and the effects of those regulations. The is writing regarding the impact of state
chart and table below show the results of regulation on business.
this segment of the survey. The results of this survey have
With respondents permission, the already been put to work in the
personal stories and data from this Chamber’s efforts to represent the
survey will also be shared with Lois interests of business with government.
Henry, columnist for the Bakersfield
With which regulations do you find it most difficult for your business
to comply? (Respondents selected one or more answers)
Employment Regulations 67.0%
Health Insurance Mandates 53.6%
Licensing, Permitting & Inspections 51.2%
Tax Related Regulations 39.0%
Environmental and Land Use Regulations 32.9%
Health or Saftey Regulations 31.7%
Other 8.5%

Indicate the extent to which you feel government regulation has impacted your ability to:
Strong Negative Impact Negative Impact No Impact Positive Impact Strong Positive Impact
Hire new employees or create new positions in your company 31% 37% 32% 0% 0%
Retain existing employees 10% 42% 47% 1% 0%
Grow and expand your business 39% 40% 21% 0% 0%

“As a peacemaker, the lawyer has a superior

opportunity of being a good man.”
— Abraham Lincoln
Each year, the Kern County Bar Association bestows the
Bench and Bar Award to a local member of the legal
community who brings credit to the legal profession through
their outstanding service to the administration of justice and
contributions to their profession.

This year, the recipient of the Bench and Bar Award is Barry
Goldner, a partner at the law firm of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner.

Throughout his career, Barry has been a passionate supporter of the Bar
Association and its mission to promote excellence in the legal profession and
foster a better understanding of the roles that judges and lawyers have in
protecting the rights and interests of the citizens of our community.

KDG congratulates Barry for this well-deserved honor and are proud to
share his passion for excellence in the service we provide to our clients.

www.kleinlaw.com

4550 California Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bakersfield, CA 93309 • 661.395.1000 • 5260 N. Palm Avenue, Suite 201, Fresno, CA 93704 • 559.438.4374

METRO 3
METRO 4
Chamber Honors Efforts to Improve Local Quality of Life
Recognizing the Commercial Remodel Public/Private Partnership
many contribu- • Bakersfield Community House • Chevron - Kern High School District -
tions that have been • Kaiser Permanente Project Lead Way
made by businesses, • Murray Family Farms, Inc. • First 5 Kern - Ready to Start
organizations and • The Norman Levan Center for the • Kern County Water Agency – Treated
Humanities Water Expansion Project
individuals through-
• Sparking Image Car Wash • Rosewood Senior Living Community –
out the community, • Sun World International, LLC Kern County Senior Games
the 2011 Beautiful • Total Woman Fitness – National
Bakersfield Awards Education Multiple Sclerosis Society – Living
Banquet is slated • Bakersfield College-MESA Week Well with MS
for Saturday, June 4 at the DoubleTree Zero Project • Vision 2020 – Mid-Point Progress
• Dr. Julio Blanco
Hotel by Hilton. Report
• Foundation for SUCCESS
Presented by the Greater Bakersfield • Monica Guerrero Seniors
Chamber of Commerce, festivities for the • Hoopfest • Darlyn Baker
evening begin at 5 p.m. with a recep- • Lassens Natural Foods • Martha Griffith
tion featuring hosted hors d’oeuvres and • Sandy Lewy • Bill St. Claire
viewing of nominee presentation boards, • Nona Tolentino
followed by dinner at 6 p.m. The awards Youth (Individual)
• U-PLANit
• Alex Knight
telecast will air at 7 p.m. on KGET TV- • Valley Achievement Center
• James O’Rourke
17. Environmental • Cameron Werner
For contributions made in 2010, the • Bakersfield College Photovoltaic Field
Youth (Group)
2011 nominees are . . . • Great American Clean-up
• Independence High School/Falcon
All-America City Tradition - Civic/ • Green Shops
Autistic Solar Team
Nonprofit • Kern Council of Government Rideshare
• South High School
• Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Program
• Stockdale High School
Kern County • State Farm Insurance Companies
• Center for Kern Political Education Health Chamber members provide support
• Community Action Partnership of Kern • Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House through sponsorships of event catego-
Food Bank • Body Exchange Biggest Loser ries. For 2011 the category sponsors are:
• Covenant Community Services, Inc. Competition Fresno Pacific University - Bakers-
• Creative Connections Inc. • Robin Enos field Center (All-America City Tradi-
• Links for Life • Glinn & Giordano Physical Therapy tion - Civic/Non-Profit); Law Offices of
• Meet Your Neighbors – Kern Regional • The Heart Center Young Wooldridge LLP (Architecture);
Center • Mercy and Memorial Hospitals DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton (Arts – In-
• Valley Adult Services Community Wellness Program
• West Bakersfield Optimist Club dividual); Valley Republic Bank (Arts –
• Donald R. Montano DDS, MSD
Group); Wells Fargo Bank (Commercial
• TERRIO Therapy-Fitness, Inc.
Architecture
• Debbie Wood Remodel); Aera Energy LLC (Educa-
• California Living Museum Cats of tion); Automobile Club of Southern
California Exhibit Humanitarian (Individual) California (Environmental); Interim
• Kern County Employees’ Retirement • David Collins HealthCare (Health); RJ’s Bar and
Association • Jim Darling Grill (Humanitarian Individual); ARRC
• PCL Industrial Services, Inc. • Vinod Kumar MD
Technology (Humanitarian – Group);
• Susan Lara
Arts (Individual)
• Bob Meadows Bakersfield Association of REAL-
• C. Lee Clark TORS® (Public-Private Partnership);
• Michael B. Eggert • Richard Sheffield
• Jennifer Shrader • Jacquie Sullivan Rosewood Retirement Community
• Fuchsia Ward (Seniors); Golden Empire McDonald’s
• Betty Younger
• Milt Younger Operators (Youth – Individual); and
Arts (Group) Chevron (Youth – Group).
• Bakersfield Art Association Humanitarian (Group)
• Assistance League of Bakersfield Reception sponsor is Bright House
• Bakersfield Jazz Festival Networks, and the Crystal Camel-
• The Empty Space Theatre • Bakersfield Condors
• Greater Bakersfield Green Expo • Carriage House Estates lia sponsor is Raymond’s Trophy &
Student Art Showcase • Community Service Cooperative Club Awards.
• San Joaquin Community Hospital • Hearts in Service
Foundation • Kern County Bar Association
Community Liaison Committee
• Klassen Corporation

METRO 5
METRO 6
METRO 7
Building Relationships Through Committee Connections
Ambassadors / Mixer
Steve Bohn, Principal Financial Group – Chair
n Thank you to Christina Contreras, BI
Incorporated for her presentation along
with several clients to share their stories and
experiences with the Committee. We also want
to thank Patrick Frase, Bakersfield Jazz
Workshop for sharing their music with the
committee along with a 5 minute commercial.
It was a real treat! Please join the committee for
our monthly mixers and Ribbon Cuttings that
feature new and expanding businesses.
Staff Contact: Pauline Bartlett
Business Development
Eric Merz, Institute for Business Excellence – Chair
n Thank you to Joe Coughlin, Coconut Joe’s
for his recent inspirational seminar which
received some of the highest ratings and
exceptional comments. Next we feature Jim
Pentico, Dale Carnegie Training of Central
California and Sarah Ketchum, Edward Jones
Investments for our May 10th Seminar, The
Essential Art of Networking: Building Personal
Business Connections (see the front page article
for event details). Sign up for the seminar today
as space is limited. Also look forward to our
June 7th marketing seminar.
Staff Contact: Pauline Bartlett
Energy
Tony Moreno, Valley Clean Air Now - Chair
n The Committee recently had several stu-
dents from Independence High tell us about
the Energy & Utility Academy. We were so
impressed with how this program has devel-
oped over the past few years and witnessed
such an incredible transformation of the
students. The program is always looking for
adults to assist as mentors and if you are inter-
ested, please contact Pauline at the Chamber.
Staff Contact: Pauline Bartlett
Governmental Review Council
Jeff Green, Grimmway Farms - Chair
n GRC thanks April speakers on several issues:
Michael Hulsizer from the Kern County
Superintendent of Schools, with an update
on the stalled State budget; State Senator
Michael Rubio, who provided an update from
his perspective on activity at the State legislature
and SB 142, the electricity rate bill he authored
(see more info on SB142 on page two of this
Metro); and Allan Krauter from the County
of Kern speaking on Redistricting of County
Supervisorial District Boundaries.
METRO 8
Heartland Saloon Spring Social Yo u t h Le a d e r s h i p B a ke r s f i e l d
Maggie Cushine, Boys & Girls Club of Kern County Advisory Council
– Chair Shonna Shearson, Kern Schools Federal
n Thank you to everyone that participated in Credit Union – Chair
the recent Chamber Fundraiser this year – “The
Heartland Saloon Spring Social” The event was a
great success because so many of our business and
Chamber members either sponsored the event, the
blackjack tables, donated auction items, donated
or discounted goods and services and volunteered
their time to add to this wonderful event. Many
people commented on the fun evening and said
they really enjoyed the gaming aspect. We look
forward to doing it all again next year. Thanks
again to all involved! See recap in this issue for
photos and a list of our event contributors! YLB Student tour the Black Gold exhibit at the
Staff Contact: Pauline Bartlett Kern County Museum
n In March students of Youth Leadership
International Business and Trade
Bakersfield learned about Kern’s Energy
Bob Meadows, Union Bank - Chair
Industry. Throughout the day various
n The Committee met in April to finalize the speakers shared their knowledge and
agenda for their World Trade Day event at the expertise about wind, solar and oil in Kern
Chamber, Thursday, May 5 from 7:30 a.m. to County. Special thanks to Advisory Council
1:00 p.m., which will be FREE to Chamber Day Chairs Michele Newell, Aera Energy
members (fee for non members) and include LLC, and Randy Adams, California
morning refreshments and lunch along with an Division of Oil & Gas for their expertise
exciting line up of speakers/topics. See page four and planning of the day. The day was made
of this metro for complete information and then possible by the generous support of program
call the Chamber to reserve your spot. Seating underwriter Aera Energy LLC and day
will be limited! sponsor Chevron.
Leadership Bakersfield Staff Contact: Tonya Sterling
Bryan Burrow, IES Engineering – Chair
n In April the Leadership Bakersfield class
focused its attention on Agriculture in Kern
County. Serving as Advisory Council Chair was
Steve Murray, Murray Family Farms. This
session was made possible by our generous
day sponsors Murray Family Farms and
Paramount Farming Company.
Staff Contact: Tonya Sterling
YLB Students view the new solar array at CSUB
Spring 2011 Labor Chamber Monthly Planner - May 2011
Law & Human Mark your calendar for these upcoming Chamber meetings & events.

Resources Update DATE COMMITTEE TIME PLACE

Please join the Chamber on Tuesday, May 4 New Member Reception 4:30 p.m. Chamber
May 17, 2011 7:30 to 10:00 a.m. for our May 4 International Business & Trade Dark
May 5 World Trade Day at the Chamber 7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
quarterly labor law and human resources May 5 Leadership Bakersfield Advisory 7:30 a.m. Chamber
update. May 5 Connect for Lunch 12:00 p.m.
Topics will include everything you May 6 Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m. Chamber
need to know to stay out of trouble on: May 6 YLB Class Day 7:30 a.m. Chamber
Wage and Hour Law; Meal and Rest May 6 YLB Graduation 6:30 p.m.
Four Points by Sheraton, Bistro Ballroom
Periods; Overtime Issues; Independent May 9 YLB Advisory 11:45 a.m. Chamber
Contractor vs. Employee; Exempt vs. May 10 Seminar: The Essential Art 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Non Exempt Employees; and the Inside of Networking Chamber
Scoop from the Other Side on Class May 11 Beautiful Bakersfield Committee 11:45 a.m. Chamber
Actions. May 11 Connect for Lunch 12:00 p.m.
May 13 Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m.
This forum will be presented by a May 17 Labor & Employment Law Forum 7:30 a.m. Chamber
panel of Experts including: David Blaine, May 18 Energy Committee 8:00 a.m. Chamber
Attorney, Klein, DeNatale, Goldner et May 18 Board of Directors 11:45 a.m. Chamber
al; Gina Hester, Senior Deputy Labor May 19 Connect for Lunch 12:00 p.m.
Commissioner; and Alex Wheeler, May 20 Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m. Chamber
May 23 Business Development Committee 11:45 a.m. Chamber
Attorney, Rex Parris Law May 24 Ambassador/Mixer Committee 11:45 a.m. Chamber
Attendance is FREE for Chamber May 26 Mixer – Bakersfield RV Resort 5:30 p.m.
members in good standing with dues May 27 Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m. Chamber
current; $40 per nonmember. Morning May 30 Chamber Closed – Memorial Day
refreshments will be served. Jun. 1 International Business & Trade 4:00 p.m. Chamber
Jun. 3 Governmental Review Council 7:30 a.m. Chamber
Reservations are required, call (661) 327- Jun. 4 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards 7:30 a.m.
4421 to RSVP. DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton

Ambassador of the Define yourself by what you do.

Quarter Define yourself by what you do.
Fulfill your potential while you make a difference in people’s lives.
You’ll sleep soundly at night representing Northwestern Mutual –
Fulfill your potential while you make a difference in people’s lives.
named by FORTUNE ® Magazine as “America’s Most Admired”
You’ll sleep soundly at night representing Northwestern Mutual –
Company in its industry for the 25th time.
named by FORTUNE ® Magazine as “America’s Most Admired”
Company in its industry for the 25th time.

Norm Barone, Bakersfield Business Brokers The Congdon Financial Group

CA# 0E67288
5080 California Ave.
The Congdon Financial Group
The Chamber has selected Norm Bakersfield
CA# 0E67288
5080 California Ave
Barone of Bakersfield Business The Congdon Financial Group
661-321-9172
Bakersfield
Brokers as Ambassador of the Quarter. www.congdonfinancial.nmfn.com
5080 California
(661) Ave
321 - 9172
Thanks are extended to Norm for his Bakersfield
www.tonycongdon.com
CA#0E67288
(661) 321 - 9172
contributions to the Chamber and
www.tonycongdon.com
business community. According to Norm:
“It is not just being there that measures
success, it is what you contribute that is
the criteria.” 05-2887 The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, The Congdon Financial Group.
The Chamber would also like 05-2887 The Northwestern
Anthony Duane MutualAgent
Congdon is a District Life Insurance Company,
of Northwestern MutualMilwaukee, WI. The
(life and disability Congdon
insurance, Financial
annuities) and a
to congratulate our runner up for Group. Tony
Registered
05-2887 D. Congdon of
TheRepresentative
Northwestern is aNorthwestern
MutualDistrict
Life Agent of Northwestern
Mutual
Insurance Investment
Company, Mutual
Milwaukee, (life
WI, and
Services, The disability
LLC insurance,
(securities),
Congdon a subsidiary
Financial Group.of
annuities)
Northwestern
Anthony amd
Duane a Registered
Mutual,
Congdon Representative
broker-dealer
is a District and
Agentmember of Northwestern
FINRA andMutual
of Northwestern (lifeMutual
SIPC. FORTUNE® Investment
magazine,
and disability Services,
March,
insurance, 2008. LLC
annuities) and a
Ambassador of the quarter, Kelly
(securities),
Registered a subsidiaryofofNorthwestern
Representative NorthwesternMutual Mutual Investment
broker-dealerServices,
and member LLC (securities),
FINRA andaSIPC. subsidiary of
Sloan of Bakersfield Marriott at the Northwestern
FORTUNE Mutual, broker-dealer
magazine, and member FINRA and SIPC. FORTUNE® magazine, March, 2008.
March 2008.
Convention Center.
METRO 9
Chamber Fights for Business Interests
Continued from Page 2
AB 400 (MA) Employment: paid sick
days mandate - Oppose
AB 400 mandates that all employers,
except those with collective bargaining
agreements, provide any employee who
has worked in California for seven days
with paid sick leave, the accrual rate at
one hour for every thirty hours worked.
After the 90th day of employment, em-
ployees would be allowed to utilize their
paid sick leave to care for themselves or
a family member. The Chamber opposes
legislation such as AB10 that does not
include a detailed cost-benefit analysis
to determine economic impacts that this
would have on businesses, especially in
our already struggling business climate.
(Bill has moved to Assembly Judiciary
Committee)
AB 1326 (Furutani) Oil severance tax
- Oppose
Once again the potential of an oil
severance tax is raised in California, even
after defeat of statewide voters in 2006
METRO 10
(Prop. 87), and two attempts by legislature
that were killed in 2010. The Chamber
continues to oppose the oil severance tax.
From a statewide perspective this measure
would make California’s oil production
the most heavily taxed in the nation… by
far. California needs more competitive
advantage, not less. Messages from sup-
porters of an oil severance tax always refer
to the fact that California doesn’t have
an oil severance tax while other oil states
do. What they don’t add is that California
oil is already taxed at one of the highest
rates in the nation through multiple taxes
and fees that other states do not impose.
From a more local perspective, since Kern
County produces the majority of jobs in,
and related to, the production of oil, most
of the projected loss of 10,000 jobs with
passage of an oil severance tax would hit
Kern County. Decreased in-state produc-
tion would also severely impact Kern
County’s local tax base eroding local ser-
vices, including education. (Bill currently
in Higher Education Committee)
SB 104 (Steinberg) Labor represen-
tatives: elections - Oppose
The GBCC is opposed to
SB 104 which seeks to eliminate an
agricultural employee’s democratic
right to cast an independent vote in a
secret ballot election regarding whether
to unionize. The current provisions
of the Agricultural Labor Relations
Act (ALRA) adequately protect the
rights and interests of employees and
employers, as well as unions. Passing
the “card check like” bill would upset
any existing balance between employer
and union rights and would erode an
employee’s right to express their true
sentiments about unionization through
the employee’s free, un-coerced and
current choice. (Bill currently on Floor
of Assembly)
METRO 11
 Counselors to America's Small Business

Providing FREE Business Consultations

Marketing & Business Planning Assistance
Financing and Loan Review
Government Procurement Opportunities
SCORE is a national non-profit organization made
up of retired and working business professionals
who volunteer their time to help the
small business community.

PO Box 2426 • 93303

661-861-9249
www.scorebakersfield.com

SolarCity
5206 Young Street, Suite D
(661) 765-2489
New Office

National Health Services, Inc. -

Brimhall Community Health Center
1014 Calloway Drive, Building F
(661) 760-1551
Grand Opening

Mercy Hospitals of Bakersfield

2215 Truxtun Avenue
(661) 632-5000
Grand Opening & Dedication of Healing Garden

METRO 12
Welcome Fifteen New Chamber
Members
The businesses listed below have made a significant commitment to the community
and an important investment in their future by joining the Chamber. (Quotes provided
by new members.) New members joined during the period of March 15 through April 14.
n American Tire Depot
4860 Stine Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93313 661-837-0387
www.americantiredepot.com
n Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant
4215 Rosedale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93308 661-633-1948
n Camelot Park
1251 Oak St.
Bakersfield, CA 93304 661-859-1861
www.CamelotParkBakersfield.com
“Bakersfield’s family fun center and
birthday/group event headquarters, with
go-karts, bumper boats, mini golf, batting
cages and full arcade.”
n Canteen Vending
2429 Fruitvale Ave, Bay 5
Bakersfield, CA 93308 800-852-5726
www.canteen.com
“Full line vending, office coffee services
& Avanti markets; offering quality service
and name brand products for all your
needs.”
n Dedicated Dental Systems Inc.
3400 Wible Rd.
Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-835-8672
www.dedicated-dental.com
Dedicated Dental has dental offices
throughout Kern County. Dedicated Dental
provides convenient, comprehensive, and
affordable dental care in both general and
specialty dentistry.”
n Edifice Inks
Bakersfield, CA 661-444-3972
“In the interests of building unity and
promoting self-expression, Edifice Inks
provides screen printed clothing to
businesses large and small, schools,
families and charities.”
n Higgins Auto Parts
12825 S. Union Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-831-2411
www.higginsauto.com
“Higgins Auto Parts is the leading provider
of the highest quality recycled auto parts in
Southern California. Established in 1951,
our outstanding reputation for delivering
excellent products backed by superior
service & warranties is unmatched.”
State of the City
Forum Sponsorships
Provide Valuable
Marketing Exposure
n The Karcher Law Firm
2318 20th St. The annual State of the City Forum is
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-326-1959 one of the Chamber’s premier business
www.stevekarcher.com information luncheon forums each
“The Karcher Law Firm is focused on year and attendees represent business
continuous improvement in offering top leadership in our community. The July
flight services—business, collections/ 12 forum features Bakersfield’s Mayor
bankruptcy, real estate, litigation, and and designated city department heads
injury—at competitive pricing.” reporting on the past year as well as
current projects and projections for
n Mill Creek Florist & Balloons the future of Bakersfield. Raymond’s
608 18th St. Trophy and Awards is the Presenting
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-323-7300 Sponsor and for the first time the
www.bakersfieldcaflorist.com Chamber invites additional levels of
“A full service florist, balloons and gift sponsorship. Silver ($2,000) and Bronze
baskets.” ($1,000) sponsorships are available.
Please contact Chamber CEO Debbie
n Jeanine Adams – New Life Realty Moreno at 327-4428, or email
7850 White Ln. Ste. E-114 dmoreno@bakersfieldchamber.org for
Bakersfield, CA 93309 661-203-9501 more information or a sponsorship
contract.
n Pacific Construction Services Inc.
PO Box 21012
Bakersfield, CA 93390
www.pcsbakersfield.com
661-829-1002 High Speed Rail
“We are a locally-owned, multi-service
General Construction Company with an
Chief to Visit Kern
emphasis on residential remodels, building
maintenance and project management.”
County
The Kern County Fast Track
n PCL Industrial Services, Inc. stakeholder coalition chaired by
1500 S. Union Ave. Supervisor Ray Watson has announced
Bakersfield, CA 93307 661-832-3995 that Roelof van Ark, CEO of the
www.pclindustrialservices.com California High Speed Rail Authority,
“A full service, heavy industrial contractor will visit Kern County on Monday,
that responds to the unique construction May 16. Mr. van Ark and members of
needs of our clients in the petrochemical, his planning staff will be hosted by the
oil and gas, gas compression/transmission, coalition in activities including tours
and power/cogeneration industries.” of proposed HSR facilities sites, small-
group meetings with key stakeholders,
n People Helping People and much media interaction. A principal
1701 Westwind Dr. Ste. 107 focus of the day’s events will be a
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-205-2844 welcoming luncheon featuring van Ark
www.myphpdream.com as the keynote speaker, arranged by the
“We believe all great things come from Kern Transportation Foundation at the
people helping people. We believe people downtown Bakersfield Marriott.
need a hand up, not a hand out. We do it Kern County is in active competition
through education.” for recognition as the Central Valley
maintenance and operations hub of
n Stewards Inc. the projected 800-mile, $45B new rail
2211 H St. system. The economic benefits to the
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-1258 successful Valley competitor will be
www.stewardsinc.org enormous, as billions of dollars and many
hundreds of jobs are involved.
n Too Fat Sandwiches Luncheon registration information may
721 18th St. be downloaded at www.ktfonline.org.
Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-631-8401 Space is expected to be at a premium —
www.toofatsandwiches.com so take action now.
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 PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY

86 Renewing Members Support Chamber

The following members renewed their commitment to the Chamber during the period of March 15 ISSUE: 28-2 (JUNE/JULY)
through April 14. We thank them for their support and commitment to the Chamber!
Advertising Close:
Member Since Member Since May 16, 2011
Apex Management Group .......................2010 CSUB Politics Research Center ..............2001
The Arts Council of Kern ........................1998 Precision Pharmacy.................................2006
Bakersfield Audi......................................2007 Prepaid Legal Services ............................2009
Bakersfield Blaze ....................................2004 ProCare Hospice/FCMS..........................2010
Bakersfield High School .........................1998 RE/MAX Magic ......................................2009
Bakersfield RV Resort .............................2007 Royal Palms ............................................1996
Bakersfield Truck Center ........................1992
Bank of America .....................................1920
Sam’s Club ..............................................2005
Santa Barbara Business College .............1983 The Man Issue
Ben & Jerry’s ..........................................2008 SCORE....................................................1989 The Man Issue provides the
Best Western Hill House .........................1999 Shinault Baker & Company ....................1996
Brain Injury Association of California....2010 Skarphol Associates ................................1995
perfect tie-in opportunity to
Jim Burke Ford Lincoln Jaguar – Smurfit Recycling Company ...................1970 sell your products and services
Gasoline Alley ................................1922 Snelling Staffing Services .......................2008 geared toward MEN.
California Fruit Depot .............................2005 Southern Sierra General
Children’s Advocates Resource Engineering, Inc. ............................2009 Man Profiles: There’s a lot to
Endowment ....................................2006 Storage Mobility .....................................2005 be said about your business.
Central Valley Occupational Medical Law Offices of John F. Stovall ................2005 Things that can’t be said within
Group .............................................2004 Jack Arian – Other Properties .................2001 traditional ad space.
Chester Avenue Brake LLC ....................1925 TIC – The Industrial Company ...............2000
City of Bakersfield ..................................2001 Today Cleaners........................................2003
Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Travelodge ..............................................2009 Medical
Center .............................................1997 Tree Foundation of Kern .........................2009 Specialties
Cotterman Co. .........................................2005 Valley Direct Inc. ....................................2008
Floyd’s Office Solutions .........................1997 Weir & Associates ...................................1988 Increasingly,
Froehlich Signature Homes, Inc. ............1991 Xerox-Intelligent Document Solutions ...2005 healthcare
Gaslight Melodrama Theatre ..................2009 providers are
Golden Living Center .............................2009 finding it essential to market their
Golden Youth Rejuvenation Centre & practice to patients and referral
Spa..................................................2007
Greer’s Banner Air ..................................1999 physicians alike.
Guild House ............................................1993 Medical Profiles: Tell your story
Guinn Construction .................................2010
Claudia Holderness CPA .........................2010
in a professional manner to our
H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection ........................2007 audience of over 60,000 educated,
Home Instead Senior Care ......................2008 affluent and influential readers.
Income Property Association of Kern .....2009 Are you ready to green
Jersey Mikes Subs ...................................2009
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation .1999
your business?
Kentucky Fried Chicken/A.D. Bakes......1992 Step 1 - Green Assessment
Kern County Department of Human Step 2 - Educate and Empower
Services ..........................................1996 Your Employees and
Kwik Signs Inc........................................2001 The June/July issue of Bakersfield
Management
LeBeau-Thelen LLP................................1989 Magazine explores the kinds of
Logan’s Roadhouse .................................2009 educational choices available to
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel ...................1997 Chamber members only today’s families, plus our new
Russell D. Martin CPA............................1996 can save: Education Directory.
T.L. Maxwell’s Restaurant & Bar ...........2004 • 10% off on any consulting
McCright Agency ....................................1990 services provided by Greenshops
McDonald’s .............................................1999 Only
McDonald’s Restaurant – Coffee Rd. .....1999
• 10% off on any Corporate Bakersfield
McDonald’s Restaurants .........................1997 Gifts provided by Greenshops Magazine
Mercedes Benz of Bakersfield ................1987 gives you
Motor City Auto Center ..........................1972 2-months
National Cement .....................................2009 of exposure
Neira’s Collision Centers Inc. .................1995 for one
Office Depot ............................................2009 For more information: low price!
Paradigm Shift Enterprises, LLC ............2010
Paramount Farming Company ................1994
Personal Express Insurance.....................2009 Reserve your space today!

(661) 834-6477 834-4126

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 PROMOTING OUR COMMUNITY

Promoting Our Members

News from and about your
fellow Chamber members
n The Mexican American Opportunity
Foundation cordially invites you to attend
the 22nd Annual Aztec Awards Banquet
on Friday, May 6 at the Petroleum Club
of Bakersfield from 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets are $60 per person and tables of
eight are available for $450. For more
information or to RSVP call, (661) 336-
6943.
n Guild House is excited to be
participating in First Friday on May 6th
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy light
appetizers, desserts and a glass of wine for
just $7 per person. Featuring live music by
Larry Peahl, keyboard & Ken Fahsbender,
saxophone. See the 100-year old Barlow
Home that is Guild House, a Bakersfield
treasure!
n Fresno Pacific University is hosting
The Global Economy and its Effect on
Central Valley Business, part of the FPU
Business Luncheon Roundtable series, on
May 12 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. at FPU,
11000 River Run Blvd., Suite 200. Cost is
$25 per person, or $125 for a table of six
and includes lunch. To RSVP call (661)
617-3217.
n San Joaquin Community Hospital
invites you to an evening of the Best
of Bakersfield. All proceeds from this
event will benefit Global Family, an
organization based in Bakersfield that
rescues and cares for abused, oppressed
and abandoned children overseas and right
here in Bakersfield. The event will be
held on Saturday, May 14 at 6:30 p.m. in
the Second Floor Ballroom of Stockdale
Towers. For more information and tickets
call, (661) 616-0326.
n Alzheimer’s Disease Association
of Kern County, Alternative Care,
GEMCare, Golden Living, Kern
School Federal Credit Union, Pacifica
Senior Living, Pro Care Hospice &
Optimal Hospice Present: 2011 Caring
for the Caregiver – Your Importance
as the Caregiver on Saturday, June 11
from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Olive
Drive Church Great Room (5500 Olive
Drive Building 9). Topics will include
care giving concerns, legal issues,
outreach services and many more. A light
continental breakfast and lunch will be
served. To make your reservations call,
(661) 393-8871 (extension 14). Reserve
by Wednesday, June 1.
Congratulations to: State Farm
Insurance for receiving the 2011 WRAP
Award for the efforts of the State Farm
California Green Team Committee, the
award was presented by Mayor Harvey
Hall; Susan C. Hersberger of Aera
Energy LLC for receiving the prestigious
John Brock Community Service Award.

Since You’re Going to Have

Lunch Anyway...
...why not spread the word about you and your business
at the same time? We’ll set it all up for you.

Each week, you’ll have the opportunity to go to lunch

Connecting, Not Collecting
You’ve joined the Chamber to meet other Chamber members.
You want them to become your customers and to send referrals
to you - the kind of referrals that bring repeat business for you,
year after year.
To get those referrals, Chamber members will need time to get
to know you, to have confidence in you.
with two or three different Chamber members. You’ll be
the only one in your profession at the table.
We’ll make the reservation for you and provide a map to
the restaurant. We’ll even provide you with information
about your lunch partners beforehand, so that you can be
ready with some brilliant questions for them over lunch.

And what better way for them to get to know you than by
spending an hour or more in a small group setting over a
relaxing business lunch?

Start your one-month trial today:

www.tiny.cc/bakersfieldconnect

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 U.S. Postage

Bakersfield,

Permit #61
2011 Board of Directors

PRSRT STD

Paid

CA
Chairman of the Board
Sheryl Chalupa
Goodwill Industries of South
Central California
Chairman of the Board Elect
Tim Terrio
Terrio Therapy Fitness, Inc.
Vice Chair Administration
Garrett Ming
Jim Burke Ford Lincoln Jaguar

businesses are invited to Chamber functions.

Please post this newsletter on your company
Vice Chair Business Advocacy

bulletin board. All employees of member

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
Susie Geiger
Occidental Petroleum
Vice Chair Member Education
Christine Frazier

1725 Eye Street • PO Box 1947

Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Vice Chair Networking
Bill Murray
DoubleTree Hotel Bakersfield, CA 93303
Vice Chair Community Outreach
Linda Heald
Automobile Club of Southern California
Treasurer
Scott Begin
Citizens Business Bank
Immediate Past Chair
Rick Riley
Townsend Design
Director-at-Large
Matthew Park
Kern County Farm Bureau
Board Members
Mike Allen AGM California
Greg Chamberlain Bakersfield College
Dana Fabbri Rabobank, N.A.
Bruce Freeman Castle & Cooke Calif., Inc.
Shaun Kelly TWIW Insurance Services
Karen King Golden Empire Transit
Dan Klingenberger Dowling, Aaron & Keeler, Inc.
Jarrod McNaughton San Joaquin Community Hospital
Dayna Nichols Castle Print & Publication
Danny Ordiz Ordiz-Melby Architects, Inc.
Tom Randour KGET-TV 17
Monique Rogers ARRC Technology
Rick Stevens Stevens Transportation, Inc.
John F. Stovall Law Offices of John F. Stovall
Danielle Wade Bright House Networks
Leslie Walters Walters & Associates
Derek Yurosek Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Chamber Staff
President/CEO
Director of Operations
Controller
Project Manager
Director of Membership
Marketing & Communications
Operations Assistant
Information Specialist
Debra L. Moreno
Tonya Sterling
Jennifer Abercrombie
Pauline Bartlett
Tonya M. Dretzka
Spencer Schluter
Jean Scheiber
Janet Ursery

Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce

661-327-4421 • FAX: 661-327-8751
http://www.bakersfieldchamber.org

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