Your Chamber in Action for You

On behalf of our members, in the last four months the Chamber . . .

Represented the interests of business with government by:
Urging state legislators to enact common sense solutions to California’s budget dilemma
Backing pro-business, job-creator legislation having significant impacts for business
Opposing the oil severance tax, which was defeated
Hosting California’s Gubernatorial candidates through the Road to the Statehouse series
Updating members on 2010 laws and regulations to ensure their compliance
Reporting state and federal legislator voting records

Provided business education opportunities by:
Offering a high -level corporate business training workshop to help companies create a culture of teamwork and employee engagement
Co-sponsoring the 10th Annual Kern County Economic Summit
Hosting a variety of seminars and forums, which were attended by approximately 120 Chamber and community representatives
Linking business and education through the Chamber’s PartnershipsPlus program

Strengthened the local economy by:
Focusing on regulatory issues, eco-economics and green opportunities during the Energy & Clean Air Expo
Making over 1,350 referrals to Chamber members in response to inquiries from coast to coast
Adding 44 new members to the Chamber
Promoting new business openings, expansions and milestones during 13 ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies
Opening Chamber meeting and conference rooms over 42 times for our member's meetings, workshops and other functions
 
Provided relationship-building and business growth opportunities by:
Linking approximately 100 members through the ConnectForLunch program
Connecting more than 850 business and community representatives during the Annual Dinner, Networking Breakfasts, Business After Five Mixers and Business After Hours Trade Show Mixer

Promoted the community and business by:
Publishing and distributing the 2010 Bakersfield Guide and Business Directory
Exposing 29 emerging leaders to community opportunities, issues and challenges through the Leadership Bakersfield program
Introducing 34 area high school students to the wealth of opportunities available in Bakersfield through the Youth Leadership Bakersfield program.
Encouraging members to apply for the Inc. 500/5000 fastest-growing companies in America recognition awards
Implementing the 2010 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards process, recognizing those whose efforts, projects and endeavors make a difference in our community
Publishing more than 140 FREE member announcements through the Metro Business Journal and Metro E-News
Logging approximately 25,000 visitors per month to the Chamber’s website

Your Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce:  Working year-round to create a strong economy, promote our community, provide networking and business education opportunities, and represent the interests of business with government.