Throughout its industrious 90-year history, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce has continuously expanded its influence on the local economy by judiciously serving the needs and interests of its members. While 90 years is a milestone worthy of accolades and celebration, dues aren’t collected for past accomplishments. Members invest in the services and benefits that the Chamber will deliver this year.

If you aren’t getting your money’s worth, it isn’t because of a lack of opportunities for members to utilize. There is a plethora of educational and networking events scheduled every month. The Chamber also gives members a prominent, respected voice on business issues through the efforts of the Governmental Review Council and subsequent positions by our Board of Directors. Additionally, our Chamber Political Action Committee will be especially busy this election year with endorsement and/or funding of business-minded candidates at local, state and federal levels of government.  

Debbie Moreno and the Chamber staff, the Board of Directors, the Ambassadors, and the many volunteers whose contributions enhance the Chamber’s programs and events, are pro business people who genuinely care about this community. Their individual and collective efforts have both indirect and direct impacts on the bottom line of members’ businesses.

Year after year, new challenges and new leadership keep the Chamber vibrant and relevant. The core mission doesn’t change: To provide leadership for a healthy business community. What changes are the tactics and strategies used by the Chamber’s staff and volunteers to fulfill this mission.

As a young manager who was new to this community 21 years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in one of the Chamber’s first Leadership Bakersfield classes. Like all Leadership Bakersfield graduates (there are more than 600 of us), I was encouraged to use what I learned to give back to the community. I am indeed fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the Chamber and the business community by serving as this year’s Board Chairman.

I hope you will join our Board in supporting the Chamber -- it is a wonderful organization with a rich legacy and promising future that you can help us define.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rick Riley
Chairman of the Board
Townsend Design