More than 240 members of the business community were in attendance on Dec. 11 to hear about various issues affecting the community during the Chamber's annual Bakersfield: The Next Five Years forum.

Sponsored by AT&T, this business forecast spotlighted three key areas of our community. Thanks to speakers Jim Beck, Kern County Water Agency, who spotlighted current and future water issues; Ray Pruitt, Kern County Sheriff's Office, who pointed out ways that the business community can help prevent crimes; and Duane Keathley, CB Richard Ellis, who focused on the growth and development within the industrial and commercial real estate sector.