About Us
Building Something Better
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The Greater Bakersfield Chamber
With over 100 years of experience, we know how hard it can be to start and grow a business. That is why we offer resources and support to businesses all over Bakersfield, and we plan to do so for many years to come.
The Chamber is Bakersfield’s number one business advocate and resource center. Our work is devoted to helping you “build something better” – a better business, a better career, a better community.
History
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber was formed in 1920 as a non-profit organization. It is our mission to put the needs of our business community first to help Build a Better Bakersfield.
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Deanna Blaise
SVP, Chief Business Officer
Valley Strong Credit Union
Chairman of the Board Message
It is with great enthusiasm and honor that I step into the role of Chair for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. I am deeply inspired by the vibrant business community that makes Bakersfield such a dynamic and forward-thinking place to live, work, and grow.
For more than a century, the Chamber has been a cornerstone of collaboration, innovation, and opportunity, and I am excited to build on this legacy. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem where businesses of all sizes succeed, contribute to the local economy, and elevate the quality of life for everyone in our community.
As we embark on this new chapter, my vision with the Board is centered on fostering stronger connections, advocating for government policies that benefit our businesses, and promoting initiatives that position Bakersfield as a hub of growth and prosperity.
To achieve this, we need your energy, ideas, and active participation.
This is your Chamber, and your voice matters! Whether you are a seasoned business owner, a budding entrepreneur, or a dedicated community partner, your involvement is key to shaping the future of Bakersfield.
I encourage you to attend events, join committees, mentor others, and explore the numerous resources the Chamber offers to support your success. Let us work together to celebrate our successes, tackle challenges head-on, and pave the way for even greater achievements. I invite you to take part in making Bakersfield a place where businesses flourish and where our shared pride in this community continues to grow.
Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity to serve. I am thrilled to partner with all of you in driving positive energy and meaningful progress. Here’s to a successful and impactful 2025!
Chamber Staff
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Janelle Capra
President & CEO
Kami Gonzalez
Vice President, Members & Programs
Joel Paramo
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
Lorrie Guinn-Magers
Director, Operations & HR
Savanah Adams
Senior Manager, Policy & Public Affairs
Kimberly Price
Manager, Community Events
Executive Committee
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chair of the board
Deanna Blaise
Valley Strong Credit Union
Incoming Chair
Dr. Vernon Harper
California State University, Bakersfield
Immediate Past Chair
Rob Duchow
Southern California Gas Company
Treasurer
Emily Duran
Kern Health Systems
Vice Chair, Public Policy & Political Action
Willie Rivera
Berry Corporation
Vice Chair, Economic Vitality
Octavio Escobedo III
Tejon Indian Tribe
Vice Chair, Leadership & Workforce Development
Ken Keller
Dignity Health, Mercy & Memorial Hospitals
Vice Chair, Member Engagement
Veronica Placencia,
KERO-TV 23
general counsel
Mark Bateman
Young Wooldridge, LLP
Board of Directors
Anibal Araya
California Resources Corporation
Lindsay Barnes
KGET-TV 17
Angela Barton
Barton Marketing Group
Patrick Beck
Bakersfield Hyundai
Nik Boone
Ascend Real Estate
Molly Busacca
Secure Systems
Lisa Carbajal
Cen Cal Business Finance Group
Melissa Frank
The Wonderful Company
Kamal Gill
Brimhall Pharmacy/Panama Pharmacy
Cherif Guirguis
LinQRide
DeAnna Lewis
Wingstop
Maybelle Liquigan
Kaiser Permanente
Jessica Pounds
Moo Creamery
Greg Race
PG&E
Austin Smith
Sage Equities
Erin Tenter
Bolthouse Properties
Raju Verma
RAMM Hospitality
Sherod Waite
Moneywise Wealth Management
Austin Smith
Sage Equities
Erin Tenter
Bolthouse Properties
Committee Council Chairs
Ambassador Committee Chair
Blade Griffin
Bakersfield Condors
BAKPAC Chair
Dana Brennan
Grimmway Farms
Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Chair
Kimberly Price
Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Bakersfield Young Professionals Chair
Joel Paramo
Greater Bakersfield Chamber
Government REview Council Chair
Amanda Frank
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council Chair
Ryan Kroeker
Bakersfield Police Department
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Chair
"T" Johnson
Bakersfield College Launchpad
Beautiful Bakersfield Committee Vice Chair
April McGill
April & Co. Photography