Dear community colleagues,
It never ceases to amaze me how Kern County comes together in the name of goodwill and improving our community. I see it firsthand as chairman of the KCHCC Business Education Foundation.
Private businesses help us award a scholarship to local high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students. Dozens of volunteers serve as mentors to help aspiring business owners in Bakersfield, Arvin, Lamont, and Delano through our business academies. Many more volunteers share their wisdom of business through our annual workshops. And private and public sectors come together, too, through our Energy and Ag Academies at Bakersfield College, educating college students on the ins and outs of those vital local industries. Our community comes together again in September to celebrate culture in the foundation’s presentation of “El Grito de Dolores.”
Together, it’s inspiring. I invite you to be a part of all this, too, and join us in celebrating our rich cultures, to continue to learn and succeed in local business endeavors, recognize our hard-working students, and spread goodwill. And we can kick things off in style: Join us Saturday, Feb. 2, at the 2019 Installation and Business Awards Gala to recognize award-winning stars in our community, honor the leadership of the chamber and foundation boards, and welcome this year’s leaders.
Many thanks and all the best,
Jorge Barrientos
Chairman, KCHCC Business Education Foundation
