Flag Salute: Clinton Trimmer Invocation: Amy Travis Song: John Calanchini Greeter: Juan Bustamante Roving Mics: Jerene Battisti
SPOKE GUEST EDITOR
Andrea Hansen
Andrea Hansen is an arts administrator, wife, mother, and fellow Rotarian living in Bakersfield. She is the Executive Director of the Kern Dance Alliance, an advocacy organization supporting and promoting the arts in California’s Central Valleys. She also serves on the boards of The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater and the CSUB Arts and Humanities Executive Advisory Committee.
Guests: Kamal Bhakta from Capstone Partners was a guest of Juan Bustamante, Jennifer Maguire from Auscal Viticulture was a guest of Andrea Hansen, Chad Vegas from Sovereign Grace Church was a guest of Jeff Gutierrez, Madeline Abernathy was a guest of Cathy Abernathy, Erin Estelle from Valley Strong was a guest of Ashley Vorhees, Emily Callahan from CSUB was a guest of Dr. Harper, Katie Barton and Shellena Heber were guests of Kristen Watson.
President Watson also shared with the group about the Philippines via her "Where in the World is Rotary" segment and in light of Carlos Yulo's TWO Olympic gold medals.
The Philippines hosts 800 rotary clubs.
12th most populous country in the world.
GDP = $4,000 per person
Carlos Yulo was the 1st male in Philippine history to win not just one, but two Olympic gold medals in gymnastics. Mr. Yulo was also given 16 million pesos, a 3-bedroom condo, a FREE colonoscopy, as well as a lifetime of ramen, mac n cheese, and chicken for his accolades.
Good News & Announcements:
Justin Salters announced that B3K secured a $2 million dollar federal grant to support capacity building, specifically for aerospace, in East Kern County.
President Watson acknowledged Downtown Rotary's newest Paul Harris Fellows:
Michael Zulfa
John Mendiburu
Alex Balfour
Steve Rodrigue
Additionally, Kat Clowes received her 2nd Paul Harris Fellow since joining the ever-so-popular, Downtown Rotary.
August 22: Guest Speaker Becca Bland + Derek Abbott from Tejon Ranch
September 19: District Governor Visit, Sherry Sims
September 26: Leadership Bakersfield at Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce
Program:
Downtown Rotary welcomed Kern Venture Group (KVC) co-founder, JP Lake, to provide an insightful session on Kern County's only venture capital group. JP is a cofounder of KVC and began the company with the initiative to support entrepreneurs while also promoting our region and our vast resources.
KVC is a "values first" company unlocking prosperity in Kern County. Operated by business owners including co-founders, JP Lake and David Higdon, the company is uniquely situated to communicate effectively with not only venture capitalists, but also with startup and established entrepreneurs. KVC also employs fellow Downtown Rotarian, Kelly Youngstrom, as their Director of Operations.
KVC features 20-25 companies in each of their portfolios representing most sectors, including Readlee which was most recently acquired. KVC is currently securing$20 million in funding for their Fund III and is continuing to vet companies as part of their growing portfolio.
KVC's multi-pronged approach has allowed the company to prosper over the last six years. Those initiatives include:
Making global connections with businesses and entrepreneurs that are relevant to Kern County
Building an alumni network of local founders who operate businesses within Kern County and beyond
Incentivizing businesses to relocate to Kern County in return for investment opportunities
Presenting Kern County as a prosperous market that is geographically centered for distribution and not saturated by industries as seen in other California counties like Silicon Valley
KVC continues to be focused on empowering early-stage startups. By providing capital, mentorship, and strategic conversations, KVG fosters innovation and drives economic growth in the region.
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Andrea Hansen
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