SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) has announced that Bakersfield, California, will be the host city for its 45th Annual Statewide Convention. The convention will take place from August 21-23, 2024, at the Bakersfield Marriott located at the Convention Center. The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (KCHCC) will co-host the event. 

The CHCC’s Annual Statewide Convention is a significant event that brings together over 1,250 executives, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, community leaders, and elected officials from across the US. It is the largest gathering of Hispanic and diverse small businesses and community leaders in the Western region. The convention will benefit the local economy and help to boost the growth and momentum of Hispanic and diverse businesses in California and the nation. 

Veronica Corona, CHCC Chairwoman of the Board, expressed her excitement about hosting the convention in Bakersfield and stated, “The Hispanic population in Bakersfield is over 57% and is in the heart of the state, making it accessible to all attendees. The region boosts vital agriculture, oil, and renewable energy economy that is key to California’s economic future.” 

The convention will focus on empowering Hispanic and diverse businesses, fostering connections, and advancing economic opportunities. The convention will consist of impactful presentations and policy-driven discussions and allow attendees to connect with business leaders, thought leaders, elected officials, and Hispanic and diverse small business and community leaders. Programs will highlight California’s over 815,000 Hispanic-owned enterprises, which generate over $100 billion in annual revenue. 

The Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center, located in the heart of Bakersfield, will provide a state-of-the-art venue for plenary sessions, workshops, and networking events.

Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh expressed her gratitude that the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce chose Bakersfield to host the 45th Annual Convention; she stated, “Bakersfield takes pride in the numerous contributions of our Hispanic community and one of the largest and most successful Hispanic Chambers in California (Kern County HCC). The selection of Bakersfield by the CHCC further cements Bakersfield’s position as an economic epicenter of California. The city is excited to share its vibrant community and economic vitality with small business leaders throughout the state.” 

CHCC President and CEO Julian Canete stated, “Bakersfield’s dynamic business environment and diverse community, coupled with its strategic location and first-class facilities, make it an excellent host city for the convention.” 

“This is such a historic moment for Bakersfield and Kern County. Our local businesses, community organizations, and leaders in the city and county are enthusiastic and honored of the opportunity to host the CHCC Statewide annual convention. Bakersfield looks forward to showcasing the city’s unique culture and economic vitality,” said Jay Tamsi, Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO and the CHCC’s 2024 Convention Local Chairman. 

The CHCC anticipates that the event will provide a significant economic boost to the region as attendees explore local businesses, attractions, and cultural and historical experiences. 

For more information about the 45th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Statewide Convention, please visit https://cahcc.com/page/new-page or contact Gema Gonzales at gema@cahcc.com or call (916) 444-2221. 

About the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 

The California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and its over 125 Hispanic and diverse chambers and business organizations represent the interests of over 815,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in California. The organization’s mission is to promote the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and California’s Hispanic business community by providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities. 

James is a seasoned Media Executive with an impressive 24-year track record in the media industry. As the General Sales Manager for KGET TV 17 & Telemundo Valle Central he continues to embrace the importance of growing and empowering our community.

Having previously contributed his expertise at renowned entities such as Disney and Clear Channel Radio, he currently spearheads local expansion efforts at Nexstar Media Inc.

Hailing from our hometown & the son of a local business owner, James has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of many local businesses since 2000.

Active volunteerism is important to James. He’s served on several community nonprofit boards including, chairperson of the Kern County Cancer Run, Board member of the CSUB Roadrunner Scholarship Foundation and a board member of the KCHCC Business Education Foundation. 

His deep-rooted connection with Kern County positions him uniquely to understand and address the essential needs of small businesses in the region.

In recognition of his leadership and commitment to business education, James will proudly serve as the incoming 2024 Chairman of the KCHCC Business Education Foundation. James says he strongly believes in the foundation’s mission and making a positive impact in our community. 

Salvador (Sal) Saavedra graduated from California State University, Bakersfield in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting. Salvador was granted his CPA license in 2011.

He started his career with Daniells Phillips Vaughan & Bock in 2007 as an intern. His dedication and strong work ethic opened the door for him to become a partner in July 2021.

Sal’s professional experience includes assisting businesses and their owners with income tax planning and compliance in a variety of industries including healthcare, wholesale, agriculture, real estate, oil service, and professional service industries.

His understanding of Kern County’s small business economy attracted him to become more involved with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Sal started his involvement as a board member which led him to being installed as the 2024 KCHCC Chairman of the Board.

His involvement beams through assisting in community events such as the annual Latino Food Festival Menudo & Pozole Cook-Off and Dia de Los Muertos. He lends his professional expertise as a member of the annual Installation and Business Awards Gala and excels as a trusted advisor on the organization’s Finance Committee.   

Sal is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of Certified Public Accountants. He has previously held several positions at the state and local levels for the California Society of Certified Public Accountants including President of the Bakersfield Chapter and Chair of the Bakersfield Chapter Taxation Committee. He is also an active participant of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce annual Statewide Conference.

Sal enjoys staying active playing sports and participating in local running events.  Some of his favorite local running events include Mr. Toad’s Wild Run, Volkslauf  Marine Corps 10K Mud Run, Mud Factor, and the Bakersfield Half-Marathon held at CSUB.

“The impact that the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce makes in our community each year is tremendous,” Saavedra says. “As the incoming chairman of the board I want to foster more partnerships and collaborations with our members, local leaders and community based organizations. I believe we can enrich more business owners and individuals with the knowledge on financial literacy and overall successful business growth. Together, we will continue to make Kern County’s economy thrive as well as feed and fuel the world.”

Drawing thousands of spectators and participants, the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration is a chance for the community to partake in a culturally significant holiday.

The event is a celebration of life, love and death, which originated in Mexico but has also taken root in American culture. As part of the tradition, friends and families use this time to honor deceased loved ones by paying tribute to them in the form of memorial altars that display their loved ones’ favorite mementos such as photos, food and drinks. Dia de Los Muertos is considered a day of cheerful celebration rather than one of mourning. 

“The family altars are works of art and can be observed and celebrated throughout the event.” Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO says, “As this tradition grows in popularity around the country and throughout the world, it’s important to embrace the lives and families in our own community who celebrate and participate in this form of remembrance. It’s truly a heartfelt experience.”

This year, event attendees will be treated to cultural entertainment such as a Traditional Aztec Dancing & Blessing by Mi Tierra and Danza Azteca Ameyaltzin Yolihuani; performances by Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, Mariachi San Marcos and Banda La Especial. A special El Catrin and La Catrina Costume Contest will also take place. 

There will be a FREE kids activity area with sugar skull decorating, face painting and crafts. Vendor booths for food and merchandise will also be on site. 

Pre-sale tickets are available for purchase online at www.kchcc.org for $8.00 each or a family pack $30.00 for 5 tickets (ONLINE ONLY). Tickets can be purchased at the gate the day of the event for $10, children ages 5 and under are free. 

Altars can be purchased by calling the KCHCC office at 661-633-5495 or e-mail: amora@kchcc.org. For media interviews or sponsorship inquiries please contact Jay Tamsi, President/CEO, at 661-231-5623 or email: jtamsi@kchcc.org 

The Central Region Business of the Year – Recognizes an exemplary Hispanic small business in the Central Region that significantly contributes to advancing Hispanic businesses and the community. Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics is locally owned by Dr. Carlos A. Alvarez & Pam Alvarez R.N. 

“Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics has grown it’s business from 4 employees to 15 in the last 12 years,” says Julian Canete, President/CEO of CHCC. “Dr. Alvarez brings over 40 years medical experience while his wife Pam brings over 30. The expertise and quality care these two provide through their business and philanthropy in the Central Valley is exceptional. They are pillars of integrity.”

Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics has been a member of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years, as part of

Dr. Carlos A Alvarez MD Inc. In September 2022 the Alvarez expanded Beautiful You Medical Aesthetics to their current location 8313 Brimhall Rd, Building 2000 expanding to over 7,000 square feet where they pride themselves in providing state of the art services to ensure their diverse clientele receives the best service in a beautiful environment. The services range from skin care products, facials, massage and more in-depth youth preservation services.

The CHCC Entrepreneurship & Community Excellence – Recognizes Hispanic leaders who exemplify and excel in impacting their community through their entrepreneurial spirit. For over two decades, Jay Tamsi has been a champion and advocate for entrepreneurs and small businesses. He is a small business owner, Tamsi Consulting, a marketing and strategic planning business catering to public and media relations.

“As KCHCC President/CEO the last 12 years, Jay has increased membership throughout Kern County’s rural areas by 400 percent in 12 years which contributes to job growth and economic development,” says KCHCC Board Chairwoman, Olivia Garcia. “He has made an extensive impact and commitment to entrepreneurship and small businesses by being the founder of the first ever Kern County Small Business Academy (English and Spanish).”

The KCHCC Small Business Academies are an eight week extensive course providing resources including – starting a business plans, marketing, incorporating your business, customer services, business banking, tax audits, and more. The academy’s are SBA certified.

Since the KCHCC small business academy’s have started in 2013, over 2,500 entrepreneurs and small businesses have graduated the bilingual offered academy. This results in 35 percent of job creation in Kern County to this date. These unique academies have resident’s as far as Fresno and Los Angeles entrepreneurs and small businesses attending the quality and high profile academies.

Prior to his role at the KCHCC, for 12 years Tamsi credits his efforts at Dreyer’s Ice Cream for allowing him to expand on research and development which then led him to job creation for the brand companies. Dreyer’s in Bakersfield, the research and development administration is the largest ice cream plant in the world – creating thousands of jobs. This alone contributes to World’s economy and makes a huge impact in many Countries, States, and our local Kern County communities. Brands: Dreyer’s, Nestle, Haagen Dazs, Skinny Cow, etc.

“Overall our community and the State of California is well trained and equipped as trained entrepreneurs and small businesses  because of the work we are doing in Kern and across the Central Valley,” says Tamsi. “I believe in every chamber member, diversity equity and inclusion, and most of all the passion to serve as a quality servant to my members and all California residents.”

About the Chamber – The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce KCHCC is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organization. It is a recognized Hispanic business resource and leader in the economic and business development of Kern County. As the largest Hispanic business organization in the region, the KCHCC connects businesses with the growing and dynamic Hispanic marketplace. 

Our event was a big success and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of our sponsors! 

Thank you to everyone who joined the fun and friendly competitions. Your support for the 23RD Annual Latino Food Festival Menudo & Pozole Cook Off  is truly appreciated! Congratulations to all of our winners.

Booth Decorating Contest

Best Decorated booth First Place winner: Carlito’s Kitchen 
Best Decorated booth Second Place winner: Levanta Muertos
Best Decorated Booth Third Place winner: Los Amigos 

Menudo Cook-Off Winners

Los Amigos
Oscar Road Service 
Menudo After Beer

Pozole Cook-Off Winners

El Chingon 
Carne Estrada
Familia Valdez

Congratulations to everyone for participating, we appreciate your involvement! Click here to visit our Facebook photo album.

Sunday, May 28, 2023
11 AM – 6 PM

Kern County Fairgrounds
1142 South P Street
Bakersfield, CA 93307

Headline Entertainment:

Banda Los Sebastianes
The Mary Jane Girls: Maxi & Cheri
Lighter Shade of Brown

Also featuring live performances by: Ballet Folklorico Huaztecalli, La Sonora Dinamita, Mariachi San Marcos, DJ Danny P…and more!

• Menudo Contest
• Pozole Contest
• Jalapeño Eating Contest
• Booth Decorating Contest
• Kids Camp
• Food • Vendors • And more!

🥘 We are now accepting contestants for our Menudo and Pozole Cook-Off. For more information contact the KCHCC office at 661-633-5495 or email amora@kchcc.org

🎟️ BUY TICKETS | COMPRA BOLETOS 🎟️ 

•$25 Individual
•$75 Family Four-Pack (only on-line)
•Children Under Five FREE!

• https://www.showclix.com/event/2023_latino_food_festival

🏬 TICKET LOCATIONS:

•KCHCC office at 1601 H St. #201 near Truxtun Avenue

•La Mina Cantina at 4001 Auburn St. and 8020 District Blvd.

•Buena Vida Tapas & Lounge: 2500 New Stine Rd.

•CM Enterprises at 1208 Main St. in Delano.

📞 For more information contact the KCHCC office at 661-633-5495.

The Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Greater Lamont Chamber of Commerce, and Lamont Elementary School District to provide technical and educational training to 55 entrepreneurs and small business owners. A special thank you to our small business academy presenting sponsor Tri Counties Bank as well as thank you to Kern County Supervisor David Couch for sponsoring the graduation location, the David Head Center. A great appreciation to the Arvin/Lamont Kiwanis Club for their volunteerism and making the graduation special. We look forward to a continued partnership and wishing all the graduates much success in their business venture!

(L-R: Jay Tamsi, KCHCC President/CEO; Rose Pereirra, TCB, Community Development Officer; and Marilyn Maldonado, TCB Marketing Specialist. We truly appreciate your investment in our community!