Kern Economic Development Corporation

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

An exciting new chapter in healthcare is taking shape in Bakersfield!

Join Adventist Health for a ribbon-cutting celebrating their new Advanced Care Pavilion at 2700 Chester Ave. on Thursday, October 8 at 9:30 a.m., to enjoy refreshments, connection, and a first look at the space.

The 60,000-square-foot pavilion sits next to the Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center and brings cancer treatment, specialty care, and support services together in one place, part of a $30 million investment expanding access to care across the Central Valley.

Congratulations to Adventist Health on this milestone for Kern County!

09/10/2026

A special thanks to San Joaquin Operators for co-sponsoring the Valet for Kern EDC's Members Only Annual Dinner!

San Joaquin Operators (SJO) is a Kern County native company providing independent owner representation, QA/QC, and construction oversight for utility-scale renewable energy projects. SJO serves as the owner’s eyes and ears in the field, providing independent visibility into construction quality, contractor performance, project progress, and potential issues.

Our team has supported more than 1 GW of utility-scale solar, 1.5 GWh of battery energy storage, and inspected more than 1 million solar modules, with 100% field inspection coverage of applicable SJO scope.
SJO is committed to local hiring and developing Kern County talent while helping project owners maintain contractor accountability, identify potential issues early, and protect their investment from preconstruction through commissioning.

Have a project? Think San Joaquin Operators first.
Precision. Value. Results.
sanjoaquinoperators.com

09/10/2026

A special thanks to ValorGuard Secuirty for co-sponsoring the Valet for Kern EDC's Members Only Annual Dinner!

ValorGuard is proud to serve Kern County as a veteran-led provider of professional security and protective services. Headquartered in Bakersfield, ValorGuard partners with businesses, residential communities, industrial operations, construction projects, and organizations throughout the region to protect the people, property, and operations that keep our communities moving forward.

Our services include professional security officers, mobile patrol, access control, fire watch, and customized security programs designed around each client’s unique needs. Guided by our core values — STRONG | RESILIENT | STEADFAST — we believe great security is built on professionalism, accountability, preparedness, and strong relationships with the communities we serve.

As a new member of Kern EDC, ValorGuard is excited to build relationships with fellow members, support continued economic growth throughout Kern County, and contribute to a safer environment for the businesses and communities that call our region home.

09/10/2026

A special thank you to The AES Corporation for generously sponsoring the Florals for Kern EDC's Members Only Annual Dinner!

AES is accelerating the future of energy in California. Since 1989, AES has helped power California’s evolving energy needs with safe, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Today, with 16 solar and battery storage facilities operating in Kern County, we’re proud to be deeply invested in the region’s continued success as a hub for jobs, innovation, and energy leadership. Learn more at aes.com/california

09/10/2026

A special thank you to Kaiser Permanente for being our Presenting Sponsor for Kern EDC's Members Only Annual Dinner.

Big things are happening at Kaiser Permanente! 🎉 Kaiser Permanente Kern County is opening its very own Ambulatory Surgery Center in early 2027. We are bringing advanced surgical care closer to home, designed with safety, quality, and patient experience in mind.

🎥 Watch this short video for a behind-the-scenes look at the progress

09/09/2026

A special thank you to Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. for generously sponsoring the appetizers at Kern EDC's Member Only Annual Dinner!

We invite you to read a message from Providence Strategic Consulting below.

Getting a project approved can be complicated, especially when permitting, entitlements, public opposition, media attention, and stakeholder concerns come into play.

Providence Strategic Consulting helps developers, businesses, and organizations navigate these challenges and move projects forward. From commercial developments and renewable energy to infrastructure and mining projects, we provide the public affairs strategy needed to build support and overcome obstacles.

Through strategic messaging, community engagement, coalition building, media relations, and crisis communications, Providence helps turn complex proposals into approved projects.

Have a project facing a challenging approval process? Bring Providence in early. Let’s build the strategy, support, and momentum needed to move your project forward.