San Bernardino County spotlighted local businesses at the annual State of the County event earlier this month, which also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Route 66.
Key attendees Oct. 8 at the Ontario Convention Center included Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Vice Chair and 5th District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., 2nd District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez, 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman, Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk Josie Gonzales, Sheriff Shannon Dicus and County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre.
Jesse Duran, a longtime radio show host in the Inland Empire, opened the event by welcoming attendees and talking about his connection to the county.
“After spending so many years on the air here, I’ve developed a real appreciation for this region, including the people, the communities and everything that makes San Bernardino County such a special place,” Duran said.
Following his introduction, a video featuring County Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke and the Board of Supervisors highlighted the significance of Route 66 and its impact on the region.
Following a break from politics for a swing dance performance, Rowe introduced the evening’s Route 66 theme.
“We’re celebrating Route 66 and how this historic road has inspired travelers for 100 years to drive across this great country,” she said.
The event consisted of three panels, with the first featuring Trustee Nathan Gonzales, chair of the San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees; Peter Van Helden, executive chairman of Stater Bros. Markets; and Jerry Rowley, co-owner of Logan’s Candies. The panelists discussed their organizations’ background, the keys to their longevity and future plans.
“We have an incredibly bright future ahead, not only for the colleges, but for generations of students to come,” Gonzales said. “We all had struggles as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but our college district and colleges came out even stronger. We have the highest total enrollment that we’ve ever had, more than 30,000 students. That’s because we’ve been thinking ahead for a long time.”
Another panel was led by Baca with Dann Ades, president and chief executive officer of Cold Star Ice; Richard Niño, vice president and chief operating officer of Burrtec Waste Industries; and Dr. Timothy Jenkins, area medical director and chief of staff for Kaiser Permanente’s San Bernardino County area.
Baca’s panel focused on the success of family-owned businesses, the growth of Burrtec and Kaiser Permanente’s history and role in health care.
“One of the keys to our success has been the family operation, holding strong values and having a great work ethic,” said Ades. “As we’ve grown through acquisitions, we’ve been able to sustain that in each area that we’ve gone to. Our success is also the community.”
Rowe led the final panel that featured Wendy Darms, chief executive officer of ComAv; Alan Vidal, senior vice president of technology at Ecotec; and Bill Martinich, senior vice president of U.S. operations at Equinox Gold. The discussion centered on workforce development, innovation and expansion plans.
“My success has been mostly because of the employees that we’ve hired,” Darms said. “We are also regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, so hiring experienced, certified A&P technicians is very important to our industry. Not only that, we really look for people who are passionate about the industry because the quality of work that goes into what they do in repairing an aircraft is extremely important.”
Following the final panel, Rowe invited Baca back to the stage to help close out the program with acknowledgement of the event’s sponsors, historic Route 66 locations and the classic car owners who allowed them to take a spin in their vehicles.
The event kept going with a networking reception that afforded attendees with the opportunity to meet county officials, business owners and community leaders.
Attendees shared their thoughts after the event.
“It was an honor to attend and reflect on how far our county has come, while gaining a greater appreciation for the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead,” Assemblyman Robert Garcia, D-Rancho Cucamonga, said in a statement from the county. “I commend the county’s leadership and staff for putting together an exceptional event that highlighted not only our region’s accomplishments, but also the vision and promise of its future.”
Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, said, “The State of the County event was an enjoyable gathering that validated the reasons San Bernardino County enjoys its many successes. The exemplified chosen school and business partnerships should serve as an example to other governance groups on how to showcase favorable partnerships between government and business groups.”
Fontana Mayor Pro Tem Peter Garcia was pleased “to see the progress that the county is making each year” and the focus on local businesses.
“It’s great that they’re highlighting businesses in the county because a lot of us work with them and use their services,” Garcia said. “It’s good to meet them in person and have some good conversations with them.”
Doug Whiteman, chief executive officer of River’s Edge Ranch, attended his third State of the County.
“To see all of the things going on with the businesses and the supervisors and all that they’re doing for the county is really inspiring, and it makes me proud to be in San Bernardino County,” Whiteman said.
Video of the event is online at youtube.com/live/noYVR5dPF2o?si=X8HdkwTVCERviCrl.