In 2015, two of my projects were commended and awarded by the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) for showcasing Kern County as a strong contender in the state to do business, as well as serving as a leading energy provider (oil, gas, wind and solar) – a fact that most do not realize.
PROGRAM AWARD WINNER: KERN COUNTY ENERGY SUMMIT
In the “Program” category, the Kern County Energy Summit was awarded high honors for serving as a platform to increase awareness about Kern’s energy resources as well as provide a space for networking between industry, developers, local businesses, and community leaders. Kern County’s natural resources create a marketable energy industry in our current economy. The county is abundant with both traditional energy (number one County for oil production in the nation) and renewables, such as large and small solar projects and an expanding wind power market (Kern has the world’s largest solar and wind farms). Additionally Kern County is home to geothermal and biomass facilities. The industry employs approximately 20,000 people, and beyond tax revenue the County enjoys, the industry is a large community donor and supporter of local charities and events. When attendees leave the summit, they leave united, proud of Kern County, and chanting, “We’re number one!”
PROMOTION AWARD WINNER: “TAKE A CLOSER LOOK” FLYER
For the “Promotions” category, Kern EDC’s “Take A Closer Look” flyer was recognized for creative marketing that promotes our community while encouraging site selectors and relocation prospects to “Take A Closer Look” at Kern County. The flyer depicts Kern’s proximity to large markets, such as Los Angeles, through the lens of a magnifying glass. Positive headliners and economic rankings boost the credibility of Kern County’s business friendly environment and growing economy. Colors used for the flyer compliment Kern EDC’s color wheel and contact information is listed discretely at the bottom. When viewers see any of the stats listed, they’ll realize that Kern County has much to offer!
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Kern EDC developed this promotion over the course of one month with the help of Saba Agency , a professional graphic design team with years of experience specifically in the field of business. Material was generated from research through the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Moody’s Analytics.
I was honored to be selected and prominently featured in Bakersfield Life Magazine’s “20 Under 40 People to Watch”. I was recognized as a champion in our community and a successful up-and-coming leader because of my accomplishments and activities that strengthen our community. (Page 70)
—By Jorge Barrientos, Bakersfield Life Magazine
If you want to make an impact, Fiona Kelly Lytle says, you should first look in your own backyard. As one of the newest members of the Kern Economic Development Corporation, Fiona is doing just that. At age 26, Lytle is helping recruit and retain businesses to support Kern County’s local economy. Her vision has been to inspire and motivate our community to live a purposeful life that is beneficial to society by spreading the importance of sustainability and engaged citizenry.
Before returning to Bakersfield, Lytle attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, where she earned her bachelor’s in biological and physical sciences, and master’s in administration and leadership. There she mentored high-risk students in outdoor learning, and taught them the importance of agriculture and leadership. She was vital in raising $100,000 for sustainability education on campus through building a community garden. She represented the university at a Clinton Global Initiative University meeting, where she worked with world leaders in international development.Lytle worked in Washington D.C. for the nonprofit International Action, where she researched and reported on humanitarian work for Haiti earthquake survivors.
When she returned to Bakersfield in 2011, Lytle worked as a college instructor and program coordinator. In her current position, she researches and markets industry sectors in Kern.
Outside the office, she mentors students in Independence High’s Energy and Utility Academy, and joined the Kern Green Awards committee and Kern’s Human Relations Commission.
Colleagues tout her professionalism, energy and enthusiasm, organization, attention to detail, and sense of humor.
When she’s not working, you can find Lytle playing tennis with her husband Jeremy, or relaxing with family and friends.
The 2014 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards showcased local individuals, organizations and businesses that have worked hard to better the community.
It was an honor to be one of those recipeints, along side the Kern Green Awards Committee, to receive the Environmental Award.
Faith Davies Awards
Karen DeRosa Outstanding Graduate Student Leader Award
The annual Faith Davies All-University Leadership Awards Ceremony is a beloved Commencement-week tradition at the University of the Pacific, which takes time to recognize members of the Pacific community and student organizations who have made significant contributions to the University and the quality of the student experience and exhibit extraordinary leadership, mentoring and philanthropy.
Pacific Community Garden
The Ted and Chris Robb Garden at the University of the Pacific
The garden concept developed from the idea and ambition of two students whom attended the Clinton Global Initiative Conference. Two alumni, Fiona Kelly and Vinny Johl, planned, designed, and constructed the garden as a campus project during their graduate years as a project that would support university initiatives and serve as a valuable resource for faculty in supporting the sustainability learning objective. This initial proposal began a dialogue concerning the importance of food and our food systems as well as Pacific's role in generating responsible and informed citizens. A generous gift from Regent and Whole Foods MarketTM Co-CEO Walter Robb underwrote the garden's construction.
The University of the Pacific's campus community garden advances a mission and campus-wide approach to sustainability. The garden makes inter-disciplinary and practical connections to academics. Through active participation in Pacific's garden project, students, faculty, staff, and the greater Stockton community will develop profound perceptions of the environment, society, and economy.