History
Welcome to Porsche Club of America – Golden Empire Region!
Golden Empire Region is proudly serving Bakersfield and the Southern San Joaquin Valley of California.
History
The Golden Empire Region (GEM) Porsche Club of America was founded in 1979 in Bakersfield, at the now historically demolished Hacienda Motel which was located on Union Ave. In early 1979, Mr. Bill Profeta ran across an ad for the Porsche Club of America and then contacted officials to find out about starting a local club here, in Bakersfield. He then placed an ad in the Bakersfield Californian to invite all local Porsche owners and enthusiasts for a gathering to form the new PCA region at the Hacienda Motel. To get people excited, there were a several Porsches displayed in the main ballroom, including Dr. Bender’s 930 Turbo. In September of 1979, there were 25 members of this little group to be sanctioned as a new PCA charter, and Mr. Bill Profeta was appointed to be the charter president for the first 6 months. The group enjoyed autocross events, gymkhanas, and social events. In fact, club’s first event was an autocross in the parking lot next to the hotel!
A couple of those original members are still active in the club today. They are Greg Fullmer and Mark Manda. Through the great contributions, participation, and the collective dedication of many members that have joined since its inception, Golden Empire Region became thriving and successful organization and is now recognized as “the little region that could” throughout PCA Zone 8 and PCA national. Through a number of GEM’s charity events, including Autocross, Concours d’Elegance, club raffles, and multiple driving tours, we have supported our primary charity — the MARE Foundation.
From the very beginning, Golden Empire emerged a group of Porsche enthusiasts that could meet and not only appreciate one another’s automotive dreams, but gather to create a family of friends that could share their passion for the Porsche cars. We are proud to be members of this region and look forward to the continued support of our dedicated Board Members and the region members to make our region one of the most dynamic and fun groups in PCA Zone 8.
2023 Golden Empire Region’s Board of Directors:
President – Charles Anderson – Email: PCAGERPresident@gmail.com
Vice President – Farid Ibrahim (Vacant) – Email: PCAGERVicePresident@gmail.com
Treasurer – Sean Tieu – Email: PCAGERTreasurer@gmail.com
Secretary – Sehzan Bhura – Email: PCAGERSecretary@gmail.com
2020 – 2022 Golden Empire Region’s Board of Directors:
President – Patrick Wadman
Vice President – Mike Shell
Secretary – Jose Torres
Treasurer – Charles Anderson
GEM Past Presidents:
1979 Bill Profeta
1980 Barbara Webb
1981 Cy Young & Bob Jones
1982 Bob Jones & Mark Manda
1983 Mark Manda & Tim Cowe
1984 Tim Cowe
1985 Greg Fullmer
1986 Greg Fullmer
1987 Leonard Liboon
1988 John Houts
1989 John Flinchbaugh
1990 Greg Fullmer
1991 John Houts
1992 Jim Walderon
1993 John Houts
1994 Michael Bennett
1995 Juanita Bennett
1996 Rodney Harrison
1997 Rodney Harrison
1998 Greg Fullmer
1999 Greg Fullmer
2000 Rodney Harrison
2001 Rodney Harrison
2002 Tony Garcia
2003 Tony Garcia
2004 Pat Wadman
2005 Pat Wadman
2006 Pat Wadman
2007 Tony Garcia
2008 Pat Wadman
2009 Tony Garcia
2010 Pat Wadman
2011 Pat Wadman
2012 Pat Wadman
2013 Omar Olivas
2014 Omar Olivas
2015 Linn Christopher
2016 Loren Stumbaugh
2017 Robert Goon
2018 Loren Stumbaugh, Tammy Harris (pro-tem)
2019-2022 Patrick Wadman