Three prominent Taft residents received awards at the Kern Energy Foundation’s first Kern Oil and Gas Awards in Bakersfield last week.
Les Clark Jr., Fred Holmes and Dave Noerr were all recognized for their service in the oil industry.
Clark, the longtime executive vice president of the Independent Oil Producers Agency received the Gene Voiland Lifetime Achievement Award for his career as an advocate for the industry locally, at the state level and nationally.
Clark retired from IOPA when it disbanded but is still active. The award is named for Gene Voila, the longtime head of Aera Energy LLC.
Holmes owner of Holmes Western Oil Corporation. The company was honored for its “innovation, growth, environmental and regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and community involvement that makes an impact.”
Noerr, head of Huddleston Crane was recognized for corporate social responsibility as “the company that highlights the commitment to ethical practices and sustainable initiatives within the industry.
The awards banquet was held on Nov. 6 at Luigi’s Warehouse in Bakersfield.