|
Chamber Staff
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau is a nonprofit association of businesses and organizations that work together to build a healthy, robust economy in the Santa Maria Valley.
Established a century ago, the Chamber is one of the oldest and most prestigious business organizations on the Central Coast. Our continuing mission is to promote a favorable economic climate while making the Santa Maria Valley a better place in which to live and work. We focus on the development and retention of businesses, taking an active role in business issues, providing meaningful membership services and improving the quality of life for all residents in our community.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau has eight full-time professional staff members who serve the daily needs of the membership.
Bob Hatch, President & CEO
(805) 925-2403 ext. 825
chmbrchief@aol.com
Bob has served as President and CEO of the Chamber beginning in 1994, managing and directing all Chamber programs. He is committed to bringing good jobs to the community and understands the importance of a solid education. Bob works with the City and local governments to promote Santa Maria’s favorable economic environment to new and existing businesses.
Gina Keough, Visitor & Convention Bureau Manager
(805) 925-2403 ext. 814
gina@santamaria.com
Gina has been a member of the Visitor Bureau team since 1999. Working directly for the President and CEO, she oversees all public relations and tourism marketing activities of the Bureau. Her duties, among others, include development of regional and national advertising to enhance the image of the Santa Maria Valley.
Jennifer Mejia, Visitor & Convention Bureau Group Sales Coordinator
(805) 925-2403 ext. 815
jennifer@santamaria.com
Jennifer assists group tour operators, meeting planners and special event coordinators in providing the complimentary services available to them. She also attends industry tradeshows to present the Santa Maria Valley as a leisure and meeting/convention destination.
Barbara O'Malley, Vice President of Operations
(805) 925-2403 ext. 824
barbara@santamaria.com
Serving in her current position since 1996, Barbara is responsible for all Chamber accounting and business management. Her experience has contributed greatly to the seamless operation of the daily activities. She has more than 25 years experience in her field, which includes forecasting, planning and budgeting.
Marcy Lariz, Event Coordinator
(805) 925-2403 ext. 816
marcy@santamaria.com
Marcy joined the Chamber of Commerce team in 2006. Marcy’s main role is organizing the Chamber’s ongoing community events, which includes collaborating with contributors, sponsors, media and members to produce events that are both successful and memorable. In addition, Marcy creates layouts and designs for various ads, brochures, flyers and articles, and she also aids in developing new chamber memberships.
Terri Paniagua, Services Coordinator
(805) 925-2403 ext. 851
terri@santamaria.com
Terri has been working for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2007. She is a frontline staff member and one of the first people to make contact with visitors - in person, on the telephone and via email. Answering inquiries is one of her main responsibilities, so it's up to Terri to be informed on what is going on in Santa Maria, so if there is something your business is doing for our visitors, please make sure to keep her in the loop. Terri also coordinates the Bureau's annual tourism luncheon, works on updates for collateral, and prepares mailings, along with a host of other duties. Terri is bilingual and is familiar with sign language as well. She currently is our staff liaison for the Santa Maria Arts Council and volunteers for the Santa Maria Police Department.
Cara Martinez, Membership Liaison
(805) 925-2403 ext. 852
cara@santamaria.com
Cara joined the Chamber staff in January 2008. Cara is responsible for membership development and retention for the Chamber of Commerce, enlightening and updating members of the many benefits and services that are available to them. Her other responsibilities include Administrative Assistant duties, including website updates.
2010-2011 Officers:
Chairman of the Board: Jason Diani - Diani Ward Diani, LLC
Chairman Elec/Treasurer: James Bray - Plains Exploration & Production Company
Vice Chairman: Trent Benedetti - Benedetti & Associates, CPA
Past-Chairman: Cindy McKellar - Your People Professionals
Board of Directors:
Mark Fugate - Charter Brokerage Investment Co.
Brian Kearns - Coastal Business Finance
Debi Testa - Testa Catering
Peggy Greer - Santa Barbara County Education
George Majoue - Santa Maria Philharmonic
Jim Bray - Plains Exploratation & Production
Kathy Simas - Santa Barbara Foundation
Leah West - Santa Lucia Bank
Tim Rooney - Rooney's Irish Pub
John Tunnell - Tunnell Roofing
Randy Wise - Straw Hat Pizza
Donna Cross - Next Day Signs
Erika Milton - VTC Enterprised
Dan Pankratz - One Way Board Shop
Donna Randolph - State Farm Insurance
Tim Ritchie - Home Motors
Brooks Wise - Mission Community Bank
Committe Chairs:
Business: Trent Benedetti, Michael Sorenson, Tony Gonzales
Ambassadors: Erika Milton
Military Affairs: Dave Cross
Transporation: David Beas
Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Debby Jordan
Santa Maria Valley Visitor & Convention Bureau: Maria Centrella
Volunteers:
Carolyn McCall
| 
