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Wednesday, December 23, 2020ChamberToday: Here’s what is in the new stimulus bill
On Monday, December 21, 2020, the Senate approved a massive emergency economic relief package, government funding, and tax cuts designed to counter the effects of the pandemic and stimulate economic growth. The legislation, introduced as a 5,593-page bill, was passed with a 92 to 6 vote following weeks of intense negotiations. Efforts to pass economic relief measures in the weeks leading to the presidential election had failed despite numerous attempts. But after the election, a bipartisan group of
Tuesday, December 22, 2020CalChamber: Update on Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Regulations
As we head into the new year, California continues to see a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections, and some employers are starting to experience their first positive cases at the workplace. In response to the ongoing pandemic, Cal/OSHA adopted emergency regulations with the goal of preventing infections and responding to cases and outbreaks in the workplace. The regulations went into effect on November 30, apply to all employers with employees working outside the home (except health care employers
Thursday, December 17, 20203 New Labor Laws Employers Should Know
SB 1159: Workers’ Compensation COVID-19 Presumptions SB 1159 went into effect on September 17, 2020. The new law codifies an earlier executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that provided a rebuttable presumption that an employee’s illness related to COVID-19 is an occupational injury and therefore eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if specified criteria are met, Saad explains. The executive order applied to cases that occurred between March 19–July 5, 2020. SB 1159 also creates a
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Tuesday, December 15, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce releases 2020 Vote Record
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has released their vote record for 2020 ballot measures and bills. A PDF version can be downloaded here.
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Thursday, December 10, 2020November Survey Results: Nearly 30% of employers plan to hire in the next month
The Central Coast Coalition of Chambers has released results from their monthly survey on COVID-19 impacts to businesses. Since May, nearly 2,400 businesses between San Miguel and Solvang have responded, allowing the Coalition to track sentiment and changes over the seven-month period. The most recent bi-monthly survey ran from November 9-30, with the most recent statewide rollbacks being issued on November 16. Respondents were asked to share their overall sentiment, changes in revenue and what they want
Tuesday, December 01, 2020Governor Newsom Announces Immediate Assistance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Including Temporary Tax Relief and $500 Million in Grants
Billions in immediate, temporary tax relief will support businesses impacted by COVID-19, including an automatic three-month extension for taxpayers filing less than $1 million in sales tax and interest-free payment agreements to larger companies with up to $5 million in sales tax and expanded interest-free payment options for larger businesses particularly affected by significant restrictions on operations based on COVID-19 transmissions. In partnership with the Legislature, California will provide
Monday, November 16, 2020Tri-Country Chamber Alliance: 2020 Annual Meeting
Join the Tri-Country Chamber Alliance for their 2020 Annual Meeting on Thursday, December 10th at 1:00 pm! Fred Main, Alliance Lobbyist and Partner at Clear Advocacy, will give a recap on the California election and its impact on business. Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer for he U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will provide a recap on the national election. The Alliance will also discuss their recent expansion and regional approach to business advocacy. December 10th, 2020 1:00
Wednesday, September 30, 2020Chamber Provides Ballot Positions & Resources to Make Informed Decisions in the 2020 Election
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping create and support an environment that betters our local businesses and community. Our organization recognizes that the upcoming elections can directly impact that environment. Based on our commitment to our community, the Chamber is offering guidance on a number of business-related propositions on the 2020 election ballot. Of the twelve proposals on the general election ballot, the Chamber's Board of Directors determined that five would
Tuesday, September 29, 2020Protect. Respect. Repeat!
Community leaders encourage continued protection efforts as Santa Barbara County downgrades COVID threat level Community leaders are strongly encouraging county residents and businesses to continue efforts to protect families, businesses, and communities as Santa Barbara County moved to a lower COVID-19 threat level this week. The group launch ed an updated “Protect. Respect. Repeat!” campaign to encourage face coverings and other precautions to fight the pandemic locally. The downgrade from a purple to
Wednesday, September 16, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber Advocates Voter Registration during Employee Voter Registration Week
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce they will be participating in Employee Voter Registration Week, taking place September 21-25. This is an important initiative that encourages private sector citizens to register and vote in the upcoming 2020 elections. The elections this year are important, as we will have the opportunity to vote for elected officials at the local, state, and federal level including the President. It is important to remember that the individuals we elect or
Wednesday, September 09, 2020Urgency/Budget Labor Bills
The California legislature concluded its 2019-2020 legislative session Monday night. We wanted to provide you with an overview of several bills that go into effect immediately upon signature by the Governor so you have as much advanced notice as possible about the provisions of these bills. We fully expect the Governor’s office to sign these bills. SB 1159 (Hill) – Workers’ Compensation/COVID-19 This bill establishes presumptions about whether an employee who tests positive for COVID-19 can successfully
Thursday, September 03, 2020Local Businesses Continue Despite Growing Impacts from COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 2, 2020 Local Businesses Continue Despite Growing Impacts from COVID-19The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Business Impact Survey for August showed that the local business community continues to face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “What we saw from this month’s results was somewhat to be expected,” explained Chamber President/CEO Glenn Morris. “Our local businesses continued to experience a decrease in revenue this past month, with many saying their top needs are cash
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Wednesday, July 22, 2020COVID-19 July Business Impact Survey Shows Businesses Remain Optimistic, but Cautious
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Impact Survey for July 2020 continues to demonstrate the dramatic impact COVID-19 pandemic is having on business operations and revenue. Additionally, the impacts of recent roll-backs in the reopening of the California economy were evident, with 76% of businesses responding reporting a decrease of revenue of 25% or more over the last 30 days.COVID-19 has required a number of changes to business operations, which have great affected local businesses. 65%
Wednesday, May 13, 2020Hourglass Project: Reopening Takes A Detour
Fits and starts on reopening Much has changed over the last week, and confusion and tension are on the rise as the state has revealed more of its expectations and standards for counties to reopen. If you're feeling confused, you're not alone. Below, a look at where things stand and where they are headed. _______________________________ Local plans still viable and valuableThe landscape has evolved quickly, from local planning efforts getting underway April 15 to Gov. Newsom releasing new criteria
Tuesday, May 12, 2020CalChamber Releases 2020 Job Killer List
The California Chamber of Commerce today released its annual job killer list, which includes 10 bills that threaten California’s economic recovery and would hurt the ability of employers to rehire or maintain employment of California workers should they become law. “It’s truly unfortunate—and, quite astonishing—that anyone in the legislature would unnecessarily increase costs on California’s distressed employers and reduce employment opportunities for California workers,” said CalChamber President and
Thursday, May 07, 2020Governor’s Workers’ Compensation Order: Presume COVID-19 Illness Arises from the Job
Governor Gavin Newsom yesterday signed an executive order establishing a rebuttable presumption that any COVID-19 related illness of an employee who worked outside the home, not just those who are essential workers, was the result of employment for workers’ compensation purposes if certain requirements are met. The presumption dates back to March 19, 2020 and will continue for 60 days from the date of the order (May 6, 2020). In announcing his signing of the executive order at his May 6 COVID-19
Thursday, April 30, 2020Action Alert: COVID-19 Business And Employee Continuity And Recovery Fund (The Recovery Fund)
As you may know, the US Chamber created the Save Small Business Coalition (SSBC), and now joined by over 90 members nationwide, to find a solution to get money into the hands of all businesses as soon as possible.Since its origin in March, the SSBC has been working to find a solution that will assist small businesses quickly and effectively with business continuity. It has worked with partner associations in the insurance and commercial development industries and have now aligned efforts with the Joint
Tuesday, April 14, 2020COVID-19 Small Business Tele-Town Hall With Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham
You're Invited To A COVID-19 Small Business Tele-Town Hall With Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham & Local Experts!Thursday | April 16 | 5 pm RSVP And Submit Questions To Assemblymember.Cunningham@Assembly.CA.Gov Call In Number: (877) 810-9415 | Code: 2546425
Tuesday, April 14, 2020Small Business Virtual Town Hall With California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara
Please join California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Friday, April 17th at 10:00 a.m. for a Virtual Town Hall to discuss insurance issues for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. With many businesses experiencing tremendous economic loss, the California Department of Insurance would like to inform and hear from small business owners regarding insurance coverage issues. This will also be an opportunity to learn more details about the Commissioner’s myriad of Bulletins and
Friday, April 03, 2020We're Here for Business: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber's Principle-Driven Response to COVID-19
We're Here for Business: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber's Principle-Driven Response to COVID-19 As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it brings new and disruptive challenges for our community and businesses. Your Chamber is committed to being a catalyst for business growth, convener of leaders and influencers, and champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. The way we serve you will be different for the duration of the crisis, but our core values and commitments will not change.Guiding
Friday, April 03, 2020What Is and Isn’t ‘Essential’ Business Under California’s ‘Stay at Home’ Order
On March 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure. This state order came on the heels of a number of local “shelter in place” orders that were also implemented up and down the state. As Californians adapt to a “new normal,” these orders present a looming question: What is deemed “essential” and what is not? What businesses may continue operations and what
Wednesday, March 25, 2020Furloughs Versus Layoffs: Is There a Difference in California?
Many Californian businesses are facing difficult choices during this COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic). Confronting losses in revenue and uncertainty in the future, businesses are evaluating their options for preserving their companies while maintaining their workforce. CalChamber members are asking, “What is the difference between furloughing and laying off employees?” Essentially, a furloughed employee remains an employee but with reduced or eliminated work hours, while a
Monday, March 23, 2020COVID-19 Federal Paid Leaves Explained
The federal government passed a coronavirus emergency relief package on March 18 that provides protected paid leave to workers impacted by COVID-19. In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg is joined by employment law expert Benjamin Ebbink and CalChamber Executive Vice President Jennifer Barrera to discuss what employers should know about the new Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act, and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.Criteria The Emergency Paid
Wednesday, March 18, 2020Free SBA Webinar on COVID-19 Loan Program for Small Businesses
You are invited to participate in a free webinar for small business people on how to access the Special Small Business Administration (SBA) loan program specifically set up for the COVID-19 crisis. Here is the webinar information:When: Join the Webinar at 4:00PM March 18thCall-in information: Dial US: +1 669 900 6833 Webinar ID: 956 176 760 CAMEO, in coordination with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance, will be holding a call on Wednesday, March 18th at 4:00PM to
Monday, March 16, 2020Santa Maria Valley is Open for Business: Supporting the Business Community during COVID-19
Months into the COVID-19 pandemic and with ever-changing regulations, our business community needs your support now more than ever. There are many ways you can continue to safely shop and support our local businesses and nonprofits!Shop local first Our local businesses often do not have the same resources that larger chains do when it comes to financial assistance and recovering from uncertain times like these. Whether you’re getting your morning coffee fix or stocking up on food and necessities, we
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Friday, March 13, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber Statement on COVID-19
As the COVID-19 virus continues to spread world-wide, people and organizations are making decisions in the face of ever-changing details and unknown impacts. In addition to the disruption of our normal routines, one of the more significant impacts of COVID-19 will be reduced economic activity in our community. Your local business community is concerned. The businesses that operate in the Santa Maria Valley do more than work here, they and their team members live here and raise their families here;
Friday, March 13, 2020Santa Maria Valley Visitor Bureau & Tourism Marketing District statement on COVID-19
Dear Industry Partners, You have seen many communications about the novel coronavirus and how it is affecting everyone, including the travel industry. The safety and well-being of our visitors, industry partners and staff are the highest priority for us. As such, we want to ensure everyone that we are closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) in California and elsewhere, following the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local
