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Thursday, October 22, 2020Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Provides Grants For Santa Maria Small Businesses DEADLINE Nov. 2
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA - The Santa Barbara Foundation announced today an additional cycle of the Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Small Business Grant Program in partnership with the City of Santa Maria, to help those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This application is open now until Monday, November 2, 2020. Please review the SBBT Small Business Grant Program guidelines for further details. Learn more in English:
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Wednesday, October 21, 2020The Benefits of Diversity in the Workplace
Business leaders are having more open conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. While this isn’t novel, the spotlight on racial, gender and other biases has rejuvenated talks about increasing workplace diversity and equal opportunities. The goal is to create a workplace with open communication channels that allow all employees can express their opinions and concerns. This is precisely what chambers of commerce like us seek to achieve. As an independent local association of employers
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Friday, October 09, 2020Save Big When You Order Your 2021 Employment Notices Through the Chamber!
The Chamber is offering substantial discounts on your required 2021 Employment Notices! Resources are available in English and Spanish - you can download our order form HERE.2021 California and Federal Employment Poster Every California employer must post a compliant Employment Poster in a conspicuous place in the workplace where all employees and applicants can see it. The poster also must include information about your workers’ compensation benefits, payday schedule and emergency contacts. You may need
Wednesday, September 16, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce offering 20% Discount on Required California Harassment Prevention Training
California employers with five or more employees must provide harassment prevention training to all employees by January 1, 2021. That’s two hours of training to California supervisors (and to out-of-state supervisors of California employees), and one hour of training to nonsupervisory employees in California. Training must take place within six months of hire or promotion and every two years thereafter. (Taking these individual-learner courses in a group setting will not satisfy the state
Monday, September 14, 2020UPDATE: Grant Deadline Extended - Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Provides Grants for Santa Maria Small Businesses
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA - The Santa Barbara Foundation has extended the application deadline for the Santa Barbara Better Together (SBBT) Fund Small Business Grant Program to Friday, September 18. In partnership with the City of Santa Maria, this grant program is designed to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Santa Maria and Santa Barbara Foundation partnership will support grants from the Santa Barbara Better Together Fund of up to $7,500 per grant to qualifying small
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Wednesday, September 09, 2020How to Grow When It’s Slow: Increase Productivity Right Now
Periods of slow growth come with great challenges both for businesses and consumers. However, you can take advantage of such times to improve efficiency and increase productivity. Here is some advice on how your business can focus on increasing productivity when business may be slow. Clean up your business systems – and your work space Most businesses will focus only on sales and marketing to survive hard times. You can also use this time to work on your standard operating procedure to ensure it meets
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Thursday, August 13, 2020Leadership During a Crisis: What Your Team Needs
Business leaders play a critical role in getting companies through slow growth periods. A crisis is characterized by enormous pressures and challenges that make it necessary for organizations to learn quickly in the fast-moving environment. Here are a few suggestions for your business on how to get your team through a crisis. Demonstrate true leadership Employees, customers, and suppliers will be looking to the management for direction when there is a crisis. Business leaders will need to stay connected
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Wednesday, August 12, 2020Building A Company Culture in a Remote-Run Business
In uncertain times when there is slow growth in different industries, the natural reaction for many people is fear. As a business leader, you should build a company culture that makes everyone want to be part of the company. Below are some values, attitudes, and practices that can encourage you to build a great company culture. Pay your employees full salary When employees work remotely, you will not be able to boost their morale with corporate culture wall graphics. As such, you will have to find
Tuesday, July 07, 2020Chamber Encourages Businesses to Share your Safe and Open Status with the Community
As businesses continue to reopen, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages all businesses to complete the reopening process outlined by Santa Barbara County, including the county's self-attestation form.“It is important that our local businesses follow the procedures outlined by Santa Barbara County when reopening, and complete the attestation form showing they are safely operating and open to the public,” explained Chamber President and CEO Glenn Morris. “By filling out the attestation form,
Wednesday, July 01, 2020Local Organizations Help Businesses Navigate Reopening and Recovery
From financial struggles to understanding when and how they can safely reopen, local businesses have experienced a number of hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization that serves the business community, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes the challenges local businesses face during this time, and have partnered with a number of local organizations to help our businesses navigate the road to reopening and recovery. “The Chamber has always been a strong supporter of our
Thursday, May 28, 2020Regional business survey shows uncertainty and adaptability in the face of plummeting revenue
San Luis Obispo, CA - More than 900 businesses between Solvang and San Miguel responded to the Central Coast Coalition of Chambers COVID-19 impact survey, providing data to back up what Chambers throughout the region are hearing from their members every day. The survey ran from May 11- 17, 2020 and covered topics including general sentiment, financial impacts, general challenges and reopening status of businesses. An overwhelming majority of respondents were feeling unsure and believe
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
Monday, May 11, 2020Guide to the Main Street Lending Program
As a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Federal Reserve has created the Main Street Lending Program to provide a total of $600 billion in financing for small and medium-sized businesses. While the program’s start date has yet to be announced, here’s what you need to know to check eligibility and get ready to apply.1. Am I eligible? In order to be eligible for a Main Street Lending Program loan, a business must: Have been established before March 13, 2020Not be an
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
Monday, May 04, 2020COVID-19 Halts Business, Not Rent: Navigating the Pandemic's Financial Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have far-reaching and lasting effects on our business community. With many struggling to pay the bills, the Judicial Council has put a number or regulations in place around tenancies and foreclosures to help alleviate some of the financial burden on local business. Rulings on tenancies:A court may not issue a summons on a complaint for unlawful detainer (“U/D”) unless action is necessary to protect public health and safety.A court may not enter default or a default
Monday, May 04, 2020The New Normal: Tips for Working Remotely
Working remotely may be new to a lot of people. While it’s going to be different for everyone, here are a few tips to help you navigate this new remote working environment.1. Create a new norm Try to follow your normal work routine to stay productive. If you normally shower every morning or listen to a podcast on your commute, you should still do those things. It sets the right tone for the day (whatever that may be). Also, it’s important to stay flexible, but also maintain boundaries for your working
Thursday, April 23, 2020Unemployment Insurance: A Guide for Employers with Newly Displaced Workers
by Mike McCluskey, Senior Technical Editor, CalChamber The COVID-19 pandemic has displaced millions of California workers in a startlingly brief period — and it’s expected to get worse. According to a recent Economic Roundtable report, 43 percent of Californians are at high risk of unemployment. As millions of displaced workers seek economic relief in the form of California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, the federal government has stepped in to supplement it (and each state’s UI program) with
Monday, April 20, 2020Workforce Development Board: March 2020 Santa Barbara County Labor Market Info
Message from the SBCWDB Executive Director Today's release includes the March numbers which begins to reflect the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The week that contains March 12 predated many of the coronavirus-related business and school closures in the second half of month with the Stay-at-Home orders by Governor Newsom on March 19. The county unemployment rate for March was 5.6% versus 4.6% in February and 4.7% in March of last year. What's also interesting is California's state unemployment rate
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 10, 2020COVID-19 Energy Saving Recommendations for Businesses and Services
Many businesses and services have buildings that are either closed to the public or have limited staff due to COVID-19. During this time, it is important to reduce non-essential energy use and associated energy costs. Here are recommendations from PG&E and Southern California Gas Company to limit the use and expense of energy until normalcy returns. 1.In buildings that are closed to the public and are unstaffed: •Set boilers and water heaters to the lowest setting. •Turn off HVAC
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
Tuesday, March 17, 2020#SMVOpenForBusiness: Show Your Support for Local Business
While it may look a little different during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Santa Maria Valley business community is still very much open for business, and needs your support now more than ever. You can learn some easy ways to support local businesses during COVID-19 HERE. We want to hear how you are supporting our local business community! Share with us how you are supporting our Santa Maria Valley businesses by using the hashtag #SMVOpenForBusiness on your social media platforms. Maybe you’re getting takeout
Monday, March 16, 2020Santa Maria Valley is Open for Business: Supporting the Business Community during COVID-19
With the COVID-19 Pandemic continuing to evolve rapidly, we are continuing to follow the guidelines put out by our county, state and federal officials. From mandates restricting social gatherings to the closure of bars and wineries – we know there will be a significant economic strain on our business community in the coming weeks and months. As a Champion for our local businesses, we want to assure our community that Santa Maria Valley is still open for business. We always want to put the health and safety
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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
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Tuesday, February 04, 2020RMDZ Program Offers Low Interest Rates
The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) is a program administered by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, which manages the Santa Barbara Region. This advantageous economic development tool for businesses and manufacturers features a low interest, 4% loan for up to $2 million dollars for projects that qualify. The program is under the jurisdiction of CalRecycle, and the goal is to promote the use of recycled materials in the manufacturing process and to eliminate the amount of manufacturing
