-
Monday, August 03, 2020Leadership Santa Maria Valley Graduates Class of 2020
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to announce the graduation of the 25th Leadership Class. This class began with a retreat last August and then started their day-long topic days with a tour of Vandenberg Air Force Base in September. The usual format of Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) is to have 10 topic days where the class hears speakers and takes tours around a specific business sector each month. However, like so many other things in 2020, that format had to change in April due to the
Monday, August 03, 2020Local Youth Needed to Illustrate Leadership Santa Maria Valley's Children's Book!
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020 has authored a bilingual children’s book called, Strawberry Moon Says, Goodnight, as one of our Legacy Projects. We want to highlight the talent in the Santa Maria Valley and have agreed the book should be illustrated by kids in our community. We have been hosting an art contest with 4th through 12th graders through the generous efforts of Allan Hancock College, City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks and several other organizations. With those efforts, we have
Monday, August 03, 2020Chamber Event Spotlight: Virtual Mixers
While events look a little different during COVID-19, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber continues to offer opportunities for members to get together and network in a virtual format. One of those opportunities is their virtual mixer, held once a month from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. The event is free for Chamber members to attend. While the virtual format is a little different than a traditional Mixer, it still offers opportunities for local business professionals to network, an opportunity for a local business to
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
Wednesday, July 01, 2020Incoming Board Chair Plans to Help Businesses Navigate Change, Expand Latino Business Outreach
Edgar Gascon of Hacienda Realty will serve at the Chairman of the Board for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce 2020-2021 fiscal year. We talked with Edgar to hear why he wanted to serve on the Board, and his goals for the Chamber in the upcoming year.Why did you want to be on the Chamber Board of Directors? I joined the Chamber Board of Directors to further involve myself in the community. I began my involvement with the Chamber as an Ambassador, and through my involvement with the Ambassador
Wednesday, July 01, 2020Santa Maria is Safe & Open for Business
As businesses continue to reopen under state and county guidelines, we've checked in with a few of our local businesses to learn more about the steps they are taking to safely reopen to the public.Old Town Quilt Shop165 W Clark Ave, Orcutt "We have installed a Plexiglass barrier at the cutting counter, and have hand sanitizer throughout the shop. Masks are required, and we have disposable ones for those who forgot theirs. We are limiting the number of customers in order to better help everyone. We expect
Wednesday, July 01, 2020Chamber Encourages Community to Protect. Respect. Wear Your Mask.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with Allan Hancock College and other local community leaders in the "Protect. Respect. Wear Your Mask." Campaign. The PR campaign highlights the importance of keeping yourself and the community safe by wearing a face mask when you are in public to help slow the spread of COVID-19. “In order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus and support an open economy, we must all unite and continue practicing social safety measures – including wearing a
Tuesday, June 30, 2020Chamber Welcomes 2020 - 2021 Board of Directors
The Chamber, Visitors Bureau and Economic Development Commission are led by a unified Board of Directors, made up of senior executives from member companies and partner organizations. The Board provides strategic and policy guidance to ensure the Chamber’s program of work serves the best interest of our members and the Santa Maria Valley community. The Chamber is pleased to announce these recently approved members of our 2020-2021 Board of Directors, who have been endorsed by current Chamber leadership and
.jpg)
Wednesday, June 03, 2020Chamber Continues to Assist with the Safe Reopening of Local Businesses
From face masks to hand sanitizer, social distancing to staff safety training – more and more local businesses in the Santa Maria Valley are taking steps to safely reopen. In accordance with guidelines set by the State of California, Santa Barbara County has now moved through stage 2 of the Governor's Resiliency Roadmap, allowing hair salons and churches to open, and restaurants and retail to serve customers inside their stores in addition to the curbside pickup and delivery options. The Chamber has
.jpg)
Wednesday, June 03, 2020Chamber Member Renewals - April 2020
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to recognize these partners who strive each day to create jobs, boost our local economy and build a community of which we can all be proud. Thank you for your continued membership with the Chamber.72 Years: Stowasser Buick GMC60 Years: Century Tax and Bookkeeping Services58 Years: Kirk & Simas Law Firm53 Years:Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast40 Years:Santa Maria Country ClubSMOOTH, Inc.Toyota of Santa Maria27 Years:Cassia26 Years:Shaklee
.jpg)
Wednesday, June 03, 2020Chamber Welcomes New Members: April 15 - May 15, 2020
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We appreciate their vote of confidence in our ability to add value to their business and to create a strong local economy together. Nature'sRepair (833) 762-8873 ext. 803naturesrepair.org Santa Maria, CA Superior Home Investments (805) 568-9848/568-9849www.facebook.com/SUPERIORHOMEINVESTMENTS/ Santa Maria, CA Rock Chip Armor Automotive Survival Products (805) 878-5867www.rockchiparmor.com 2310
Monday, May 04, 2020Creating a New Armor: Local Business Pivots to Meet Demands of COVID-19
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our local community continues to come together and find unique ways to lend support during these challenging times. Local business Mob Armor, this has meant completely altering their product line and creating reusable face shields to help meet the increased need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) caused by COVID-19. “Three weeks ago I watched the news like everyone else and had friends in the hospital system that we’re telling me they were short on PPE,” explained
Monday, May 04, 2020Other Local Companies Lending A Hand During COVID-19
As the need for PPE has greatly increased during COVID-19, many local companies are doing what they can to help meet this need. Hardy Diagnostics will be the exclusive distributor in the US for an antibody test (Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Test) that can show whether a person has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, and whether or not they show lasting immunity to the disease. The test is currently getting FDA emergency use authorization and is has a tentative shipping date of May 15th. Additionally, Hardy
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
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
Friday, April 03, 2020Leadership Santa Maria Valley: A Sneak Peek at this Year's Legacy Project
By now you have seen or heard about the Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020 Legacy Projects. The first project, is the construction of a mobile observatory of the sky dome in partnership with the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. The second project, is the publishing of a bilingual children’s book titled, Strawberry Moon Says, Goodnight. Illustrations will be drawn by local 4th-12th grade students through an art contest. The book features different landmarks in the Santa Maria
.jpg)
Friday, April 03, 2020LSMV March 2020: Government Topic Day
On March 6, 2020, Santa Maria Valley Leadership Class of 2020 met to learn about the Government in our area. The range of speakers could not have been better. As one member said, “This has been one of the best topic days yet!” We heard from legends such as Jim Glines, Chairman and Co-Founder of Community Bank of Santa Maria, Larry Lavagnino, Former Mayor of Santa Maria, current Mayor of Santa Maria, Alice Patino and outgoing County Supervisor, Peter Adam. We heard from many other great leaders in our
Tuesday, March 03, 2020Chamber a Catalyst in Building a Regional Economy that Works
For individuals and businesses, the region is the functional unit in which they live and operate. Many of us wake up in one city, work in another, and dine, shop and play in many. We regularly drive across city and county borders without a thought or a care. Our businesses serve marketplaces, both large and small, that depend upon suppliers, workers and customers who rarely reside in a single jurisdiction. Other challenging issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions to homelessness, have no regard for
Tuesday, March 03, 2020Regional Efforts Critical for Continued Growth
Sue Anderson President, Marian Regional Medical Center As the President of Marian Regional Medical Center, our entities expand through both Counties. We are the largest employer in the area and draw employees from throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. We take care of patients from throughout the two Counties. We are a regional referral center and trauma center and want to be an active part in both Counties that we provide services to. Santa Maria is the largest city in Santa Barbara
Tuesday, March 03, 2020Local Leadership Recognized at Western Regional Chamber Conference
As a Catalyst for business growth, the Chamber understands the importance in keeping up with professional development and learning from industry partners to remain a champion for the local business community. One of the programs the Santa Maria Valley Chamber is involved in is the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E). The Chamber is excited to announce to recent accomplishments for staff attending W.A.C.E.Chamber Executive Graduates from Professional Development Program Terri Oneschuck, the
Tuesday, March 03, 2020Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Expanding Economic Vision for Growth & Opportunity in 2020 and Beyond
Noe VergaraToyota of Santa Maria Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2020 started of their monthly meeting with breakfast provided by Moxie café and warm welcome from Jay Hardy, President of Hardy Diagnostics. Hardy Diagnostics is a major employer in the Santa Maria Valley with a big impact to our local economy. President Jay Hardy explained the expansion the company has had over the years to the point they out grew their local location and opened a new plant in Ohio. Hardy Diagnostics is part of the few
.png)
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
Tuesday, February 04, 2020Leadership Santa Maria Valley Learns About Santa Maria Valley’s Community of Service
Bottom line: The care of people requires the work and dedication of caring people. This principle was exemplified during the Health and Human Services (HHS) topic day hosted by Leadership Santa Maria Valley on January 10, 2020. The organizers of the day were Angie Hernandez, Michael Nash, Patricia Horta, Yuliana Nelson, and Steve Williams; along with advisors Frank Mejia, Judith Monte, and Selena Fierro. The committee arranged for the class of twenty future city leaders to visit Marian Hospital, Good
Monday, December 23, 2019California Consumer Privacy Act — Employers Need to Be Ready January 1
Starting January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) significantly changes California’s consumer data collection rules and give consumers more control over how businesses use their personal information. However, the broad language of the CCPA arguably encompasses employees and job applicants, including employment data. Although employment data has a one-year exemption, employers covered by the act still need to comply with certain requirements starting January 1. Originally passed in 2018,
Monday, December 23, 2019Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review (December 2019)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is here for business. We continue to work hard to serve our members, local businesses and the Santa Maria Valley community. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to this past month. Catalyst for Business GrowthChamber CEO Glenn Morris chaired a meeting of the Performance Committee of the Workforce Development Board to ensure that the programs designed to serve local businesses and local job seekers in our county were meeting their goals and expectations.The Santa
Monday, December 23, 2019Central Coast Truck Center to Break Ground in Early 2020
The newest addition to California Truck Centers, Central Coast Truck Center, is breaking ground in Santa Maria in the first quarter of 2020. Just entering its 90th year, owned and operated continuously by the Howard Family, the 3rd and 4th generation are excited to bring to the Central Coast its Freightliner and Western Star Commercial Trucks. The dealership group purchased nine acres on West Stowell Road in April of 2019 and is beginning construction of a 39,000 square foot full service facility. It will
Monday, December 23, 2019Leadership Santa Maria Valley learns about programs & resources for youth during Topic Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020 received a glimpse into the future of youth and education in the Santa Maria Valley during their December Topic Day. From numerous organizations and programs that provide new opportunities for the youth in Santa Maria Valley to a new Career Technical Education building, the Leadership class of 2020 was ready to explore the educational opportunities and resources Santa Maria has available for local youth. The journey started in the morning in the boardroom at
Monday, December 23, 2019Celebrate #SantaMariaStyle Dining during Restaurant Month & 2nd Annual Craft Cocktail Contest
The Santa Maria Valley Visitors Bureau is once again highlighting Restaurant Month in January 2020 with a number of great specials from local restaurants, and also bringing back the Craft Cocktail Contest!Restaurant Month: The Santa Maria Valley is starting 2020 with #SantaMariaStyle, chock-full of participation from local and loved restaurants, wineries and breweries. Each participating location will be offering a special for $20.20, including everything from wine pairings to tastings and special menu
Tuesday, December 03, 2019Christmas Parade of Lights: Santa Maria Holiday Tradition Celebrates 25 Years
What traditions do you have during the holiday season? For many in Santa Maria, the annual Parade of Lights has for years served as the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season. This year, the parade is celebrating and impressive 25 years in Santa Maria under the leadership of the local Rotary Clubs. “The parade is a great time. I love how it brings the community together and kicks off the holiday season,” said Mike Gibson, a longtime Rotarian who has been involved in helping with the parade for a number
Tuesday, December 03, 2019Stowasser Buick GMC Receives Energy Efficiency Upgrade from Energy Watch Partnership
Stowasser Buick GMC, located at 600 E. Betteravia Road in Santa Maria, recently underwent a major energy efficiency project through the Santa Barbara Energy Watch Partnership program, which is administered by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. The dealership recently celebrated its 50th year as a family owned business and is owned and operated by Rob Stowasser and his son, Jacob. The extensive energy project included the replacement of 94 parking lot lights to LED’s and over 100 lighting fixtures
.jpg)
Tuesday, December 03, 2019Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review (November 2019)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is here for business. We continue to work hard to serve our members, local businesses and the Santa Maria Valley community. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to this past month. Catalyst for Business Growth•Chamber CEO Glenn Morris participated in CalChamber’s Public Affairs Conference, where he received briefings on the state economy, voter attitudes around key economic issues, and the priorities of the new state administration.•The Chamber attended a
Tuesday, December 03, 2019Touchstone “Leading with Love” Conference Returns for a Second Year
Due to an overwhelming success of the first conference Touchstone is excited to announce that they will be doing it all again. An entire Saturday dedicated to uplifting and supporting women! Touchstone with its dual purpose of providing leadership training to individuals and organizations is also home to the Central Coast Women’s Collective. Touchstone’s Central Coast Women’s Collective whose mission is “embracing women by sharing stories, building trust and re-defining expectations”, Co-created by Emily
.png)
Tuesday, December 03, 2019Leadership Class Examines Law Enforcement and Fire in Santa Maria during Public Safety Topic Day
Leadership Santa Maria Valley got an inside look at local law enforcement, fire and safety departments during their November Topic Day centered around public safety.Lt. Russ Mengel, with 20+ years of police service, led off our day in the briefing room, with an overview of the department and its services. Vitally important is the technology used in the day to day operations of the department. He detailed the current upgrade of computers used in the patrol vehicles that will provide quicker access to the
Tuesday, November 05, 2019CalSavers Employer Requirement: What You Need to Know
CalSavers is here! There’s an employer requirement. Here’s what you need to know: In July of 2019, a public board chaired by the State Treasurer rolled out the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program, the State’s ambitious new effort to level the playing field for small business workers, the self-employed, and the nearly 7.5 million Californians who lack access to a savings vehicle at work. It comes at zero cost to taxpayers or employers. CalSavers launched statewide July 1, 2019, and state law now
Monday, November 04, 2019Leadership Santa Maria Explores Santa Maria’s Creative Side
Leadership Santa Maria Valley class of 2020’s October 4th Topic Day centered upon Arts and Recreation. Our coordinating team of Steve Williams, Emily Kitts, Patricia Horta, Yoshira Jimenez and Vanessa Guevara were on a mission to explore the way arts and recreation enrich lives in the Santa Maria Valley. The class gathered at Naughty Oaks Brewing Company in Old Orcutt. We started the day enjoying breakfast provided by Steven Funkhouser from Starry Sky Coffee shop located in the Allan Hancock College
.png)
Monday, November 04, 2019Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review (October 2019)
From attending conferences with tourism and legislative partners to connection with future business leaders, Chamber staff has been busy both in and out of the office this past month. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve been up to: •The Chamber joined representatives from the EconAlliance of Northern SB County in Washington DC on October 9 -11. Chamber leadership visited with representatives from the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, and Small Business Administration to discuss
Monday, November 04, 2019Proper Food Permits Ensure Public Health & Safety
When you purchase a meal from a food truck or enjoy catered food at an event, do you stop to consider whether the business has the proper food permits? The California Retail Food Code (a section of California Health and Safety Code) is the section of state law that regulates retail food sales in California. It requires that food that is sold, distributed or given away to the public be prepared in and sold from a permitted food facility. But, as Kendra Wise with the Santa Barbara County Health Department
Monday, November 04, 2019Southern California Gas Company Applauds State-Wide Support of Balanced Energy Policies
Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) recently recognized more than 100 local governments across Southern California, representing approximately 6.75 million Californians, that have passed resolutions in support of affordable and balanced strategies to reduce emissions from buildings and that call on state policymakers to preserve consumers’ ability to choose either natural gas or electric appliances for their homes and businesses. Governments in the Santa Maria/Northern Santa Barbara Country region were
Tuesday, October 01, 2019Amid Growing Wildfire Threats, PG&E Expands Public Safety Power Shutoff Program
Given the continued and growing threat of extreme weather and wildfires, and as an additional precautionary measure following the 2017 and 2018 wildfires, PG&E is expanding and enhancing their Community Wildfire Safety Program to further reduce wildfire risks and help keep customers and the communities they serve safe. This includes expanding their Public Safety Power Shutoff program beginning with the 2019 wildfire season to include all electric lines that pass through high fire-threat areas – both
Tuesday, October 01, 2019Visit Santa Maria Valley Unveils Global Launch of The Swirl Machine During California Wine Month
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber &Visitors Bureau announces its worldwide product launch of The Swirl Machine, an interactive, digital-meets-the-real-world machine that swirls Santa Maria Valley wine into a digital piece of art. The Santa Maria Valley Swirl Machine opened to the public on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. PST, and will stay open 24-hours-a-day for a limited time. Users can visit SantaMariaValley.com/Swirl to register and participate for free. Users will be entered in a queue until it is
Tuesday, October 01, 2019Harassment Training Deadline Extended, Clarified
As you may remember, on January 1, 2019, a new California law went into effect that made substantial changes to mandatory sexual harassment prevention training. Under SB 1343, all employers with five or more employees must provide sexual harassment prevention training to all employees — supervisors must receive two hours of training and non-supervisory employees must receive one hour. Training must take place within six months of hire or promotion and every two years thereafter. Shortly after SB 1343’s
Tuesday, October 01, 2019Leadership Santa Maria Valley Welcomes Class of 2020
Leadership Santa Maria Valley kicked off another year of its program with their annual retreat. Run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Santa Maria Valley is an 11 month program designed to foster and create future community leaders. The program allows participants to increase their understanding of local issues, challenges and solutions while expanding their personal and professional networks and refining their leadership skills. Each Class gives back to the community with their own
Wednesday, September 04, 2019Soaring to New Heights: Central Coast AirFest Takes Flight for Second Year in Santa Maria
After taking flight for its inaugural year, the Central Coast AirFest is soaring back to the Central Coast to provide excitement and entertainment the whole family can enjoy. “AirFest was extremely successful for the inaugural event,” explained Chris Kunkle, who spearheaded the effort to bring an airshow to Santa Maria. “We saw about 17,000 people over the two days. It is going to turn into a signature event in Santa Maria.” Kunkle says the event was not only fun for the whole community, it also gave back
Wednesday, September 04, 2019Energy Watch Partnership assists SM Tire Retread Facility and Eco-Wine Furniture
SM Tire reached out to the Santa Barbara County Energy Watch Partnership, a program administered by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, for a lighting upgrade in its Santa Maria retread facility. At the retread location, SM Tire uses state-of-the-art machines and technology to apply rubber to tires and extend the life of their use. From industrial-sized fleet truck tires to specialized tires for large equipment, SM Tire serves the entire Central Coast region and provides a practical solution to
