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Tuesday, April 06, 2021Governor Newsom Outlines the State’s Next Step in the COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery, Moving Beyond the Blueprint
The below press release from the Governor details a plan to move away from the tier system June 15th and fully reopen. This announcement is new and more details are to come – we will continue to update you as more details become availableCalifornia has administered 20 million vaccines, including 4 million to the hardest-hit communities State aims to fully reopen on June 15, will continue to require masking and encourage all Californians to get vaccinated SACRAMENTO – As California surpasses a major
Thursday, April 01, 2021Community Vaccination Clinic Opening in Santa Maria
Roving Clinic to Open on Monday, April 5; All Eligible Residents May Register As part of Santa Barbara County’s continued participation in the Health Center COVID-19 Vaccine Program, COVID-19 vaccines will be available in a 7-day clinic in Santa Maria. The roving clinic will take place at Allan Hancock College from Monday, April 5 through Sunday, April 11. Appointment registration for these clinics will open today, Thursday, April 1. These clinics will be administering first-dose Pfizer vaccines. One
Thursday, March 25, 2021YPP: COVID-19 Update March 2021
SBA EXTENDS EIDL DEFERRMENT PERIODS The SBA has deferred payments on all disaster loans, that includes EIDL’s, until 2022. For those clients who received an EIDL loan, you will recall that your first payment on that loan was deferred for 12 months. For those who received the EIDL in 2020, that is being deferred for 24 months from receipt of the loan. If you received an EIDL in 2021, the first payment is extended to 18 months from receipt of the loan. You can read the full release here:
Wednesday, March 24, 2021The deadline for Round 4 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has been extended! Round 5 begins on March 25th
The deadline for Round 4 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program has been extended! Round 4:Eligible applicants: Only nonprofit cultural institutions with any revenue size that meet eligibility criteria found at CAReliefGrant.comEligible grant award: $5,000 – $25,000Dates to apply: Tuesday, March 16th through Friday, March 26th, 2021Details: Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1 and 2; grants will only be
Thursday, March 18, 2021Santa Barbara County COVID-19 Vaccination Virtual Town Hall
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 23 Join us for a COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall with Congressman Salud Carbajal, State Senator Monique Limón and Third District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann, featuring County Public Health Director, Van Do Reynoso, and Public Health Officer Dr. Henning Ansorg who will provide an update on the status of the county’s vaccination rollout plan. The Town Hall is being moderated by Raiza Giorgi and Mike Hodgson representing the Santa Ynez Valley Star, who will be asking
Thursday, March 18, 2021COVID-19 Community Needs Assessment Survey/Encuesta De Evaluación De Necesidades Comunitarias COVID-19
NEWS RELEASE March 18, 2021Traducción en español sigue a continuación / Spanish translation follows below COVID-19 Community Needs Assessment Survey The City of Santa Maria continues to actively seek residents’ input to determine how the needs of the community have changed since the pandemic began. An easy-to-use survey is still available at http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ehnrdbrmklsh5yhf/start. The survey will close on Wednesday, March 24th. Information collected from this survey may not
Monday, March 15, 2021Virtual Health Care Roundtable With Marian Regional Medical Center
You're Invited! Marian Regional Medical Center invites you to attend a unique opportunity to hear from Marian’s President and CEO Sue Andersen and Chief Medical Officer Chuck Merrill, MD, during a virtual presentation and discussion focused on health care in the Santa Maria Valley. Join us to receive updates, ask questions, and learn more about timely issues impacting local health care. Marian’s leaders will share how the hospital is fulfilling its promise to the community during the current COVID-19
Thursday, March 11, 2021NEW! Grants for Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Opens March 16 for one week only
State grant program will open from Tuesday, March 16th through Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021 California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), is administering a new relief package that includes a $50 million allocation for non-profit cultural institutions. Competitive funding for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be conducted by CalOSBA’s selected intermediary, Lendistry. Details on the
Tuesday, March 09, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Recommends Actions For Corporate Meetings, Events, And Conventions In California
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with many hospitality and tourism organizations to send a letter to Governor Newsom recommending that the Governor provide State Guidelines for Corporate Meetings, Events and Conventions in California. This sector of the economy has been devastated by the pandemic. The letter was written to Governor Newsom however, not about present economic impacts, but to sound an alarm about our ability to win this business back in the coming years. The letter written to
Wednesday, March 03, 2021New Funding Rounds Announced for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Four new rounds to address ongoing needFunding will support small businesses and non-profits that have struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic Sacramento, CA – California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), announced today four new funding rounds for the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program following Governor Gavin Newsom signing into law a comprehensive package of immediate actions that speeds
Tuesday, March 02, 2021Paving a Roadmap to Recovery: Santa Maria Valley Chamber Partners with Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber to Get Local Communities Back to Business
It has been a year now since the pandemic began, and the impact on local businesses cannot be overstated. As an advocate for our business community, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber continues to look for ways to support our local businesses through reopening and recovery. As part of that effort, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber on their Roadmap to Recovery. The plan maps a course for local economic recovery based on efforts over the next 6 months and
Monday, March 01, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Recommends Actions Promoting Economic Recovery
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to send a letter to Governor Newsom recommending specific actions to assist small businesses who continue to struggle as a result of the pandemic. California's small businesses are reeling from the economic fallout of COVID-19 shut-downs and need the financial bridge that grants, tax breaks, fee waivers, and elimination of additional costs/mandates offer so that they can stay afloat until our economy
Wednesday, February 24, 2021SBA Prioritizes Smallest of Small Businesses in the Paycheck Protection Program
Steps to Promote Equitable Relief for Mom-and-Pop BusinessesWASHINGTON – Building on a month of strong results, the Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration are taking steps with the Paycheck Protection Program to further promote equitable relief for America’s mom-and-pop businesses. The latest round of Paycheck Protection Program funding opened one month ago and already the Biden Administration has succeeded in making major improvements to the program’s implementation: For
Monday, February 22, 2021Governor Newsom, Legislative Leaders Announce Immediate Action Agreement for Relief to Californians Experiencing Pandemic Hardship
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon today announced that they have reached an agreement on a package of immediate actions that will speed needed relief to individuals, families and businesses suffering the most significant economic hardship from the COVID-19 Recession. The compromise builds on the initiatives in the Governor’s state budget proposal to provide cash relief to lower-income Californians, increase aid to small
Wednesday, February 17, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber urges Congress to include liability protections in the next COVID-19 relief package
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recently submitted a letter to Congress urging them to include liability protections in the next COVID-19 relief package. The letter stated the following: The Santa Maria Valley Chamber urges you to include targeted and temporary liability protections as you consider President Biden’s COVID relief package. As the Administration strives to reopen schools, protect our nation’s health and strengthen our economy, these critical protections will help safeguard educational
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Supports SB 74
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is pleased to support SB 74, since it will facilitate and assist with California’s economic recovery. Businesses of all sizes are reeling from the catastrophic impacts of COVID-19 and California is still experiencing high rates of unemployment. SB 74, in conjunction with the Small Business Grants Program Budget proposal and federal aid programs, would assist with addressing these pervasive issues and provides employers impacted by the pandemic with a financial bridge until
Tuesday, February 16, 2021In Purple Tier, 26% more businesses report being able to reopen
A majority of respondents say they will get vaccine and encourage employees to do so as wellSan Luis Obispo, CA - The Central Coast Coalition of Chambers has released results from their bi-monthly survey on COVID-19 impacts to businesses. Since May, nearly 2,900 businesses between San Miguel and Solvang have responded, allowing the Coalition to track sentiment and changes over the nine-month period. The most recent bi-monthly survey ran from February 1-12, with the Regional Stay-at-Home order being lifted
Wednesday, February 03, 2021Second Application Round Opens for California’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Application period ends February 8Free application webinars offered daily in several languages Sacramento, CA – California’s Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), part of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), today announced that Round 2 of the Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program is open. The $500 million program is intended for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Grants range in size from $5,000 to $25,000. Approximately half of the
Monday, February 01, 2021Moving Forward While Staying Home: Chamber Continues Partnerships, Advocacy and Outreach During Pandemic
While we may have (until recently) been under a Stay at Home Order, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber has continued their forward momentum in supporting local businesses and planning for the coming year. Our partnerships locally and throughout the Central Coast region continue to play a critical role in advocating for our business community. Recently, the Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the other Chambers in Santa Barbara County to launch the “Safe Return to Work Campaign”, advocating that
Friday, January 29, 2021Round 2 Of California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Opens On February 2nd
Round 2: Round 2 Opens: February 2, 2021 @ 8:00 am PST Round 2 Closes: February 8, 2021 @ 6:00 pm PST Selection Notifications: February 11 - 18, 2021 Waitlist Notice: February 22 Non-Selection Notice: February 24Call Center Hours: Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm PST
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Wednesday, January 27, 20215 Management Keys for Effective Virtual Leadership
Leaders can often spot talent in their employees. The challenge is to find effective ways to nature and develop these skills, especially in a virtual workspace where traditional approaches are obsolete. However, thanks to modern technology, managers can develop strategies to ensure each employee gets their share of challenging objectives that propels them to the next level. The challenges should also focus on developing individual talents while fulfilling daily scoreboard expectations.Constant Feedback and
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Monday, January 25, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Applauds City Council for Support of Local Businesses
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce applauds the Santa Maria City Council for showing their support for local business with the adoption of an important resolution during their January 19th City Council Meeting. Sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chambers across Santa Barbara County, the Resolution to Support Safe Business Operations makes clear the case that businesses can (and should be allowed to) operate safely during the COVID pandemic. “The Chamber
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Monday, January 04, 2021How Local Businesses Can Compete with Amazon
Amazon is the largest online store and hosts products from some of the biggest brands in the world. They are also known for large inventories and discounts, so competing based on price can be a tall order for local startups. Interestingly, about 50% of the products you encounter at Amazon in the United States are listed by small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and not Amazon itself. So is Amazon a competitor, or is it a marketplace? In addition to setting up your business on Amazon, there are several ways a
Wednesday, December 23, 202018 Ways to Stay in Business When Your Storefront is Locked Down
The good news about a vaccine being available was largely overshadowed this week by the fact that 1.67 million people have died worldwide from COVID. Of those, 311,000 were in the US. Talk of these numbers has many assuming further restrictions are unavoidable. If so, here are a few things you can do to stay in business without an open storefront. First, Minimize Contact When businesses are told to close, it’s not usually the selling that is prohibited. It’s the exchange and contact between people.
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
Monday, December 21, 2020COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package- Detailed Summary of New Agreement
Unemployment Insurance - $120 Billion: In this relief bill, $120 billion was secured in additional federal funding for struggling workers nationwide by extending the historic unemployment insurance expansion established by the CARES Act, through March 14, 2021. Specifically, this bill:Extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which provides continued unemployment assistance to the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, part-time workers and other individuals in non-traditional
Monday, December 14, 2020Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Re-Opens Small Business Grant Programs
Santa Barbara Better Together (SBBT) Small Business Grant Programs have reopened for the City of Santa Maria, as well as unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County! - Santa Maria Grant Deadline: December 16, 2020 - Unincorporated SB County Grant Deadline: December 31, 2020 You can apply for City of Santa Maria Grants at: https://www.sbfoundation.org/covid-19-business-community-resources/sbbt-small-business-grant-program-guidelines-santa-maria/ You can apply for Unincorporated SB County Grants
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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
Wednesday, December 02, 20202020 Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial Ceremony Cancelled Due to COVID-19
In a typical year, today would have been spent honoring the brave men and women who have served our country during the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial ceremony. Unfortunately, this year’s event has been cancelled due to COVID-19. The annual ceremony, put on by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, traditionally takes place around the December 7th Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day at the Freedom Monument Veterans Memorial, located at 600 S. McClelland, in front of the Abel Maldonado Community Youth
Wednesday, December 02, 2020Guest Column: CAL/OSHA Emergency Standard
Commentary provided by Sandra Dickerson, CEO, Your People Professionals Yesterday afternoon the Department of Industrial Relations issued an announcement of the adoption of cal/OSHA’s emergency COVID regulations. The temporary standards apply to most workers in California not covered by Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. Under the new regulations, employers must have a written COVID-19 Prevention Plan that addresses the following: System for communicating information to employees
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
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Thursday, October 29, 2020A Juggling Act: How Employers Can Help Students Balance Remote Learning, Employment During Pandemic
For students, the pandemic has presented its fair share of challenges. From adapting to remote learning to decreased social interactions with friends, students have had to be resilient these past few months. Many local high school students have also been juggling employment with remote learning, adding additional challenges for themselves and their schools to make sure they remain successful in their academics. Santa Maria High School leadership estimates that about 40% of their high school students have
Thursday, October 29, 2020New CDPH Guidance Clarifies, Contains Ambiguities for Reporting COVID-19 Outbreaks
Last Friday, October 16, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) slipped out two new guidance documents which employers of all sizes across the state need to take a look at. Most importantly, these documents include guidance on how employers should be reporting outbreaks to local public health agencies right now, which is very similar to the AB 685 requirements. As you may recall, AB 685 (Reyes) was a priority bill that, among other provisions, required employers to give notice to employees of
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Monday, October 26, 2020Governor Provides Updated Industry Sector Reopening Guidance - October 20, 2020
The State of California has provided updated industry guidance for reopening in accordance with their tiered reopening model. And outline of these updates is listed below. The full details of the industry sector reopening by tiers can be found here. New Guidance:Amusement Parks and Theme Parks Provides guidance for amusement parks and theme parks (referred to as “amusement parks”) to support a safe, clean environment for workers and customers. Businesses must identify and monitor the County Risk Level
Thursday, October 15, 2020Join Masked & Mighty to Power Up Santa Barbara County to Stop the Spread of COVID-19: Oct 26 - Nov 7
To launch the Masked and Mighty coalition we have created Power Up Santa Barbara County, an event running from October 26-November 7, 2021. Several Landmark buildings, County buildings, healthcare facilities, Schools, Universities and businesses throughout Santa Barbara County will be powering up with brightly colored exterior lighting to demonstrate our unified county-wide commitment to adhering to safety precautions to reduce the spread of infection. We are inviting business and residents to join us and
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Thursday, October 08, 2020Distance Learning, Working Parents and Employers - Oh My!
Fall 2020's Back-To-School hasn't been the "jump for joy" moment that many parents typically feel. Across the nation, school districts are pushing back the start of the year, embracing distance learning, and finding workable options to keep students and teachers safe as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Each school district is doing something different, and many parents aren't given a choice of how students are getting their education.In response, many companies are continuing work-from-home initiatives
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
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
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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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
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Monday, August 03, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber Launches Campaign to Encourage Community to “Support Santa Maria Valley”
When you support Santa Maria Valley's businesses today, you are helping ensure a strong local community tomorrow. That’s the message behind the “Support Santa Maria Valley” campaign launched by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless challenges to our local business community,” explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Our organization felt it was critical to remind the community of the importance in continuing to
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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%
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,
Tuesday, July 07, 2020CPRA: If You Buy an Elephant, You’ll Also Have to Feed It
Imagine if COVID-19 never happened and I asked you whether California could afford a new multimillion dollar enforcement agency, would you agree? Now imagine our current economy, 15.5% unemployment and a $54,000,000,000 state deficit. If I asked you whether California can afford to create and staff a brand new enforcement agency today, would you hesitate? Most people would. On June 25, 2020, an investor from San Francisco announced that he had qualified his new privacy law (CPRA) for the November ballot.
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, 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
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
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
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, 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
Monday, May 04, 2020The Coalition of Central Coast Chambers stands with SLO County on reopening measures
On May 1, the County of SLO released the Steps To Adapt and Reopen Together Guide, their framework for a phased reopening. A subcommittee of business and community leaders was formed to provide input on the START Guide at the direction of the County Board of Supervisors and Public Health officials. The Coalition of Central Coast Chambers was one of the groups making up a subcommittee, providing key insights from the regional business community. The Coalition of Central Coast Chambers supports a phased
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
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
