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Wednesday, September 16, 2020Marian Regional Medical Center Family Medicine Residents Perform Sports Physicals on Local Public High School Athletes
With COVID-19 precautions in place, resident physicians to perform physicals to help ready high school athletes for return to athletic programsSANTA MARIA, CA – September 16, 2020 – For the past four years, resident physicians from Marian Regional Medical Center’s Family Medicine Residency Program have been performing free sports physicals as a service to local athletes. Due to COVID-19, sports programs were all but cancelled, but with programs resuming locally next week, the resident physicians are
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
Monday, September 14, 2020Santa Barbara County: Housing For The Harvest
Free Hotel Rooms for Workers Who Have or Might Have COVID-19 If you are a farmworker or food processing worker who has COVID-19 or has been around someone who has COVID-19, you may be able to stay in a free hotel room. By staying in a hotel away from others, you can protect your family and co-workers from getting COVID-19.The free hotel stay includes:A room for up to 14 daysFree mealsFree TransportationFree wellness checks You won’t be asked about your immigration status. Call to see if you can get a
Monday, September 14, 2020El condado de Santa Barbara: Viviendas Para Trabajadores Agrícolas
Habitaciones de hotel gratuitas para trabajadores que tiene o podría tener COVID-19 Si usted es un trabajador agrícola o trabaja en el procesamiento y tiene COVID-19 o ha estado cerca de alguien que tiene COVID-19, es posible que pueda quedarse en una habitación de hotel gratis. Al quedarse en un hotel, lejos de otras personas, puede proteger a su familia y compañeros de trabajo de contraer COVID-19. Este programa de estancia gratuita en el hotel incluye: Una habitación hasta por 14
Thursday, September 10, 2020City of Santa Maria Recreation And Parks: Looking For ''Drive - Through Boo!'' Participants
PLAY, Inc. and the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department would like to invite you to take part in the free family Drive - Through Boo! event. PLAY, Inc., the Recreation and Parks Department will provide a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Recreation and Parks Department staff will be working with other City departments, non-profit organizations, service clubs, and businesses to set up drive up trick or treat stations around the one mile loop at Preisker Park (330 Hidden Pines Way). The
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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
Wednesday, September 09, 2020SMAT Short Range Transit Plan Virtual Open House
NEWS RELEASE September 8, 2020 SMAT Short Range Transit Plan Virtual Open House Santa Maria Area Transit (SMAT) is making the recommendations from the Short Range Transit Plan (SRTP) available for the public to view in a Virtual Open House from Wednesday, September 23rd to Wednesday, October 7th at www.SmatOpenHouse.com. Participants will have the option to view videos and read information on the plan in both English and Spanish. Open House visitors can review recommendations, provide feedback via a
Friday, September 04, 2020Ser un Negocio Ecológico Durante COVID-19
Aprenda sobre maneras de limpiar su negocio de manera saludable, ahorrar dinero a través de la sostenibilidad, y cómo reducir los residuos. Acerca de este evento. El California Green Business Network y sus socios se están reuniendo para brindarle este seminario web en español destinado a ayudar a las empresas a aprender formas de limpiar su negocio de manera saludable, ahorrar dinero a través de la sostenibilidad y cómo reducir el desperdicio para recuperarse, desarrollar resiliencia e incorporar la
Friday, September 04, 2020CalChamber: Remember Masks, Social Distance Over Holiday Weekend
The California Chamber of Commerce is urging all California businesses to remind their employees of the importance of wearing masks and maintaining social distancing as they enjoy their upcoming holiday weekend. “Keeping California open for business requires a sustained commitment from all of us—employers, workers, and our family members and friends,” said CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg. “It is critical that we all do everything possible to tamp down the infection rate—including wearing
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Thursday, September 03, 2020Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Provides Grants for Santa Maria Small Businesses
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA - The Santa Barbara Foundation announced today the launch of the Santa Barbara Better Together Fund Small Business Grant Program partnership with the City of Santa Maria, to help those 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 businesses located within the City of Santa Maria as they reopen and adapt to operating
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
Tuesday, September 01, 2020Emergency Rental Assistance Program
NEWS RELEASE August 31, 2020Traducción en español en la siguente página (Spanish translation follows below)Emergency Rental Assistance Program Low- to moderate-income households in Santa Maria that have experienced a decrease in income as a result of COVID-19 may qualify for emergency rental assistance. The program, funded with special Community Development Block Grant funding (CDBG-CV), will offer up to three months of rental assistance (or up to $5,000 maximum) to qualified households. Funding is
Tuesday, September 01, 2020CalChamber: IRS Issues Guidelines to President’s Payroll Tax Deferral Order
IRS Issues Guidelines to President’s Payroll Tax Deferral Order The U.S. Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidelines to President Donald Trump’s payroll tax deferral executive order on Friday night. The guidelines are available at: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-20-65.pdf. President Trump signed an executive order on August 8 calling for a deferral of employees’ portion of the Social Security payroll tax from September 1 through December 31, 2020. The executive order
Tuesday, September 01, 2020Dignity Health: Labor Day Reminder - Coronavirus is Still Prevalent
Take proper precautions to protect yourself and loved ones from COVID-19 CENTRAL COAST – September 1, 2020 – As we near the Labor Day holiday on September 7, 2020, Dignity Health Central Coast wants to remind our community how to stay safe and protected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises individuals to minimize exposure and the spread of coronavirus as communities begin to hold events. While we may be growing tired of the disruption coronavirus has on our daily lives, the
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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
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
Thursday, April 09, 2020COVID-19 Survival Guide for Employers
by Matthew J. Roberts; Employment Law Counsel/Subject Matter Expert, CalChamber The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered the way many of us work and live — and, based on the federal social distancing guidance extended through April 30 and California’s stay home order in place for an undetermined time, it will likely continue to do so. The temporary workplace measures employers implemented a few weeks ago, such as remote working, are likely going to have a longer shelf life than what many of us
Tuesday, April 07, 2020Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Latest News From 4/6/30
4/6/30A list of local lenders in Santa Maria providing SBA loan assistance is available HERE The South County Chambers of Commerce is hosting a webinar this Wednesday with an update on the CARES act from our local Congressman, Salud Carbajal. Learn More & Register The County of Santa Barbara has issues a new health order regarding licensed facility temperature screening and self-evaluation. Read More
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
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Monday, March 23, 2020Support Your Local Restaurants through #TakeoutTuesday Campaign!
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is recommending all (healthy/low risk) residents show their love and support for local restaurants by joining the “Takeout Tuesday” campaign. Every Tuesday, the Chamber is encouraging the community to place orders for delivery and takeout, and then share their community support on social media with #TakeoutTueday. This campaign is a regional effort to help support our local business community - many of the Central Coast Coalition of Chambers members, which
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
Thursday, March 19, 2020Santa Maria Valley: Practice social distancing #SantaMariaStyle!
March 19 - March 29 Practice social distancing #SantaMariaStyle! Every week, we'll provide you with ways to enjoy the Santa Maria Valley by bringing the fun and the flavors to the comfort of your own home. For additional ideas, visit our website here.Virtual Vineyard Tours With Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Several days a week, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery will all connect via a live feed from a vineyard row. Ask questions, look around and see how the 2020 vintage is progressing. The live streams and
Thursday, March 19, 2020Remote Work Considerations Amid Coronavirus
by Bianca Saad, Employment Law Subject Matter Expert, CalChamber The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is affecting us in ways that just a few short months ago were incomprehensible, and it’s making life for many employers pretty tough. While the trend of working from home, also referred to as “telecommuting,” has grown over the years, coronavirus concerns have pushed many employers to allow remote work just so business can continue as isolations and quarantines increase. Amazon and Google, for
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
