Chamber Ambassador Committee

Serving on the Ambassador Committee is a great way to support the Chamber and local business community. Additionally, you’ll see a number of benefits by being an Ambassador, including:

• Opportunity for high-visibility networking
• Your name and business posted on the Chamber Website
• Recognition of Ambassador of the Quarter, Ambassador of the Year, and Ambassador profiles published on Chamber print & digital platforms.
• Ambassador Name Badge 
• Early or reduced price admission to Chamber events, as appropriate
• Opportunity to learn more about the programs, events and advocacy work that affect the Chamber and your community
• Form close ties with other committee members and Board members
• Create valuable business relationships while serving the business community
• Have fun while creating a welcoming and all-inclusive environment for others to enjoy and benefit from

• Chief Ambassador:The Chief Ambassador serves as the head of the Ambassador Committee. This person serves a two-year term (with the option to serve additional terms) and is responsible for assuring Ambassadors are meeting program requirements, and following the Code of Conduct. The Chief Ambassador also assists with any questions or issues Ambassadors may have. 
  • The Chief Ambassador is elected by the Ambassador committee every two years. Nominations for Chief Ambassador are brought to a Chamber staff representative in May, and voting by the Ambassador Committee takes place in June.
     
• Assistant Chief Ambassador:The Assistant Chief Ambassador is appointed by the Chief Ambassador. They assist the Chief Ambassador as needed, and run Ambassador meetings in the Chief’s absence. The Assistant Chief Ambassador serves a 2 year term.
   
• Ambassador Secretary:The Ambassador Secretary is responsible for taking notes at the Ambassador meeting, which the then transcribe into meeting minutes which get reviewed by the Chief Ambassador and approved by the Ambassador Committee.
   
• Ambassador Luncheon Facilitator:The Ambassador Luncheon Facilitator schedules monthly Ambassador luncheons, and confirms all upcoming reservations.
   
• Ambassadors in Training: Ambassadors in training are currently in the process of becoming an Ambassador. The training period is an opportunity to determine whether the requirements of the Ambassador Club are attainable and well suited for the individual. After a 60 day probationary period, the Ambassador will receive their official Ambassador name badge.
   
• Active Ambassadors:Active Ambassadors have completed the training and are now formal members of the Ambassador Committee. They are expected to meet program requirements and abide by The Code of Conduct. 
   
• Ambassador Emeritus:An Ambassador who has served on the Ambassador Committee for 15 or more years will be given Emeritus status and have a two hour minimum requirement for participation (monthly luncheon plus on additional hour of participation per month). As with Ambassadors, the Ambassador Emeritus is asked to give 24 hours’ notice for missed luncheons and up to three absences are allowed per year.
   
• Ambassador Welcoming Committee:The Ambassador Welcoming Committee partners Ambassadors with a new Chamber Member and assists them in making the most of their Chamber membership for the first three months of their membership in the Chamber. Those on the welcoming committee are expected to reach out via phone or email to assigned new Chamber Members and invite them to attend an event, help them feel welcomed and introduce them to other Ambassadors and Chamber Members. If Ambassadors have any questions regarding interactions with new members or unsure how to address new member questions, etc.,  they are expected to contact Cara Martinez at cara@santamaria.comor (805) 925-2403 x852.

As a Chamber Committee, Ambassadors must be members of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce (in good standing), and are expected to meet the following criteria to remain part of the Chamber Ambassador Committee. Commitment to these requirements will be renewed on an annual basis. Ambassadors who are unable to meet the committee requirements (without a reasonable expectation or communication with committee leadership) will be dismissed from the Ambassador committee.

Ambassador Training Program:

New ambassadors are required to complete the Ambassador Committee training, which includes:

• Attending Ambassador Events
   

• Work with Chief Ambassador to understand Signup.com and other requirements including the benefits of Chamber membership

Ambassador Participation Requirements:

To remain part of the Ambassador committee, Ambassadors are required to participate in the monthly Ambassador meeting, plus a minimum of 3 additional hours of Chamber functions each month. Participation is logged through signup.com. Participation hours can include:

• Attend the monthly Ambassador meeting (required):Monthly Ambassador meetings are typically held during lunch at a local restaurant. If an Ambassador is unable to attend, they are expected to give 24 hours’ notice. This monthly meeting is mandatory, and only extenuating circumstances will be considered as a valid reason to miss the meeting.
   
  • Only three excused absences are allowed per year, and Ambassadors who miss the monthly meeting are expected to make up the one hour of participation through one of the Chamber functions listed below.
     
• Attend & network at weekly BYB (Build Your Business) breakfast meetings:held every Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Denny’s Restaurant in Santa Maria. Chamber Ambassadors are expected to introduce themselves to new members and attendees and answer questions about the Chamber. 1 hour of participation/ session
   
• Attend Ribbon Cuttings:Ribbon cuttings are held for new members or to celebrate significant anniversaries/new office locations of existing members. Ambassadors are expected to assist as needed. Ambassadors should not use ribbon cuttings as a time to promote their business or try and make a sale, but instead contact the member at a later date. 1 hour of participation/ session
   
• Volunteer at Chamber Mixers:Ambassadors can sign up to volunteer at Chamber Mixers, typically held the third Thursday of the month at various local businesses from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Ambassador volunteers sign up for one-hour shifts and are expected to assist with set up/tear down, run the check in table, serve as greeters and answer any questions about the Chamber. Volunteers are expected to arrive early or stay after so they can network and participate in the mixer as well. 1 hour of participation/ session
   
• Attend Chamber Mixers:If volunteer positions for a mixer are full, Ambassadors can attend the Mixer as a representation of the Ambassador Committee, and are expected to stay at least one hour. 1 hour of participation/ session
   
• Participate in the Ambassador Welcoming Committee:Those on the welcoming committee are expected to reach out via phone or email to new Chamber Members and invite them to attend an event, help them feel welcome and introduce them to other Ambassadors and Chamber Members. 1 hour per month (per new member)
   
• Assist at other Chamber events as needed:Throughout the year, ambassadors will be asked to assist at some of the major Chamber events (Annual Awards Gala, ExpoFest, Annual Strawberry Dinner, etc.). Participation hours will vary by event. Participation hours vary
   

• Serve in an Ambassador Leadership role:As organized by the Chief Ambassador, individuals who support the Ambassador program in a leadership role (Assistant Chief Ambassador, Secretary, Luncheon Facilitator, etc.) may receive participation hours for their efforts. Participation hours vary and are agreed upon for each role.

As representatives of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ambassadors are expected to hold themselves to a professional standard. The Code of Conduct for Chamber Ambassadors includes:

• Consistently and positively promote the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce
   
• Maintain a courteous and professional demeanor while representing the Chamber at all programs and events. The Ambassadors have a profound effect on the Chamber membership, the City of Santa Maria and the community at large. Maintaining a positive and helpful attitude is the key to growing and maintaining a cohesive Chamber.
   
• Respect your commitment to the Chamber. This includes prompt attendance at Ambassador meetings and any events for which you have volunteered to work, and being responsible to find a replacement for work assignments when you are unable to meet a commitment. 
   
• Display an appropriate image of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber by wearing your Ambassador name badge and professional business attire at mixers and ribbon cuttings, or wearing appropriate event-specific attire for other Chamber events and activities. 
   
• Display the highest standards in communication and responsiveness by promptly returning calls and e-mails to members, fellow Ambassadors, and Chamber staff. 
   
• Speak only for yourself when asked your opinion while serving as an Ambassador (and make it clear that it is your personal opinion and not that of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce).
   
• Maintain neutrality regarding political candidates when working as an Ambassador. Refrain from wearing campaign buttons or displaying campaign literature while serving in an official Ambassador capacity. 
   
• Support and adhere to decisions made by the Ambassador Committee, Chamber Board of Directors, or the Chamber’s President/CEO, regardless of individual feelings or opinions.
   

• Maintain an appropriate and professional image online if you choose to promote the Chamber Ambassador program (and/or yourself as a Chamber Ambassador) on your personal social media platforms. Promotion on social media refers to items including tagging yourself or your businesses in Chamber photos or tagging the Chamber or “checking in” at Chamber events on your personal or business page.

Members of the Ambassador Committee are recognized throughout the year for their commitment and involvement in the program.

• Ambassador of the Quarter:Chosen by the Chief Ambassador and based on attendance, as well as, dedication to the Ambassador Club and promotion of the Chamber. The Ambassador of the Quarter will receive a recognition plaque and $25 gift card. Ambassador of the Quarter is also recognized in the Chamber Monthly Newsletter with a short article profiling the Ambassador.
   
• Ambassador of the Year:Selected by the Ambassador Committee. At the June monthly meeting, the Chief Ambassador will present the five Ambassadors with top attendance for the year. Members present will vote for the candidate they deem most worthy. The Ambassador of the Year will be honored at the Annual Awards Gala, The Ambassador of the Year will receive a recognition plaque and $50 gift card.
   
• Ambassador Profiles:Ambassadors will be periodically profiled and featured in Chamber print and digital publications. The Ambassador Committee will be notified when this opportunity is available, and those highlighted will be on a first come, first serve basis.

I joined Morris & Garritano with over 22 years of experience in customer service and sales. My passion is in serving others and I understand that to a business owner, their staff is their family and their business assets are their labor of love. As a Commercial Risk Advisor, I work hard alongside business owners to protect their people and their assets which they’ve worked so hard to build, maintain, and grow. My role at Morris & Garritano gives me the ability to provide the peace of mind that business owners need to successfully grow their business, and I take much pride in doing so. I am a Central Coast native – born in SLO, raised in Arroyo Grande, and am a Cal Poly alumnus. Serving as an Ambassador for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, a board member for The Rotary Club of Santa Maria, and a board member of The Boys and Girls Club of the Mid Central Coast, I value the relationships and connections that help our communities thrive. I am the proud mom to three wonderful boys. My oldest is in the US Marine Corps and my two youngest are in high school. I enjoy playing volleyball in my women’s league, relaxing at the beach, and tasting at our wonderful Central Coast wineries.

Diana is Cal Poly grad who has been an Ambassador for 3 years. She came into the Ambassador program looking to get more involved in networking with the business community and dove in head first. In her first year as Ambassador, she was awarded the title of Ambassador of the Year, in her second year she accepted the role of Assistant Chief Ambassador and in her third year, she agreed to lead the Ambassador Club as Chief Ambassador.

She is a licensed Life & Health agent and works at Morris & Garritano as an Employee Benefits Advisor helping business owners to implement or improve their Employee Benefits package. It is a very rewarding career to work with business owners and their employees in an overwhelming, and confusing industry to simplify, problem solve and navigate so they feel empowered. Diana is a member of the Noontime Kiwanis Club because giving back to the community is important and Kiwanis’ mission is close to Diana’s heart because it serves the most vulnerable in the community, it’s children. She is also developing her leadership skills while taking a deep dive into the all of the innerworkings of the Santa Maria Valley as a member of Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020.

Diana and her husband, Evan, are very busy with their two daughters, Lea and Sienna who are involved in sports, Girl Scouts, dance, FCCLA, and 4H. When they are not zipping from one practice/meeting to the next, they enjoy going to the movies, the beach, hiking, and camping.

Paul’s a native Californian and a 35-year Central Coast resident. He enjoys the outdoors, cruising, and makes his own wine. He is a retired Federal Government employee with 34 years of service. Paul has a BS and MS degrees both in Chemistry. He has 3 adult sons. He’s active with his soccer refereeing, yoga, and neuro-boxing.

His community involvement includes serving on the Board of Directors for the OASIS Senior Center; the Central Coast Home Vintners Association (Treasurer); and the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (Emeritus & past Treasurer). He is also the CoastHills Credit Union Supervisory Committee Chairman.

Paul's dedication in giving back includes being a Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce “White Coat” Ambassador; Sons of American Legion Post 534; a PCPA Usher; Retired Active Men’s Society; Noontime Kiwanis; Los Padres Soccer Referee Association; a licensed U.S. Soccer Federation National Referee Emeritus; and an NCAA Referee Assessor. He’s also a graduate of Leadership Lompoc Valley; Leadership Santa Maria Valley; and the Santa Barbara County Leadership Programs.

I relocated to Santa Maria in 2005. A native to the area of Vandenberg AFB, I attended the local schools since the 2nd grade when my father was stationed at Vandenberg. I have worked in the Self Storage industry since 2004. I have enjoyed working with the community and helping people in need of self storage or RV/Boat parking. I have enjoyed being involved as an Ambassador since January of 2017. I love seeing businesses thrive and meeting so many different people. I have enjoyed being a part of this great group of Ambassadors.