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Monday, January 24, 2022EconAlliance 2022 Ag Forum - Agriculture: The Future in Focus
February 3, 2022 Radisson Hotel Santa Maria (Indoor Mask Requirement) 8:15 a.m. Check-In/Coffee & Snack 9:00 a.m. Program 12:30 p.m. - Networking Lunch Program Featured Speaker: Walt Duflock VP Innovation, Western Growers Also includes: County Ag Update Ag Tech: Innovation Snapshots Anticipating Opportunity/Responding to Change: Stories from the Field 2022 Recognition: Ag Sector HR and Safety Leads Register here: www.EconAlliance.org/Upcoming-Events
Thursday, January 20, 2022Chamber Welcomes New Members From December 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December.Alliance Environmental Group, LLC Anjali Winther 535 Lindon Lane, Unit D Nipomo, CA 93444 (805) 551-4079http://alliance-enviro.comBALANCE7 Tammy Frogg'e 2360 Thompson Way, Ste. K Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 474-0558http://balance7.comFirst Bank Claudia Ortiz 2027 S. Broadway, Ste A Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 928-7727http://www.first.bankGolden Corral Buffet and
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Wednesday, January 19, 2022Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of January 20 - January 30
Fave Five | January 20 - January 30 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Los Flores Ranch: Native Seed ShakeJanuary 22 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Los Flores Ranch 6271 Dominion Road Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Join us for a Family Friendly recycling craft that will be used to shake native
Monday, January 17, 2022eCommerce as an SEO Strategy
If you have spent any time on Amazon you are already familiar with verbose descriptions of each item for sale, product reviews from verified purchases, and the ability to search by product name, product description and category. These elements are some of the secret sauce that has made Amazon so successful. They provide their shoppers plenty of information to make a confident purchase decision and at the same time this data is structured in a way that Google can gobble the information up. Google is not a
Wednesday, January 12, 2022On National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Attorney General Bonta Highlights Resources to Support Survivors of Human Trafficking
OAKLAND – As part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, California Attorney General Rob Bonta today highlighted resources available to businesses and members of the public to help combat human trafficking and support survivors. California law requires certain businesses and establishments to post notices that provide information and resources for survivors and the public regarding human trafficking. The Attorney General urges businesses and members of the public across the state to use these
Wednesday, January 12, 2022Dine Out Santa Maria Style Serves Up Culinary Creations, January 14 - February 13
SANTA MARIA, Calif. — In celebration of Santa Maria Valley’s diverse culinary offerings, nearly 20 local businesses will participate in Santa Maria Valley’s Restaurant Month from January 14 - February 13, 2022. Dine Out Santa Maria Style provides locals and visitors with an array of incredible culinary experiences to enjoy in the Santa Maria Valley making this the perfect time to visit. Each participating outlet will be offering a special for $20.22, everything from entrees to cocktail pairings and
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Wednesday, January 12, 2022Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of January 13 - January 23
Fave Five | January 13 - January 123 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Costa De Oro: Sweet T's One Man CaravanJanuary 14 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Costa De Oro Winery 1331 Nicholson Avenue Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Come out for a Friday full of good music and good food! Sweet T’s One
Monday, January 10, 2022Local Leaders Predict Competitive Labor Market, Flexible Work Environments on the Horizon for 2022
2021 was another challenging year, but we once again saw our community rise to the occasion. We applaud our local businesses and organizations for their continued resiliency and support for one another as we navigate the "new normal" brought on by the pandemic. As we wrap up the year, we asked some local leaders to weigh in on what they feel is in store for 2022. We asked, " What do you see as the greatest opportunity, challenge or trend that will impact businesses in Northern Santa Barbara County over
Monday, January 10, 2022Leadership Santa Maria Valley: A day at Vandenberg Space Force Base
On Friday, December 3rd, the Leadership class got to tour Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB). Our guide was Lieutenant Darras and he put together a wonderful day. We started with a briefing given to us by Colonel Kris Barcomb, a Vice Commander on the Base. We learned that VSFB hosts both military and civilian operations. Col. Barcomb shared with us about the operations and launches that have happened during 2021 and a glimpse into what is to come in 2022. He also joined us at lunch to share more about the
Monday, January 10, 2022CalChamber: COVID-19 Workplace Safety Rules Update
Below is a condensed summary of the CalChamber podcast, which can be found here. To hear the full discussion of each topic, visit the time stamps noted in the article below. New Isolation, Quarantine Guidelines Time Discussed: 01:35 On December 27, 2021 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new COVID-19 guidelines on quarantine and isolation periods for asymptomatic cases. Moutrie explains that the timelines have been shortened for asymptomatic cases only and in cases where
Monday, January 10, 2022SEO you shouldn’t trust
SEO advice and services have been offered since Search Engines started crawling the internet. I still see Marketing Agencies offering SEO services that employ tricks that lost relevance almost 2 decades ago. These SEOs offering low-cost SEO are selling nothing but Snake Oil. My hope is to educate you on what to look for so you can protect yourself. Think of your SEO Agency like a personal trainer, a trainer thinks about everything at every level, not just the machines you use in your workout, but also
Friday, January 07, 2022Featured Business of the Month: The Okonite Company
The Okonite Company was our featured manufacturing business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: The Okonite Company was founded in 1878 making it one of the original insulators of electrical wire and cable in the United States. Okonite serves a multitude of industry markets including Electric Utility, Oil & Gas, Chemical, Military bases, Railroad, and Transit.When was the business formed? The Okonite Company was founded in
Friday, January 07, 2022Featured Business of the Month: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria
Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria was our featured women-owned business for January 2022! Here’s some additional information about the business.Provide a brief description of the business: Cugini's Pizzeria & Trattoria is an italian restaurant, we make most of our food from scratch. We have Pasta's, Sandwiches, Pizza , Salads and Gyro'sWhen was the business formed?1999 in San Luis ObispoHow has the business grown?With the help from the community and the great food and service we provide.Current number of
Friday, January 07, 2022Featured Business of the Month: Mob Armor
Mob Armor was our featured manufacturing business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2014How has the business grown? Started in SLO then moved to Santa Maria in 2015. Santa Maria was welcoming. Thanks to warehouse space, fiber internet and manufacturing atmosphere/pro manufacturing attitude.Current number of employees: 22Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We started with rugged Smartphone mounts which then
Friday, January 07, 2022Featured Business of the Month: The VegBoss, LLC
The VegBoss, LLC was our featured women-owned business for December 2021! Here’s some additional information about the business.When was the business formed? 2018How has the business grown? By expanding our product offerings, reaching out to new growers in both North and South America and continuing to provide best in class service.Current number of employees: 6Describe how your business has innovated their product/service: We have a few proprietary packs of cauliflower and broccoli that has helped us
Thursday, January 06, 2022Featured Businesses of the Month
NEWS RELEASE January 5, 2022Featured Businesses of the Month The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses, it
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Wednesday, January 05, 2022Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of January 6 - January 16
Fave Five | January 6 - January 16 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. NYC Duo at Costa de Oro Winery January 7 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Costa De Oro Winery 1331 Nicholson Avenue Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States NYC Duo is back again at Costa de Oro Winery! Come on out and celebrate the start
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Monday, January 03, 2022SCO/City of Santa Maria Small Biz Webinar (January 12, 2022)
Free Small Business Webinar! Hosted by: State Controller Betty T. Yee and the City of Santa Maria Hear from federal, state, and local agencies about programs available to small businesses. January 12, 2022 10:00 - 11:30 am Register at: bit.ly/3sfa9O1
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Wednesday, December 22, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of December 23 - January 2
Fave Five | December 23 - January 2 As we pause the Fave 5 Newsletter for the rest of 2021, all of us from Visit Santa Maria Valley want to wish you very a very happy and festive holiday season! Here are 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley to get you through until 2022! Nataly Lola At The HomesteadDecember 26 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm The Homestead 105 W. Clark Ave Orcutt, CA 93455 United States Nataly Lola is a California singer-songwriter, composer and independent recording artist. She
Wednesday, December 15, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of December 16 - December 26
Fave Five | December 16 - December 26 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Cottonwood Canyon Winery: Christmas in the CavesDecember 18 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Cottonwood Canyon Winery 3940 Dominion Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States This winter season we are happy to be hosting you for a time
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Tuesday, December 14, 2021Santa Maria Valley Next November 2021: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting four local high schoolers excelling in the Agriculture & Natural Resources career pathways.Eric Ceja12th Grade, Santa Maria High SchoolEric Ceja, a 12th grader from Santa Maria High School is our Santa Maria Valley Chamber CTE Student of the Month in the Agricultural Science Pathway. He was nominated by
Monday, December 13, 2021Digital Vaccine verification toolkits for employers and customers
Using the California Digital Covid-19 Vaccine Record is an easier way to protect customers and your business. In partnership with the California Department of Public Health, we're providing simple flyers and toolkit assets to share how easy it is to use California's Digital Covid-19 Vaccine Record. Below are two different pdf flyers that are easily shareable with members and businesses. Option 1 is available here. Option 2 is available here. Additionally, we've also included all image and logo assets for
Wednesday, December 08, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From November 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of November.Ambiance Realty Shahnaz Kafader 1111 S. Broadway #101. Santa Maria, CA 93454 (909) 478-2322Blue Cloud Cleaning Co., LLCKimberly Cloud Santa Maria, CA 93454 (443) 240-7353http://bluecloudcleaning.comCollaboration Business ConsultingMichael Gunther 3220 S. Higuera Street, Suite 231 San Luis Obispo CA 93401 (805) 541-9040https://collaboration-llc.com/County of Santa Barbara
Wednesday, December 08, 2021Featured Businesses of the Month - December 2021
NEWS RELEASE December 8, 2021Featured Businesses of the MonthThe City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City of Santa Maria through their Santa Maria Featured Businesses program. This program gives recognition to businesses who have been in the community for a significant amount of time, and/or providing unique or significant contributions to our community. Not only does this give valuable exposure to these local businesses,
Wednesday, December 08, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of December 9 - December 19
Fave Five | December 9 - December 19 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Elks Recreation: Christmas In The Country 2021December 9 @ 6:00 pm - December 11 @ 8:30 pm Santa Maria Elks Unocal Event Center 4040 South Highway 101 Santa Maria, CA 93455 United States The cheerful and bright
Monday, December 06, 2021CISA Releases Capacity Enhancement Guides to Enhance Mobile Device Cybersecurity for Consumers and Organizations
CISA has released actionable Capacity Enhancement Guides (CEGs) to help users and organizations improve mobile device cybersecurity. •The CEG: Mobile Device Cybersecurity Checklist for Consumers provides steps for consumers, including using strong authentication and enabling automatic operating system updates. •The CEG: Mobile Device Cybersecurity Checklist for Organizations provides steps to help organizations secure mobile access to enterprise resources. CISA encourages users and administrators to
Monday, December 06, 2021New 2022 California Employment Laws White Paper Available to Download
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to be a primary focus in 2021, the California Legislature crafted and sent several hundred bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. As 2021 winds to a close, what better way to prepare for 2022 than by familiarizing yourself with employment law changes happening when January hits? For instance, a new law builds on 2020’s changes to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA), clarifying that employees can take CFRA leave to care for parents-in-law with serious health
Wednesday, December 01, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of December 2 - December 12
Fave Five | December 2 - December 12 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Wine Stone Inn: BBQ In The Stix & Dusty ZimmermanDecember 3 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wine Stone Inn 255 W. Clark Ave Orcutt, CA 93455 United States Join the Wine Stone Inn for some live music by Dusty Zimmerman on December 3!
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Tuesday, November 30, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Issues Scorecard on Legislation
Tracking and advocating on issues before the state legislature is an important role of the Chamber of Commerce. Guided by principles recommended by the Chamber's Business/Government Roundtable, the Chamber works with our advocacy partners and coalitions to share the potential impacts (for good or ill) of proposed legislation and encourages our elected representatives to vote accordingly. Recognizing that we won't always be in perfect agreement, we think it's important to acknowledge our representatives
Wednesday, November 24, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber encourages keeping spending local with “Support Local & Win Big” Holiday
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 23, 2021 This holiday season, it’ll pay to support local businesses. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is launching their “Support Local & Win Big” campaign to encourage the community to keep their money in the
Wednesday, November 24, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of November 25 - December 5
Fave Five | November 25 - December 5 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. The Great American Melodrama: 2021 Holiday Extravaganza November 24 @ 7:00 pm - November 28 @ 10:00 pm Great American Melodrama 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA 93445 United States See Scrooge find his Christmas spirit in a
Wednesday, November 17, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of November 18 - November 28
Fave Five | November 18 - November 28 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. The Great American Melodrama: 2021 Holiday ExtravaganzaNovember 18 @ 7:00 pm - November 21 @ 10:00 pm Great American Melodrama 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA 93445 United States See Scrooge find his Christmas spirit in a
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Monday, November 15, 2021Santa Maria Next October 2021: Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies
Santa Maria Valley Next highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. This month, we are highlighting youth excelling in the Business & Finance and Information & Computer Technologies pathways. Business & Finance Pathway Description: Persons trained in fields such as business management, international trade, and various financial services specialties (e.g., accounting, banking, and investing) will
Monday, November 15, 2021Junior CEOs Open for Business at Santa Maria Town Center Mall
Some of Santa Maria Valley’s youngest entrepreneurs have been hard at work the past month learning how to start and manage their own business. This Saturday, they will get the chance to open their business to the public and sell their products at Santa Maria Town Center Mall. Approximately 30 local youth at the 5th-7th grade levels have participated in the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Junior CEO program, a 6-week course that walks students through what it takes to start and operate their own
Friday, November 12, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From October 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of October.Ca' Del Grevino Los Olivos Tasting Room Shalee Robinson 2933 Grand Ave. Los Olivos, CA 93441 (805) 621-5889https://grevino.com/tasting-rooms/Cups & Crumbs Santa Maria (Opening Soon)Julie Darrah 1414 S. Miller Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 862-4920https://www.facebook.com/cupsandcrumbssantamariaLeading From WithinVanessa Grossman 1117 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805)
Wednesday, November 10, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of November 11 - November 21
Fave Five | November 11 - November 21 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Civic Theatre: The Show Will Go On - All Together Now!November 12 @ 7:00 pm - November 14 @ 3:30 pm Santa Maria Civic Theatre 1660 North McClelland Street Santa Maria, CA 93456 United StatesThe Show Will Go
Thursday, November 04, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of November 4 - November 14
Fave Five | November 4 - November 14 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Costa De Oro Friday Night Wine Down Featuring Louie OrtegaNovember 5 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm Costa De Oro Winery 1331 Nicholson Avenue Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Join Costa De Oro, Louie Ortega, and Cubanissimo for
Thursday, November 04, 2021OSHA: COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS)to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. The ETS establishes binding requirements to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers (100 or more employees from the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. COVID-19 was not known to exist until January 2020, and since then nearly 745,000 people, many of them workers, have died from the disease in the U.S. alone. At the
Tuesday, November 02, 2021A Reflection on the Life & Leadership of Joe Centeno
Former Chamber President/CEO Bob Hatch was kind enough to share some very kind words after the passing of former Santa Maria Mayor, and police chief, Joseph Centeno. "I was deeply saddened to learn of the Death of Joe Centeno. My sincere condolences to his entire family. I first met Mr. Centeno when I arrived in 1994 to run the Chamber of Commerce. It was probably the Cop in him that kept him at arm’s length. After all, this was his community and a newcomer would have to demonstrate his ability to fit in.
Tuesday, November 02, 2021Order Your 2022 Employment Notices Today!
It’s that time of year again to order your required 2022 Employment Notices! We are providing a substantial discount to our Chamber members on these required notices, including the California & Federal Employment Poster, which is required by law to be displayed in your business. A note regarding remote employees: If companies have employees that work 100% from home and never report to a headquarters or other location, hard copies of mandatory employment notices should be mailed to the employees' homes,
Wednesday, October 27, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of October 28 - November 7
Fave Five | October 28 - November 7 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Elks Recreation: Haunted HillsOctober 28 @ 7:30 pm - October 30 @ 9:30 pm Unocal Event Center 4040 US-101 Santa Maria, CA 93455 United States The frightful drive-thru event, Haunted Hills, is in its last weekend! You will
Wednesday, October 20, 2021Community Broadband Needs Assessment: Entities
For the past few years, EconAlliance has served as Santa Barbara County liaison to the tri-county Broadband Consortium Pacific Coast (Consortium), working cooperatively with the Consortium first to enhance broadband in Northern Santa Barbara County. In early 2020, EconAlliance conceptualized the “Northern Santa Barbara County Fiber Ring” and has since been actively seeking funding to accelerate development of the Fiber Ring. Part of this effort involves building awareness of grant and other funding
Wednesday, October 20, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of October 21 - October 31
Fave Five | October 21 - October 31 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. West Coast Kustoms 40th Annual Cruisin' NationalsOctober 22 - October 24 Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg St. Santa Maria, CA 93458 United States West Coast Kustoms returns on Friday Oct 22, 2021 with the world
Tuesday, October 19, 2021ABC is offering fee waivers for eligible licensees
On February 23, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of immediate actions that provided needed relief to individuals, families and businesses suffering the most significant economic hardship from the COVID-19 Recession. Read the full February 23 news release. With the COVID-19 Renewal Fee Relief legislation, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is authorized to provide renewal fee waivers for two years to approximately 59,000 businesses heavily impacted by health and safety restrictions
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Wednesday, October 13, 2021Employer-Provided COVID Testing Options
Increasingly, businesses are either being required to ensure frequent testing for non-vaccinated employees, or are choosing to put such protocols in place on their own. As a resource, the Chamber has identified the following as potential partners or sources to support a businesses’ testing requirements. Please note that we are all waiting to see what the pending federal OSHA regulations will deem acceptable tests or protocols. CalOSHA’s ETS accepts those that are approved by the FDA. As additional
Wednesday, October 13, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Exploring Youth and Education in Our Community
On Friday October 1st, Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 had the unique opportunity to explore Youth and Education in our community. The class received a warm greeting from Principal Michelle Cox and students of St. Mary’s Catholic School. After enjoying a wonderfully prepared breakfast, the LSMV class took part in morning prayer before sitting through a very informative presentation about educational choices available to parents, and what schools are doing different during the COVID pandemic.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021The California Natural Resources Agency is pleased to release for public comment its draft guidelines
The California Natural Resources Agency is pleased to release for public comment its draft guidelinesfor the California Museum Grant Program. The Museum Grant Program intends to solicit project proposals that assist theCalifornia Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) in supporting and enhancing museums that are deeply rooted in, and reflective of, previously underserved communities. This competitive grant program, funded by a $50 Million State General Fund appropriation, will give priority
Wednesday, October 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of October 14 - October 24
Fave Five | October 14 - October 24 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Elks Recreation: Haunted HillsOctober 14 @ 7:30 pm - October 16 @ 9:30 pm Unocal Event Center 4040 US-101 Santa Maria, CA 93455 United States The frightful drive-thru event, Haunted Hills, returns in 2021. You will embark
Wednesday, October 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber is offering 20% Discount on Required California Harassment Prevention Training
As of January 1st, 2021 California employers with five or more employees must now provide harassment prevention training to all employees. All new hires must be trained, and existing employees must receive training every two years. That’s two hours of training to California supervisors (and to out-of-state supervisors of California employees), and one hour of training to nonsupervisory employees in California. Training must take place within six months of hire or promotion and every two years thereafter.
Tuesday, October 12, 2021Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day – October 20th
Did you know that October 20th is Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day? As a Catalyst, Convener and Champion for the Santa Maria Valley, we strive to support local business and the community. As a valued Chamber member, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating our organization on October 20th and throughout the rest of October! Here are some ways you can show your support for the Chamber: Post one of the attached photos (see below) to your social media channels with a caption explaining why you support
Thursday, October 07, 2021City accomplishments and future projects to be discussed at State of the City Forum
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber will be hosting its Annual State of the City Forum on October 20th, 2021 at the Radisson Hotel in Santa Maria and virtually on a live stream available on zoom. Mayor Alice Patino and City Manager Jason Stilwell will discuss construction projects underway, business expansions, insights into the housing market, safety statistics, and how the City is assisting businesses during the pandemic. City Manager Jason Stilwell will also present an overview of the City’s finances,
Thursday, October 07, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From September 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September.AutoWorld 805 – Main StreetFrank Sood1001 W. Main Street Santa Maria, CA 93458(805) 250-5000http://www.autoworld805.comAutoWorld 805 – North BroadwayFrank Sood1921 N. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454(805) 250-5000http://www.autoworld805.comCA Real Estate Co., Inc. Janely Montano204 E. Enos Drive, Ste. D1Santa Maria, CA 93454(805) 222-6940 (805)
Wednesday, October 06, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of October 7 - October 17
Fave Five | October 7 - October 17 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Cottonwood Canyon: Fall Harvest PartyOctober 9 @ 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Cottonwood Canyon Winery 3940 Dominion Rd. Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Come and join Cottonwood Canyon for their Fall Harvest Party! This event
Monday, October 04, 2021Going Remote: Considerations Employers Should Make When Transitioning to a New Work Model
In our new world created by the COVID pandemic, many small businesses are considering whether to continue to allow at least some employees to work full-time remote, or adopt a hybrid version. Under the hybrid version, employees may be allowed to work from home either a fixed number of days per week, or certain days designated by the company. Most companies are identifying days that all employees need to be in the office, for company meetings and other in person discussions. If you are evaluating
Monday, October 04, 2021Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman Receives Appointment to Governor’s Military Council
City of Santa Maria Assistant City Manager Andrew Hackleman was recently appointed to the Governor’s Military Council. “It’s an honor to be appointed and to be able to serve in this statewide role that supports important community and military installation needs, right here in Santa Maria,” Hackleman said. “The Governor’s Military Council exists to protect California’s more than 30 military installations and their associated operations,” Hackleman explained. “When it comes to local impact, we on the
Monday, October 04, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Mental Health, Ethics Discussed During Health & Human Services Topic Day
The Leadership of Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 hosted its Health and Human Services topic day on September 10, 2021, by gathering many leaders and specialists of the area to discuss mental health, treatments, and housing for those in need in our community. They first met with Dr. Ketelaar, a current physician champion and advocate for acute behavioral health wellness services at Marian Regional Hospital. Dr. Ketelaar shared that 1 in 8 Emergency Department visits are related to behavioral health or
Friday, October 01, 2021CalChamber: Added Burdens for Hard-Hit Hospitality Industry Vetoed
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed legislation opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce that would have imposed additional burdens and costs on the lodging industry. The vetoed bill, AB 1074 (Lorena Gonzalez; D-San Diego), had the potential to cause further harm to the hospitality industry by forcing a new service provider for a hotel to hire the previous contracted provider’s employees and navigate statutory barriers erected around operational positions, staffing redundancies, technical abilities,
Friday, October 01, 2021Santa Maria Police Department Provides Tips for Businesses to Help Prevent Burglaries
Is your businesses well protected from a possible break-in? Do you know what steps to take if your business is broken in to? Many businesses think their business is secure, but in reality there are some easy steps to help keep your business safe that often get overlooked. We recently talked with Santa Maria Police Department Lt. Terry A. Flaa, who gave use some tips on how businesses can make sure they are being proactive in preventing burglaries.What is the most common way people break into local
Wednesday, September 29, 2021The Santa Maria Valley Chamber Is Hiring! Tourism Coordinator Position Available
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is currently hiring and is looking to fill the position of Tourism Coordinator on our awesome team! A little about you…As the Tourism Coordinator, you’ll have the opportunity to promote and facilitate the services of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber & Visitor Bureau to event and meeting planners, to attract visitors to our community, and to ensure that the visitor experience exceeds expectations. You are someone who knows and loves the Santa Maria Valley and loves helping
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Wednesday, September 29, 2021Chamber Launches ''Santa Maria Next'' Program to Highlight Local Students Excelling in Career Pathways
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Education Office on "Santa Maria Next", a program that highlights the career readiness training offered in high school career pathways and recognizes students who are excelling in these various pathways. "As a champion for a strong local community, we know that local workforce development is a critical part of a vibrant community," explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. "Santa Maria Next gives us
Wednesday, September 29, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of September 30 - October 10
Fave Five | September 30 - October 10 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Naughty Oak Brewery: Big Truck FoodsSeptember 30 @ 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Naughty Oak Brewing Company 165 S. Broadway, Ste. 102 Orcutt, CA 93455 United States Thursday night outdoor dining brought to you by Big Truck Foods!
Wednesday, September 22, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of September 23 - October 3
Fave Five | September 23 - October 3 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Oktoberfest 2021 At Naughty OakSeptember 22 @ 12:00 pm - September 25 @ 11:30 pm Naughty Oak Brewing Company 165 S. Broadway, Ste. 102 Orcutt, CA 93455 United States It’s Oktoberfest at Naughty Oak! Starting Wednesday,
Tuesday, September 21, 2021COVID-19 Business Impact Survey: September 2021
Between a historic gubernatorial recall election, county-wide mask mandates and back to school season, the past three months since our statewide reopening has been busy to say the least. We want to know how your business is maneuvering the newest phase of this pandemic and how we can best serve your needs. Please take a few minutes (average is 4) to fill out thissurveybefore it closes Monday, October 4 at midnight. The Central Coast Coalition of Chambers has committed to send out bi-monthly
Wednesday, September 15, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of September 16 - September 26
Fave Five | September 16 - September 26 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Riverbench: Wood-Fired Pizza and WineSeptember 16 @ 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Riverbench Vineyard & Winery 6020 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA 93454 United States Do you love pizza? We do, too! Join us for a wood-fired
Monday, September 13, 2021California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Round 9 Now Open
Round 9 of the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant opened on September 9, 2021. This program will support small businesses and nonprofits impacted by COVID-19 and the related health and safety restrictions.Who will be considered for Round 9? 1. Existing waitlisted small businesses and/or nonprofit organizations from previous rounds. These applicants do not need to reapply. 2. Existing eligible small businesses and/or nonprofit organizations that were not selected in previous rounds (Rounds 1,
Monday, September 13, 2021Chamber Joins Coalition Requesting Governor’s Veto On AB 616
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully REQUEST your VETO AB 616 (Stone), which has been labeled as a JOB KILLER. This bill seeks to eliminate an agricultural employee’s democratic right to cast an independent vote in a secret ballot election regarding whether to unionize, making them susceptible to coercion and misinformation. The bill also creates an unfair retaliation presumption against employers and imposes an unrealistic
Thursday, September 09, 2021CalChamber: Have You Registered with CalSavers Yet?
Eligible California employers with at least five employees may now register for the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program (CalSavers), and must do so by June 30, 2022. CalSavers is a retirement savings program for private sector employees whose employers don’t offer a retirement program. More specifically, it gives employees the opportunity to defer their wages, through payroll deductions by the employer, to a state-managed individual retirement account (IRA) program. California employers that are not
Thursday, September 09, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From August 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August.Bankers Life / Colonial Penn - Karen Franklin, Insurance AgentKaren FranklinSanta Maria, CA(805) 470-0611https://agents.bankerslife.com/ca/sn-luis-obisp/994-mill-st/karen-franklinMiracle EmbroideryEthan Ventura2226 Beebee StreetSan Luis Obispo, CA 93401(805) 543-7243https://miracleembroidery.com/Park Avenue Smiles / Carolyn R. Baldiviez, DDS, Inc.Carolyn Baldiviez111 E. Park
Wednesday, September 08, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of September 9 - September 19
Fave Five | September 9 - September 19 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Downtown Fridays 2021September 10 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm Town Center West Corner of Main St. & Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93458 United States Downtown Fridays are Back! This family-friendly event for Santa
Tuesday, September 07, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1074
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Hotel & Lodging Association (CHLA) and other organizations to oppose AB 1074 as it is an unprecedented expansion of current law with the potential to further harm the already decimated lodging industry. Hotels are significant enterprises which require a number ofspecialized services provided by companies that tailor to tailor to their particular needs. Changing contractors is not a proposition hotels take lightly, as the change can be an
Wednesday, September 01, 2021Allan Hancock College “Promise Plus” Program Pays for Upskilling, Retraining Workforce
In 2018, Allan Hancock College launched the popular Hancock Promise, which offers the “First Year Free at AHC” for all local high school seniors transitioning to college. This fall, Hancock extended the program to cover tuition and fees to any student taking a full load (12 units or more) over the next two years. The program is called Promise Plus and pays for all tuition and fees for full-time students. The program began this fall and continues through the 2022-23 academic year. Students can pursue
Wednesday, September 01, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Learning About Arts and Recreation in Santa Maria
On Friday, August 6th Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 gathered to learn about Arts and Recreation in our community. Kyle Hawkins, Vice President, and Jaime Espinoza, Secretary for the Board of Santa Maria Civic Theater (SMCT) located at 1660 N. McClelland helped the class learn to break the forth wall and get themselves out of their comfort zones using entertaining improv techniques. SMCT found creative ways to survive the COVID shut down by performing drive up theater around Santa Maria. Now
Wednesday, September 01, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of September 2 - September 12
Fave Five | September 2 - September 12 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Elks Rodeo & Parade September 2 - September 5 Santa Maria Elks Unocal Event Center 4040 South Highway 101 Santa Maria, CA 93455 United States Four Days of Dynamic Rodeo Action at the Santa Maria Elks
Thursday, August 26, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes The Extension Of SB 95 (Skinner)
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations oppose any proposal for a blanket extension of SB 95 beyond the September 30, 2021 sunset date. The situation has changed significantly since SB 95 was enacted in March. Far fewer Californians were vaccinated, and many Californians had not yet had the opportunity to get vaccinated. Now, vaccines are free and widely available – but many Californians are choosing not to get them. This has led us to what
Wednesday, August 25, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of August 26 - September 5
Fave Five | August 26 - September 5 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Santa Maria Civic Theatre: The Show Will Go On - Behind Closed DoorsAugust 27 - 28 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pmAugust 29 @ 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm Santa Maria Civic Theatre 1660 North McClelland Street Santa Maria, CA 93456 United
Monday, August 23, 2021Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant: New Funding Round to Open in September
New applicants for California’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program will be able to apply in the funding round opening on September 9 and continuing through September 30.The program provides grants of $5,000 to $25,000 to small businesses hurt by the pandemic. Businesses are eligible based on annual revenue as documented in their most recent tax return.New funding rounds were made possible by an additional $1.5 billion in funding authorized in a relief package signed by the Governor. Total
Wednesday, August 18, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of August 19 - August 29
Fave Five | August 19 - August 29 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. PCPA: Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and GrillAugust 19 @ 8:00 pm - August 21 @ 11:00 pm Solvang Festival Theatre 420 2nd Street Solvang, CA 93463 United States Step into Emerson’s Bar and Grill and witness one of Billie
Thursday, August 12, 2021Santa Barbara Foundation: REOPENED - Emergency Business Assistance Program Grants
The Emergency Business Assistance Program Grants have been reopened for businesses in Santa Maria, Orcutt, Lompoc, and Cuyama. To learn more, visit bit.ly/SBFEmergencyBusinessGrants or attend our upcoming SBF Office Hours: Wed. August 11 & Thurs. August 12th from 10 am - 2 pm. 2625 S. Miller Street, Suite 101 Santa Maria, CA
Wednesday, August 11, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of August 12 - August 22
Fave Five | August 12 - August 22 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Vino et Amicis: Open Mic NightAugust 14 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Vino et Amicis 165 S. Broadway Orcutt, CA 93455 United States Come out to Vino et Amicis on Saturday, August 14th for an open mic night! Sing, poetry, spoken word,
Friday, August 06, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From July 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July.Central Coast Flowers and Balloons Cynthia Baez 547 W. Betteravia # A Santa Maria, CA 93458 (805) 264-3312Cynthia's Sweets On A Stick Cynthia Baez 547 W. Betteravia # A Santa Maria, CA 93458 (805) 478-7980Fix 805 Rene Solis 233 Town Center West Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 608-9441http://fix805.comJR Bookkeeping – Santa Maria Juliana Ramirez Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805)
Wednesday, August 04, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of August 5 - August 15
Fave Five | August 5 - August 15 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. The Great American Melodrama: Comedy Tonight!August 4 @ 7:00 pm - August 8 @ 10:00 pm Great American Melodrama 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA 93445 United States This two-act vaudeville revue is filled with puns, parodies, song,
Friday, July 30, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Celebrates Community Resiliency at Annual Awards Gala
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s 2021 Annual Awards Gala will celebrate community resiliency and honor the individuals, organizations and businesses who have shown their commitment to making a positive impact on the Santa Maria Valley community. The red carpet awards ceremony will take place August 27th from 6pm to 9pm at Marian Theatre (PCPA) on the Allan Hancock College Campus. “The Chamber is honored to highlight people and organizations that make Santa Maria such a great community,” said Glenn
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Wednesday, July 28, 2021LSMV Agriculture Topic Day highlights Industry’s deep rooted history and innovative future
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 hosted its Agricultural Topic day on July 9, 2021, bringing together the area’s top leaders to discuss Agriculture and the new and exciting ways their organizations are leading the way in innovation and labor. The day began with Angelica Gutierrez with guests Lorena Chavez and Jason Sharrett. Angelica is a project manager with L & G Farms inc. With L & G Farms employing a large number of people providing famous Santa Maria Valley Strawberries, a current pulse
Wednesday, July 28, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 29 - August 8
Fave Five | July 29 - August 8 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. Naughty Oak Brewery: Feed My Seoul + Live Music by Jineanne CoderreJuly 31 @ 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Naughty Oak Brewing Company 165 S. Broadway, Ste. 102 Orcutt, CA 93455 United States Feed My Seoul will be serving up their always
Wednesday, July 21, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 21 - August 1
Fave Five | July 22 - August 1 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. The Great American Melodrama: Comedy Tonight! July 21 @ 7:00 pm - September 12 @ 10:00 pm Great American Melodrama 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA 93445 United States This two-act vaudeville revue is filled with puns, parodies,
Monday, July 19, 2021EconAlliance: Congratulations to the City of Guadalupe
EconAlliance would like to congratulate the City of Guadalupe for its amazing opportunity to be on the short list for an awesome citywide T-Mobile “tech makeover”! The winner will likely be the town that gets the word out the most. Please join us in trying to help raise Guadalupe’s profile and chances by reading the email below and posting items asap as directed! Here is a link to the original announcement that the City was one of the 10
Monday, July 19, 2021Business Alert: Ransomware Attacks on the Rise
As you have likely seen in the news, ransomware attacks continue to be on the rise both nationally and locally. Even when the attacked businesses have been able to reset their systems without paying the actual ransom, they still experienced significant interruptions in their operations and costs for staff and consultants to rebuild their files. All businesses are vulnerable to these attacks if you do not take the proper precautions to secure your data. We encourage our local business
Friday, July 16, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From June 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of June.5-Star Business Services Sheryl Dow P O Box 2188 Orcutt, CA 93457 (805) 934-2094Ellen Thermos Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Santa BarbaraEllen Thermos 1511 Chapala St. Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 717-7910http://Ellenthermosrealtor.kw.comHope for Santa MariaGreggory Follett P.O. Box 2274 Santa Maria, CA 93457 (805) 268-3442Jimmy's Bravo PizzaJimmy Buenavidez 230 E.
Thursday, July 15, 2021Participate in the County’s Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission Hearing
Wednesday, August 4 • 6:00 PM Join us in-person: Betteravia Hearing Room 511 East Lakeside Parkway Santa Maria, CA Join via Zoom:https://zoom.us/j/96627818457 or call (669) 900-6833 or (346) 248-7799 ID: 966 2781 8457 Spanish translation will be provided in-person at the hearing, if requested in advance and on Zoom The Commission is looking for input from community members and residents, particularly from the County of Santa Barbara’s Fifth District, on important communities of interest and
Wednesday, July 14, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 15 - 25
Fave Five | July 15 - 25 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley. The Great American Melodrama: Comedy Tonight! July 15 @ 7:00 pm - September 12 @ 10:00 pm Great American Melodrama 1863 Front St. Oceano, CA 93445 United Statess This two-act vaudeville revue is filled with puns, parodies, song, and
Friday, July 09, 2021Santa Maria Valley: Fave Five for the Week of July 8 - 18
Fave Five | July 8 - 18 From local theater and museum exhibits to outdoor concerts and wine tasting, there is so much to see, do, taste and experience in Santa Maria Valley. Every week, we'll continue to provide you with 5 great events happening in the Santa Maria Valley.Santa Maria Fairpark: Greatest Portable Theme Park July 8 - 11 @ 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm Santa Maria Fairpark 937 S. Thornburg St. Santa Maria, CA 93458 United States The Santa Maria Fairpark will be hosting Helm and Sons Amusements
Wednesday, July 07, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley Learns About Public Safety and Justice
“Who knows what Diversion is?” It was the very first question of our Public Safety and Justice topic day on Friday, June 4th 2021 and none of us knew the answer. Deputy District Attorney John Savrnoch was able to share with the 20 leadership members in the room how the district attorney's office plays a huge role in triaging and guiding those who have committed crimes into diversion programs that are meant to help guide them in a positive and healing direction. “It’s a complicated web. But I enjoy every
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Champions for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley: Chamber Welcomes New Board Members for 2021-2022 Fiscal Year
Part of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s mission is to be a champion for our local business community, and the organization is able to do so largely because of the strong leadership team it has built with its staff and board. ”We rely on our Board to help provide 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,” explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. “We’re excited to
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Congratulations Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter: Tim Bomben
Congratulations to Tim Bomben, who was recently recognized as Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2021! Here's a little information about Tim: I have lived and worked in the central coast since 2004. As an ambassador of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, I take pride in representing the chamber and its many members in the beautiful Santa Maria community. In 2020 I joined Wave Business, a premier connectivity solutions provider in Santa Maria. Wave built
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Young Professional of the Month: Malinda Kothe
Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals is a Young Professionals program run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Each month, the program will showcase a local young professional. This month's showcase is Malinda Kothe, Catering and Events Manager at the Historic Santa Maria Inn.Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies? I am the Catering and Events Manager at the Historic Santa Maria Inn. The biggest part of my life is spending time with my family, raising my three
Tuesday, July 06, 2021Improve Your Online Presence with the Chamber's ''Get Your Business Online'' Program!
Getting started with building your online presence can seem intimidating and overwhelming, which is why we're here to help! With our "Get Your Business Online" program, we'll do an intake assessment of your current online presence and walk you through small, manageable steps that work best for your business to grow your online presence. Through the program, businesses can receive support in areas including: Creating & managing your Google listingBuilding a websiteBuilding & managing your social media
Friday, June 25, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1041
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 1041. The existing provisions of CFRA are already challenging, confusing, and burdensome, and small employers who are struggling as a result of this pandemic are overwhelmed by the current law. Additionally, existing paid sick leave laws are difficult to administer. Expanding both of these laws as proposed under AB 1041 will simply expedite the shutdown of more small businesses in California
Wednesday, June 16, 2021COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards Amendments for Consideration at the June 17th Meeting
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to submit this letter to provide comment upon, and underline the need for clarification of, the proposed re-adoption of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (Section 3205, or “ETS”), and differences between the text proposed for adoption at the June 17th meeting1 (the “Amended ETS”) and the existing provisions of the ETS. For the points not specifically discussed below, we would re-iterate the
Monday, June 14, 2021Cal/OSHA to Revise COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard Again
Revisions to California’s COVID-19 workplace emergency temporary standard (ETS) were delayed again this week at a special meeting of the Cal/OSHA Standards Board, but employers may find a silver lining to this cloud. The Standards Board voted at the end of the four-hour meeting on June 9 to withdraw the revised ETS text it had approved less than a week earlier (on June 3) so the Cal/OSHA staff can make some quick changes and resubmit them to the Standards Board for a vote at its June 17 meeting. The
Thursday, June 10, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From May 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of May.Cottage Health - Cottage Urgent Care - Orcutt Hills PlazaChristine Borneman 1606 E. Clark Ave. Ste. 102Santa Maria, CA 93455 (805) 354-5562http://www.cottagehealth.org/urgentcareCottage Health - Cottage Urgent Care - Skyway Dr.Christine Borneman3596 Skyway Dr.Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 354-5563http://www.cottagehealth.org/urgentcareDog's Life Coffee CompanyDave Cross801 S.
Friday, June 04, 2021Chamber Joins Coalition Seeking Modifications to CalOSHA’s Emergency COVID Rules
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to submit a letter to provide comment upon, and underline the need for clarification of, the proposed re-adoption of the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (Section 3205, or “ETS”), and its differences from the existing provisions of the ETS (the “Amended ETS”).1 Many of us, including the California Chamber of Commerce, have provided repeated comments regarding the ETS, including participating in
Friday, June 04, 2021Forward Thinking: Chamber Leadership Focuses on Community Impact at Annual Board Retreat
Over the next 2-4 years, where should the Santa Maria Valley Chamber focus their efforts in order to have the most positive impact on our local community? That was the question posed to Chamber staff and leadership at their annual board retreat, where the focus was centered around thinking big and tackling major community issues. “Coming out of the pandemic and finally seeing our community reopen again, the timing was right to work with our staff and board on long term planning for our
Thursday, June 03, 2021Chamber to Host COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
June 4th, 20201 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Chamber Parking Lot (614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria) The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department to offer a mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Chamber Member businesses, staff and their families. The clinic will be giving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine on June 4th from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber office parking lot, located at 614 S. Broadway in Santa Maria. Appointments are not
Thursday, June 03, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Keep Green Clean!
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2021 hosted its Sustainability and Natural Resources topic discussion on May 7th, gathering some of the Valley’s most prominent leaders to discuss the new and innovative ways their organizations are taking the lead on building a cleaner and more sustainable future. The day began with co-founder and current vice-president of Santa Maria Energy, Ramon Elias. Mr. Elias educated the class on the rich history and importance of oil production in the Santa Maria Valley,
Thursday, June 03, 2021Young Professional of the Month: Jason Buchanan
Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals is a Young Professionals program run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Each month, the program will showcase a local young professional. This month's showcase is Jason Buchanan, commercial insurance and employee benefit advisor for HUB International.Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies? As a commercial insurance and employee benefit advisor at HUB International Insurance Services here in Santa Maria, I work with local
Tuesday, June 01, 2021Moving Toward Reopening: State Releases Guidance
Last Friday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released guidance, including a questions-and-answers webpage, on how businesses may return to “usual operations” starting June 15 with exceptions for indoor and outdoor “mega events.” But the department also reminded employers that they are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them. Cal/OSHA is revisiting the emergency standards to take into account the revised guidance from the
Tuesday, June 01, 2021Court Ruling on CalSavers Means Employers of 50> Face Deadline
What is the status of the legal challenge to the CalSavers program? Do employers still need to register? The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association (HJTA) and two of its employees filed an action against the CalSavers Retirement Savings Program (CalSavers) (HJTA v. Cal. Secure Choice (9th Cir. 20-15591)), alleging that the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preempts CalSavers. The district court found that ERISA does not preempt the California law which creates CalSavers and dismissed
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Receives CalChamber 2021 President’s Circle Award
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has been recognized for its advocacy efforts with CalChamber’s 2021 President’s Circle Award. The award recognizes chambers for excellence in business advocacy and helping their members comply with California employment laws. “Advocacy plays a large role in the Chamber’s efforts to be a champion for our local business community,” said Tim Ritchie, Chair of the Chamber’s Business & Government Roundtable. “While much of this work is done behind the scenes, programs like our
Tuesday, May 25, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes SB 213
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE SB 213 (Cortese), which will impose an astronomical financial burden on employers in the healthcare industry that is presently grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and create a troubling precedent for the workers’ compensation system in general by creating a legal presumption that blood borne infectious disease, tuberculosis, meningitis, methicillin-resistant
Friday, May 21, 2021Beyond the Blueprint for Industry and Business Sectors - Effective June 15
When California fully reopens the economy, the state will move beyond the Blueprint for a Safer Economy. Beginning June 15, all sectors listed in the current Blueprint Activities and Business Tiers Chart may return to usual operations (with the limited exceptions noted below for Mega Events) based on the following general public health recommendations: Employers are subject to the Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), if applicable to them.Limited Exceptions for Mega
Thursday, May 13, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From April 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of April.Darensberries Strawberry Stand Nancy Machut East Betteravia & NicolsonSanta Maria, CA 93454 (805) 937-8000http://www.darensberries.com/berry-stand/Joseph EngineeringSunday Ballas2351 Thompson Way #DSanta Maria, CA 93455 (805) 928-3703http://www.joseph-engineering.com/The HomesteadClaudia Stine105 West Clark Ave.Orcutt, CA 93455 (805) 287-9891http://thehomesteadoldorcutt.comUNITED
Tuesday, May 11, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 570
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 570. While the bill is certainly well-intentioned, it will place an additional strain on struggling businesses for coverage that is already accessible and affordable for those who need it.The letter written in opposition of AB 570 can be found here
Tuesday, May 04, 2021‘Right to Recall’ Mandate Circumvents Policy Process
Now in effect is a new law establishing a “right to recall” requirement for certain hotels, private clubs, event centers, airport hospitality operations, and building services. The law applies to all employees laid off due to COVID-19. Adopted through the budget process rather than legislative policy committee hearings, SB 93 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review) went into effect immediately upon being signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on April 16. If the subject sounds like déjà vu, it is because
Friday, April 30, 2021Gathering Again: Updated State Guidelines Allow For In-Person Meetings & Events
With vaccinations on the rise and COVID cases in Santa Barbara County continuing to decline, the light at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shine brighter, and with it people are looking to gather again in person. “As vaccinations become more widely available, we hear more businesses and local residents asking about in person meetings and events,” explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. “Whether it be a ribbon cutting for a small business or one of our
Friday, April 30, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley: Class of 2021 has begun!!
One of the challenges of the pandemic has been how do we continue to offer our Leadership program given the current restrictions? Our Leadership board of directors had many discussions and suggestions and we came up with a way to offer a quality program that will flex with whatever the recommendations and restrictions are for Santa Barbara County. There are sixteen members of the 2021 class. We held our three-day retreat virtually in mid-March. Activities that could not be done in a virtual environment
Friday, April 30, 2021Young Professional of the Month: Carlos Escobedo
Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals is a Young Professionals program run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Each month, the program will showcase a local young professional. This month's showcase is Carlos Escobedo, Santa Maria City Council Disctrict 1 Representative.Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies? I am a 27years old young professional and first generation American who moved with my family from San Martin de Hidalgo, Jalisco, Mexico, pursing the
Friday, April 30, 2021SEO brings your Business More Traffic & More Customers
Josh ErdmanCEO, Systems & Marketing Solutions SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is all about relevance to the Search Engine. Google is basically a super computer, and when Google reads your site it is looking for data that it can quantify. That data is the words you use on your site.3 Types of SEO: Search engines judge your website's relevance in three ways: what you say about yourself (Onsite SEO), what others say about you (Offsite SEO), and modern your website is to support the evolving technology
Friday, April 30, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 650
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 570 and label it as a Job Killer bill. AB 650 imposes at least an estimated $6 billion in direct payroll costs on healthcare providers, which have lost billions of dollars during the pandemic, jeopardizing access to affordable healthcare for Californians.The letter written in opposition of AB 650 can be found here
Wednesday, April 28, 2021California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program Update
Round 6 opened today, Wednesday, April 28th at 9:00 AM until Tuesday, May 4th at 5:00 PM. Notifications will begin Friday, May 7th. Eligible grant award: $5,000 to $25,000 Here is important information you need to know: Important Information for Applicants on the Waitlist Eligible applicants include current waitlisted small businesses and/or nonprofits not selected in Rounds 1, 2, 3, or 5 and new applicants that meet eligibility criteria. Applicants Waitlisted in Rounds 1, 2, 3 or 5 do not need to
Monday, April 26, 2021Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Proposal Roundtable Recap
For those that may not have had an opportunity to attend the webinar on Monday, a narrated video of the presentation itself (without Q-As) on the Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations Proposal has been publicly posted to our County’s website. Links have been provided below for your convenience. Microenterprise Kitchen Operation (MEHKO) Presentation:https://countyofsb.org/phd/ehs/mehko_english.sbc Updated Stakeholder Outreach Information and Notice of Board
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Restaurant Revitalization Fund
The new American Rescue Plan Act established a $28.6 billion “Restaurant Revitalization Fund” (RRF) within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). An eligible business may receive a tax-free federal grant equal to the amount of its pandemic-related revenue loss, calculated by subtracting its 2020 gross receipts from its 2019 gross receipts. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is NOT yet accepting applications. Review the newest information below to learn more about the program and how to prepare! 3
Wednesday, April 21, 2021Santa Barbara South Coast and Santa Maria Chambers Of Commerce Urge Hispanic Business Owners To Apply For PPP
PAYCHECK PROTECTION LOAN AVAILABILITY CLOSES MAY 21 The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce recognize the importance that Hispanic and minority-owned businesses have in the community. As they have shared COVID-19 information and resources with community business owners, they have identified a gap. While many Hispanic-owned businesses have already taken steps to apply for financial assistance through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), there are still a
Monday, April 19, 2021Chamber Seeks Community Input for Future Projects and Priorities
The past year-plus has been a unique time. We have collectively worked to defeat a worldwide pandemic while simultaneously sustaining the local businesses that drive our local economy, employ local residents, and provide for the quality of life elements of our community. As we emerge from that challenge, it is time to turn our efforts back to the longer-term issues that will enable or prevent the vitality of the Santa Maria Valley going forward. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber Board is looking for input
Friday, April 16, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Supports AB 1033
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to support AB 1033. AB 1033 will establish a more practical procedure for the small employer family leave mediation pilot program, which allows small employers to mediate paid family leave claims before a lawsuit can be filed.The letter written in support of AB 1033 can be found here
Friday, April 16, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 95
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 95 and identify it as a Job Killer bill. The bill further prohibits adverse action against employees and authorizes a brand-new private right of action (in addition to liability under PAGA and administrative enforcement through the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement). AB 95 should instead be added as a qualifying reason under the California Family Rights Act (“CFRA”), which was just
Thursday, April 15, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1003
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 1003 and identify it as a Job Killer bill. AB 1003 would subject employers of all sizes, including individual owners, to criminal liability/jail time for good faith wage disputes totaling $950.00 or more, even when the employer is simply following the advice of the state Labor Commissioner. This broad criminalization of a failure to pay wages is overly vindictive and likely violates Article
Wednesday, April 14, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1179
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 1179 and identify it as a Job Killer bill. AB 1179 will add a significant new cost on employers to pay for employees’ childcare and exposes these employers to costly litigation under the Labor Code Private Attorney General Act (PAGA).The letter written in opposition of AB 1179 can be found here
Wednesday, April 14, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1192
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to oppose AB 1074 and identify it as a Job Killer bill. AB 1192 forces employers to publicly disclose information regarding labor and employment issues for employees across the country that will subject employers to unfair and unwarranted shaming, as well as subject employers to frivolous litigation and the loss of state benefits.The letter written in opposition of AB 1074 can be found here
Tuesday, April 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Supports SB 657
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to support SB 657 (Ochoa Bogh). SB 657 will make it easier for telecommuting employees to receive required notices from their employer. During the current COVID-19 crisis, many employers have considered offering employees the opportunity to work from home in the midst of shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. Where such telecommuting is possible, it allows employees to remain working and earning
Tuesday, April 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 84/SB 93
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 84/SB 93. AB 84/SB 93 places additional onerous burdens on the industry as it struggles to reopen, that will ultimately slow down rehiring and their recovery.The letter written in opposition of AB 84/SB 93 can be found here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 1119
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 1119, and identify it as a Job Killer. AB 1119 adds any individual with “family responsibilities” as a protected class to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which creates an automatic basis for an individual in that new classification to challenge any adverse employment action.The letter written in opposition of AB 1119 can be found here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 995
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to OPPOSE AB 995, and identify it as a Job Killer bill. AB 995 would impose significant costs on small businesses by amending the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act (the Act) to increase the number of paid sick days employers are required to provide from 3 days to 5 days, increase the cap that employers can place on paid sick days from 6 days to 10 days, and increase the number of paid sick days an
Tuesday, April 13, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From March 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of March.Care Connection Transport ServicesNancy Crawford 1911 Johnson Ave.San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 934-0592http://careconnectiontransports.comCare Connection Transport ServicesNancy Crawford1600 N Rose Ave. Oxnard, CA 93030 (805) 934-0592http://www.careconnectiontransports.comCoiffure Society SalonMary Davila3546 Skyway Drive, Ste. ESanta Maria, CA 93455 (805)
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, 2021Young Professional of the Month: Robert Cooks
Santa Maria Connect Young Professionals is a Young Professionals program run by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. Each month, the program will showcase a local young professional. This month's showcase is Robert Cooks, Sales Director for the Best Western Plus Big America Hotel.Talk a bit about yourself. What do you do professionally and what are your hobbies? My name is Robert Cooks and I am the Sales Director for the Best Western Plus Big America Hotel. I enjoy doing anything outdoors but if you're
Thursday, April 01, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley Unveils Mobile Observatory
Leadership Santa Maria Valley Class of 2020 recently celebrated the completion of their Legacy Project, a Mobile Observatory, with an unveiling ceremony at Allan Hancock College. "We chose the Mobile Observatory because space and stargazing can open so many doors," explained Leadership class member Emily Kitts. "It's such a fascinating subject to study, and the Observatory can be a way to make that real-life connection for kids who may be interested in STEM, or astronomy. Even if it's not a subject
Thursday, April 01, 2021Kelsi Fitzgerald Recognized as Chamber Ambassador of the Quarter
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Club is pleased to recognize Kelsi Fitzgerald of Phoenix Property Inspections and Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions, as Ambassador of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of 2020! Here's some information about Kelsi: Hello, my name is Kelsi Fitzgerald. I grew up in Fresno, CA until the age of 17 years old when my dad’s job brought us to the Central Coast. I met my son’s father when we were 19 years old. We got married and had our son. Our son,
Thursday, April 01, 2021How To Turn Social Media Into Business Media
Wondering how transform social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter into powerful marketing tools for your business? If you're like most small-to-medium business owners, you know that your clients, customers, and prospects are already spending a significant amount of their day browsing through their social media feeds, but did you know exactly how much time? Recent studies reveal that the average American consumer spends about 5 hours per day on their mobile device, and half that screen
Monday, March 29, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Joins CalChamber in Highlighting “Job Killer” Bills
Each year, CalChamber identifies legislative proposals that, if enacted as drafted, would cause the most harm to California businesses and economy. Typically, these bills include new and expanded mandates on labor and employment costs, increase taxes, or infringe on business operations through new government regulations or enforcement. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber works to track state and local legislation and regulatory proposals, educate both business owners and elected decision-makers about the
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Wednesday, March 24, 2021Marketable vs Remarkable: How To Get Your Promoters To Share You
In today's connected world, social media and online content plays a powerful role in how your business is perceived. With the right strategies, you can transform your current customers, followers, and fans into a powerful, low-cost army of online marketers who are ready and willing to promote your business to friends, family members, and beyond. Start By Delivering Exceptional Customer Service If you've ever received less-than-impressive service from a company, chances are good you may not have bothered
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
Friday, March 19, 2021Chamber Endorses Package of Bills Addressing Post-Pandemic Workforce Rules Flexibility
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to endorse a package of bills that will address post-pandemic workforce rules flexibility. For more information on support of each bill, please click the links below.SB 657AB 230AB 513AB 530AB 1028
Thursday, March 18, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Supports AB 62
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to SUPPORT AB 62 (Gray) 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 the state’s new burdensome regulatory requirements aim to make this situation unmanageable. AB 62 begins to address these pervasive issues by providing a tax credit for struggling businesses seeking to comply with costly new
Tuesday, March 16, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Offers Support of SBCAG Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant application for completion of the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Project.
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber recently offered their support of SBCAG Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant application for completion of the Santa Barbara U.S. 101 Multimodal Corridor Project. This project is in the final phase of a more than 15-year publicly supported effort to provide multiple transportation benefits on U.S. 101 to reduce congestion, improve quality of life, support interregional goods movement, foster environmental sustainability, increase safety and multimodal access,
Monday, March 15, 2021Earthquake Warning California
Natural disasters, like earthquakes, happen unexpectedly and can create major disruptions that last long after the event is over. Emergency situations may force individuals and families to quickly find shelter or evacuate from their homes, workplaces, or other settings. By being prepared and planning ahead, Californians can quickly take life-saving actions to keep them safe in an earthquake. It’s important for all households to prepare a family disaster plan; identify safe spots to take cover in places
Monday, March 15, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Opposes AB 84/SB 95
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce and other organizations to respectfully OPPOSE AB 84 (Ting)/ SB 95 (Skinner), as the bills would imposes a significant cost onto small employers, who the State has already acknowledged are suffering due to this pandemic. This paid sick leave mandate would essentially negate any financial relief small employers may receive through the proposed grant programs pending in the Budget. Glenn Morris commented on the bills stating,
Thursday, March 11, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From February 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February.Charcuter'Dee & Fromagerie Dee CarrisosaSanta Maria, CA 93454 (805) 931-4355http://facebook.com/CharcuterDeeAndFromagerie/Pismo Beach Veterinary ClinicMichelle Wright990 Price StreetPismo Beach, CA 93449 (805) 773-0474http://pismobeachvet.comPrudential Overall SupplyStacy Ozuna5300 Gabbert Rd.Moorpark, CA 93021 (805) 529-0833http://prudentialuniforms.comRob Rijnen
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
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Wednesday, March 10, 2021Satisfaction vs Loyalty: How to turn customers into promoters
Maybe you've heard the value of word-of-mouth advertising; according to Nielsen ratings, 92% of consumers trust their friends' and family's recommendation over traditional advertising. That doesn't mean you can simply sit back and assume that the quality of your product is so much better than your competition's that customers will be raving about it to their friends without any extra effort on your part. We want you to get the answers you need to the questions that will grow your business. How can you
Wednesday, March 10, 2021Chamber Thanks Businesses Who Helped Honor Airmen and Airwomen At VAFB
The Chamber is thankful for our many local businesses who stepped up to help honor the outstanding airmen at Vandenberg Air Force Base by donating prizes to their annual awards ceremony. Every year we enjoy being a part of assisting with collecting prizes for this important recognition event. The Chamber is proud to have a continued partnership with the base, and greatly appreciates all the donations that were given! If you would like to see more photos from the VAFB Annual Awards, please click here.
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, 2021How to Set up Your Own Text Message Ordering System
Third-party delivery services such as UberEats and GrubHub are simple to use, but partnering with these app-based services can really cut into your bottom line. Some retailers and restaurants are now turning to self-managed text ordering systems to meet customer demands without assuming the high costs associated with ordering apps. Not only does setting up your own text ordering system eliminate per-order bag fees and commissions charged by delivery services, keeping your ordering in-house lets you
Wednesday, March 03, 2021Colonel Rickards to Deliver State of Vandenberg Air Force Base Address
The Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce and Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce invite their membership and the public to an informative online meeting for the State of Vandenberg Air Force Base on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 on Zoom. The much anticipated address will be delivered by Colonel David A. Rickards, Director of Staff, 30th Space Wing and Western Range, United States Space Force, Vandenberg AFB, California. He will highlight the Air Force base’s accomplishments of 2020 and discuss the upcoming changes
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
Thursday, February 25, 2021CalOSBA: Applications Are Open For Up & Running California
A New eBay Program Offering Free eCommerce Training For Small Businesses We’ve partnered with eBay to announce the launch of the Up & Running California program. Through the program, up to 300 California small businesses will be selected to participate in this six-week interactive eCommerce training program designed to help them get and grow online. This new, 100% free program will offer participating businesses the educational resources, interactive instruction, and seller-to-seller coaching they
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
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Thursday, February 18, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber responds to request for public input on reasonable accommodations for associational disabilities under the Fair Employment and Housing Act
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber partnered with CalChamber and various other organizations in a request for public input on reasonable accommodations for associational disabilities under the Fair Employment and Housing Act.The letter with the public input submitted on this issue can be found here.
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
Thursday, February 11, 2021Chamber Welcomes New Members From December 2020 And January 2021
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December and January.Province Land CompanyBrett Vernon706 East Haley Street, Ste. 101Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805) 963-1244https://www.prolandco.com/Taft Electric CompanyAaron Gregory2310 A Street, Unit ASanta Maria, CA 93455 (805) 642-0121http://taftelectric.comVernon ConstructionBrad Vernon706 E. Haley Street, Ste.101Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (805)
Thursday, February 04, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Staff Member joins Western Association of Chamber Executives Emerging Leaders Council
The Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) announced the newest members of its Emerging Leaders Council during its annual conference yesterday. The Council was formed to identify & recognize future leaders (all under 40) in W.A.C.E. and the chamber of commerce industry. Members of the Council will be asked to provide program feedback and ideas for the good of W.A.C.E. and will serve as advisors to the association's Board and President. The 5 chamber professionals joining the W.A.C.E.
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
Tuesday, February 02, 2021Santa Maria Valley Chamber Welcomes Angelica Gutierrez to their Board of Directors
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the appointment of Angelica Gutierrez, Project Manager at L&G Farms Inc., to their Board of Directors. “Angelica’s diverse background in banking and agriculture, as well as her impressive involvement in the community will be a huge asset for our Board of Directors,” said Glenn Morris, President/CEO for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. “The Chamber found itself with a couple of open seats due to a couple of members moving out of
Tuesday, February 02, 2021REACH launches new Central Coast Data Center to attract investment and spur economic growth
REACH has launched a new Central Coast Data Center with interactive tools to attract new investment, support business and stimulate the regional economy. Available at reachcentralcoast.org/datacenter, the user-friendly resource brings together robust location, demographic, business and economic data to serve as a primary resource for business recruitment, expansion and retention. One key function is the property locator tool powered by GIS Planning Inc.'s ZoomProspector software, which allows businesses
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
Monday, February 01, 2021Leadership Santa Maria Valley Adapts for Class of 2021
Leadership Santa Maria Valley is looking for candidates for their 2021 class. The 10 month program is designed to build leaders in the Santa Maria Valley community, give class members opportunities to network and to learn more about local business industries. With COVID-19, this year’s program has made some adjustment to still provide a valuable experience for the class. The program will kick off in March with a retreat, where class members get a chance to get to know one another better and learn more
Monday, February 01, 2021Volatility Can Give You A Business Advantage
It's no secret that our local businesses are struggling, but that doesn't mean your business has to suffer, too. Throughout history, many great business stories have begun in an economic downturn. You're probably as tired of "the pivot" as we are, but these adjustments can make your business more resilient.Explore Emerging Opportunities The pandemic has ushered in massive changes and lost revenue for most small businesses in our community. However, within the disruptions and changing market lies
Monday, February 01, 2021Weekly Opportunity to Connect & Promote Your Business at Build Your Business Networking Meetings!
Every Friday at 8:30am, the Chamber hosts Build Your Business (BYB) virtual networking meetings. The hour long program is a great opportunity to connect with other local professionals and promote your business. "What I like most about BYB is being able to stay connected with my professional colleagues during the most interesting time in our history," says Allison Borja of Morris & Garritano Insurance and a frequent attendee of BYB. "BYB has benefited my business by allowing me to continue to form new
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
Thursday, January 28, 2021U.S. Chamber Of Commerce: COVID-19 Impact On Opioid Use Disorder
Recently the Chamber Alliance co-hosted with the US Chamber Foundation a webinar discussion around the impacts of opioid use and it’s impacts on business, communities, and individuals. The program (link to video) included both pre-recorded interviews with national business leaders and a live panel of individuals in our region who work on this issue.
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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
