Working Hard on Your Behalf: Chamber Month in Review

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is here for business. We are a catalyst for business growth, convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. We continue to work hard to serve our members, local businesses and the Santa Maria Valley community. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to lately.

Catalyst for Business Growth

• The Santa Maria Valley Chamber has partnered with The County of SB and the SB Foundation to help get information out to fellow businesses about the Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program. This program exists to assist microbusinesses that have been impacted by COVID-19 with grant funding up to $2500

• The Chamber has continued their “Local Business Spotlight” partnership with the Santa Maria Times, featuring Clarissa Nagy of cnagy Wines for their March spotlight.

• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission assisted a number of businesses with issues including permitting, businesses licenses, site locations and referrals for various needs & services.

• The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission assisted new businesses and those looking to start a business with issues including zoning and site location.

• The Chamber continues to work with Tesla in identifying new charging locations within the City of Santa Maria.

Convener of Leaders and Influencers

• The Chamber’s Annual Business Expo returned in 2022 with over 70 businesses and over 400 attendees. Fellow business members and members of the community had a chance to engage with one another and re-connect/re-build relationships.

• The Chamber partnered with the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast to hear from local experts and engage in a community discussion around the future of housing in our community.

• The Chamber hosted a workshop on how to import products from Mexico and what business opportunities are available.

• The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials.

Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley

• The Chamber launched our second cohort of the Junior CEO program. These students will be gearing up for a 6 week workshop as they prepare to learn about starting their own business.

• The Chamber did a tourism photo and video shoot to expand their tourism assets around barbecue, wine, dining and created new assets around disc golf and multigenerational travel.

• The Chamber continues to keep their local tourism blog up to date to encourage tourism in the area. Blog posts are available at santamariavalley.com/blog/

• The Chamber expanded their tourism motorcycle video assets specific to buildings online itineraries for the touring industry

• The Chamber hosted TikTok and Instagram Influencer BlackFoodie through a Visit California partnership

• The Chamber partnered with the California Chamber of Commerce to take positions on a number of bills, including supporting AB 1761 (allowing flexible work schedules) and opposing SB 1044 (“No Show” legislation). Full details on these and other legislation the Chamber is supporting can be found at bit.ly/SMVCCAdvocacy.

• The Chamber’s Leadership Santa Maria Valley program is now accepting applications for the class of 2023! Application and additional program information can be found at santamaria.com/leadership-santa-maria-valley.