Chamber Encourages Support of Santa Maria Valley Businesses to Help Keep Local Community Strong

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SANTA MARIA VALLEY CHAMBER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | AUGUST 2020

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched the "Support Santa Maria Valley" campaign to encourage the community to continue supporting local businesses. The bi-lingual campaign highlights local businesses through digital ads, radio and TV spots, and more.

When you support Santa Maria Valley's businesses today, you are helping ensure a strong local community tomorrow. That’s the message behind the “Support Santa Maria Valley” campaign launched by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought countless challenges to our local business community,” explained Glenn Morris, President/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. “Our organization felt it was critical to remind the community of the importance in continuing to support local businesses.”

The campaign features a variety of local businesses and highlights the many benefits of supporting local. The Chamber hopes community members will see the messaging as a friendly reminder to continue to patron local businesses in the Santa Maria Valley who need their support now, more than ever. “When you shop at your favorite local business, you create a snowball effect,” explained Emily Kitts, Owner of Naughty Oak Brewing Company and featured in the Support Santa Maria Valley campaign. “Local businesses keep much of their money in the community by working with

WHAT'S INSIDE: AUGUST 2020 ISSUE

other local vendors, so your dollars end up supporting several local entities.”

Kitts and her husband Steve have owned and operated Naughty Oak Brewing Company for a number of years in Orcutt, and said community support for local businesses stretches beyond the single business you shop at.

“Local businesses are very inclined to invest in the community where they live and work. By shopping at your favorite local business, you help boost your local economy, supporting improvements to create a strong, Continued on p.2

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Steven and Emily Kitts, Owners of Naughty Oak Brewery in Orcutt, say that the community's support of their business is now more important than ever because of the uncertain times and changing regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

safe and healthy community.”

Teresa Paredes, Owner of Maya Mexican Restaurant in Santa Maria, says she loves that owning her own business allows her to help support other local businesses.

“My business supports our local community by buying the majority of our ingredients and products from local vendors,” Paredes explained. “From my produce to seasonings to even meats. We also donate a lot to our community by hosting fundraisers and sponsor different local organizations for good causes.”

Sandra Dickerson, CEO of Your People Professionals, agrees supporting local is a win for everyone in our community.

“Local businesses provide the financial support for our community, through wages, taxes and community contributions,” she explained. “Supporting them supports all of us.”

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is encouraging more local businesses and community members to get involved in the campaign by using the hashtag #SMVOpenForBusiness when promoting local businesses on Facebook and Instagram, so the Chamber can share their content with the community. You can also find local businesses to support at the Chamber’s online business directory at santamaria. com/list.

“The Santa Maria Valley community is strong because we have always been able to come together and help one another in times of need,” Morris said. “While continuing to practice good hygiene, wearing a mask and social distancing, we ask that our community come together and continue to show their support for our local businesses. Supporting local businesses will help ensure the Santa Maria Valley remains a great place to live, work and play.”

Learn more about the Support Santa Maria Valley Campaign by visiting santamaria.com/support-santa-mariavalley.

Shannon Seifert, CEO of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, poses at their outdoor pool during a swim fitness class. Supporting local organizations like the YMCA means you are supporting businesses that employ your family and friends.