Catalyst. Convener. Champion.
Chamber Connection SA NTA M A RIA VA LLE Y CH A MB E R MO NTHLY NE WS LE T TE R | AU G US T 202 2
Community Leadership & Service to be Celebrated at Chamber’s Annual Awards Gala The Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s 2022 Annual Awards Gala will celebrate community excellence and honor the individuals, organizations and businesses who have shown their commitment to making a positive impact on the Santa Maria Valley community. The awards ceremony will take place September 1st from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Veterans’ Memorial Center in Santa Maria. “The Chamber is thrilled to once again gather with our community and celebrate a few of the individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations that make Santa Maria such a great community,” said Glenn Morris, President & CEO of the Chamber. “This year’s recipients continue the tradition of excellence and unique contributions that makes Santa Maria the best place to live, work, and do business on the Central Coast!” This year’s award recipients include: • Ambassador of the Year: Kelsi Fitzgerald of Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions • Large Business of the Year: Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench • Non-Profit of the Year: TransitionsMental Health Association • Non-Profit of the Year: United Way • Robert F. Grogan Public Service Award: Dan Blough, Santa Barbara County Planning Commission (Posthumous)
Robert Tolan is being recognized as the 2022 Young Professional of the Year for his work and leadership in assisting the local Veteran community. Photo courtesy of Sergio Ruiz. • Robert P. Hatch Citizen of the Year: Pastor Carl Nielsen • Small Business of the Year: Cugini’s Pizzeria & Trattoria • Tourism Partner of the Year: Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House & Cafe • Young Professional of the Year: Robert Tolan Young professional Robert Tolan is being
recognized for his work with local Veterans organizations. " This award is a testament to everyone around me who has supported me and has help me grow in the Veteran community," Tolan said. "I love honoring our local Military Heroes and helping them across the country achieve the American dream of homeownership! This award and others is an important part of our local community. Continued on p. 2
WHAT ' S INSIDE : AUGUS T 2022 ISSUE
Month in Review p.3
Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley p. 4
Monthly Featured Business p. 4
Chamber Board of Directors: 2022-2023
Continued - 2022 Annual Awards Gala Continued from p.1
Executive Committee Chairman: Sandra Dickerson, Your People Professionals Chairman-Elect: Paul Cook, CoastHills Credit Union Vice Chairman: Shannon Seifert, Santa Maria Valley YMCA Vice Chairman: Laurie Tamura, Urban Planning Concepts Past Chairman: Danny Deveraux, CalPortland Board Members Sue Andersen, President and CEO, Marian Regional Medical Center Dominick Barry, Quintron Systems, Inc. Michael Boyer, Chief Executive Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast Ron Cossa, Tolman & Wiker Insurance Donna Denham, Santa Maria Country Club Karen Fothergill, Andre, Morris & Buttery Gina Gluyas, Realtor, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Haven Properties Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Public Airport District Emily Kitts, Naughty Oak Brewing Company David LeRoy, Toyota of Santa Maria David Merlo, Glenn Burdette Luke Ontiveros, Santa Maria Bonita School District Tere Paredes, Maya Restaurant Era Polly, Era Polly Real Estate Max Tucker, Best Western Plus Big America Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., Superintendent/ President, Allan Hancock College Tim Williams, Digital West
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers, and a champion for a stronger Santa Maria Valley. Learn more about the Chamber by visiting www.santamaria.com.
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Atlas-Copco Mafi-Trench General Manager James Reilly gives an interview about the economic impact their company has on the local community. They will be recognized as the 2022 Large Business of the Year at the Chamber's Annual Awards Gala. It not only honors those who are doing so much, but it highlights how amazing our local community is." The large and small businesses of the year were both recognized for their longstanding history and support of the local Santa Maria Valley community. "Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench Company LLC puts about $20 million in salaries into the local economy and maybe $5 million in goods purchased from local vendors, not to mention taxes. Successful local businesses make Santa Maria successful and a better place to live," explained James Reilly, General Manager for Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench Company LLC. " We are thrilled when others, like the Chamber of Commerce, recognize our value to our employees and community." Cubanissimo, a local Cuban cafe being recognized as the 2022 Tourism Partner of the Year, agrees that when local businesses thrive, it benefits the entire community. "We deeply enjoy seeing others visit and love our community. Working together we are all stronger and to receive recognition for our efforts is amazing," said Cubanissimo co-owner Chrystal Trenado. "Celebrating our local businesses is a wonderful way to grow deeper connections that allow us to flourish together. We're just so honored to be awarded Tourism Partner of the Year. It was unexpected and exciting to see our
team's efforts be recognized." Citizen of the Year Carl Nielsen, who is being recognizes for his work with Serve Santa Maria, says the award really belongs to all the volunteers who give back locally. "I’m humbled that the Chamber of Commerce thinks I am worthy of honor. But it is not about me," Nielsen said. "Serve Santa Maria is the hundreds of volunteers who give their time and abilities to bless the parks, schools, churches and private residents in the community who need some help. " In addition to honoring local businesses and individuals, the Chamber will honor its outgoing board members and install their new Board of Directors. " Our Chamber events are an opportunity for our members to engage with fellow businesses and encourage support of each other," explained Sandra Dickerson, CEO of HR Your Way and incoming Board Chair for the Santa Maria Valley Chamber. "The awards gala highlight businesses in our community that many may not be aware of. It’s a great spotlight on the impact these business provide." Community members are encourages to join us at the 2022 Annual Awards Gala! Tickets and additional information about the Annual Awards Gala can be found at www.santamaria.com/annual-awards.
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 Chamber’s Economic Development Commission provided a variety of local business assistance with items including permitting and application assistance, signage issues and relocation assistance. The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission continues to work with the City on the Downtown Plan and developments. The Chamber did a radio interview with Mega 97.1 discussing Chamber events as well as the importance of the Chamber to the local community. The Chamber continues its outreach efforts to inform Hispanic businesses of the mico-grant funding opportunity. The Chamber continues outreach to Hispanic businesses to determine how to better serve this population of our business community. The Chamber highlighted Central Coast Truck Centers in their Local Business Spotlight video series, done in partnership with the Santa Maria Times. The Chamber held a number of ribbon cuttings for local businesses celebrating opening, membership to the Chamber and other significant milestones. A full list of these businesses can be found on page 5.
Convener of Leaders and Influencers • • • • •
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The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission remains actively involved in the community and attending the Planning Commission meeting and Student Session, the Airport Board Meeting, and an Economic Forecast event at UCSB. The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission continues to work with Allan Hancock College to address student housing needs. The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau is providing support and helping promote a number of local upcoming events including Central Coast Airfest, Day in the Park, and also supported a recent Disc Golf tournament. The Chamber’s Leadership Santa Maria Valley program began holding interview for their 2023 class. The Chamber continues to hold their weekly “Build Your Business” breakfast meetings, an opportunity for local businesses to network and provide leads and testimonials. Starting July 1st, the weekly networking meeting is now held at Me-NEds in Santa Maria, and will be held at Cubanissimo starting in September. The Chamber continues to meet monthly with the Santa Barbara County Education Office Partners in Education program to connect businesses with their Paid Student Internship Program.
The Chamber's weekly Build Your Business (BYB) networking event is held at Me-N-Eds in Santa Maria every Friday at 8am. Starting in September, the morning meeting will be held at Cubanissimo.
Champion for a Stronger Santa Maria Valley • • •
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The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission provided and update on ongoing work and developments to the Santa Maria Valley Chamber’s Board of Directors. The Santa Maria Valley Chamber held a staff retreat to strategically plan and prioritize for the upcoming fiscal year. The Chamber’s Economic Development Commission continues to work with major companies to bring new businesses and development to the Santa Maria Valley. Recently, this has included working with Solomon Hills on a housing development project, and working with a behavioral health facility on opening a facility in Santa Maria. The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau continues to assist with Airfest planning and attending committee meetings. The Chamber’s Visitors Bureau launched a “beat inflation vacation” campaign to highlight the affordability of the Santa Maria Valley. Chamber staff attended the SEEAG Mixer promoting their upcoming Farm Day event. Chamber staff attended the CET job fair to help educated students on the Chamber’s role in the local business community.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | August 2022
Chamber staff attended a retreat at The Maker's Son in Los Alamos to strategize and plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
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All Aboard! Wine Taste, #SantaMariaStyle on the Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley This summer, Santa Maria Valley invites you to leave the driving to someone else and explore local wineries and tasting rooms on the Santa Maria Wine Trolley. Starting at Costa de Oro Winery, wine trolley participants can explore Santa Maria Valley at their own pace, without feeling rushed or on someone else's agenda. While the entire route takes approximately 60 minutes, passengers can step on and off at their convenience. A complete schedule of the Wine Trolley's stops is available online. Decals on the trolley windows include a QR code directing back to the schedule on the Santa Maria Valley website as well. Stops include Amplify Wines; Old Orcutt at Broadway & Clark, where travelers can explore quaint shops, delicious restaurants and inviting tasting rooms; Costa de Oro Winery, located next to a favorite barbecue pit stop–Cool Hand Luke's; and Cottonwood Canyon Winery. "The Wine Trolley not only offers a great way to explore many of our amazing wineries, restaurants and shops in the area," Jennifer Harrison, Santa Maria Valley's Tourism Director, said. "It's a fun and
affordable way to explore the Santa Maria Valley!" Hours of operation: • The Wine Trolley runs Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, May 20 – October 16, 2022 (including Memorial Day & Labor Day) • 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., step on and step off at your convenience. Cost: • Cost is $15 per person in advance and $18 per person at the trolley. Tickets cover trolley transportation only. • Purchase tickets in advance at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau at 614 S. Broadway in Santa Maria. Additional information available at santamariavalley.com/wine-country/santamaria-valley-wine-trolley/. The Santa Maria Valley Wine Trolley runs weekends through October 16th. Tickets are $15/person when purchased in advance.
Monthly Featured Businesses: July 2022 The City of Santa Maria and Santa Maria Valley Chamber 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. The focus for 12 months, since December 2021, is on major manufacturers and women-owned businesses in the City. Each month, one business from each of these two categories is recognized during the City Council meeting and publicized by the City and the Chamber. July 2022 Featured Businesses • Women-Owned Business: That’s FETCH! (Linda Greco, owner) • Manufacturing Business: Central Coast Packaging (Paul Carlotti, owner) 4
That’s FETCH! was established in 2017 by Linda Greco and her daughter, Colette Florey. The business offers a “Pet Grooming Spaw” designed to decrease client stress and ease of use. Its “Bowtique and Beastro” will be reopening in the fall, offering a variety of pet toys, food, treats, collars, harnesses and clothing for pets and their pet parents. The eight-employee shop strives to provide excellent customer service for customers who also love animals. Linda is the cofounder and president of the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation and was also recently appointed to the newly formed Santa Barbara County Animal Advisory Committee. Central Coast Packaging, formed in 2000, provides a variety of agriculture services, ranging from waxing ag boxes, strawberry box set-up, to trucking specializing in tankers and flatbeds, and wine packaging supplies. The company employs 17, plus
Linda Greco, Owner of That's FETCH!, accepts the women-owned business award for July 2022. 20 contracted employees. It also provides apparel decoration, custom laser etching, is an authorized distributor of Kubota industrial motors parts and services, air compressors services, and custom machine manufacturing. It contributes to many groups in the community.
Celebrating Local Business: Chamber Ribbon Cuttings for June & July 2022 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is a champion for our local business community. We are thankful for the support from our local businesses, and excited to celebrate new members and major business milestones with the following local businesses in June & July 2022.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast 901 N Railroad Ave, Santa Maria (805) 922-7163 www.centralcoastkids.org
Boot Barn 435 East Betteravia Rd., Santa Maria (805) 608-4141 www.bootbarn.com
California Conservation Corps 705 W. Cypress, Santa Maria (805) 349-7383 ccc.ca.gov
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast provides safe and welcoming places where kids can go after school and during the summer to grow beyond the classroom. Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast supports all youth and teens – of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion – in reaching their full potential. Their programs are designed to achieve priority outcomes for lifetime success in 3 main areas: Education, Character, and Health.
What started out as one store in 1978 has since become the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation. Boot Barn says that their customers feed America, build America, and protect America. With an uncompromising desire to support the local communities they serve, Boot Barn proudly offers the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion, and outdoor gear. Their vision is simple: to offer a piece of the American spirit.
The California Conservation Corps is a department within the California Natural Resources Agency. Thye are the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation. Their program provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural and manmade disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.
Opening a new business or new location? Celebrating a major milestone or anniversary? Host a ribbon cutting!
Guitar Center, Inc. 443 E. Betteravia, Santa Maria www. guitarcenter.com As a company made up of musicians and music lovers, Guitar Center is driven by their shared belief that music is the greatest unifying force in the world. And that idea fuels their mission to fill the world with music. To give people the tools they need to create and connect. To be seen and heard. And recently, to help and to heal.
Merrill Gardens 1220 N. Suey Rd, Santa Maria (805) 928-2662 www.merrillgardens.com Merrill Gardens' community is designed to meet your individual needs and give you the freedom to be yourself. They offer the best in independent senior living, assisted living, and memory care from a familyowned company that knows connection is everything.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | August 2022
As a Chamber member, we are happy to partner with your business and help you celebrate a new business opening or major milestone with a ribbon cutting! To learn more and reserve your space on our calendar, contact Membership Manager Cara Martinez at (805) 925-2403 x 852 or cara@santamaria.com. Not yet a Chamber member? Now is an excellent time to join! Being a member of the Chamber will connect you with other local professionals and help grow your business. Be a part of our growing community of over 800 local businesses who are members of the Chamber - Contact Cara to join today! 5
Chamber Membership Corner Thank You to Our Chamber Investor Program Sponsors:
New Members: June 2022 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is proud to welcome these new members joining the Chamber. We highly encourage you to support Chamber member businesses. Director
Premium
Solomon Hills 1130 East Clark Avenue, Suite 150 #286, Orcutt (805) 456-4457
El Toro on Broadway 1507 S. Broadway , Santa Maria (805) 287-9591
Investor
Roscoe's Kitchen 224 Town Center West, Santa Maria (805) 623-8866
Santa Barbara County Farm Day 13721 W. Telegraph Rd., Santa Paula, CA (805) 901-0213 www.santabarbaracountyfarmday.com Premium 805 Payments Processing Santa Maria, CA (805) 862-9340
American General Media Advance Auto Parts Auto World 805 Babe Farms, Inc. BALANCE7 BBSI Boys & Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast CALM CA Real Estate Co., Inc. Care Connection Transport Services Cat Canyon Resources, LLC CenCal Health Certified Freight Logistics C.L.A. Business Solutions/Santa Maria Bookkeeping Collaboration Business Consulting Comcast CommUnify Community Bank of Santa Maria Community Carpenters Corazón del Pueblo: The Cultural and Creative Arts Center of the Santa Maria Valley DANA Adobe & Cultural Center Darensberries, LLC Diani Companies Family Care Network, Inc. FUEGO 97.1 Hot Hits/La Buena Hardy Diagnostics Innovative Produce InSPArations Full Service Salon & Spa J's Kitchen J. Wilkes Wines Jack's All American Plumbing JR Bookkeeping Morris & Garritano Insurance New Life Painting/Bath & Kitchen/Restoration NKT Commercial I, LLC One Capital Management, LLC Orkin Central Coast PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre PETS Hospital/Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic Phoenix Property Inspections/ Veritas Innovative Pest & Termite Solutions Plantel Nurseries Prudential Overall Supply Safran Cabin Santa Maria Santa Barbara Foundation Santa Maria Bonita School District Santa Maria Country Club Santa Maria Joint Union High School District SCORE San Luis Obispo SEEAG (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) SESLOC Federal Credit Union Smith’s Alarms & Electronics, Inc. SpotOn SM Tire Starphyre Digital Security Service Testa Catering Tileco Distributors, Inc. The Towbes Group, Inc. Trojan Petroleum, Inc. Turner's Outdoorsman United Rentals Urban Planning Concepts/ Rural Planning Services VTC Enterprises Wells Fargo Bank Wilshire Health & Community Services Wine & Design Orcutt World Financial Group, The Altergott Strategic Focus Team WSPA Xtreme Electronics The Y
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Member Andrew M. Jennings, Attorney at Law 704 S McClelland St, Santa Maria (805) 688-9217 www.andrewmjenningslaw.com
Central Coast Entrepreneurs Podcast Santa Maria, CA (805) 862-9340 www.centralcoastentrepreneurs.com
Members Upgrades: June 2022 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is thankful for the following members who have chosen to upgrade their Chamber membership. We appreciate your commitment to the Chamber and our local community! Investor SEEAG (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) 4517 Market Street, Suite 1A Ventura, CA 93003 (805) 901-0213 https://www.seeag.org/
Interested in seeing your business name displayed on one of our next issues? Join the Chamber today by calling Membership Manager Cara Martinez at 925-2403, ext. 852 or email cara@santamaria.com.
Renewing Members: June 2022 The Santa Maria Valley Chamber is excited to recognize these partners who strive each day to create jobs, boost our local economy and build a community of which we can all be proud. Thank you for your loyalty and continued support in renewing your commitment to the Chamber and to the communities of Santa Maria Valley. 82 Years: Santa Maria Times 52 Years: Pacific Gas & Electric Company PCPA - Pacific Conservatory Theatre
18 Years: Gina's Piece of Cake Images Screenprinting
6 Years: Santa Maria Cemetery District
17 Years: Pacific Eye Surgeons
5 Years: PetDoors.com UA Local 114
44 Years: CoastHills Credit Union
15 Years: Glenn Burdette, Inc.
4 Years: Operation WEBS OPWEBS
42 Years: Portable Johns, Inc. Speeds Oil Tool Service, Inc. Tileco Distributors, Inc.
13 Years: Arensdorf Chiropractic SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel 12 Years: Solarponics
3 Years: Louie's Central Coast Movers Phoenix Property Inspections SEEAG (Students for ECO-Education & Agriculture) Stability Studio
32 Years: Pacifica Commercial Realty
11 Years: Integrated Industrial Supply, Inc. The Wisdom Center
2 Years: NKT Commercial I, LLC Walpole & CO., LLP
30 Years: KSBY Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum
9 Years: Santa Barbara County Labor Management (LMCC)
1 Years: Kathy Simas
27 Years: Central Coast Literacy Council Wells Fargo Bank
7 Years: cnagy wines Softec Troesh Recycling dba Roxsand
38 Years: First American Title Insurance Co
26 Years: Boone Printing & Graphics Inc. KTAS TV Telemundo 25 Years: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 23 Years: Community Partners in Caring M & M Restaurant Supply 22 Years: La Vista Apartments of Santa Maria 20 Years: C J J Farming 19 Years: Community West Bank, N.A. Edgewater Inn & Suites Westgate Courtyards
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce | August 2022
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Stay Connected with the Santa Maria Valley Chamber Visit: 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria Call: (805) 925-2403 Email: info@santamaria.com
614 S. Broadway Santa Maria, CA 93454
Website: santamaria.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ santamariavalleychamber/ Twitter: twitter.com/SMVChamber Instagram: santamariavalleychamber LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ santamariavalleychamber Email List: bit.ly/SMVCCMailingList Text Message Alerts: Text "CHAMBER" to 33222
Chamber Connection is the official monthly publication of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. For questions about this publication or to be added to our monthly mailing distribution list, email molly@santamaria.com.
California Paid Family Leave Grant: Money Available for Small Businesses California Paid Family Leave (PFL) Grant Program awards grants to assist California's small businesses impacted by the Paid Family Leave (PFL) Program. Businesses impacted by California's Paid Family Leave program will have: • Increased costs such as training and upskilling existing staff to cover the duties of the employee on California's Paid Family Leave; • Hiring and training additional staff to cover the duties of the employee on California's Paid Family Leave; and marketing, recruitment, and • Other reasonably foreseeable
training costs The PFL Grant Program allows eligible small businesses in California with 1-100 employees with at least one (1) employee utilizing California's Paid Family Leave program to apply for grants up to $2,000 per employee to offset the increased costs associated with the employee out on leave. Learn more about the Californai Paid Family Leave Grant and apply today by visitng www.californiapfl.com. For promotional materials related to the California PFL program, contact Molly Schiff at molly@santamaria.com.
Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 614 S. Broadway, Santa Maria | (805) 925-2403 | santamaria.com | info@santamaria.com 8
